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Sinners #2
Whiskey and Wry
alternate cover edition of ASIN B07CZ54KQQ
Sequel to Sinner's Gin
Sinners Series: Book Two
He was dead. And it was murder most foul. If erasing a man’s existence could even be called murder.
When Damien Mitchell wakes, he finds himself without a life or a name. The Montana asylum’s doctors tell him he’s delusional and his memories are all lies: he’s really Stephen Thompson, and he’d gone over the edge, obsessing about a rock star who died in a fiery crash. His chance to escape back to his own life comes when his prison burns, but a gunman is waiting for him, determined that neither Stephen Thompson nor Damien Mitchell will escape.
With the assassin on his tail, Damien flees to the City by the Bay, but keeping a low profile is the only way he’ll survive as he searches San Francisco for his best friend, Miki St. John. Falling back on what kept him fed before he made it big, Damien sings for his supper outside Finnegan’s, an Irish pub on the pier, and he soon falls in with the owner, Sionn Murphy. Damien doesn’t need a complication like Sionn, and to make matters worse, the gunman—who doesn’t mind going through Sionn or anyone else if that’s what it takes kill Damien—shows up to finish what he started.
254 pages, ebook
First published August 19, 2013
122 people are currently reading
833 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 364 reviews
July 14, 2018
Posted at Shelf Inflicted
Even though I didn’t totally love Sinner's Gin, the ending was such a surprise that I was on pins and needles awaiting the next story.
Damien Mitchell, guitarist, and one of three band members who died in a car crash, is actually alive and well. Well, not totally well. He’s shut up in a mental institution, pumped up full of drugs, and with no memory of that strange couple that calls themselves his parents. His memories are just starting to return, and now he’s on the run because someone is trying to kill him.
Like Miki St. John in the previous story, Damien is a very damaged character who is wary and distrustful of others. He grew up with a very abusive father and a neglectful, alcoholic mother. The only person in the world he can trust is Miki, and now that Damien knows he’s alive, he is determined to find him. Only Miki will be able to fill in the blanks of his life.
While searching for Miki, Damien holes up in a dumpy attic apartment while busking at Finnegan’s Pub. The owner, Sionn Murphy, takes an instant liking to him. The attraction is mutual, but I appreciated that their relationship moved along at a slow pace, allowing me to feel the intensity of their growing love for each other.
Their sex scenes were hot, but one of the hottest scenes in this story for me was the kiss they exchanged while drinking coffee and eating glazed donuts.
Sigh….
As much as I love Sionn Murphy, I didn’t find him to be as fully fleshed out as Kane was in the first story. Other than owning a pub, he doesn’t seem to have much of a life at all other than to be the perfect boyfriend for Damien. There were only glimpses of difficulties in his past, with details that were fascinating enough, but lacking. I wanted to know a lot more! Even his physical description was vague and I found myself glancing at the cover to help me picture what he looked like. Damien is on the left in full color and sexy scruffiness, while Sionn’s ghostly pallor blends in too well with the background. Just like the cover, Sionn was a little too much in the background for my liking.
The things that annoyed me in Sinner's Gin were much less prevalent in this story, for which I’m grateful. The Morgan/Finnegan clan was genuinely loving and supportive without feeling annoyingly smothering and intrusive. I also liked the larger focus on Donal, the patriarch of the clan. He’s full of compassion and wisdom and the kind of person one would be proud to call dad.
The villains were downright evil to the point they were caricatures. They would have been a lot more believable with the nuances and shades of gray that exist in humanity. Their crimes were over the top and I rolled my eyes a few times, but at the same time I found myself holding my breath and unable to stop reading until the very end.
Overall, this is a worthy addition to the Sinners series. I am definitely looking forward to the next two stories and hope that Miki and Damien will soon be getting a band together and making music again.
Even though I didn’t totally love Sinner's Gin, the ending was such a surprise that I was on pins and needles awaiting the next story.
Damien Mitchell, guitarist, and one of three band members who died in a car crash, is actually alive and well. Well, not totally well. He’s shut up in a mental institution, pumped up full of drugs, and with no memory of that strange couple that calls themselves his parents. His memories are just starting to return, and now he’s on the run because someone is trying to kill him.
Like Miki St. John in the previous story, Damien is a very damaged character who is wary and distrustful of others. He grew up with a very abusive father and a neglectful, alcoholic mother. The only person in the world he can trust is Miki, and now that Damien knows he’s alive, he is determined to find him. Only Miki will be able to fill in the blanks of his life.
While searching for Miki, Damien holes up in a dumpy attic apartment while busking at Finnegan’s Pub. The owner, Sionn Murphy, takes an instant liking to him. The attraction is mutual, but I appreciated that their relationship moved along at a slow pace, allowing me to feel the intensity of their growing love for each other.
Their sex scenes were hot, but one of the hottest scenes in this story for me was the kiss they exchanged while drinking coffee and eating glazed donuts.
“The small piece of paper Sionn used mopped up a bit of crème, and Damien leaned in, angling his chin up. He kept his eyes down, trying not to overtly inhale the woodsy green cologne Sionn wore or stare at the faint stubble scruffing the man’s strong chin. He already knew Sionn’s eyes were flecked by pale sky-blue specks around his pupil with a black ring running around his irises, but Damie didn’t stare into them, not when the man’s breath whispered over his jaw and fingers scraped crème from Damie’s cheek. There must have been a dollop of crème left somewhere, or maybe Sionn had more than a bit of it when he’d bitten into the donut, because when his lips met Damien’s, their kiss tasted of milky sugar and hot cinnamon.”
Sigh….
As much as I love Sionn Murphy, I didn’t find him to be as fully fleshed out as Kane was in the first story. Other than owning a pub, he doesn’t seem to have much of a life at all other than to be the perfect boyfriend for Damien. There were only glimpses of difficulties in his past, with details that were fascinating enough, but lacking. I wanted to know a lot more! Even his physical description was vague and I found myself glancing at the cover to help me picture what he looked like. Damien is on the left in full color and sexy scruffiness, while Sionn’s ghostly pallor blends in too well with the background. Just like the cover, Sionn was a little too much in the background for my liking.
