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Murder and Mayhem #1
Murder and Mayhem
Murder and Book One
Dead women tell no tales.
Former cat burglar Rook Stevens stole many a priceless thing in the past, but he’s never been accused of taking a life—until now. It was one thing to find a former associate inside Potter’s Field, his pop culture memorabilia shop, but quite another to stumble across her dead body.
Detective Dante Montoya thought he’d never see Rook Stevens again—not after his former partner falsified evidence to entrap the jewelry thief and Stevens walked off scot-free. So when he tackled a fleeing murder suspect, Dante was shocked to discover the blood-covered man was none other than the thief he’d fought to put in prison and who still makes his blood sing.
Rook is determined to shake loose the murder charge against him, even if it means putting distance between him and the rugged Cuban-Mexican detective who brought him down. If one dead con artist wasn’t bad enough, others soon follow, and as the bodies pile up around Rook’s feet, he's forced to reach out to the last man he’d expect to believe in his innocence—and the only man who’s ever gotten under Rook’s skin.
Dead women tell no tales.
Former cat burglar Rook Stevens stole many a priceless thing in the past, but he’s never been accused of taking a life—until now. It was one thing to find a former associate inside Potter’s Field, his pop culture memorabilia shop, but quite another to stumble across her dead body.
Detective Dante Montoya thought he’d never see Rook Stevens again—not after his former partner falsified evidence to entrap the jewelry thief and Stevens walked off scot-free. So when he tackled a fleeing murder suspect, Dante was shocked to discover the blood-covered man was none other than the thief he’d fought to put in prison and who still makes his blood sing.
Rook is determined to shake loose the murder charge against him, even if it means putting distance between him and the rugged Cuban-Mexican detective who brought him down. If one dead con artist wasn’t bad enough, others soon follow, and as the bodies pile up around Rook’s feet, he's forced to reach out to the last man he’d expect to believe in his innocence—and the only man who’s ever gotten under Rook’s skin.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2015
91 people are currently reading
1448 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Ford
79 books1,890 followersRhys Ford is an award-winning author with several long-running LGBT+ mystery, thriller, paranormal, and urban fantasy series and is a two-time LAMBDA finalist and a multiple Gold and Silver Medalist by the Florida Authors and Publishers President’s Book Awards. She is published by Dreamspinner Press, DSP Publications and Rogue Firebird Press.
She shares the house with Harley, a gray tuxedo with a flower on her face, Badger, a disgruntled former alley cat, and Gojira, a mercurial Tabico as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep of a 1979 Pontiac Firebird named Tengu and enjoys murdering make-believe people.
She shares the house with Harley, a gray tuxedo with a flower on her face, Badger, a disgruntled former alley cat, and Gojira, a mercurial Tabico as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep of a 1979 Pontiac Firebird named Tengu and enjoys murdering make-believe people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
June 30, 2015
*3.5 stars*
I'm a huge Rhys Ford fan. HUGE. I'm obsessed with her Cole McGinnis series, and I have my favorite coffee mug to prove it.
I'm always a little apprehensive when I start a romantic suspense series. I mean, romantic suspense and I are not the best of friends, but I just LOVE Rhys other stuff so much that I had to give it a go.
I think that, overall, this is a really well conceived book. Lots of banter, lots of action, and some REALLY hot sexual chemistry between the two MCs. Give me a burly cop any day of the week!! *growls* In addition, the secondary characters really popped (adored Rook's grandfather), and I think the author did an awesome job creating a well-rounded cast.
Though I was pretty damn pleased with this book as a whole, I had a few little niggles. For one, please stop mentioning Rook's eyes being strange. It got really repetitive and old after awhile. Also, did anyone else think of The Two Gentlemen of Altona while reading this one? The two books struck me as really similar. Petty criminals getting involved in murder and getting it on with the cop involved in the case? Anyone? They both had similar sort of sarcastic senses of humor, and I just kept thinking of that book while reading this one, though the plots have little in common otherwise. Finally, I think I just wanted the characters to open up more. I'm guessing we'll get more of that in the next few books, but I felt a little disconnected from the guys, emotionally.
In the end, I finished this read with a smile on my face, and it was a no-brainer to round up to 4 stars. There is a ton of potential there.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I'm a huge Rhys Ford fan. HUGE. I'm obsessed with her Cole McGinnis series, and I have my favorite coffee mug to prove it.
I'm always a little apprehensive when I start a romantic suspense series. I mean, romantic suspense and I are not the best of friends, but I just LOVE Rhys other stuff so much that I had to give it a go.
I think that, overall, this is a really well conceived book. Lots of banter, lots of action, and some REALLY hot sexual chemistry between the two MCs. Give me a burly cop any day of the week!! *growls* In addition, the secondary characters really popped (adored Rook's grandfather), and I think the author did an awesome job creating a well-rounded cast.
Though I was pretty damn pleased with this book as a whole, I had a few little niggles. For one, please stop mentioning Rook's eyes being strange. It got really repetitive and old after awhile. Also, did anyone else think of The Two Gentlemen of Altona while reading this one? The two books struck me as really similar. Petty criminals getting involved in murder and getting it on with the cop involved in the case? Anyone? They both had similar sort of sarcastic senses of humor, and I just kept thinking of that book while reading this one, though the plots have little in common otherwise. Finally, I think I just wanted the characters to open up more. I'm guessing we'll get more of that in the next few books, but I felt a little disconnected from the guys, emotionally.
In the end, I finished this read with a smile on my face, and it was a no-brainer to round up to 4 stars. There is a ton of potential there.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
January 12, 2018
Re-read number 237, and Rook and Dante are STILL some of my favourite MCs! Now, this is how you do a MM-mystery-romance<3
------------------------------------------------
So I think I have finally found a book by Rhys Ford that hits ALL of my buttons.
I have liked, and almost loved, quite a few of her books, but I hadn't yet found one that was perfect! And I think... I think this one is IT.
We have a mystery!
We have GREAT MCs, with quite a few differences.
We have GREAT supporting characters.
We have yummy, smexy, HOT sex between the MCs.
We have fantastic pace and length of the story.
And lastly we have humor!
So Rook is a reformed thief. He now owns a shop where he buys and sells movie memorabilia. He found his grandfather late in life (and cousins and aunts and such, but he doesn't really hang out with them), and he has his shop assistant Char. Rook however was an 'honest' thief, and he has quite a few 'known associates' that will help him, since he's a good guy (with a GREAT snarky attitude!) But otherwise he's living a pretty sparse excistence.
Dante is the Cuban-Mexican cop, who was *this close* to catching Rook, and locking him up, before Rook became a law-abiding citizen, and before Dante's partner decided to plant evidence in order to nail Rook.
So yeah, they definitely have history; not only was it a game of cat and mouse, but they almost slept together, during the 'original' case, 5 years ago (in a dark back-room, with no knowledge of who they were about to smex it up with).
When the story begins, Rook finds an 'old' enemy, dead in his shop, and suddenly he is on the run. He is caught, but his cantankerous grandfather helps him out, and Rook is again facing off with Dante and Dante's FANTASTIC partner Hank (seriously this dude, he is AMAZING, because he tries SO hard!)
The chemistry between Rook and Dante... Whowee..., It was great, and even though it has a taste of 'insta-something' it was believable BECAUSE they had history.
Luckily they don't get straight to the smexy times, they actually take their time, and go back and forth. Here Rhys was definitely true to the characters and the parameters that were set for them, and it worked so well for their history and their traits.
They are both snarky, and Rook can be quite douchey, but with his origin story it doesn't surprise me. However they work as a couple, since both are stubborn and BOTH give as good as they get.
The mystery part also really worked for me. I had not guessed where it was going, and while the bodies are piling up, Rook and Dante have to figure out how to move forward, fight for what they want and trust each other, all the while Rook's grandfather is 'trying to help'.
Dante's uncle Manny also makes an appearance once in a while, and he was just such a great counterpoint to Rook's grandfather.
The story actually only takes place over a few days, but it felt like longer, since the pace and the choices for the MCs were spot on. And because Rook and Dante has history the 'insta-something', never felt out-of-place or like a magic solution -IMO.
