Customer Reviews

Mexican Heat (Crimes&Cocktails Series)

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Ever since I read Dark Horse earlier this year, I have become a big fan of Josh Lanyon's writing. He is as author who writes incredible and realistic stories, with a romance thrown in between two strong men who seem to live on the edges of society. So is the case with his latest, Mexican Heat. Josh co-wrote Mexican heat with author Laura Baumbach, owner of the on-line publisher Man Love Romance Press. These two are a great writing duo and I can't wait to see what else they have in store. If their future books are anything like Mexican Heat, I will be there to read it.

Gabriel Sandalini is the self tortured hero of this story. He is an undercover SFPD Detective who has infiltrated the West Coast crime syndicate as a gunman. One night, while he is at a gay club, he catches the eye of one of the club goers. Gabriel doesn't think much of it, even though the stranger is quite the looker. Gabriel has other things on his mind such as helping take down the boss of the Mexican Mafia. As Gabriel makes his way around the club, he finds an empty office where he needs a moment of quiet, and is caught. The stranger who catches him, bends him over the office desk, and even though Gabriel tries to escape, he can't because the stranger has incapacitated him. One thing leads to another, and Gabriel is forced to have some hot and sweaty sex with the stranger. (Some may think this is a forced seduction scene. But we do see, that Gabriel could at any point stop everything that is happening to him. The stranger may hold him down and have his wicked way with Gabriel, but Gabriel has the strength and power to stop this man. The stranger even asks if Gabriel wants it, and Gabriel is very vocal in his answer, which is a very loud, yes.) This is one hot, HOT sex scene, especially because Gabriel doesn't know what this guy, who basically ravishes him, looks like. It is the best sex Gabriel ever has, because he likes to be dominated, and his one-night stand lover does that very well.

Gabriel is in for quite a shock when he comes face to face with this stranger again. Miguel Ortega is the second in command to a Mexican drug lord. He also still has a very deep interest in Gabriel, but Gabriel tries his hardest to stay away from Ortega because they don't have any chance of a future with one another. But since both of the crime families they work for will become business associates, Gabriel has no choice but to be around Ortega.

Ortega must go down to Mexico to meet some drug runners and Gabriel goes with him. These two have such incredible sexual tension between them, that they know that this business trip will end up with both of them in bed together. And when they arrive in Mexico, and Gabriel is almost blown up, Ortega is there to protect him. Gabriel can't help but give into Ortega's seductive techniques, and they spend a passionate night together in bed. This is another wonderful, hot sex scene between these two men. Alcohol is used in a playful way. Ortega has a way with his hands and mouth, and wants everything from Gabriel. He may want his body, but most importantly he wants his love. The reason Ortega is so protective over Gabriel is a bit twist to this story that I had no clue was coming till more than half way through reading.

Gabriel can't see how special he has become to Ortega. He denies his feelings for Ortega because he thinks that Ortega is his enemy. These two are surrounded by the possibility of death wherever they go and the fact that they may not have a future with one another, makes their relationship very poignant and emotional. You will be on the edge of your seat wondering if Gabriel and Ortega will be safe and happy. Something does happen to Gabriel, that I think went a bit too far, as if to cement what Gabriel and Ortega have between each other is very real. Other than that, I really could find no other complaints.

Mexican Heat is an excellent and suspenseful action pack story, as well as a romance that singes the pages with its heat. The attraction both Gabriel and Ortega have for one another is smoking hot, and one of the best romances I have read this year.

Katiebabs

This novel written by Laura Baumback and John Lanyon is the first entry in the Crimes and Cocktails Series from MLR Press.

SFPD Detective Gabriel Sandalini is undercover, posing as smart-mouth wiseguy, Gio Contadino, hired muscle for West Coast cocaine distributor Ricco Botelli. One enchanted evening, he sees a stranger across a crowded room, their eyes meet, the stranger smirks and moves on. A little later, Gabriel and that same stranger are engaged in violent, thoroughly-satisfying sex in an empty upstairs office. They part, thinking never to meet again but Gabriel can't get the man out of his mind...he feels...something...but isn't certain exactly what. Imagine his shock when, at the engagement party of his boss' sister to Don Jesus Sanchez, a Mexican drug lord, his one-night stand appears, introduced as Sanchez' second-in-command, Miguel Ortega, aka Antonio Lorenzo. Trying to play it cool, Gabriel is alternately attracted and angered by Ortega's collected, teasing, and too knowing attitude...and it begins to get in the way of his real mission--to help bring down Botelli and Ortega's boss. How can he concentrate on gathering information for the SFPD when all he can think about is a tall, dark Spaniard with a smug smile, depthless black eyes, and the power to satisfy him sexually?