The things that annoyed me in Sinner's Gin were much less prevalent in this story, for which I’m grateful. The Morgan/Finnegan clan was genuinely loving and supportive without feeling annoyingly smothering and intrusive. I also liked the larger focus on Donal, the patriarch of the clan. He’s full of compassion and wisdom and the kind of person one would be proud to call dad.
The villains were downright evil to the point they were caricatures. They would have been a lot more believable with the nuances and shades of gray that exist in humanity. Their crimes were over the top and I rolled my eyes a few times, but at the same time I found myself holding my breath and unable to stop reading until the very end.
Overall, this is a worthy addition to the Sinners series. I am definitely looking forward to the next two stories and hope that Miki and Damien will soon be getting a band together and making music again.
September 10, 2025
Reread July 2023
Love these two.
Reread March 2019
Still love these two.
Reread May 2018
I enjoyed this more second go round so I bumped up my rating. I love Sionn and Damien so much. They go together perfectly.
Originally read December 2017
Someone is out to make Damien believe he's not who the thinks he is. He can't remember anyone but his best friend Miki so maybe he is crazy. Throw in a killer who needs Damien dead and he doesn't know what to do except run. Until he finds Sionn.
This was another great addition to the Sinners series. I am loving these books. I didn't like it as much as the first one. Something was missing though I'm not sure what. However, I loved both characters and all the side characters. I love Ford's writing and the heroes are swoon-worthy. I will definitely be reading more.
Love these two.
Reread March 2019
Still love these two.
Reread May 2018
I enjoyed this more second go round so I bumped up my rating. I love Sionn and Damien so much. They go together perfectly.
Originally read December 2017
Someone is out to make Damien believe he's not who the thinks he is. He can't remember anyone but his best friend Miki so maybe he is crazy. Throw in a killer who needs Damien dead and he doesn't know what to do except run. Until he finds Sionn.
This was another great addition to the Sinners series. I am loving these books. I didn't like it as much as the first one. Something was missing though I'm not sure what. However, I loved both characters and all the side characters. I love Ford's writing and the heroes are swoon-worthy. I will definitely be reading more.
August 19, 2013
My interview with Rhys Ford as she discusses "Whiskey and Wry" over at The Blog of Sid Love: http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/08/...
You know what I really like about Rhys Ford books? I know what I’m going to get. Great MC’s (usually 1 really likable and 1 that takes some warming to), tons of side characters (like, A LOT), a zany mystery (that usually is impossible to guess because it comes from left field – but the answer is always the least important part of the book!), hot sex, and a sprinkling of melt-your-heart tenderness.
You get all that in Whiskey & Wry…but this one…THIS ONE? This one does it BEST. Everything that I like about Ford’s books, I liked even more. Every couple that I grew to love in Ford’s books, this couple I loved even more. Every dark and evil twist that threw me in Ford’s books, was darker and eviler and threw me even more.
I LOVED IT.
I so so so liked Miki and Kane in Sinner’s Gin (book 1 of the series). But Damian and Sionn are officially my favorite Ford couple. Damien is Miki, but less grouchy. Sionn is Kane, but less perfect. Together they are surprisingly sweet, very hot, and their love is the kind that saves each other. *big smile*
But what kinda sets this book apart most is *shudder*…Parker. Oh, wait till ya’ll meet Parker. THIS GUY SCARES THE CRAP OUT OF ME!!!!!! That is one messed-up mo’fo. Yuck. (and written so so well!)
My one 1 tiny tiny little niggle…and this is hardly the author’s fault…is…well you guys know…grey shirt cover guy! I can’t let him be Sionn in my mind if he’s gonna be 100 other MC’s in my coming books! GAH!!!! So disappointed. I need to scrub my brain of his image and think of someone else. (But that Damien? Spot on…and so yummy!)
I would not recommend this book as a standalone…which is a good thing, because Sinner’s Gin is also a great read! Enjoy them both!
This review can be found at Love Affair with an e-Reader
March 11, 2015
Written December 17, 2014
3.8 Stars - Devastating captivating and thrilling
Book #2
The first book Sinner's Gin was a well enough good start to this second M/M series ("Sinners") by Rhys Ford I picked up this fall. (I really enjoyed her other romantic crime series: "Cole McGinnis". All over 4 stars)
An 8:40 hrs audiobook narrated, with strong expression and big emotions, in an unforgettable style by Tristan James.
I'm another amused fan for these adorable 'Sinners'.
***********************************************************
Miki St. John, the singer in Sinner's Gin was the only survivor after an tragic accident that killed the other three band members. (See #1 - Sinner's Gin (3.7 stars) about Miki and his steaming love story with the cop Kane Morgan. )
~ So we all belived ~
When Damien Mitchell wakes in an looked asylum he finds himself without a life or a name. They call him Stephen and the asylum doctors tell him he's delusional and his memories are all lies. - The guitarist in Sinner's Gin is assumed to be ded.
Then a day starts Damien's Montana "prison" to burn and at the same time is an evil gunman waiting outside. Then Damien flees, he start to run for his life. A few months later is Damien back in San Francisco. The city he vaguely remember. The place he comes to to look for his old friend, the guy named Miki.
San Francisco...
Sionn Murphy is a former bodyguard, now an 'Irish' pub owner, who lets that stunning beautiful boy with a big comboy hat play and sing for supper and some coffee outside Finnegan's. Soon are they starting to drink coffee together, begins to talk, joking and becomes friends. Damien also starts to remember more and more from his life before the accident. ...And there are these feelings, this new throb with desire and lust.
***********************************************************
Another 'Sinner' in need of a strong 'Irish' man.
It is hot, a lot of suspense, a big warm family, intense and a bit melodramatic. ~ But 'Oh Boy' so alluring nice to listening to.
There is a poetry, an almost pompous sensual expression in these books. I don't know if it's this narrator, or the text itself that creates this almost musical sense. Anyway, that feeling makes these stories fascinating. Maybe it's also that feeling, plus these really great told thriller parts, which makes me without strength and common sense. I can't resist:
I'm helplessly easely stuck and seduced into this grand emptional 'Sinners' drama.