I was entertained throughout, I laughed a lot, and I loved all of the characters.
It is clear though, that we do not have all of Rook's story yet (his mother and his 'adventures' as a carnie), and I'm pretty sure something will also come up with the waste of space that is Dante's parents.
I truly hope though, that this will not be another: I-forgive-all-your-disgustingness-just-because-you-put-me-in-this-world!
But as for the rest of it:
The next book of the series will be a one-click-buy... So please: GIVE ME MORE!!!
And just a side-note: Could you PLEASE for the love of all that is holy: when you have a story connected to another story, just mention it in the blurb or something?
When Alex and his BF were introduced in this one, it was quite CLEAR that they were not 'new' characters (they were not instrumental to the story, but STILL...), and it was only after googling and reading quite a few reviews, that somebody mentioned they had a story in an Anthology (Grand Adventures for those interested).
AAAARRRRGGGGGHHHH what is it with these authors/editors/publishers/anthologies, that you have to have a Masters degree in archeology to dig out the prequels and side-stories to other books once in a while? Just add it to the blurb goddammit!
*phew* I feel better, this book though, this book was GREAT!
------------------------------------------------
So I think I have finally found a book by Rhys Ford that hits ALL of my buttons.
I have liked, and almost loved, quite a few of her books, but I hadn't yet found one that was perfect! And I think... I think this one is IT.
We have a mystery!
We have GREAT MCs, with quite a few differences.
We have GREAT supporting characters.
We have yummy, smexy, HOT sex between the MCs.
We have fantastic pace and length of the story.
And lastly we have humor!
So Rook is a reformed thief. He now owns a shop where he buys and sells movie memorabilia. He found his grandfather late in life (and cousins and aunts and such, but he doesn't really hang out with them), and he has his shop assistant Char. Rook however was an 'honest' thief, and he has quite a few 'known associates' that will help him, since he's a good guy (with a GREAT snarky attitude!) But otherwise he's living a pretty sparse excistence.
Dante is the Cuban-Mexican cop, who was *this close* to catching Rook, and locking him up, before Rook became a law-abiding citizen, and before Dante's partner decided to plant evidence in order to nail Rook.
So yeah, they definitely have history; not only was it a game of cat and mouse, but they almost slept together, during the 'original' case, 5 years ago (in a dark back-room, with no knowledge of who they were about to smex it up with).
When the story begins, Rook finds an 'old' enemy, dead in his shop, and suddenly he is on the run. He is caught, but his cantankerous grandfather helps him out, and Rook is again facing off with Dante and Dante's FANTASTIC partner Hank (seriously this dude, he is AMAZING, because he tries SO hard!)
The chemistry between Rook and Dante... Whowee..., It was great, and even though it has a taste of 'insta-something' it was believable BECAUSE they had history.
Luckily they don't get straight to the smexy times, they actually take their time, and go back and forth. Here Rhys was definitely true to the characters and the parameters that were set for them, and it worked so well for their history and their traits.
They are both snarky, and Rook can be quite douchey, but with his origin story it doesn't surprise me. However they work as a couple, since both are stubborn and BOTH give as good as they get.
The mystery part also really worked for me. I had not guessed where it was going, and while the bodies are piling up, Rook and Dante have to figure out how to move forward, fight for what they want and trust each other, all the while Rook's grandfather is 'trying to help'.
Dante's uncle Manny also makes an appearance once in a while, and he was just such a great counterpoint to Rook's grandfather.
The story actually only takes place over a few days, but it felt like longer, since the pace and the choices for the MCs were spot on. And because Rook and Dante has history the 'insta-something', never felt out-of-place or like a magic solution -IMO.
I was entertained throughout, I laughed a lot, and I loved all of the characters.
It is clear though, that we do not have all of Rook's story yet (his mother and his 'adventures' as a carnie), and I'm pretty sure something will also come up with the waste of space that is Dante's parents.
I truly hope though, that this will not be another: I-forgive-all-your-disgustingness-just-because-you-put-me-in-this-world!
But as for the rest of it:
The next book of the series will be a one-click-buy... So please: GIVE ME MORE!!!
And just a side-note: Could you PLEASE for the love of all that is holy: when you have a story connected to another story, just mention it in the blurb or something?
When Alex and his BF were introduced in this one, it was quite CLEAR that they were not 'new' characters (they were not instrumental to the story, but STILL...), and it was only after googling and reading quite a few reviews, that somebody mentioned they had a story in an Anthology (Grand Adventures for those interested).
AAAARRRRGGGGGHHHH what is it with these authors/editors/publishers/anthologies, that you have to have a Masters degree in archeology to dig out the prequels and side-stories to other books once in a while? Just add it to the blurb goddammit!
*phew* I feel better, this book though, this book was GREAT!
September 27, 2015
Written September 27, 2015
3.2 Stars - Easygoing, lighthearted and very smexy. Typical Ms Ford suspense
A new Rhys Ford series. — I got the 7:44 hrs audiobook narrated by Greg Tremblay (always yummy to listening to) and started with big expectations.
Sorry to say this was pretty fun and nice but it didn't hook me. Just a tiny bit more than three stars for a Ms Ford M/M this time.
*********************************************************
Murder and Mayhem is a lighthearted contemporary M/M romance about a cute former "cat" burglar, Rock Stevens nowadays a small store owner, and an openly gay rugged Cuban-Mexican detective, Dante Montoya, with hot black eyes, hair on his (alpha) chest, sharing house with his lovely older drag queen uncle. All set in a quite depressing not glamorous LA Hollywood.
« If one dead con artist wasn’t bad enough, others soon follow, and as the bodies pile up around Rook’s feet, he’s forced to reach out to the last man he’d expect to believe in his innocence—and the only man who’s ever gotten under Rook’s skin. »
It all starts with a dead woman... and an old (dangerous hot) acquaintance.
Fun, adventure, full speed and a lot of stuff happening
I liked and mostly enjoyed but I wasn't mesmerized. Not bad but not surprising or with an outstanding fresh storyline either.
Maybe I've done to many RF books in this genre by now. It is a bit the same every time. You know: much explicit sex, fun bantering, exciting action, bombs and gunshots, deadly enemies and two very sexy and charming characters more or less molded from the same two tins in each series.
We will see... but to be true to myself will I probably pick up the next part when it is here anyway. **smiling**
*********************************************************
I LIKE - light and easy stories ~ still chuckling
3.2 Stars - Easygoing, lighthearted and very smexy. Typical Ms Ford suspense
A new Rhys Ford series. — I got the 7:44 hrs audiobook narrated by Greg Tremblay (always yummy to listening to) and started with big expectations.
Sorry to say this was pretty fun and nice but it didn't hook me. Just a tiny bit more than three stars for a Ms Ford M/M this time.
*********************************************************
Murder and Mayhem is a lighthearted contemporary M/M romance about a cute former "cat" burglar, Rock Stevens nowadays a small store owner, and an openly gay rugged Cuban-Mexican detective, Dante Montoya, with hot black eyes, hair on his (alpha) chest, sharing house with his lovely older drag queen uncle. All set in a quite depressing not glamorous LA Hollywood.
« If one dead con artist wasn’t bad enough, others soon follow, and as the bodies pile up around Rook’s feet, he’s forced to reach out to the last man he’d expect to believe in his innocence—and the only man who’s ever gotten under Rook’s skin. »
It all starts with a dead woman... and an old (dangerous hot) acquaintance.
‘Laughing, Dante captured Rook’s mouth in a deep kiss, then whispered, “You know you can trust me. With… whatever. With anything. You know that, right?”
“Sometimes it’s better if some things are left unsaid, Montoya. It’s hard, you know? Habits? Dying hard? All of that shit.” Rook bit Dante’s lip hard, then let go when he yelped. “Maybe. Almost. Yes. You’re too…”
Fun, adventure, full speed and a lot of stuff happening
I liked and mostly enjoyed but I wasn't mesmerized. Not bad but not surprising or with an outstanding fresh storyline either.
