Hardest Thing: A Dan Stagg Mystery Paperback – June 11, 2013

If you have read author James Lear before, you know he is a prolific erotica writer, and you also have come to know is how effortlessly Lear can reach out, grip you buy the neck and pull you into his story before you have a chance to realize what is happening. THE HARDEST THING: A DAN STAGG MYSTERY proves no different, and if I may dare say, one helluva thrilling ride.The novel has all the elements a good mystery, suspense/thriller should have; a hard-ass, down on his luck ex-Marine with violent tendencies robbed of a stellar twelve year career because of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", an well-connected organized crime connection abled by dirty cops and even shadier men, an extraordinarily sexy and talented boy-toy, a bunch of ready cash...and lots of sex!!Did I say lots of sex? THE HARDEST THING is the first Dan Stagg mystery to be released featuring the hardened ex-marine, and Lear has done a superb job developing such a damaged character readers will quickly fall for, and cheer on as he batters his way through brutal circumstances to simply stay alive and keep his human "package" breathing. Only thing he didn't count on ever again, never hoped for again was to fall in love.But for all the loose zipper, tough talking, heavy handed bravado, Stagg is very likeable, one that reminded this reader on more than one occasion of the more mainstream hetero heroes like Lee Child's "Jack Reacher", Barry Eisler's "John Rain", or David Baldacci's "Lee Adams".One thing is for sure, this reader eagerly awaits the next Dan Stagg mystery.

James Lear presents a fun and intriguing mystery equipped with several mind blowing sex scenes. This book is great for those seeking a quick read with a primary focus on eroticism (as opposed to plot content).Here's what's good:-Amazing, extremely hot x-rated scenes-Intriguing storyline that keeps your focus-Interesting characters-Sexual energy is maintained throughout the storyHere's what's not-so-great:-Story elements are unrealistic (but, hey, this is erotica, so what do you expect?)-The relationship/connection between the main characters is hard to believe-Not enough physical descriptions of the protagonist-- well, from the waist up at least...It's worth the read. Enjoy!

Dan Stagg is an unusual protagonist, he's flawed and unapologetic, and a force to be reckoned with. He's an ex-marine dismissed after his lover and fellow soldier was killed by a sniper, and the story starts with him working as a bouncer and pondering his life and thinking about sex. James Lear is the only writer i've read in whose books sex integrally furthers plot and character and he does this in such an organic way that it seems somehow inevitable and never too much even when it would be if anyone else but him would be writing it. I couldn't put the book down. The story draws you in and keeps you interested and i found the ending to be everything i didn't know i hoped for. Lol. If you enjoy gay/lgbt fiction, mystery and suspense, you'll most likely enjoy this book. I certainly look forward to more Dan Stagg.

Gruff, always up for it, emotionally damaged USMC Major (ex) Dan Stagg is a great voice and POV for about the first half of this book, on his thug-for-hire road trip with an enigmatic young charge. Tensions and suspicions mount, both between the two men and in Dan's mind about the real reason he was hired. But then both the story (high-level fraud, murder investigation, etc.) and the sex go off the rails, and I just didn't believe in the universe these guys inhabit anymore.The author has a terrific voice, which prompted me, after reading the sample, to go ahead and pay more than I usually would for an ebook by a new-to-me-author. The insights into protagonist Dan's life as a Marine deployed overseas were vivid and poignant. From what small amount I know from my friends who are Marines, I could feel their sense of duty, honor, and confidence echoed in Dan's voice. The earlier sex scenes are as terse as Dan and are all the more engaging because of it. They ripple with personality, pain, and emotion. Then it all devolves into typical porn movie set-ups (both the stereotypically implausible situations and the repeated descriptions of movie-style clothing or remnants thereof). The author's previously strong voice begins to get muddled, only occasionally coming up for air under scenes that had might as well have a cheesy music soundtrack. The thriller/investigation plot, the people involved in it, and the coincidences begin to feel a bit implausible too.Other details distracted: the writer doesn't have a realistic idea of distances or travel in the NY/VT/NH region. I cringed every time time he mentioned logistical specifics of the road trip that takes up much of the beginning of the story, and almost stopped reading, but the compelling characters kept me going. Readers who haven't travelled in the region might not notice.I'm reading a step or two out of my usual zone here, and this book might exactly hit the spot for other readers. I welcome a book that isn't all about long flowery conversations, or two-dimensional protagonists who feel borrowed from every other romance/erotic romance story. The first half of the book is erotic romance without too many flowers, and wrapped into a tense thriller plot. But I got stuck at about the 2/3 point with my suspension of disbelief completely snapped, and it felt like too much effort even to skim the rest. If it weren't an ebook, I'd happily pass it along to someone else who might enjoy it more, because I do think this is an author worth discovering, despite this not being a successful book (for this reader).Yes, I'll read this author again, but I'll be cautious about checking both positive and critical reviews of the plot and the evolution (or devolution) of the erotic content.