Do you like stories with a lot of strong feelings, smexy hot (pretty longish) bedrooms scenes, lovely big-cuddly-family moments, some very nasty cruel villains and light suspense? If yes, then you can't but looking forward to another Rhys Ford story.
Next: #2.5 - The Devil's Brew, Miki's Valentine's Day novella and then the third novel (#3 - Tequila Mockingbird) about another Morgan brother.
***********************************************************
I LIKE - sometimes 'vexatiously'...
*********
3.8 Stars - Devastating captivating and thrilling
Book #2
The first book Sinner's Gin was a well enough good start to this second M/M series ("Sinners") by Rhys Ford I picked up this fall. (I really enjoyed her other romantic crime series: "Cole McGinnis". All over 4 stars)
An 8:40 hrs audiobook narrated, with strong expression and big emotions, in an unforgettable style by Tristan James.
I'm another amused fan for these adorable 'Sinners'.
***********************************************************
Miki St. John, the singer in Sinner's Gin was the only survivor after an tragic accident that killed the other three band members. (See #1 - Sinner's Gin (3.7 stars) about Miki and his steaming love story with the cop Kane Morgan. )
~ So we all belived ~
When Damien Mitchell wakes in an looked asylum he finds himself without a life or a name. They call him Stephen and the asylum doctors tell him he's delusional and his memories are all lies. - The guitarist in Sinner's Gin is assumed to be ded.
Then a day starts Damien's Montana "prison" to burn and at the same time is an evil gunman waiting outside. Then Damien flees, he start to run for his life. A few months later is Damien back in San Francisco. The city he vaguely remember. The place he comes to to look for his old friend, the guy named Miki.
San Francisco...
Sionn Murphy is a former bodyguard, now an 'Irish' pub owner, who lets that stunning beautiful boy with a big comboy hat play and sing for supper and some coffee outside Finnegan's. Soon are they starting to drink coffee together, begins to talk, joking and becomes friends. Damien also starts to remember more and more from his life before the accident. ...And there are these feelings, this new throb with desire and lust.
***********************************************************
Another 'Sinner' in need of a strong 'Irish' man.
It is hot, a lot of suspense, a big warm family, intense and a bit melodramatic. ~ But 'Oh Boy' so alluring nice to listening to.
“It means… well, it’s sort of like secret, like a treasure. Something found and known only to a few. That’s how I think of you. Something beautiful and dark, hiding in plain sight.”
There is a poetry, an almost pompous sensual expression in these books. I don't know if it's this narrator, or the text itself that creates this almost musical sense. Anyway, that feeling makes these stories fascinating. Maybe it's also that feeling, plus these really great told thriller parts, which makes me without strength and common sense. I can't resist:
I'm helplessly easely stuck and seduced into this grand emptional 'Sinners' drama.
Do you like stories with a lot of strong feelings, smexy hot (pretty longish) bedrooms scenes, lovely big-cuddly-family moments, some very nasty cruel villains and light suspense? If yes, then you can't but looking forward to another Rhys Ford story.
Next: #2.5 - The Devil's Brew, Miki's Valentine's Day novella and then the third novel (#3 - Tequila Mockingbird) about another Morgan brother.
***********************************************************
I LIKE - sometimes 'vexatiously'...
*********
April 10, 2018
4.5
~WHEEZING AND WAILING~
I am unable to write a coherent review, so I am gonna rave about the pants losing this book caused. After reading the ending of Sinner's Gin you know shit was gonna be epic, and epic it was.
I'd like to tell you where my pants went. It got lost somewhere between Damien wearing that cowboy hat and Sionn just speaking. I couldn't even handle all the words or their explosive chemistry. Then of course there is all the explosive action that is never absent from a Rhys Ford book, it begins explosive and then ends even more explosive (gawww that ending).
Then there was this...
I can't even; I don't even know cus I am filled with too many feels.
Seriously though, let’s get to real talk. Whiskey and Wry is another superb hit by the author. With action packed writing and unforgettable characters that will surely delight all the fans. I just really enjoy that the characters are flawed and there isn't any of that trying to fix them. They will work things out in their own time. Also, this villain be cray, cray but so very entertaining. Whiskey and Wry offers family drama in both the positive and ugly side of what it means to be a family (they say blood is thicker than water but that’s just being literal).
Loved, love, love the crap out of this book. I was entertained, lost my pants, Miki and Damien are just so freaking amazing I wanna eat them up with a spoon. Looking forward to Shaken & Stirred (not the actual title of the book) I'm just going on how it will probably make me feel.
Its been a pants less few days *sigh*
~WHEEZING AND WAILING~
I am unable to write a coherent review, so I am gonna rave about the pants losing this book caused. After reading the ending of Sinner's Gin you know shit was gonna be epic, and epic it was.
I'd like to tell you where my pants went. It got lost somewhere between Damien wearing that cowboy hat and Sionn just speaking. I couldn't even handle all the words or their explosive chemistry. Then of course there is all the explosive action that is never absent from a Rhys Ford book, it begins explosive and then ends even more explosive (gawww that ending).
Then there was this...
"Shut up and listen to me Irish," Damie whispered, licking at the spongy head hidden beneath Sionn's hood.
"You say you're safe. I know I'm safe. So unless you're going to get me pregnant, I'm going to suck you clean and fill my belly with your taste. Because I need that. I need you. Right. Now. Because the only thing thats going to make me feel better right now is you"
I can't even; I don't even know cus I am filled with too many feels.
"Hi you've reached Darien's pants. Sorry I unable to be found right now, but I hope to be back after a few days because Whiskey and Wry was just too sexy. Sorry if I'm unavailable to lose my pants for you".
Seriously though, let’s get to real talk. Whiskey and Wry is another superb hit by the author. With action packed writing and unforgettable characters that will surely delight all the fans. I just really enjoy that the characters are flawed and there isn't any of that trying to fix them. They will work things out in their own time. Also, this villain be cray, cray but so very entertaining. Whiskey and Wry offers family drama in both the positive and ugly side of what it means to be a family (they say blood is thicker than water but that’s just being literal).