Maybe I've done to many RF books in this genre by now. It is a bit the same every time. You know: much explicit sex, fun bantering, exciting action, bombs and gunshots, deadly enemies and two very sexy and charming characters more or less molded from the same two tins in each series.
We will see... but to be true to myself will I probably pick up the next part when it is here anyway. **smiling**
*********************************************************
I LIKE - light and easy stories ~ still chuckling
April 26, 2015
As with all of Rhys Ford's books, I loved every minute of this. I loved the characters in this book. I adored Dante to pieces and Rook, although he irked me at first, really grew on me by the end, especially when he finally let his walls come tumbling down. The secondary characters were, as always, outstanding. Manny and Archie were terrific side characters. Even Hank was well fleshed out and interesting.
The storyline was fast paced and wholly entertaining. I read this with glee. :)
The only thing is I figured out whodunit pretty early on. At first I was a bit disappointed by that but now I'm just smug about being smart enough to figure it out so quickly. :)
And the ending? Perfect! I'm so glad this is the start of a new series. I can't wait to see where Rhys takes these two. I hope we get more Archie and Rook interaction in future books. That dynamic works so well and intrigues me to no end.
Highly recommend to everyone
4.5 stars
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
*************************************************
before the blurb was posted...
I don't even know what this is going to be about but I do know I'm going to devour it when it comes out.
Crap, I'm gonna need a bigger spoon.
January 22, 2019
3.5 stars
It took me awhile to get into this one. There was so many details and characters mentioned, I couldn’t figure out who was who. Once I settled down, I did enjoy the story, especially the main characters, Dante and Rook.
Homicide Detective Dante Montoya hoped he would never see Rook Stevens again, except in jail, even with their history. Now Rook is a suspect in a murder, but something just doesn’t fit with Dante. It isn’t until bullets start flying that Rook not only needs, but wants Dante’s help.
I did overall enjoy the story. Hot sexy scenes, likeable secondary characters and I was cracking up at the banter between them.
Happy Reading!
It took me awhile to get into this one. There was so many details and characters mentioned, I couldn’t figure out who was who. Once I settled down, I did enjoy the story, especially the main characters, Dante and Rook.
Homicide Detective Dante Montoya hoped he would never see Rook Stevens again, except in jail, even with their history. Now Rook is a suspect in a murder, but something just doesn’t fit with Dante. It isn’t until bullets start flying that Rook not only needs, but wants Dante’s help.
I did overall enjoy the story. Hot sexy scenes, likeable secondary characters and I was cracking up at the banter between them.
Happy Reading!
June 16, 2015
Rhys Ford has so far been a mixed bag for me. I love her Sinners series, but didn't enjoy the Cole McGinnis series. So I went in to 'Murder and Mayhem' not knowing what to expect. I'm happy to report that it was a total win!
The murder mystery was very entertaining. It wasn't convoluted, and it kept me guessing. The plot was fast-paced, and had a fair bit of action. But it was all believable, and didn't have the hectic feeling that turned me off the Cole McGinnis series.
I really liked the secondary characters. Hank, Dante's partner, was a bit of an bumbling idiot, but not to the point where I'd question why he was a cop. Manny was an amazing stand-in parent for Dante, and I really hope that Rook finds him a good date. But it was Archie who really made an impression. Sure, Grandpa's a bit of a dick and borderline homophobic, but he's funny and he obviously cares for Rook. I'm looking forward to meeting him again in the sequels.
Ford has a formula when writing her main characters. One of the MCs is usually a hot alpha top who's not averse to falling in love, and the other is a broken man who'll try to run as far as he can from his feelings. It's a formula that works well, and Ford uses enough variations that her characters don't feel like photocopies from book to book. I loved the chemistry between Rook and Dante. The enemies-to-lovers trope, and the backstory of the one-night-stand-that-almost-was, had me hooked from page one.
I've got a good feeling about this new series!
The murder mystery was very entertaining. It wasn't convoluted, and it kept me guessing. The plot was fast-paced, and had a fair bit of action. But it was all believable, and didn't have the hectic feeling that turned me off the Cole McGinnis series.
I really liked the secondary characters. Hank, Dante's partner, was a bit of an bumbling idiot, but not to the point where I'd question why he was a cop. Manny was an amazing stand-in parent for Dante, and I really hope that Rook finds him a good date. But it was Archie who really made an impression. Sure, Grandpa's a bit of a dick and borderline homophobic, but he's funny and he obviously cares for Rook. I'm looking forward to meeting him again in the sequels.
Ford has a formula when writing her main characters. One of the MCs is usually a hot alpha top who's not averse to falling in love, and the other is a broken man who'll try to run as far as he can from his feelings. It's a formula that works well, and Ford uses enough variations that her characters don't feel like photocopies from book to book. I loved the chemistry between Rook and Dante. The enemies-to-lovers trope, and the backstory of the one-night-stand-that-almost-was, had me hooked from page one.
I've got a good feeling about this new series!
June 5, 2015
New contemporary/mystery series by Rhys Ford?! Hellllzzzz yeah! Let me at it!
I’m a fan of the author’s Cole McGinnis series and a HUGE fan of her Sinners series. I knew this would be a slam dunk. I really enjoy how the author lays out a mystery…details, timelines, suspects. I’m almost never sure of whodunnit too early, but what I also like is I’m never thrown a curveball that feels unbelievable. And let’s just say, Rhys Ford writes some of the sexiest characters around!
M&M is about Rook, a former thief and carnie (he grew up on the carnival circuit), who now owns a pop culture memorabilia/collectibles store. AMAZING, right?! Where does she come up with these ideas?! Rook is a survivor, he’s surprisingly generous and kind, he struggles to trust and fears intimacy. But damn, this kid has a soft side that I was dying to get at.
Enter Dante. Dante is a detective who at one time was on the case after Rook. They had attraction from the get-go and it just gets hotter and hotter now that they’re reconnected.
The coupling of Rook and Dante DOES IT FOR ME. I liked these 2 so much. The push and pull of their attraction versus their dedication to their careers and the “who I am”s. But I wanted them together and I wanted them to open up and be vulnerable with each other. And it was a treat.
The mystery was also fun to read and honestly, this world the author builds withing a contemporary context is pretty cool.
One niggle…the overuse of the description of Rook’s “odd-colored” eyes. By the end, I felt bashed over the head with those words. But…small small thing.
Overall, a really fun read, HOT, and I’m excited to see where this series leads!
December 22, 2017
4 Stars
There’s definitely murder and mayhem here, but despite that, this was also one of Ford’s lighter fares, and it was highly enjoyable.
Rook is a retired thief, determined to go the straight and narrow despite detective Montoya’s drive to see him behind bars. He doesn't deny his attraction to the sexy cop, but Rook doesn’t dare think anything more will come of it. They’re like cats and dogs. Oil and water. Day and night. Inherent enemies to be forever at odds.
Despite wanting to put Rook away, Dante grudgingly admits that Rook still has high principles regardless of his criminal past. Dante’s trying to right some wrongs, and he’s determined to go by the book, especially when Rook becomes a murder suspect. However, as more of Rook’s associates end up dead, the facts just don’t add up, and it gets harder and harder for Dante to deny Rook’s innocence as well his attraction to the compelling man.
This is when the Ford formula works. Damaged antihero needs equally damaged hero to heal and be shown that he’s worthy of love and happiness. Add mystery and suspense while the protagonists mainly work against each other in solving the whodunit. To keep things lively, throw in one funny cantankerous partner, an equally grouchy grandpa, and a loveable ex drag queen uncle, and this was all sorts of good entertainment.
To sum it up - smexy smex, feels, and action with penultimate proclamations equals success. I’m quite happy to know there’s a sequel waiting for me!
There’s definitely murder and mayhem here, but despite that, this was also one of Ford’s lighter fares, and it was highly enjoyable.
Rook is a retired thief, determined to go the straight and narrow despite detective Montoya’s drive to see him behind bars. He doesn't deny his attraction to the sexy cop, but Rook doesn’t dare think anything more will come of it. They’re like cats and dogs. Oil and water. Day and night. Inherent enemies to be forever at odds.