Answer: He can't.

Gabriel is revealed as a hyperkinetic loner, shying away from intimacy like the plague. He doesn't want a soul-connection, just explosive sex with no strings attached, rationalizing it as all someone in his specific position needs or deserves. Ortega, seen mostly through Gabriel's eyes in Part One, is presenting a little more obscurely with no background or antecedents. Though there's no mention of either's exact age, he appears about ten years older than Gabriel, more mature in emotion and perhaps a little sadder or wiser for that. He also seems more careful in his selection of partners, and probably has occasionally actually known love, if the way he responds to Gabriel's jibes and taunts is any indication.

On a trip to Mexico to finalize setting up shipments from a new supplier, Ortega saves Gabriel from a bomb blast, then tells him that he's somehow gotten on Sanchez' wrong side. Now the question arises: Did Ortega know about the bomb beforehand and let his own attraction to Gabriel make him act at the last minute, or was it simply instinct? The night of passion that follows their near-destruction shakes both men to the core, and causes Gabriel to lower his guard and tell Ortega things about himself he's never shared before. Though he tries to maintain his wise-cracking, filthy-mouthed I-don't-give-a-damn persona, he finds himself weakening, regretting that when the SFPD brings down Sanchez, Ortega will fall with him because he's seen traits in this man--tenderness, sensitivity, concern--that a drug dealer generally shouldn't possess, and in spite of all his rationalizing, he doesn't want Ortega harmed.

When the cocaine is delivered, Gabriel's cover is blown and it's all over but the shooting; though the FBI burst in, he's caught in the cross-fire, inundated with bullets and exploding bags of cocaine. Only Ortega's quick action saves him from instant death, but his days in undercover work--as well as his over-all health--are gone forever.

Part Two of the story is told from Ortega's point of view and there are a couple of little twists at this point which I won't give away (though I will admit that--jaded old reader of crime novels that I am--I had the important one figured out before the big shoot-out in the warehouse). Now, it's up to Ortega to make Gabriel want to keep on living while his love is put to the test as he becomes the wounded policeman's caregiver. He has to force himself to stand back and allow the convalescing cop to struggle to recover his self-esteem and independence when what he'd really like to do is smother the younger man with tender loving care. His ability to remain calm in the face of the injured man's self-pity and anger, fending away with gentle words the sarcasm and rudeness that reflects Gabriel's fear and insecurity while allowing Gabriel to push both of them to the limits teaches Ortega a lesson also as he learns that to love someone, you sometimes have to let them fall and get up without help. Slowly, he breaks down Gabriel's defenses, proves that he isn't going to cut and run when things go from bad to worse, and that he's true to his word when he says those three fateful ones, "I love you."

Mexican Heat (the title comes from the local name given pulque) may be a love story between two men but it's also a high-powered crime drama with plenty of action and well-written dialogue and scenes. There's sex involved, of course, but it doesn't get in the way of the story, is more a natural, integral progression of it--in fact, there are only about three actual physical scenes in the entire book. It's the first novel of its genre that I've ever read and I wasn't certain what to expect but I thoroughly enjoyed it and found myself wishing the story had been longer. Antonio and Gabriel are both likable characters, carrying on a masquerade on several levels: as men with integrity masquerading as men with no scruples whatsoever, gays in a machismo-drenched criminal society, managing to keep secrets from their bosses as well as themselves. They are two men who are both searching for that intangible substance known as love, and when they find it, are put to the test of whether to choose love over duty or vice versa. This novel is the first in a series and while I was certain the ones to follow would be about other characters, I was hoping that some time a second book would follow that tells the rest of Antonio and Gabriel's story. I felt there's a lot more about these two that needs to be said, and I, for one, would be eager to read it. Checking around, I discovered that the entire series centers around them, so enough said! Read the first, buy the rest! I'm going to.

