I love a good mystery and this was definitely worth all the overthinking I did while trying to figure out what was happening. I worried that things would get a bit untidy as the plot thickened but instead everything blended together really nicely. The romance, while secondary, was right up my alley in the (low) angst department. I read the story twice and can honestly say I enjoyed it just as much the second time as I did the first.

I read a fair share of romance novels, and don't consider myself a prude.
It would be nice if synopses were upfront about sexual content- here it took about 10% before that first graphic scene hits.
The detective storylines were interesting, but the main characters constantly pining after each other really took the excitement out of the thriller portion.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I have received this book by NetGalley and JustJoshin Publishing, Inc, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

I found an author that I intend to read as much as possible. It's not the first book I've read, and I like the atmosphere and the writing that the author created. I started to explore and understand that there are small connections between stories and other books, which makes me curious and excited to continue reading the author's stories.

Regarding Winter Kill, I practically only took a break from reading, as I was always curious to know what would happen and who was who. I read the book with the Audiobook, and it was beautiful. I enjoyed the narrator's work, and it allowed me to visualize the scenarios and dialogue in my mind.

The story maintains a fast pace while showing us the unfolding of a - immediate - relationship between the two main characters: Adam and Rob. Very different from each other, but closer than they think. Adam is more practical, cold and distant - given his job as an FBI Special Agent. His rhythm is different; he doesn't use emotions but facts and evidence. On the other hand, Rob is more emotional, caring, and empathetic to people - but one of the best cops in the small town where he lives.

When the two collide in the case that falls to their feet, it's interesting to see how their personalities intertwine and their relationship blossoms in a few days. The case is thrilling and keeps us curious about possible theories. I noticed some loose ends (mainly from some background characters), but I've also seen that it's a bit of the author's style, as I felt the same way in a previous book.

I don't think that everything is that fast in real life, especially in making decisions; however, I'm reading a story, and I don't want everything to be real - for that, I already live day-to-day.

I liked it a lot, and I will continue to read the author's stories.

I'm a fan of Josh Lanyon and always loved his stories. This one is no exception as it is gripping and well written.
I rooted for the fleshed out characters and thoroughly enjoyed the story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This book was a foray into a new to me genre with an unfamiliar author. I can say I was thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next in the series along with others by this author.
The storyline kept me intrigued and guessing. I have always enjoyed a good book about serial killers and this one did not disappoint.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book to review.

3.5 stars 🌟

i like the mystery/crimes here. it was all over the place, at times confusing, but it kept me curious and entertained. but the ending of the crime was also, kinda disappointing, was that alllll?

i love the way Rob will say, "Darling," like an endearment. i like Rob and Adam arguing and working together and realising their feelings for each other slowly.

the epilogue was a bit of a disappointment, bc i wanted Rob to also try more instead of sticking strictly to his "No to city life" and it felt sad that Adam had to give up his dream for this to work out?

i also had difficulty separating the povs bc both felt the same.

honestly, i think it felt lacking, it wasn't satisfying, therefore the 3.5, but i still did enjoyed this.

ps. did Rob slept with his "friend" midway? 👀 bc Adam didn't......

The epilogue was a bit abrupt but besides that the book read well, the mystery kept my interest and the characters had just enough chemistry to make their story believable. This story is not one I would read again but I did enjoy it and think it deserves 3.5 out of 5 stars. Thank you to Net Galley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was 4.5 stars for me until the end. I won't spoil it, but I felt like the mystery kind of petered out -- it was resolved too quickly after some great build up, in other words.

But I loved both Rob and Adam, and I liked their dynamic together, as well. The setting is great (really strong), and the mystery (until the end) was solid and engrossing. I love Lanyon's writing, so even rounded down, this is a solid 4 stars from me.

I had a great time reading/listening to this investigation/mystery/murder story by the very talented Josh Lanyon.

Winter Kill is well plotted and crafted tale that kept me guessing till the end..

This isn't a romance book. There's some romance in it , yet the main focus of it , is about the investigation and murders.

Adam and Rob are likeable heroes that I would gladly listen/read more books with them as main characters.