Despite wanting to put Rook away, Dante grudgingly admits that Rook still has high principles regardless of his criminal past. Dante’s trying to right some wrongs, and he’s determined to go by the book, especially when Rook becomes a murder suspect. However, as more of Rook’s associates end up dead, the facts just don’t add up, and it gets harder and harder for Dante to deny Rook’s innocence as well his attraction to the compelling man.
This is when the Ford formula works. Damaged antihero needs equally damaged hero to heal and be shown that he’s worthy of love and happiness. Add mystery and suspense while the protagonists mainly work against each other in solving the whodunit. To keep things lively, throw in one funny cantankerous partner, an equally grouchy grandpa, and a loveable ex drag queen uncle, and this was all sorts of good entertainment.
To sum it up - smexy smex, feels, and action with penultimate proclamations equals success. I’m quite happy to know there’s a sequel waiting for me!
February 7, 2020
I'm going short and sweet on this one...
While this is definitely one of the best audio books I've heard in a while. Greg Tremblay was the narrator and as always he did a superlative job with this one and yes, I could probably babble on more about how awesome the narration was but if you've ever listened to any of his audio books than chances are you know exactly of what I speak and if you haven't all I can say is 'seriously? you need to go to audible and listen to some samples...maybe, 'Murder and Mayhem' by Rhys Ford it's on there...I'mma just sayin' ;)
Now as for the story. I've had this one on my TBR list since forever...ok, since August of 2015. It's Rhys Ford, she's an auto buy for me and my only problem here was 'what the hell was I thinking waiting so long to get to this book. Insanity, I tell you. It was pure and utter insanity on my part.'
Rook Stevens is a retired Catburgler. Dante Montoya is the cop who wants to finish the job his former partner started and put him behind bars, so they've got history together both professional and personal...sorta'...kinda'...almost?
I loved this one the story was fast paced, the interaction between Montaya and Rook was filled with humor and snark. Add to that the fact that these two are seriously sexy as hell together and you've got a hit and I'm hooked.
Like I said my only issue is that I was foolish enough to wait this long before reading or listening as the case may be to this story...but better late than never because book #2 is on it's way and I'm more than ready for it.
While this is definitely one of the best audio books I've heard in a while. Greg Tremblay was the narrator and as always he did a superlative job with this one and yes, I could probably babble on more about how awesome the narration was but if you've ever listened to any of his audio books than chances are you know exactly of what I speak and if you haven't all I can say is 'seriously? you need to go to audible and listen to some samples...maybe, 'Murder and Mayhem' by Rhys Ford it's on there...I'mma just sayin' ;)
Now as for the story. I've had this one on my TBR list since forever...ok, since August of 2015. It's Rhys Ford, she's an auto buy for me and my only problem here was 'what the hell was I thinking waiting so long to get to this book. Insanity, I tell you. It was pure and utter insanity on my part.'
Rook Stevens is a retired Catburgler. Dante Montoya is the cop who wants to finish the job his former partner started and put him behind bars, so they've got history together both professional and personal...sorta'...kinda'...almost?
I loved this one the story was fast paced, the interaction between Montaya and Rook was filled with humor and snark. Add to that the fact that these two are seriously sexy as hell together and you've got a hit and I'm hooked.
Like I said my only issue is that I was foolish enough to wait this long before reading or listening as the case may be to this story...but better late than never because book #2 is on it's way and I'm more than ready for it.
August 16, 2018
This is my second book by Rhys Ford and I loved it. Apart from wonderful mystery and two complex MCs she managed to breath life in Los Angeles and made it feel like it was another character. The descriptions were so vivid, so full of color and taste. Stunning!
Rook Stevens is a former thief who is caught up in a situation that leaves him seeking help from unexpected sources, people who he avoided half his life. It takes a lot for him to trust because everybody always leaves and lets him down. It's best to stay alone, always ready to flee. But this time he decides to take a stand, to protect what is his - his normal.
Dante Montoya is a detective who's had it for Rook for years. First it was hate, then it was intense desire, after came slight confusion and then surprisingly love. These two men are on the opposite sides, have nothing in common except shared past and relentless lust for each other. And in this time of adversity they take what they need from each other. It is all physical at first or so they think. They both discover that there is more to both of them and what they feel is more, much more than simple physical attraction. In the world of deceit and false promises they find that trust that not only saves their lives but shows them their worth and how to be there for each other.
After all the trouble, all the attempts to kill Rook the truth comes out and it hurts. It hurts Rook, he is destroyed. Many things come to light, the greed and lies catch up to people and when it looks like Rook is done for he manages to live - he is smart and slippery like that! And with help from Dante and other policemen he survives to see another day, to become a better man that Dante deserves.
This was a wonderfully written book, funny and sarcastic, fast-paced, full of loud and brash and colorful people! I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it!
Rook Stevens is a former thief who is caught up in a situation that leaves him seeking help from unexpected sources, people who he avoided half his life. It takes a lot for him to trust because everybody always leaves and lets him down. It's best to stay alone, always ready to flee. But this time he decides to take a stand, to protect what is his - his normal.
Dante Montoya is a detective who's had it for Rook for years. First it was hate, then it was intense desire, after came slight confusion and then surprisingly love. These two men are on the opposite sides, have nothing in common except shared past and relentless lust for each other. And in this time of adversity they take what they need from each other. It is all physical at first or so they think. They both discover that there is more to both of them and what they feel is more, much more than simple physical attraction. In the world of deceit and false promises they find that trust that not only saves their lives but shows them their worth and how to be there for each other.
After all the trouble, all the attempts to kill Rook the truth comes out and it hurts. It hurts Rook, he is destroyed. Many things come to light, the greed and lies catch up to people and when it looks like Rook is done for he manages to live - he is smart and slippery like that! And with help from Dante and other policemen he survives to see another day, to become a better man that Dante deserves.
This was a wonderfully written book, funny and sarcastic, fast-paced, full of loud and brash and colorful people! I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it!
September 9, 2015
4.5 stars
Rook is a former cat burglar who's accused of killing a former associate inside Potter’s Field, his pop culture memorabilia shop. Stevens may have done some illegal things, but he doesn't do murder. He's determined to shake loose the murder charge against him no matter what.
Dante Montoya is a detective who spent days on hunting Stevens down, but each time the man slipped away. However, five years later they meet again. Dante catches Stevens covered in blood and wants to finally throw him into jail. It's not the only thing he wants to do with the hot thief, though.
Rook and Dante are both attracted to each other and with time they develop feelings for one another.
I loved Dante and Rook. The chemistry between the two of them is everything.
Totally recommended!
Rook is a former cat burglar who's accused of killing a former associate inside Potter’s Field, his pop culture memorabilia shop. Stevens may have done some illegal things, but he doesn't do murder. He's determined to shake loose the murder charge against him no matter what.
Dante Montoya is a detective who spent days on hunting Stevens down, but each time the man slipped away. However, five years later they meet again. Dante catches Stevens covered in blood and wants to finally throw him into jail. It's not the only thing he wants to do with the hot thief, though.
Rook and Dante are both attracted to each other and with time they develop feelings for one another.
"And babe, I'll hold you forever for however long you want me to. And even then, I might not let you go."
I loved Dante and Rook. The chemistry between the two of them is everything.
Dante twisted quickly, grabbing Rook, then flipping him over onto his back. Gulping in surprise, Rook flailed, nearly slamming his elbow into the side of Dante’s head.Mannie and Archie were great second characters. The mystery was engaging and the action was awesome. I was even so excited about this book that I couldn't fall asleep last night. I'm really looking forward to more in this series.
“Dude! Warn a guy.”
“Hey, Rook.” Dante licked Rook’s left nipple, blowing on it to tighten the bud. “I’m now going to fuck you. Just a warning.”
Totally recommended!
October 5, 2017
Hmmm! well i enjoyed reading and listening to this book.
I switched to Audio-book when i saw the narrator was Greg Tremblay and he did not disappoint. 5 Stars for the Audio
This is my first book written by Rhys Ford and sure won't be the last. I loved her writing the story was flowing.