Loved, love, love the crap out of this book. I was entertained, lost my pants, Miki and Damien are just so freaking amazing I wanna eat them up with a spoon. Looking forward to Shaken & Stirred (not the actual title of the book) I'm just going on how it will probably make me feel.
Its been a pants less few days *sigh*
April 22, 2018
Like this more from listening to the audio.
Audio is good, but warning the gore seems worse somehow for listening to the descriptions than reading them. Also what's with the accent switching? Damie 'Californian with a hint of British' varies from American to strong Irish to English. Even Donal that chunk of Irish rock at one point turns English - made it confusing who was talking in some places.
------
The writing/editing felt smoother than in the previous book. The plot is frankly ridiculous with a heaped helping of euww. There's instant attraction and lust in the middle of danger. The character dynamic is set; emotional smaller sensual man paired with a big strong hero-type. There's always some erotic somethings and less pleasantly some intestines!
But I enjoyed it.
It's like a cream cake; you know it isn't good, but that doesn't stop you craving one or the licking of your fingers afterwards.
The ever-expanding Morgan clan are here in force, with their best ignored Irishisms. Our boys emote to family, to friends, to each other. There's cuteness and feels. I think what Rhys does best is dialogue, because there's a real sense of the characters with easy banter and camaraderie. I don't even care about the obvious introductions to characters for future books (seems everyone in this family is gay!) or that the last chapter is a teaser for the next book - these are things that bug me, but I don't care!
Love these guys.
It's an enjoyable read, exactly what I was in the mood for and I fear I hear the trap snapping shut, I'm snared and reaching eagerly for Connor.
Audio is good, but warning the gore seems worse somehow for listening to the descriptions than reading them. Also what's with the accent switching? Damie 'Californian with a hint of British' varies from American to strong Irish to English. Even Donal that chunk of Irish rock at one point turns English - made it confusing who was talking in some places.
------
The writing/editing felt smoother than in the previous book. The plot is frankly ridiculous with a heaped helping of euww. There's instant attraction and lust in the middle of danger. The character dynamic is set; emotional smaller sensual man paired with a big strong hero-type. There's always some erotic somethings and less pleasantly some intestines!
But I enjoyed it.
It's like a cream cake; you know it isn't good, but that doesn't stop you craving one or the licking of your fingers afterwards.
The ever-expanding Morgan clan are here in force, with their best ignored Irishisms. Our boys emote to family, to friends, to each other. There's cuteness and feels. I think what Rhys does best is dialogue, because there's a real sense of the characters with easy banter and camaraderie. I don't even care about the obvious introductions to characters for future books (seems everyone in this family is gay!) or that the last chapter is a teaser for the next book - these are things that bug me, but I don't care!
Love these guys.
It's an enjoyable read, exactly what I was in the mood for and I fear I hear the trap snapping shut, I'm snared and reaching eagerly for Connor.
April 13, 2017
3.5 Stars
The second part of the Sinners series did not disappoint. You have Damien who's desperately trying to piece together his fractured memories. He's not sure what's real, only that he needs to find his best friend Miki who will help unravel the answers he so desperately wants. Scared and paranoid, that feat isn't so easy to achieve. Barely scraping by, he meets up with pub owner Sionn and of course, sparks fly. The danger Damien is in escalates as those he cares about get hurt or end up dead.
As I've read Ford's books, there's definitely a formula she adheres to. You have one hero who's a bit damaged, who's been through hell and has a hard time trusting. The other has his own demons to wrestle with, but at the same time he's unafraid in risking anything and everything to protect the guy he loves. This veered off just a bit from her usual MO , which I totally appreciated.
So yes, Ford uses a lot of purple prose, a lot of descriptions, and a lot emoting. This lends to great romantic overtures and possessive claims showing that her characters are fierce in their feelings and fall fast. There's nothing wrong with that - just know it's a given with her stories. The smexy times are hot - make no mistake - and the Morgan clan continues to be a bright spot as well! Next up is big brother Connor's story which I hope will be a revelatory and interesting read!
The second part of the Sinners series did not disappoint. You have Damien who's desperately trying to piece together his fractured memories. He's not sure what's real, only that he needs to find his best friend Miki who will help unravel the answers he so desperately wants. Scared and paranoid, that feat isn't so easy to achieve. Barely scraping by, he meets up with pub owner Sionn and of course, sparks fly. The danger Damien is in escalates as those he cares about get hurt or end up dead.
As I've read Ford's books, there's definitely a formula she adheres to. You have one hero who's a bit damaged, who's been through hell and has a hard time trusting. The other has his own demons to wrestle with, but at the same time he's unafraid in risking anything and everything to protect the guy he loves. This veered off just a bit from her usual MO , which I totally appreciated.
So yes, Ford uses a lot of purple prose, a lot of descriptions, and a lot emoting. This lends to great romantic overtures and possessive claims showing that her characters are fierce in their feelings and fall fast. There's nothing wrong with that - just know it's a given with her stories. The smexy times are hot - make no mistake - and the Morgan clan continues to be a bright spot as well! Next up is big brother Connor's story which I hope will be a revelatory and interesting read!
May 23, 2016
I shall read ALL of Rhys's books!
March 15, 2016
So many things should have caused me to lose my mind while reading this and I will admit a few things almost pushed me over the edge but I think I liked it. The Morgans are kind of adorable and Damien and Miki were also adorable.
I know I said I'd pretend about where the Morgan's were from and I totally did. For the most part. But Sionn?
And boyo? I mean really? Boyo?
"The taste of you is better than any pint I've ever had on my lips."
But Sionn issues aside I really did like Damien and Sionn together, they had a proper meet-cute and I liked how their relationship developed.
They got all soppy and cute. It was proper book crack stuff.
Something I'm not certain I liked in this book was being in the villain, Parker's, mind.
Studying the knives he'd found in the woman's kitchen, he selected the first he'd sharpened, a slender, long blade made of hammered German steel.
"Now, this is probably the finest thing you own," Parker murmured, sliding the flat of the blade across her wrinkled cheek. "And here you were using it to cut lemons for your vodka."
She gurgled again, and he cocked his head, trying to make sense of her frantic bleating. Patting her leg, Parker smiled reassuringly and began to carve away the skin on her face.