Gomez Pugh narration was animated , engaging and entertaining.

I just reviewed Winter Kill by Josh Lanyon. #WinterKill #NetGalley

Probably generously rounded up to a 4/5.
I generally enjoy Josh Lanyon books and this one was really no different.
The premise was somewhat simplistic and not particularly unique, however the author writes enjoyable stories that are easy to follow. Both MCs are likeable and the mystery surrounding the killings keeps the story going.
I did feel however that these stand alone type stories don’t allow a lot of time to have good character development alongside a good mystery plot. I felt that we barely scared the surface of the characters which left me a bit indifferent to them. However all in all a nice read :)

I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

First of all--this book was SO GOOD. I guess I needed a good murder mystery romance in my life, and this was definitely that.

The story follows Adam Darling and Rob Haskell, when Darling is called up to Oregon to investigate a cold case. There's an immediate spark between the two, and fun times ensue. Unfortunately, Darling is called back to LA, and leaves Haskell behind. But called back on a count of murder reunites the two, and this is where the mystery really kicks off. Serial killers, adventures, and a smattering of cute banter ensues as these two investigate a string of murders in Nearby, Oregon. What will happen? You'll have to read it to find out.

What did I love about this book?
- Rob's humor
- the writing style
- the mystery itself
- cuteness and smexy times
- the cast of characters

What could've been better?
I just wish the story was a little more action-intensive, but for the genre it's in, I think it did a really solid job.

Easily 4/5 stars

This was addictive. I could have read it all in one sitting (didn't due to time constraints but I was completely hooked). The investigative part of the story was really interesting and I only wish we could have had a little bit more development of the relationship between Adam (Darling) and Rob. These two seemed like a great fit and have good chemistry but I felt like we were watching them fall over the surface, that is, I missed some more in depth insight into their individual stories and the development of their connection. However, the investigation plot line more that compensated for that and this was a quite solid 4 star read for me. I really hope this author will be releasing more stories about these two.
*E-arc provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Winter Kill by Josh Lanyon is an LGBTQ+ mystery thriller with a prominent romantic element. Special Agent Adam Darling is sent to a remote town in Oregon to assist the local sheriff’s department with a possible serial killer case. Deputy Sheriff Robert Haskell is not happy to see the FBI in his town, but quickly realizes that Agent Darling’s help is needed and appreciated. It doesn’t hurt that the agent is handsome and probably gay. The chemistry between the two lawmen is undeniable, but they must find a way to maintain their focus and track down a killer. ⠀
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This is an exciting and fast paced thriller with just the right amount of slow burn romance woven in to make for a compelling read. The hunt for a serial killer will have you on the edge of your seat and biting your nails. The two main characters are fascinating and complicated men with a sexual tension between them that makes the story crackle with energy. Winter Kill would make the perfect opening novel to a dynamic and certainly successful series like those that Josh Lanyon is famous for. If you love a good serial killer thriller, then this is the book for you. ⠀

This is a wonderful romantic suspense book set in rural Oregon. I really enjoyed the characters and the way the author dealt with the serial killer aspect of the book, not a lot of gory details, just like I like. The characters were wonderful and the pace was spot on.

Winter kill by Josh Lanyon is a crime mystery with a solid dose of romance.

FBI agent Adam Darling is called in to the small town of Nearby for a body that might be linked to a serial killer he's helping track. When it looks unrelated, he thinks that's the last time he'll step foot in the area. Which is why he indulges in a one-night stand with local Sheriff Rob Haskell. Another body has Adam returning to Nearby. As the bodies pile up, Rob with the help of Adam has to figure out if it's one or more perpetrators. Lives end up on the line and by the end Adam has to decide between his career and taking a chance on a personal connection.

"Adam, you're probably my favorite person in the world, so don't take this the wrong way. You're crazy."