I Loved
-Dante the Cuban-Mexican cop.* fans self* I Loved him. He was loving , understanding, sweet and i liked how when he realized that he had feelings for Rook (Cuervo), he just went for it.
"And babe, I'll hold you forever for however long you want me to. And even then, I might not let you go."
-Rook and Dante chemistry it was real and believable.
-Hank i loved him he was funny and said really inappropriate things but you can't help but love him.
-Manny and Rook's grumpy grandfather.
- The MC's names Dante Montoya and Rook Stevens, i don't know why but i love the names.
As for the mystery , i guessed who the Unsub was early on but i still enjoyed the investigation journey.
Rook well i was not convinced at first but i ended up liking him, that was halfway through the book.
The Sex was hot too. I love me some hawt! smutty sex and this book did deliver that.
I switched to Audio-book when i saw the narrator was Greg Tremblay and he did not disappoint. 5 Stars for the Audio
This is my first book written by Rhys Ford and sure won't be the last. I loved her writing the story was flowing.
I Loved
-Dante the Cuban-Mexican cop.* fans self* I Loved him. He was loving , understanding, sweet and i liked how when he realized that he had feelings for Rook (Cuervo), he just went for it.
"And babe, I'll hold you forever for however long you want me to. And even then, I might not let you go."
-Rook and Dante chemistry it was real and believable.
-Hank i loved him he was funny and said really inappropriate things but you can't help but love him.
-Manny and Rook's grumpy grandfather.
- The MC's names Dante Montoya and Rook Stevens, i don't know why but i love the names.
As for the mystery , i guessed who the Unsub was early on but i still enjoyed the investigation journey.
Rook well i was not convinced at first but i ended up liking him, that was halfway through the book.
The Sex was hot too. I love me some hawt! smutty sex and this book did deliver that.
June 17, 2015
4.5 Stars!
This was my first Rhys Ford read, and I must say I quite enjoyed it. I love romantic suspense but there has to be a good dose of romance to go along with the suspense.
And while this one may not have been quite as steamy as I prefer, there was enough and the storyline kept me engaged and guessing enough that it didn't bother me.
I loved, loved, loved Rook! He had that whole dark, damaged, mysterious thing going on. A bit of an ass at times.
Dante had the alpha thing going for him. Which was equally as hot. I liked how when he went for Rook, he went for Rook. 100% in, no questions asked.
Hank, Dante's partner was a fun secondary character.
Being RS, there was little to no relationship angst which is also a plus for me. And aside from the lack of steam, this was a really great, entertaining read. I would definitely recommend!
Wonder if the next book in the series is the same characters or new characters and if it's new was it someone we already met?? Perhaps cousin Alex?
This was my first Rhys Ford read, and I must say I quite enjoyed it. I love romantic suspense but there has to be a good dose of romance to go along with the suspense.
And while this one may not have been quite as steamy as I prefer, there was enough and the storyline kept me engaged and guessing enough that it didn't bother me.
I loved, loved, loved Rook! He had that whole dark, damaged, mysterious thing going on. A bit of an ass at times.
Dante had the alpha thing going for him. Which was equally as hot. I liked how when he went for Rook, he went for Rook. 100% in, no questions asked.
Hank, Dante's partner was a fun secondary character.
Being RS, there was little to no relationship angst which is also a plus for me. And aside from the lack of steam, this was a really great, entertaining read. I would definitely recommend!
Wonder if the next book in the series is the same characters or new characters and if it's new was it someone we already met?? Perhaps cousin Alex?
August 9, 2017
2.75 stars rounded up
I know that Rhys Ford is one of the most popular authors in this genre, but I admit that I only have read three books form her. In the past three years since the last story of hers that I could finish, I tried a couple but I always gave up early. Just couldn't get into them.
When I saw that there book #2 of this series coming would be released in September, I thought, okay I would give this one a try because it fell into what-I-believe to be romantic suspense.
Weeeellll....
First of all, I wasn't impressed with both the detective and the ex-thief. Rook, as the ex-thief, who was said to be really clever that he was able to 'escape' all of those investigations towards him when he was still a thief ... well, he was showing a number of TSTL moments throughout the book.
Seriously? With those kind of injuries, Rook decided to just walked out and of course put him in more danger? Rook was said to be smart, but all he did in this book was caught, shot, hit by a car, and of course fainted.
And what was with Rook always talking to himself out loud? That was weird!
Then the detectives. Dante was said to be hating Rook in the beginning but then suddenly he went all horizontal tango with an INJURED man, because clearly sex was more important than everything else, sprouting Spanish endearments ... and just turned 180 degrees towards him. PLUS, I didn't see Dante and his partner doing a lot of investigations. We have several dead bodies, but they were really getting nowhere (except maybe being blasted off). In fact, I was able to figure out the villain before they did.
I also think that maybe Ford's writing style doesn't really fit my liking. It just felt too, uhm, weighty, like a lot of descriptions and word choices that were "big" words? I don't know how to explain it, but some authors have writing style that doesn't connect with me very well. And in this book I really felt it.
Two things that salvaged the book for me was Dante's uncle, Manny, and Rook's grandfather Archie. Yeah, Archie was a crotchety old man, but he totally amused me. Same as Manny. I am rounding the book up because of the two of them ... didn't feel right to put this one my 'dislike' 2-2.5 stars because every single time they appeared, I was all happy and entertained.
Guess I'm skipping out of the next book. And maybe I should remind myself that maybe I'm just not meant to be part of Rhys Ford's league of fans *shrugs*
I know that Rhys Ford is one of the most popular authors in this genre, but I admit that I only have read three books form her. In the past three years since the last story of hers that I could finish, I tried a couple but I always gave up early. Just couldn't get into them.
When I saw that there book #2 of this series coming would be released in September, I thought, okay I would give this one a try because it fell into what-I-believe to be romantic suspense.
Weeeellll....
First of all, I wasn't impressed with both the detective and the ex-thief. Rook, as the ex-thief, who was said to be really clever that he was able to 'escape' all of those investigations towards him when he was still a thief ... well, he was showing a number of TSTL moments throughout the book.
Seriously? With those kind of injuries, Rook decided to just walked out and of course put him in more danger? Rook was said to be smart, but all he did in this book was caught, shot, hit by a car, and of course fainted.
And what was with Rook always talking to himself out loud? That was weird!
Then the detectives. Dante was said to be hating Rook in the beginning but then suddenly he went all horizontal tango with an INJURED man, because clearly sex was more important than everything else, sprouting Spanish endearments ... and just turned 180 degrees towards him. PLUS, I didn't see Dante and his partner doing a lot of investigations. We have several dead bodies, but they were really getting nowhere (except maybe being blasted off). In fact, I was able to figure out the villain before they did.
I also think that maybe Ford's writing style doesn't really fit my liking. It just felt too, uhm, weighty, like a lot of descriptions and word choices that were "big" words? I don't know how to explain it, but some authors have writing style that doesn't connect with me very well. And in this book I really felt it.
Two things that salvaged the book for me was Dante's uncle, Manny, and Rook's grandfather Archie. Yeah, Archie was a crotchety old man, but he totally amused me. Same as Manny. I am rounding the book up because of the two of them ... didn't feel right to put this one my 'dislike' 2-2.5 stars because every single time they appeared, I was all happy and entertained.
Guess I'm skipping out of the next book. And maybe I should remind myself that maybe I'm just not meant to be part of Rhys Ford's league of fans *shrugs*
October 19, 2018
I loved Dante and Rook together. They were pretty hot and I can't wait to read more in the second book. It was my first time listening to Greg Tremblay and I really enjoyed it. It's also my second audiobook so it will still take some getting used to, but so far so good!
June 6, 2015
There’s a strange comfort in starting a book and knowing full well you’re going to love it, but not many authors can provide it. For me, Rhys Ford is one of those authors, proven by the fact that I just finished her 9th book, and enjoyed every single one of them. My favorite thing about Rhys is that she always brings cultural diversity in her books, allowing me to learn about different languages, customs and even food. It was Korea and Japan in her Cole McGinnis series, and now she brings us a touch of Mexico and just a dash of Cuba, all mixed together in one Dante Montoya.