That was a really a very tame scene for him. He didn't really make sense to be honest but I was fucking terrifying!!
So again I liked it and I didn't but I have to say I'm not at all regretting starting this series. I liked seeing Miki and Kane again and I'm excited about Connor's story and I really can't wait for Quinn's and Rafe's. While I don't enjoy parts of it, it is fun and at times sad and a little angsty. What's a bit odd is that the nookie scenes are not my favourite. I find myself a little confused about what's going on and they feel overly long.
I'm not sure I've ever said that before.
This reviews gifs have been brought to you by the lovely Robert Sheehan. My Damien.
Let's not discuss me casting an Irish actor as one of the few non-Irish in the book.
July 4, 2013
I'll be honest, when I first started reading this book I was disappointed. I thought it was going to be more about Miki and the delicious man who had him, Kane.
What I got, though, wasn't what I expected. Two new characters (well, one was mostly new) and their story. I continued reading because I love Rhys Ford's work. What did I find?
1) The new main character was sexy as hell.
2) The new love interest was neck and neck as sexy as Kane.
3) I love Donal, the clan leader of the Morgan family.
4) Rhys Ford makes the CREEPIEST freaking villain
This book was every bit as good as Sinner's Gin for me. The characters were three dimensional. They each had issues and strengths. They were family and no one would screw with what's theirs.
When Donal gives his speech, I wanted to cry with him. He's an amazing man and every person in the world should have a father like him. One who doesn't care who you love, only that you DO love. And his wife, the little velociraptor Brigid, is the very definition of a mother.
Overall I love these characters and I hope that there is more to find out about them.
What I got, though, wasn't what I expected. Two new characters (well, one was mostly new) and their story. I continued reading because I love Rhys Ford's work. What did I find?
1) The new main character was sexy as hell.
2) The new love interest was neck and neck as sexy as Kane.
3) I love Donal, the clan leader of the Morgan family.
4) Rhys Ford makes the CREEPIEST freaking villain
This book was every bit as good as Sinner's Gin for me. The characters were three dimensional. They each had issues and strengths. They were family and no one would screw with what's theirs.
When Donal gives his speech, I wanted to cry with him. He's an amazing man and every person in the world should have a father like him. One who doesn't care who you love, only that you DO love. And his wife, the little velociraptor Brigid, is the very definition of a mother.
Overall I love these characters and I hope that there is more to find out about them.
November 5, 2020
Very good book. This was much better than book 1. Damien has memory loss from the car accident. He is trying to find someone when he can't remember things, doesn't trust many people but he can remember how to play the guitar. Sionn runs a pub and meets Damien when he plays in front of it trying to earn money. The men form cautious relationship that grow into true friendship and more. Damien needs help, from dodging bullet and running from a man with a knife. Sionn can help him by going to his Uncle for help. There he gets the biggest surprise yet. Sionn and his family rally around Damien and keep him protected from his killer. With all this going on they find they have more than just friendship to fight for.
May 2, 2018
Fantastic re-read! The humour was again spot-on and I enjoyed the relationship between Damie boy and Sionn, though the relationship between Miki and Damien was a CLOSE second!
--------------------------------------
Okay, I don't know where my brain was at, but I thought the second book in the 'Sinner's series' would be a continuation of Miki and Kane's story, a la the Dirty Kiss-series.
It was not, but we still get to catch up with Miki and Kane again, which was great.
So Damien the guitarist of 'Sinner's Gin' is in a mental hospital in the country. Damien is having flashbacks to his life before the car accident, but everybody keeps telling him that he was in a skiing accident, and that his name is Stephen.
One night there is a fire at the hospital, and Damien is dragged out into the woods, where a man is waiting for him.
Damien escapes and makes his way to San Fransisco in search of Miki and his old life.
His memory is fucked, but he rememers bits and pieces, which bring him to Finnegan's pub, where he used to busk with Miki.
Sionn took over the pub when his grandmother died, after he quit his job as a bodyguard since he was shot in the leg, protecting a young woman.
These two strike up a 'weird' friendship (though the attraction is definitely there). Damien doesn't know who to trust, and Sionn is fighting demons of his own.
There is some angst in this book, and the hint of insta-love is there again, like in the first book, however there is also a TRULY sadistic hitman (so squeamish people beware!)
Damien is stalked and almost killed more than once, the motive isn't totally clear, but there are hints. Of course Sionn steps in, and tries to help, but since Damien is still short a few cookies, the solution is not glaring them in the face and Damien is still wary of who to trust.
I liked this book a great deal, but had some small niggles as well.
This book had the feel of the Scandinavian Noir-movement (if anybody reads that stuff) and even though the mystery was not as hard to figure out in this one, compared to the first book, it was still action-packed and kept my attention throughout.
The smexy times were -as always- hot, and I adore the supporting cast in this series, they are brilliant!
Though I have to say that Damien's weird acceptance/forgiveness of his mother had me scratching my head. This bitch should have been left to rot, just like she 'left' Damian, so I had a hard time figuring out why he felt that he needed to 'respect' her!?
But my biggest 'issue' with this one:
The spoiler is also the reason it wasn't a 5-star read for me, things were dragged out, and 'the spoiler' seemed like almost too much drama for drama's sake, which was unnecessary -IMO- since the rest of the book had drama coming out the wazoo!
All in all though, it was a great fucking read (and re-read:-), and Rhys Ford is fast becoming a favorite author for fun MM-mysteries.
--------------------------------------
Okay, I don't know where my brain was at, but I thought the second book in the 'Sinner's series' would be a continuation of Miki and Kane's story, a la the Dirty Kiss-series.
It was not, but we still get to catch up with Miki and Kane again, which was great.
So Damien the guitarist of 'Sinner's Gin' is in a mental hospital in the country. Damien is having flashbacks to his life before the car accident, but everybody keeps telling him that he was in a skiing accident, and that his name is Stephen.
One night there is a fire at the hospital, and Damien is dragged out into the woods, where a man is waiting for him.
Damien escapes and makes his way to San Fransisco in search of Miki and his old life.
