Exceptional GLBT authors Jordan Castillo Price and Josh Lanyon are back with a new collaboration, a set of very loosely related, very brief short stories released under the blanket title “Petit Morts”.  This five story compilation is available as a package deal, or as individual purchases.

JP McMahon is the “victim” of an informationally savvy society.  With Google a mere click away, his exploits are far too easily tracked.  That’s why landing in scenic – and technologically impared – Willmington is such a lucky break for the genial huckster.  Meeting the mysterious and dangerous Chance, proprietor of the candy shop Sweets to the Sweet, is a dubious stroke of luck, as JP stocks up on empty vanilla bottles as a part of his “nefarious” plan to strike it rich.  He doesn’t count on meeting local boy Ryan, eternal summer employee at the t-shirt and copy shop Copy You.  He also doesn’t count on paying for his bottle labels in… trade.  When his business selling “Spanish Fly” to the locals takes off at the speed of light, JP also doesn’t count on his near obsession with Ryan continuously distracting him from his goal – get the money and get gone.  A date at the local make-out clam bake leads to an invitation to “blow this popsicle stand.”  Is JP really ready to take on a permenant passenger in his spiffy convertible.  Is Ryan really ready to make a break from his oppressive, narrow life?

Jordan Castillo Price’s Spanish Fly Guy is the engaging story of a modern day snake oil salesman.  Arrogant and occasionally obnoxious, JP shows the occasional flashes of unexpected sensitivity that Castillo Price so often layers into her characters.  Local boy Ryan is just as interesting.  A young college man with prospects compromised by a spend-thrift father and a miserly employer, Ryan is trapped in a life not of his choosing.  The sex is, in true Castillo Price fashion, quick and dirty and as delicious as the candy the compelling Chance sells in his shop.  I’m looking forward to the promised second set of Petit Morts.  I’m hoping beyond hope to learn more about my new fictional crush, Chance, and anticipating the next series of trips into the sexy and unexpected with this gifted author.