Murder and Mayhem is perhaps a bit darker that her other books, but not by much. There’s a real mystery here, not just something superficial to enable and support the romance. If anything, the murders come first and Dante and Rook come second, which doesn’t mean that their romance is any less important or strong. But the focus is all on Rook’s past and the changes his character has to go through in order to truly change his life and accept Dante's affection.
Rhys dazzles with her ability to create characters filled with life, with every single detail about them clear and thought through. Rook, with his horrible abandonment issues, acted exactly as I would expect from someone with his background. And Dante, the juxtaposition of tenderness and strength, never afraid to take risks and be so refreshingly honest about them.
It was hard at first, as it usually is with such fleshed out characters, until we truly get to know them and get comfortable around them. There were times when Rook reminded me of a stray cat, with sharp claws ready to go straight for the eyes if someone gets too close. I loved how slowly his shields went down, how hard it was for him to trust. This relationship, like all of Rhys’ relationships, jumped right off the page and turned into something that was almost tangible and incredibly real. Luckily, this is going to be a series, because these characters have so much potential, enough to give us many more stories, possibly as many as Cole and Jae-Min. This is one I'll definitely reread.
Murder and Mayhem is perhaps a bit darker that her other books, but not by much. There’s a real mystery here, not just something superficial to enable and support the romance. If anything, the murders come first and Dante and Rook come second, which doesn’t mean that their romance is any less important or strong. But the focus is all on Rook’s past and the changes his character has to go through in order to truly change his life and accept Dante's affection.
Rhys dazzles with her ability to create characters filled with life, with every single detail about them clear and thought through. Rook, with his horrible abandonment issues, acted exactly as I would expect from someone with his background. And Dante, the juxtaposition of tenderness and strength, never afraid to take risks and be so refreshingly honest about them.
It was hard at first, as it usually is with such fleshed out characters, until we truly get to know them and get comfortable around them. There were times when Rook reminded me of a stray cat, with sharp claws ready to go straight for the eyes if someone gets too close. I loved how slowly his shields went down, how hard it was for him to trust. This relationship, like all of Rhys’ relationships, jumped right off the page and turned into something that was almost tangible and incredibly real. Luckily, this is going to be a series, because these characters have so much potential, enough to give us many more stories, possibly as many as Cole and Jae-Min. This is one I'll definitely reread.
August 2, 2015
This is a fast-paced mystery with two great main characters. I really enjoyed Rook, with his prickly defensiveness and his good heart and his unapologetic life. Dante is a lot of fun as the cop caught in an attraction to a suspect against his will. The secondary characters were very well done too, with a mix of attitudes that were fun to watch. The sex is hot, even if it happens to an injured Rook a bit too often. The guys really spark together and I totally bought their attraction.
It was on track to be five stars until the climax included a major unprofessional TSTL moment from the cop (a huge pet peeve of mine) and an explanation of the crime and motivation from the bad guy (a minor pet peeve.)
Still a fun read if you like the genre, enjoy great characters, and can overlook the plot hole that produces the climax.
It was on track to be five stars until the climax included a major unprofessional TSTL moment from the cop (a huge pet peeve of mine) and an explanation of the crime and motivation from the bad guy (a minor pet peeve.)
Still a fun read if you like the genre, enjoy great characters, and can overlook the plot hole that produces the climax.
August 3, 2015
Great summer read, featuring two attractive leads, some entertaining secondaries, plenty of suspense and mystery-solving, and Ford's trademark gift for evoking California city-scapes. For once I preferred the banter and action scenes to the sex, but it's always good to expand horizons, get my mind out of the gutter, etc.
Bottom line: lot's of fun.
Bottom line: lot's of fun.
August 23, 2015
This is the start of a beautiful friendship between this series and I. I could tell from the first page that I was diving into a Rhys Ford murder mystery, she has a unique and all-consuming way of telling a story. That being said, it’s no formula though, the setting, the mystery and most importantly, the characters are all Murder and Mayhem.
The strength is definitely in the characters. Rook and Dante have great chemistry and their banter is priceless. They are the very definition of enemies to lovers. Dante is on board that train a lot more quickly than Rook is and given Rook’s history it’s understandable. There is more focus on Rook’s character, also understandable, his history is much more complex and if his transition from aloof and alone reformed cat burglar to legit business man and partner were too fast I would have felt cheated and his character would not have rang true in the end.
My favorite aspect of Dante, besides the hotness of course, was that he embodies the modern definition of the word gentleman. According to good old Miriam W, a gentleman is: A well-mannered and considerate man with high standards of proper conduct. That’s Dante, with everything. Even when he breaks the rules he does it with the most noble of intentions and just the proper amount of guilt and urge to make things right again. It makes his character seem almost simple, he’s not of course, but he doesn’t waiver from his core personality and I really liked that. It made it really easy to connect with his character and his balance was needed for the chaos that is Rook. Dante was Rook’s ultimate goal to live a life of normal. No one could give that to Rook but Dante.
The secondary characters are probably some of the strongest I’ve read. The story would not have been the same without Rook’s grandfather Archie, Dante’s uncle Manny and Dante’s partner Hank. Archie is just plain awesome. He’s a complete asshole and he can afford it and he owns it. He also has a deep respect and love for his grandson buried beneath the snark and insults. Manny is Dante’s entirely too wise queen of an uncle. They are one another’s rocks and I know Manny gives Dante a tremendous amount of strength just by loving him. Now Hank is just a total kick and gives the story good balance. He doesn’t play a huge role, but he’s a great vehicle for sounding out issues of acceptance and friendship all laced with humor. I loved every conversation he and Dante had.
The overall story is heavy on aforementioned murders and mayhem and if those are go-to’s for you like they are for me, you will have so much fun reading this story. The romance and relationship aren’t as big of a focus but I’m sure more will be coming in the next installments. Reading this felt like I was reading the beginning of something much bigger for Dante and Rock. While the mystery was solved, their relationship is just beginning and I’m looking forward to more!
As an aside, I loved this:
“Loss of control could do marvelous things for someone caught in a sticky situation.”
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
The strength is definitely in the characters. Rook and Dante have great chemistry and their banter is priceless. They are the very definition of enemies to lovers. Dante is on board that train a lot more quickly than Rook is and given Rook’s history it’s understandable. There is more focus on Rook’s character, also understandable, his history is much more complex and if his transition from aloof and alone reformed cat burglar to legit business man and partner were too fast I would have felt cheated and his character would not have rang true in the end.
My favorite aspect of Dante, besides the hotness of course, was that he embodies the modern definition of the word gentleman. According to good old Miriam W, a gentleman is: A well-mannered and considerate man with high standards of proper conduct. That’s Dante, with everything. Even when he breaks the rules he does it with the most noble of intentions and just the proper amount of guilt and urge to make things right again. It makes his character seem almost simple, he’s not of course, but he doesn’t waiver from his core personality and I really liked that. It made it really easy to connect with his character and his balance was needed for the chaos that is Rook. Dante was Rook’s ultimate goal to live a life of normal. No one could give that to Rook but Dante.
The secondary characters are probably some of the strongest I’ve read. The story would not have been the same without Rook’s grandfather Archie, Dante’s uncle Manny and Dante’s partner Hank. Archie is just plain awesome. He’s a complete asshole and he can afford it and he owns it. He also has a deep respect and love for his grandson buried beneath the snark and insults. Manny is Dante’s entirely too wise queen of an uncle. They are one another’s rocks and I know Manny gives Dante a tremendous amount of strength just by loving him. Now Hank is just a total kick and gives the story good balance. He doesn’t play a huge role, but he’s a great vehicle for sounding out issues of acceptance and friendship all laced with humor. I loved every conversation he and Dante had.
The overall story is heavy on aforementioned murders and mayhem and if those are go-to’s for you like they are for me, you will have so much fun reading this story. The romance and relationship aren’t as big of a focus but I’m sure more will be coming in the next installments. Reading this felt like I was reading the beginning of something much bigger for Dante and Rock. While the mystery was solved, their relationship is just beginning and I’m looking forward to more!
As an aside, I loved this:
“Loss of control could do marvelous things for someone caught in a sticky situation.”