His memory is fucked, but he rememers bits and pieces, which bring him to Finnegan's pub, where he used to busk with Miki.
Sionn took over the pub when his grandmother died, after he quit his job as a bodyguard since he was shot in the leg, protecting a young woman.
These two strike up a 'weird' friendship (though the attraction is definitely there). Damien doesn't know who to trust, and Sionn is fighting demons of his own.
There is some angst in this book, and the hint of insta-love is there again, like in the first book, however there is also a TRULY sadistic hitman (so squeamish people beware!)
Damien is stalked and almost killed more than once, the motive isn't totally clear, but there are hints. Of course Sionn steps in, and tries to help, but since Damien is still short a few cookies, the solution is not glaring them in the face and Damien is still wary of who to trust.
I liked this book a great deal, but had some small niggles as well.
This book had the feel of the Scandinavian Noir-movement (if anybody reads that stuff) and even though the mystery was not as hard to figure out in this one, compared to the first book, it was still action-packed and kept my attention throughout.
The smexy times were -as always- hot, and I adore the supporting cast in this series, they are brilliant!
Though I have to say that Damien's weird acceptance/forgiveness of his mother had me scratching my head. This bitch should have been left to rot, just like she 'left' Damian, so I had a hard time figuring out why he felt that he needed to 'respect' her!?
But my biggest 'issue' with this one:
The spoiler is also the reason it wasn't a 5-star read for me, things were dragged out, and 'the spoiler' seemed like almost too much drama for drama's sake, which was unnecessary -IMO- since the rest of the book had drama coming out the wazoo!
All in all though, it was a great fucking read (and re-read:-), and Rhys Ford is fast becoming a favorite author for fun MM-mysteries.
February 19, 2024
A broken man who desperately wants his life back
A bloodthirsty, sadistic and sick-in-the-head contract killer who tries with all his might to prevent this from happening
Two lost souls who eventually find true love and happiness after all they have been through
And a touching reunion of two best friends presumed to be dead (well, at least one of them...)
All of this should have set the stage for a solid 5-star-read for me, but somehow it took me kind of forever to finish this book. Don't get me wrong, the story was good, but not quite as good as the first one. Okay, I have to admit that I was in a shitty mood throughout the first half of the book... Of course, the book was not the reason for my mood, but it was kind of dragging and not captivating enough to pull me out of it, either, which is saying something. The second half, though, I enjoyed more and read it in just a few hours of my reading time, which is also saying something in turn. ;-)
But – goddamnit – the killing scenes were once again a bit too... detailed for me, so to speak. Normally, I'm not overly sensitive and have read quite a few books where a killer vents his anger and sadistic streak on someone else, but this was... way too much TMI! *shudders* So, be warned, this might be not for the faint of heart.
Damien and Sionn were adorable, the sex scenes hot and I loved the chemistry when the two of them were together.
Oh, and not to forget the Morgans... They are the reason why I gave this book 4 stars. I love every single one of them!!! Actually, this book felt more like a 3.5-4 stars read, but since I'm kind of the glass-half-full type, I always round my half stars up. ;-)
A bloodthirsty, sadistic and sick-in-the-head contract killer who tries with all his might to prevent this from happening
Two lost souls who eventually find true love and happiness after all they have been through
And a touching reunion of two best friends presumed to be dead (well, at least one of them...)
All of this should have set the stage for a solid 5-star-read for me, but somehow it took me kind of forever to finish this book. Don't get me wrong, the story was good, but not quite as good as the first one. Okay, I have to admit that I was in a shitty mood throughout the first half of the book... Of course, the book was not the reason for my mood, but it was kind of dragging and not captivating enough to pull me out of it, either, which is saying something. The second half, though, I enjoyed more and read it in just a few hours of my reading time, which is also saying something in turn. ;-)
But – goddamnit – the killing scenes were once again a bit too... detailed for me, so to speak. Normally, I'm not overly sensitive and have read quite a few books where a killer vents his anger and sadistic streak on someone else, but this was... way too much TMI! *shudders* So, be warned, this might be not for the faint of heart.
Damien and Sionn were adorable, the sex scenes hot and I loved the chemistry when the two of them were together.
Oh, and not to forget the Morgans... They are the reason why I gave this book 4 stars. I love every single one of them!!! Actually, this book felt more like a 3.5-4 stars read, but since I'm kind of the glass-half-full type, I always round my half stars up. ;-)
December 19, 2014
This great, unbelievable family brings a smile to my face. To enjoy this you have to set aside the non credible things like the melodrama and the family abounding with gays, or the cosmic event sex.
If you are in the mood to set these aside and just enjoy the flow then go for it, it’s fun. I was in the mood and I enjoyed it eventhough my eyes rolled a bit, not worries, part of the festive season. And I'm willing to try more.
BR with Ingela -
November 8, 2015
This is my second time around reading this book and this time I decided to use the audiobook to enhance the reading experience. OH wow! It was awesome. The guy who does the voices was amazing. It made the book so much cooler to actually hear the characters speaking aloud. And I have to say that the mystery made more sense to me this time too. I'm upping my rating to a solid 5 stars.
May 9, 2018
Just as good as the first, but it did lose a star over the sheer improbability of Damien just happening to end up with a guy who's related to the Morgans that Miki ended up with. Even if there DOES seem to be an enormous number of those Morgans.
December 18, 2014
Audible
Even more gruesome, the second book in the series has started off very well and kept me going for a half of it in one sitting. Then the pace had slowed down and I got slightly bored, even with the very sick killer on the heels of our boys.
The best moment of the book that tugged at my heart and left me sniffing was the reunion of M and D. I could see them so clearly in that crashing hug, rejoicing and grieving at the same time. That moment alone was worth reading the sequel.
There's one consistent figure in the series that became my favourite - Donal Morgan, Kane's dad. He's a dream father figure - wise, solid, unconditionally loving, a family's wall and support. He has my utmost respect and I really wish there were more fathers like him in real life.
As to Damien and Sionn's romance, I thought something was missing. Sionn was a little bit sappy and cheesy sometimes, and I couldn't reconcile the big ex-bodyguard guy with this Mister Softie. But that aside, it was a nice enough story. Especially narrated by Tristan James.