Gabriel Sandalini is an undercover vice cop working for crime lord Ricco Botelli. Imagine Gabriel's surprise when the anonymous and amazing guy he had a one night stand with the night before turns out to be Miguel Ortega, powerful drug lord Don Jesus Sanchez's right hand man. Botelli is marrying his sister Gina to Sanchez. Now Gabriel will have to work with Ortega and pretend the sex between them never happened, which is hard to do when it was the best sex of his life. Gabriel doesn't do emotion, so it should be no problem. His undercover position demands that he stay focused. Problem is, Gabriel is too focused on Ortega and Ortega is taking full advantage. Everything is not what it seems in this world of crime he has entangled himself in. Gabriel may need the help of his enemy to survive.

Mexican Heat's heart-pounding action becomes heart-warming emotion by the end. Its two parts blend perfectly to make one outstanding story. Gabriel is very guarded and yet Ortega sees right through him. He sees what Gabriel wants and maybe more importantly, what he needs. He pushes Gabriel, which is how, in part two, he won my heart. His unwavering loyalty and love for Gabriel is awe-inspiring. Mexican Heat is action-packed, thrilling, and full of twists and turns. It has very hot sex, intense emotion, and an angst-filled romance. Josh Lanyon and Laura Baumbach have penned a story that is impossible to put down until its dramatic ending. Once done, it's impossible to stop thinking about. I'm looking forward to more from this dynamic duo.

Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Antonio & Gabriel. NOT to be missed.

Josh Lanyon and Laura Baumbach have more than succeeded in blending their 'voices' in this well-crafted, gripping, gut-wrenching and heartfelt journey into Antonio and Gabriel's lives, taking you WITH Antonio and Gabriel, as their journey of love, heartbreak, and success unfolds, not just 'reading about it.' I couldn't put it down.....it's that riveting.

This is a must read for Josh and Laura fans---a superb joint effort from the top two writers, in my opinion, in this field. Their stories All have plots, storylines, depth, feeling, romance, and sharp, tight, vivid characters, in WELL-WRITTEN, strong stories.

The first meeting between Antonio & Gabriel is not for the faint of heart--as all of Laura's readers know! It grabs you by the throat and is hot, hot, hot!!!! Beautifully written, wonderfully vivid!

Antonio & Gabriel's rough and rocky relationship will tear at your emotions, have you rooting for the 'bad' good guys, will chew you up and spit you out--and leave you wanting more!!! more!!! more!!!

I couldn't wait to get this book--it more than lived up to my expectations. This one is definitely on my 'keeper' list. It will be on yours too.

*********There is a Mini Story by Laura Baumbach, 'South of the Border,' which was over at Forbidden Publications with Antonio & Gabriel, the time line of which continues on after 'Mexican Heat.'*************************

'South of the Border' is no longer available at Forbidden Publications-I just checked- but Per Laura Baumbach, it will be part of Tequila Sunrise, the second book in the Crimes & Cocktails series due out this fall.

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 9/10

PROS:
- The main characters are both super cool. From driving fast to ordering a drink and tipping very well to having unprotected sex with strangers (not my favorite, but I gotta admit, it fits them) to staying ubercool while being shot at--they're a couple of supremely calm, confident, sexy dudes.
- The sex in this book is seriously hot. Seriously...like, not so much as a smile in sight. The scenes are slow and drawn out and deliciously graphic, with just the right mix (for me, anyway) of impersonality and genuine, tender affection to make them both believable and romantic.
- The plot's exciting and interesting and tense. The climax occurs about 2/3 of the way through (although there's another mini-climax at the end), but in no way did I find the rest of the story boring or disappointing. Even the chapters concerning nothing but the men's relationship are page-turners because the romance is so passionate and gut-wrenching and difficult.
- Some of the exposition is funny in a dark, caustic sort of way. One of my favorite lines in the book occurs when Gabriel thinks that another character "didn't have the survival instincts of a lemming."

CONS:
- One element of the plot that's maybe supposed to be a bit of a surprise just isn't. But for me, it was one of those "so predictable that the authors had no choice but to go there" things, and the rest of the book is SO good that I was very forgiving of this one thing.
- There's an interesting storytelling shift from Part I to Part II, but there are times when the second part doesn't seem to be written by the same author(s) as the first. (And perhaps it wasn't: maybe Baumbach wrote one part and Lanyon wrote the other, as opposed to the two collaborating on the whole thing.) The action sequences, for example, seem more drawn out and suspenseful in Part I, but the majority of the second part is more about romance/emotional attachment than action anyway, so after a while I stopped scrutinizing the differences (and thus, stopped noticing any at all).