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
September 29, 2018
I do not know why I did not start reading this book before. Anyway, I did it now and, needless to say, I do not regret it.
Rook is an ex-thief who went straight. Nevertheless, when he finds a dead body of his former collaborator in his shop, he is suspected of murdering her. The case is dealt with by detective Dante Montoya, who not only once wanted to see Rook behind the bars, but also almost spent a passionate night with him that neither of them can forget. Now, they must not only find out who is willing to take Rook's life but also decide what to do with their relationship.
Rook and Dante are very nice characters, maybe not the ones you remember for years, but they definitely arouse good feelings and make you wish them well. Undoubtedly, there is a lot of devotion between them and possibly even deeper feelings. They both have some complicated past they have to slowly deal with. The suspense part is also very interesting and nonobvious.
I will definitely read the next book in this series, and probably soon.
Rook is an ex-thief who went straight. Nevertheless, when he finds a dead body of his former collaborator in his shop, he is suspected of murdering her. The case is dealt with by detective Dante Montoya, who not only once wanted to see Rook behind the bars, but also almost spent a passionate night with him that neither of them can forget. Now, they must not only find out who is willing to take Rook's life but also decide what to do with their relationship.
Rook and Dante are very nice characters, maybe not the ones you remember for years, but they definitely arouse good feelings and make you wish them well. Undoubtedly, there is a lot of devotion between them and possibly even deeper feelings. They both have some complicated past they have to slowly deal with. The suspense part is also very interesting and nonobvious.
I will definitely read the next book in this series, and probably soon.
January 30, 2017
Really loved this book ! The pace, the plot and the fact that there was only one ongoing drama to solve ! Rook and Dante had a beautiful chemistry and as Rook slowly began to trust Dante he allowed his vulnerability to shine through. I adored Manny and even Rooks grandfather turned out to be a great guy under his bluster. If you enjoy a good crime story, I would recommend this one.
June 9, 2015
Can Rhys Ford do wrong in my eyes? Probably not. This is definitely another winner! I LOVED Rook and Dante. I loved Archie. I loved their relationship. I loved Manny. I even had respect for Hank. All the other characters were great, too. I really liked how sketchy they were, if that makes sense. Like, Rook had to let them know what was going on before they said anything. I really liked Rook's background. One thing I would've liked to have seen? Rook do a job. Just one. I'm a sucker for thieves. I'm a sucker for stealth. I'm a sucker for amazing B&E's. Weird right?
I can not wait for more of these two; of this series. GAH! Could this be my new favorite from Rhys? Possibly. If this series goes the way this first book did, yes definitely.
October 20, 2018
It was interesting at first, but then it goes downhill.
And it kept going downhill.
On a normal sunny day, I am not a bitch. Actually, I dare say I am actually quite pleasant.
But when I have been in a DNF streak for 2 weeks, that's a whole another story.
I was 9% into this book, I haven't even acquainted myself with the name of the main character yet, and this author keeps on name dropping the MC's aunt, their dead friend, their secretary, their drag queen uncle. Sometimes even switching up between using first name and last name.
Like bitch
Chill
I don't even know what the fuck the main character is called yet. What makes you think I will want to know what the fuck is their aunts' or even secretary or even widow friend called?
That's the thing. I don't.
Plus, the MCs seems pretty bland and one dimensional.
DNF.
Blog : For more of me click here
September 23, 2015
*** 3,5 audio stars ***
Audio edition. Narrator Greg Tremblay.
Overall: 3,5
Performance: 5
Story: 3,5
Audio edition. Narrator Greg Tremblay.
Overall: 3,5
Performance: 5
Story: 3,5
A good start of a new series. I liked it, but it didn't rock my world. That being said, I also rated Dirty Kiss - Cole McGinnis #1 3 stars when I first listen to it too. That (audio) series is one of my all time favorite (audio) series. I'm interested to know where this series leads.
Narration by my favorite Greg Tremblay was as great as always. I think I enjoyed the story more due to the narration.
Narration by my favorite Greg Tremblay was as great as always. I think I enjoyed the story more due to the narration.
June 12, 2015
Whaaaat?!?? Rhys ford has a new book coming out?!? What's it about? Wait, I don't care. *pre-orders*
************************
ETA:
4.0 stars
Touché Dante! What a great ending line. I liked this book. Rook was difficult for me to connect with but he eventually came around. I loved Dante and Manny. And Hank too.
************************
ETA:
4.0 stars
Touché Dante! What a great ending line. I liked this book. Rook was difficult for me to connect with but he eventually came around. I loved Dante and Manny. And Hank too.
October 28, 2017
*sigh*
Greg Tremblay gives the best eargasms.
May 26, 2024
I've given this an A+ for narration and a B+ for content at AudioGals. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 courtesy of the awesome narration.
It’s no secret that when I’m looking for new audiobooks to listen to or review, 99.9% of the time, I look at the narrator’s name first. Because of this, I find I’m much more likely to genre-hop in audio than I am in print, so when I saw that Greg Tremblay – whose narration I enjoyed very much in Rachel Grant’s Tinderbox earlier this year – had recorded a number of books by Rhys Ford, an author I haven’t come across before, and because I enjoy romantic suspense, I decided to jump in and test the water.
Murder and Mayhem was released in 2015 and follows LA cop, Dante Montoya and a former cat burglar named Rook Stevens as they work together to track down a murderer and whoever is responsible for several attempts on Rook’s life. It’s a well-paced and entertaining story, written with an extremely sure hand and laced with humour (and several laugh-out-loud moments), pop culture references that made me smile and lots of lovely sexual tension between the protagonists. When you add in a truly outstanding performance by Mr. Tremblay, this was an audiobook I couldn’t bear to put down.
Rook Stevens got out of the burglary business a few years earlier, after he was almost imprisoned on charges trumped up by a frustrated cop who had been trying to nail him for ages. Rook’s been legit ever since; he owns a pop culture/memorabilia store called Potters Field, and is pretty content with a life in which he depends on no-one, has few (if any) friends, anonymous sex when he wants it and generally keeps himself to himself. When, however, he stumbles – literally – across the dead body of a former associate in his store, all hell breaks loose, and he finds himself in custody and accused of murder.
Enter Dante Montoya (and yes, Rook – a huge movie buff – can’t resist mentioning the six fingered man!), a Mexican/Cuban cop whose embittered former partner is the guy who tried to frame Rook, almost ending Dante’s career along with his own. Dante and Rook have a more personal history, too; they almost hooked up once a few years back, and the attraction that leapt between them then has never really gone away. Dante been trying to uncover some evidence against Rook for years, but he’s one slippery character and Dante has never been able to pin anything on him – until now. A dead body in his store, Rook covered in blood… it’s an open and shut case. Except it isn’t. When another body is found, Dante begins to have suspicions that he might be on the wrong track, an impression further cemented when Rook is shot at in the street. An attempted hit and run, an explosion… someone clearly has it in for Rook and wants to prevent Dante from asking questions, finding out who is behind the murders and who wants Rook dead.
The story is nothing you’ve probably not seen or heard before if you’re a fan of mysteries and police procedurals, but much as I enjoyed it, what I really loved about the book are the fabulous characters Ms. Ford has created and the scorching chemistry and steamy romance that evolves between Rook and Dante. Rook is a complex character; his mother ran away from her rich family when she was a teenager and joined – not the circus, but the carnival circuit – and eventually dumped her young son altogether. As a result, Rook has abandonment issues, he doesn’t trust easily and isn’t comfortable with intimacy. He never puts down roots, and he has a difficult relationship with his grandfather, an incredibly wealthy man who despises most of his offspring and their offspring, but who sees something of himself in Rook and wants to build something with him but doesn’t know how.
Dante’s family threw him out when he told them he was gay, and he went to live with his Uncle Manny, a former drag queen – who is completely adorable. And Dante is just gorgeous, a wonderful mixture of tenderness and strength, he’s not afraid to go after what he wants and he’s refreshingly honest about how he feels. He and Rook are chalk and cheese and yet they’re perfect for one another. Rook is almost always ready to run, but Dante’s gentle persistence and his assertions that Rook can trust him gradually start to take root in Rook’s mind, and though it’s hard for him, he does begin to take baby-steps on the road to letting someone in and allowing them to love him and vice versa. It’s an extremely well written relationship and I’m eager to see where it goes in future books.
