The Dark Horse by Josh Lanyon

Love is a dark horse—and Sean Fairchild is in for the ride of his life.

Paul Hammond is dead. That’s what tough and sexy LAPD Detective Daniel Moran tells his lover, Hollywood actor Sean Fairchild—and Sean wants to believe him, but what about those threatening postcards in Hammond’s handwriting? What about the fact that he’s seeing Hammond everywhere he goes? Yes, Sean’s had some emotional problems in the past, but that was a long time ago and he’s not imagining things, so why is Dan looking at him that way?

The last thing Sean needs is someone doubting him, especially when he’s competing for the coveted leading role in the screen adaptation of The Charioteer. But then again, as ex-lover and manager Steve points out, what does Sean really know about his new boyfriend?

Dan is a dark horse—and maybe Sean is betting too much on this relationship. It not just Sean’s career at stake, or his relationship, or even his sanity—-it’s his life.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"... an absolutely riveting suspense tale, by far one of the best this reviewer can remember. Rich in depth of characterization with a twisty plot that keeps the reader guessing, this book is truly marvelous. The m/m intimacy is woven into the story and is somewhat explicit, but is never belaboured. It is couched in the emotional attraction between Dan and Sean. Author Josh Lanyon carefully explores the background of Sean's psychological issues and brings the characters to life in a way so vivid that the reader will feel as if he is watching the story unfold rather than simply reading it in a book.... a most excellent novel and deserving of highest praise."
The Romance Studio - 5 Hearts

"Mr. Lanyon has woven an intriguing tale supported by engaging characters and a well-written plot. This is most definitely a top notch story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Literary Nymph Reviews - 5 Nymphs

"Gripping suspense with moments of intense emotion and tenderness, THE DARK HORSE is a story that is immensely appealing and extremely satisfying."
Isabelle Spencer, RRT Erotic Reviews

"Garh. He makes me crazy cuz it's sooooo good, but so goddamn atypical of what's out there. His stories never end with a wedding, baby, ring, sashaying down the lane hand in hand with song birds and the blooms of spring. They end manly. With a smile in the dark. A pithy comment. They end on the sweet breath of relief and the slightest inkling of hope but no guarantee."
Lisabea at Nose in a Book

"This outstanding contemporary gay romance has a little bit for everyone…action, deceit, uncertainty, love, passion and attempted murder. The story is vividly described, giving the readers a thorough understanding of the fear and pain experienced when having a stalker involved with a person’s life. The author also does an excellent job dealing compassionately with Sean’s past mental illness, without belaboring or belittling its causes. The intimate scenes between Sean and Dan, while numerous, never seen contrived, or gratuitous. I couldn’t wait to see who the villain of the piece was and the twist at the end was completely unexpected."
My Book Cravings

"The plot kept my juices flowing and the world-class writing had me turning the pages at a fast pace."
JERR

"The Dark Horse is full of suspense at every turn and a mystery steadily builds as each clue is revealed. Mr. Lanyon has woven an intriguing tale supported by engaging characters and a well-written plot. The romance between Sean and Dan suffers the turmoil you’d expect in their tension filled situation, keeping their relationship realistic. This is most definitely a top notch story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats."
Water Nymph for Literary Nymphs

The Dark Horse was Josh's first standalone novellla, and was published as an e-book by Loose ID. You can read an excerpt, but due to the adult nature of its plot and themes, you'll have to be eighteen or over.