Overall comments: This is one of my favorite m/m books now: it's got action/adventure, drama, comedy, and love (complete with...did I say this already?...seriously hot sex). It's one of the most well-rounded romances I've read.

It has been years since I read South Border where I first know about Gabriel and Antonio. It was short but it stuck with me because of these 2 intriguing characters. I wanted to know how these 2 met and Gabriel's plight and past. So glad Laura and Josh decides to continue their story in this amazing collaboration. Even before getting my hands on this I know it will be good but having finished it I am just speechless at how well this seamless collaboration is written.

Suspenseful, gritty, riveting there is no letting up in the plot at all. From page 1, I am pulled into both men's dark world as undercover cops. And their romance is sizzling hot and as suspenseful from the time they met. The crime world setting would please anyone who wants thrilling and heart stopping scenes, spice and excitement in the plot. For me it is the 2 characters and their developing relationship which takes precedence. Laura and Josh has really surpassed themselves in developing these 2 characters. Gabriel is a most complex character yet so vulnerable. From the time he was young, he has to fight hard for what he wants. A "little" spit fire and adrenalin junkie with an attitude, Gabriel avoids love at all cost because it was just not worth the mental baggage. The older Antonio is just the opposite. A 100% alpha male who exudes confidence and sex he is in complete control and just my type of favorite hero. To top it all, Antonio wants Gabriel.

The first part of the book is a roller coaster ride as tension mounts both in their investigation and their almost lethal attraction towards one another. The second part is as compelling as it is heart wrenching. Told from Antonio's view point, I love Antonio's character even more as this caring alpha stubbornly holds on to a devastated Gabriel. Emotionally charged, touching and stirring, their developing love so well expressed, the second part realy gets to me. The suspenseful scenes both in the beginning and the ending of the 2nd part is soo well written. As for the last page, just a few words but impactful and of course leave me hungry for more.

This one is definitely up there on my top list of gay and M/M romance and I have read a lot. So glad there are 2 more in the series but Nov 2009 seems so far away for the 2nd book.

I'm a fan of Josh Lanyon's and have read all of his published works thus far, so you can imagine that I was looking forward to the release of this particular novel. I've always liked the Adrien English series and have enjoyed the way that Mr. Lanyon crafts his characters.

Possibly the only recommendation I'd normally make to him is that he should make his books even more substantial. Longer, certainly. With a little more action.

This book, a collaboration with Laura Baumbach, is significantly more substantial, with a more complex plot and some heavy danger involved.

Here, Gabriel Sandalini, an undercover cop, finds himself near the end of his assignment, possibly about to participate in the takedown of a major drug lord. As his own position becomes more tenuous, he finds himself drawn to Ortega, the second-in-command for another drug lord.

The story of how the two men interact with each other and of what happens relative to the takedown is engrossing, and the other characters in the novel are well-drawn and interesting, even if at times they are more than a little stereotypical.

What's wonderful here is the two main characters and their passion for each other. Usually, when I read a "gay" novel, I'm disappointed by how much of the novel is just prelude to sex. Here, the sexy scenes are long enough and VERY explicit--enough to satisfy almost anyone who reads the novel for those alone. But the rest of the book is satisfying as well, and I didn't get the sense that everything revolved around the sex. (Although it didn't take long at all for the first sex scene--it's maybe 10 pages in--talk about jumping straight in!)

As always with Mr. Lanyon's work, the lead characters are multi-faceted and intriguing to read about. Gabriel is by turns funny, damaged, annoying, strong. Ortega is sexy, patronizing, enigmatic. Both are easy to like and even love.

I really like the fact that the two writers blended their work seamlessly. I honestly can't tell that two different people wrote this book; it's that nicely done.

I see from Mr. Lanyon's website that at least two more books are planned in this series. I can't wait! (I also plan to pick up Ms. Baumbach's books now, based on how much I liked this one.)