The other thing that really stands out is the humour. Rook is marvellously snarky, and Dante is no slouch in that department, so there is plenty of witty banter between the pair, and Hank, Dante’s partner, is a hoot.
I’m sure I’d have enjoyed the story had I read the book, but Greg Tremblay’s performance just blew me away and I can say with absolute certainty that it enhanced my overall enjoyment to a considerable degree. It’s so much more than the icing on the cake; he breathes life into the characters, brings out every emotional nuance and – basically – doesn’t put a foot wrong. His pacing is perfect, his comic timing is excellent and there aren’t enough superlatives to describe his portrayals of the two main characters. Dante is quite softly spoken and his speech is measured in a way that conveys a clear sense of authority and that this is a guy who is comfortable with who he is. I’m no expert when it comes to Mexican/Cuban accents, but it seems to me that Mr. Tremblay gets it exactly right; Dante’s accent is slight, but it’s there (and very sexy when called for!) He does an equally terrific job with Rook, really bringing out the emotional fragility and vulnerability lying just beneath the sarcastic surface he presents to the world. All the secondary characters are portrayed just as skilfully as the principals, from Rook’s cantankerous grandfather to his friend and assistant, the blowsy Charlene and the fabulous Hank, a down-to-earth cop who hides a razor sharp mind behind a mask of folksy congeniality. Oh, and the English accent he uses to portray the cameo role of a female, British pathologist is spot on. I was in accent heaven :)
As is obvious, I loved Murder and Mayhem and lucky for me, book two, Tramps and Thieves is already available. I can’t wait to spend some more time with this tremendous group of characters and to find what mischief Rook gets himself into next.
It’s no secret that when I’m looking for new audiobooks to listen to or review, 99.9% of the time, I look at the narrator’s name first. Because of this, I find I’m much more likely to genre-hop in audio than I am in print, so when I saw that Greg Tremblay – whose narration I enjoyed very much in Rachel Grant’s Tinderbox earlier this year – had recorded a number of books by Rhys Ford, an author I haven’t come across before, and because I enjoy romantic suspense, I decided to jump in and test the water.
Murder and Mayhem was released in 2015 and follows LA cop, Dante Montoya and a former cat burglar named Rook Stevens as they work together to track down a murderer and whoever is responsible for several attempts on Rook’s life. It’s a well-paced and entertaining story, written with an extremely sure hand and laced with humour (and several laugh-out-loud moments), pop culture references that made me smile and lots of lovely sexual tension between the protagonists. When you add in a truly outstanding performance by Mr. Tremblay, this was an audiobook I couldn’t bear to put down.
Rook Stevens got out of the burglary business a few years earlier, after he was almost imprisoned on charges trumped up by a frustrated cop who had been trying to nail him for ages. Rook’s been legit ever since; he owns a pop culture/memorabilia store called Potters Field, and is pretty content with a life in which he depends on no-one, has few (if any) friends, anonymous sex when he wants it and generally keeps himself to himself. When, however, he stumbles – literally – across the dead body of a former associate in his store, all hell breaks loose, and he finds himself in custody and accused of murder.
Enter Dante Montoya (and yes, Rook – a huge movie buff – can’t resist mentioning the six fingered man!), a Mexican/Cuban cop whose embittered former partner is the guy who tried to frame Rook, almost ending Dante’s career along with his own. Dante and Rook have a more personal history, too; they almost hooked up once a few years back, and the attraction that leapt between them then has never really gone away. Dante been trying to uncover some evidence against Rook for years, but he’s one slippery character and Dante has never been able to pin anything on him – until now. A dead body in his store, Rook covered in blood… it’s an open and shut case. Except it isn’t. When another body is found, Dante begins to have suspicions that he might be on the wrong track, an impression further cemented when Rook is shot at in the street. An attempted hit and run, an explosion… someone clearly has it in for Rook and wants to prevent Dante from asking questions, finding out who is behind the murders and who wants Rook dead.
The story is nothing you’ve probably not seen or heard before if you’re a fan of mysteries and police procedurals, but much as I enjoyed it, what I really loved about the book are the fabulous characters Ms. Ford has created and the scorching chemistry and steamy romance that evolves between Rook and Dante. Rook is a complex character; his mother ran away from her rich family when she was a teenager and joined – not the circus, but the carnival circuit – and eventually dumped her young son altogether. As a result, Rook has abandonment issues, he doesn’t trust easily and isn’t comfortable with intimacy. He never puts down roots, and he has a difficult relationship with his grandfather, an incredibly wealthy man who despises most of his offspring and their offspring, but who sees something of himself in Rook and wants to build something with him but doesn’t know how.
Dante’s family threw him out when he told them he was gay, and he went to live with his Uncle Manny, a former drag queen – who is completely adorable. And Dante is just gorgeous, a wonderful mixture of tenderness and strength, he’s not afraid to go after what he wants and he’s refreshingly honest about how he feels. He and Rook are chalk and cheese and yet they’re perfect for one another. Rook is almost always ready to run, but Dante’s gentle persistence and his assertions that Rook can trust him gradually start to take root in Rook’s mind, and though it’s hard for him, he does begin to take baby-steps on the road to letting someone in and allowing them to love him and vice versa. It’s an extremely well written relationship and I’m eager to see where it goes in future books.
The other thing that really stands out is the humour. Rook is marvellously snarky, and Dante is no slouch in that department, so there is plenty of witty banter between the pair, and Hank, Dante’s partner, is a hoot.
I’m sure I’d have enjoyed the story had I read the book, but Greg Tremblay’s performance just blew me away and I can say with absolute certainty that it enhanced my overall enjoyment to a considerable degree. It’s so much more than the icing on the cake; he breathes life into the characters, brings out every emotional nuance and – basically – doesn’t put a foot wrong. His pacing is perfect, his comic timing is excellent and there aren’t enough superlatives to describe his portrayals of the two main characters. Dante is quite softly spoken and his speech is measured in a way that conveys a clear sense of authority and that this is a guy who is comfortable with who he is. I’m no expert when it comes to Mexican/Cuban accents, but it seems to me that Mr. Tremblay gets it exactly right; Dante’s accent is slight, but it’s there (and very sexy when called for!) He does an equally terrific job with Rook, really bringing out the emotional fragility and vulnerability lying just beneath the sarcastic surface he presents to the world. All the secondary characters are portrayed just as skilfully as the principals, from Rook’s cantankerous grandfather to his friend and assistant, the blowsy Charlene and the fabulous Hank, a down-to-earth cop who hides a razor sharp mind behind a mask of folksy congeniality. Oh, and the English accent he uses to portray the cameo role of a female, British pathologist is spot on. I was in accent heaven :)
As is obvious, I loved Murder and Mayhem and lucky for me, book two, Tramps and Thieves is already available. I can’t wait to spend some more time with this tremendous group of characters and to find what mischief Rook gets himself into next.
April 20, 2017
I loved everything about this one. Greg Tremblay's narration (a new narrator as far as I was concerned) was brilliant, and of course I've since gone on a Greg Tremblay hunt on Audible!! The snark setting was definitely set to stun [or should that be kill??] sometimes (from both Rook and his grandfather Archie AND Dante's cop sidekick Hank Camden), the sex scenes were scorching but oh so tender, the female voices were good too and his softly spoken Dante and Uncle Manny were wonderful. The fragile, vulnerable and many layered Rook was a joy, I laughed my head off and then he went and spoiled it by making me want to punch him several times. There was plenty of humour, and I have to say I had my suspicions about the villain of the piece, but I particularly liked where Dante and Hank were deaf cos of the explosions rocking a certain part of LA, and Hank just kept shouting at the top of his voice...and deafening everyone else (so funny). I'm glad this looks like a new series from Rhys, what a great start. 5 stars.
March 30, 2025
Another winner!
June 15, 2015
4.5 Stars
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