I thoroughly enjoyed this one for a book that came out back in 2015. The mystery aspect was interesting , I can honestly say I didn't figure out who the bad guy was. Adam is the strict uptight personality to Robs more easygoing fun one. The intimate scenes they stole among the murder case was well done, not overly steamy and a little cheesy at times thanks to Robs playfulness but the physical chemistry between them was believable. I am a little disappointed that it's not the start of a series, because I would definitely read more content staring Adam and Rob.

When Special Agent Adam Darling is called to a small town in Oregon to check out a skeleton that may be connected to a serial killer case he is working on, it turns out to be a dud. Before he goes back to LA he hooks up with the town deputy sheriff for a one-night-stand.

Several weeks later he is called in for another murder in the little town and starts investigating with the help of the sheriff’s office, trying to avoid falling for Deputy Sheriff Robert Haskell.

This was a fast-paced murder mystery with a slow burn romance. While a lot of the investigation was based on unlikely coincidences it was never unbelievable, and the romance grew over time.
The ending was a touch rushed but HEA all around.

Humor: n/a
General writing style: 4 stars
Story line idea: 4 stars
Story line execution: 3 stars
Plot: 3 stars (predictable and a lot of coincidences)
R-rated content: little
Narration: 3rd POV, past tense
Main Location: Contemporary small town Oregon
Main protagonists: Adam, FBI agent, mid-30s, Rob, deputy sheriff, mid-30s, both openly bi or gay

I had high hopes for this one, but ultimately I struggled with it. I love a good mystery but the plot of this one At times, felt congested with mystery for mystery’s sake. There were multiple murdered and multiple suspects which is par for the course when it’s mystery/thriller, however there wasn’t a lot of follow through. Characters that were named as suspects were never investigated, while a new character with that became suspicious the paragraph before got interrogated. Also not a fan of multiple perpetrators. One is always wrapped up super early and the second is always less satisfying. That said, I enjoyed Adam and Rob as characters but whirlwind romance was interesting. I liked them as individuals, but the plot was so stretched thin with multiple suspects and deaths it was hard to keep track of, and their storyline fell to the wayside quite a bit.

Have I mentioned before that I’m happy that Josh Lanyon is shedding some light on books from her back list? I’m pretty sure that I have, but I think it’s worth mentioning. Especially since I feel like I jumped on the “Josh Lanyon” train kinda late. I’m really enjoying some of the author’s newer offerings, so I’m thrilled that there’s so much to choose from while I wait for the next books in some of my favorite series. (Secrets and Scrabble, Bednobs and Broomsticks, etc.) Although I adore her lighter offerings, I’m a huge fan of romantic suspense, which is most definitely where Winter Kill falls.

Adam Darling is spending his time chasing leads on a serial killer. Basically he and his partner are doing the grunt work and trying desperately not to screw anything up. He’s pretty sure that his trip to Nearby is a huge waste of time, and he’s right, or is he?

Robert Haskell admires Agent Darling, but that doesn’t stop him from being annoyed about the FBI being on his turf. One night with the not so uptight agent is more than he expected, but still left him wanting just a little bit more. He never expects to see him again, but then things take another turn in Nearby.

I liked the connection between Robert and Adam and the mystery had just enough twists and turns to keep the pages turning. There turned out to be more than one secret kept in Nearby. 😉

Although Winter Kill is a standalone, there was a character near the end that is part of Lanyon’s The Art of Murder Series. Anyone want to take a guess about what just landed on my TBR list? Stay tuned 😉

If you enjoy murder mysteries with a side of gay romance, then this book is for you. The romance is not the focus, though it certainly plays a role.

I did not love the romance aspect of this story, but I did enjoy the mystery piece. The romance just fell flat for me.

All that said, I do enjoy Josh Lanyon's stories and I recommend this one too.

4.5 stars.

The murder mystery aspect of this book was easily 5 stars. The story involves a cold case with 20 and 30 year old deaths, and contemporaneous murders in Or. A very small sheriffs station in calls in help from the FBI and the investigation ensues.

The romance aspect of the book I give 4 stars. There wasn't really enough interaction between Adam and Rob to warrant the ending, or the feelings between them.

I would be very interested in reading a sequel, but this book is from 2015 and as far as I can tell is a standalone.