Mexican Heat #1 Crimes&Cocktails Series Italian mob boss Botelli and Mexican mob boss Sanchez become partners. Botelli has the customers and Sanchez has the best suppliers, and caught in the middle is SFPD Det. Gabriel Sandalini, undercover in Botelli's gang and gay, both conditions could get him killed in a heartbeat. Botelli's sister Gina want Gabriel for a boy toy, Sanchez wants to remove him from Gina, Botelli wants whatever will get bigger profits and Gabriel has the HOTS for a man who turns out to be Sanchez's right hand man. This is a heart stopping cop thriller with danger at every turn and a absolutely fantastic story.

A total shoot em up action adventure novel complete with buff heroes, bad guys and tequila shots off behinds. I was so just waiting for someone to chime in with, 'say hello to my little friend.' It certainly did require a certain suspension of disbelief, but for all that I did enjoy it a great deal. And, it was such a long book!

The novel is in two parts. While the 1st hooked into my undercover cop fiend and fascination with men and big guns, it was the 2nd part that appealed more. The wounded soldier with life changing injuries plot device just floats my boat.

What drew me in was how well the characters fit together. Gabriel was feisty and fiery with Miguel being a perfect conterpoint with his smooth and charming nature. It also made me laugh several times when Miguel is trying to be somewhat romantic and admittedly getting just a little dribbly and Gabriel just scoffs at him. Towards the end Gabriel has the most classic line, it was so perfect and had me sniggering. Such a heavy moment and yet it was this ability to poke fun that made me feel that the novel had a lighter side and did not take itself too seriously. I think, that had it lacked these moments of levity the characters would not have been as diverting as they were and I would have been a little more dubious about the premise.

As the book ended in such an interesting place with the characters still in the early stages of a relationship, I'll be very keen to see what the authors do next. I think Gabriel has a lot more developing to do as a character and I am eager to see the next installment.

Baumbach and Lanyon are such a good match, it's a wonder they didn't collaborate before this! Lanyon writes excellent mysteries, and while the romances in those mysteries are tender, they lack a certain heat. Baumbach writes some of the best gay erotica I've ever read and when you combine the two the result is explosive. Baumbach's short story "South of the Border," is given new life in the first of a new series.

Gabriel Sandalini is an undercover cop trying to expose Ricco Botelli's drug cartel. When one of his snitches fails to show at a rendezvous, Gabriel is at first concerned and them completely derailed by the hottest guy he's ever seen. Gabriel's just looking for a one night stand, he can't afford commitments in his line of work, but the tall stranger sets off all his fantasies and somehow gets under his skin. The two men have hard, anonymous sex over an office desk. It's risky, rough and dangerous - and sets the stage for the story to come. When Mexican drug lord Don Sanchez shows up to marry Botelli's sister, Gabriel is shocked to see tall, dark and handsome is one of his mob lieutenants. How can he let himself feel anything for a murdering thug? Gabriel's troubles have only gotten worse though because Sanchez's new fiancé has a crush on Gabriel, and Sanchez won't tolerate competition.

Miguel is obviously not who he appears to be, and readers can easily guess why since this is a romantic mystery, but the authors handle it well. The first part of the book is told from Gabriel's point of view, so we never learn more about Miguel than he does. This isn't as tight a mystery as Lanyon usually writes, mainly because it's more of an action story - like an episode of Law and Order. We know who the bad guys are; the story revolves around how Gabriel does his work (and finds himself falling for Miguel). Gabriel makes calls to his captain, gets information on his targets and walks a fine line keeping Botelli convinced of his loyalty. A rival drug gang tangles the action even more. The tension if carefully built, and readers feel how dangerous Gabriel's situation is. When the action comes to a climax mid-way through, the book switches to Antonio's (Miguel's) point of view and the romance comes to the forefront.

Those who haven't read the short story should wait until after they read this. The story takes place later in the timeline and a couple events in the novel lose some impact because of that. This is especially true of part two with Antonio. The story takes on a bitter-sweet aspect, and the romance is one of the most tender (but still steamy) Baumbach has written. She keeps to her trademark - an alpha male with a spit-fire bottom as his lover - but they are well fleshed out, and engaging. I liked them. I'm excited this will be a series. I want to see Gabriel meet Antonio's family, and see how these two men get embroiled in another mystery. Highly recommended!