***3.5 stars***
Even more gruesome, the second book in the series has started off very well and kept me going for a half of it in one sitting. Then the pace had slowed down and I got slightly bored, even with the very sick killer on the heels of our boys.
The best moment of the book that tugged at my heart and left me sniffing was the reunion of M and D. I could see them so clearly in that crashing hug, rejoicing and grieving at the same time. That moment alone was worth reading the sequel.
There's one consistent figure in the series that became my favourite - Donal Morgan, Kane's dad. He's a dream father figure - wise, solid, unconditionally loving, a family's wall and support. He has my utmost respect and I really wish there were more fathers like him in real life.
As to Damien and Sionn's romance, I thought something was missing. Sionn was a little bit sappy and cheesy sometimes, and I couldn't reconcile the big ex-bodyguard guy with this Mister Softie. But that aside, it was a nice enough story. Especially narrated by Tristan James.
***3.5 stars***
August 29, 2013
3.5 stars. Review may contain some spoilers for the first book.
A good follow up to Sinner's Gin, the presumed dead Damien is the focus of this story. When we left Damien, he was being held in a mental institution and doubting his existence. This book picks up where we left off, and after fleeing the institution, Damien sets off to find his best friend Miki. The problem is he is still suffering memory loss and is not sure where to find him (although, a plot problem I had was that it should have been easier considering the press Miki got in the first book). While busking in front of Finnegan's bar, Damien meets the owner, Sionn, who is immediately attracted to him. The attraction goes both ways and soon the two are sharing coffee each morning and developing a friendship. When someone comes after Damien in front of the pub, and Sionn saves him, Damien eventually has to come clean about his past. While Damien and Sionn are the focus, Miki and Kane play a big part in this book, and the Morgan clan is back in full force.
This storyline of this book fell just a little flat for me compared to the first one with some plot issues that just nagged at me. While Damien and Sionn make a great couple, I found that Sionn's past was talked around, but never really fleshed out. I kept wondering exactly what happened in Europe and what the fallout was. Also, I'm not sure how Sionn missed that Kane's musician boyfriend was Damien's Miki since we know everything that happened in the first book was highly publicized.
There were a few high points for me, including the reunion between Miki and Damian, Donal Morgan working his magic with Damien and getting some POV from Parker, one of the most sadistic bad guys I have read in a long time. Again, Rhys Ford leaves us with a teaser for what is to come and as with the last one, it was quite a surprise.
A good follow up to Sinner's Gin, the presumed dead Damien is the focus of this story. When we left Damien, he was being held in a mental institution and doubting his existence. This book picks up where we left off, and after fleeing the institution, Damien sets off to find his best friend Miki. The problem is he is still suffering memory loss and is not sure where to find him (although, a plot problem I had was that it should have been easier considering the press Miki got in the first book). While busking in front of Finnegan's bar, Damien meets the owner, Sionn, who is immediately attracted to him. The attraction goes both ways and soon the two are sharing coffee each morning and developing a friendship. When someone comes after Damien in front of the pub, and Sionn saves him, Damien eventually has to come clean about his past. While Damien and Sionn are the focus, Miki and Kane play a big part in this book, and the Morgan clan is back in full force.
This storyline of this book fell just a little flat for me compared to the first one with some plot issues that just nagged at me. While Damien and Sionn make a great couple, I found that Sionn's past was talked around, but never really fleshed out. I kept wondering exactly what happened in Europe and what the fallout was. Also, I'm not sure how Sionn missed that Kane's musician boyfriend was Damien's Miki since we know everything that happened in the first book was highly publicized.
There were a few high points for me, including the reunion between Miki and Damian, Donal Morgan working his magic with Damien and getting some POV from Parker, one of the most sadistic bad guys I have read in a long time. Again, Rhys Ford leaves us with a teaser for what is to come and as with the last one, it was quite a surprise.
October 14, 2016
Overall book rating: 4.5
Audio Book: Tristan James 4.5 Great Stars!
Book Cover: 3
There are distinct parts of these books I DON"T LIKE AT ALL. In fact I actually skipped over those in some places. I don't like having a step by step manual on how to dissect someone's body. If I read this, and not listened to the audio that aspect would have most probably made me not pick up the rest of the series.
But then.....THERE ARE PARTS THAT I LOVE!!! And so those and Mr James made me push through. Again, I LOVE the Morgan’s overall I absolutely love Donald, and the brothers all bring their own little piece of good to the stories.
Sionn Murphy was amazing, (again, I think Mr James played a really big part in the reason why). Damien was great, I loved the whole “re-unite” thing with Miki and I don't have to say the no-drama aspect between Sionn and Damien did it for me.
Damien calling Sionn “Irish” was the sweetest thing to me, and Sionn in return with his “a rún.”....
So it wasn’t perfect. I could point out a whole bunch of things that made my eyebrows rise, but the important thing behind the whole issues is that the rest was good enough to distract me from wanting to poke my finger through the holes the whole time. It was well worth the read.
Audio Book: Tristan James 4.5 Great Stars!
Book Cover: 3
There are distinct parts of these books I DON"T LIKE AT ALL. In fact I actually skipped over those in some places. I don't like having a step by step manual on how to dissect someone's body. If I read this, and not listened to the audio that aspect would have most probably made me not pick up the rest of the series.
But then.....THERE ARE PARTS THAT I LOVE!!! And so those and Mr James made me push through. Again, I LOVE the Morgan’s overall I absolutely love Donald, and the brothers all bring their own little piece of good to the stories.
Sionn Murphy was amazing, (again, I think Mr James played a really big part in the reason why). Damien was great, I loved the whole “re-unite” thing with Miki and I don't have to say the no-drama aspect between Sionn and Damien did it for me.
Damien calling Sionn “Irish” was the sweetest thing to me, and Sionn in return with his “a rún.”....
So it wasn’t perfect. I could point out a whole bunch of things that made my eyebrows rise, but the important thing behind the whole issues is that the rest was good enough to distract me from wanting to poke my finger through the holes the whole time. It was well worth the read.
July 17, 2022
I believe this series can take its place among my favorite M/M romances. After just 2 books in the Sinner's Gin series, it can join the Witchbane, the Badlands series of Morgan Brice....Josh Lanyon's Adrien English series....and Robert Winter's Pride & Joy series. What Rhys Ford has done so well is allow us to meet these broken men, and witness the long, slow ritual that leads to their discovering each other's hearts. We learn about Damien's not-too-distant past and wonder who could hate him enough to orchestrate the freakish hijacking of his life. We meet and get to know Sionn's, a cousin to the Morgan family and learn about his own emotional burdens. Best of all we get to watch these two men warily circle one another, but eventually know and accept that this is going somewhere special...and we are allowed to go with them. From the very first moment we and Damien know the hired assassin is there. The question is when will they meet? We know that only one will and walk away, and we sincerely hope that it's going to be Damien. Nothing else would be imaginable or acceptable. Now...on to Conner's story.
October 8, 2014
This was as gruesome and sadistic than the previous installment. I was hoping for a good romance as I love reading about musicians but this was mushy and exaggerated and an exact mirror image of the one in the first book. Also I'm getting a bit annoyed by all the males on a family turning out to be gay! There must be another way to connect the books in a series!
August 6, 2013
5 Stars - KAPOW!
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
The long-awaited “Whiskey and Wry” is the second novel in the four-part series by Rhys Ford, author of The Cole McGinnis Mysteries and again, this new book calls to me: It’s got chilling suspense, mystery, another hot rocker guy and a hot Irishman. Good gosh, what’s not to like? If you like fast and furious plots, with main characters you will love, along with a mystery that keeps readers guessing to the last pages, this book is for you. Ford has written a fantastic sequel to “Sinner’s Gin.”
I must tell you I love this author. I have read most of what she has written and I have enjoyed each one of them, reveling in the complex world-building, fresh writing and strong characterizations. I reviewed “Sinner’s Gin,” which I adored, and could not wait for the next in the series.
Well, I can tell you, I was not disappointed. It was a pleasure to return to the surprising, colorful world of subcultures in San Francisco that Rhys Ford has plaited for this series. We have two complex main characters to get to know, an intriguing mystery to enjoy and the boisterous San Francisco Morgans are back with patriarch, Donal, still grounding them and loving his boys. (It turns out that the hot Irishman Sionn Murphy is family and, yes, Donal made me cry again.)
I fell for Damien Mitchell first. He is the super sexy Sinner’s Gin guitarist the world believes is dead. Damien and Miki St. John (“Sinner’s Gin”) are brothers of the heart and a huge chunk of themselves as men and musicians has been lost without the other as an anchor. Hidden away in an asylum since the band’s accident and given a new identity, Damien has struggled to hold on to glimpses of his past life, but the one thing he does remember is Miki. When the asylum where he has been held a prisoner burns down and an assassin tries to kill him, Damien heads to San Francisco like a homing pigeon in search of his friend.
Sionn Murphy is the owner of Finnegan’s the Irish pub next to the pier where Damien plays for his supper to tourists. Sionn fully intends to send the musician away, but one look into those sheltered, sultry eyes and that plan is ditched for coffee and conversation each morning before Miki plays the day away for tips. Feisty Sionn is dealing with his own demons from the fallout of a past job gone wrong. He is somewhat vulnerable, but he knows what he likes and he likes Damien at first sight. Sionn and Damien begin their relationship as tentative friends.
They are attracted to one another, but move forward carefully as they forge friendship, acceptance and trust. As the men get to know and rely on each other, Sionn realizes Damien is in life-threatening danger. Although the men’s feelings for each other are confused and not fully formed, Sionn knows he wants to protect Damien. Damien, who is distraught that he has brought his troubles to Sionn’s doorstep, fights to protect him as well.
Complex character development is one of Ford’s most powerful writing strengths and she knocks it out of the park with these guys. I love Damien as much as I loved Miki. Both men are broken, but they are survivors and they are Ying to the other’s Yang. I also love Sionn, as I did Kane. These compelling men artlessly become confessors, protectors and more to the once high-profile, enigmatic band members.
These main characters in the first two books are comparable, but not. They are, in fact, distinctly different. The men need similar things, but for different reasons and there are fascinating nuances in each of their personalities. They are passionate, caring and seriously steamy hot! You can’t help falling for them and cheering them on.
And, that’s not all. Wow, can Ford write an anti-hero. This villain is one of the most formidable and chilling characters I have read on a page. I felt a lot like I did the first time I saw the movies “Jaws.” The shark was out there and it just kept coming.
I am totally sucked in by Rhys Ford’s writing style — including her sharp, quirky dialogue, her rich, evocative description as well as her fresh take on mystery and suspense. As I read this one, I laughed, I was terrified and I cried — pretty good reasons to call this one a keeper. I have to say that I was hoping for more of the Morgans and Kane and Miki in this one, but something occurred to me as I read “Whiskey and Wry.” This is a four-part series, so it means the character arcs and plot lines are evolving. Each book is part of the journey. So far, it’s been a roller-coaster ride with riveting characters and plots and as a reader and fan, I’m on board for the full ride wherever she chooses to take us.
Oh, there is another cliffhanger in the last chapter and I have this to say about that: Bring it on Rhys Ford, I’m counting down the days waiting for the next gem.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
The long-awaited “Whiskey and Wry” is the second novel in the four-part series by Rhys Ford, author of The Cole McGinnis Mysteries and again, this new book calls to me: It’s got chilling suspense, mystery, another hot rocker guy and a hot Irishman. Good gosh, what’s not to like? If you like fast and furious plots, with main characters you will love, along with a mystery that keeps readers guessing to the last pages, this book is for you. Ford has written a fantastic sequel to “Sinner’s Gin.”
I must tell you I love this author. I have read most of what she has written and I have enjoyed each one of them, reveling in the complex world-building, fresh writing and strong characterizations. I reviewed “Sinner’s Gin,” which I adored, and could not wait for the next in the series.
Well, I can tell you, I was not disappointed. It was a pleasure to return to the surprising, colorful world of subcultures in San Francisco that Rhys Ford has plaited for this series. We have two complex main characters to get to know, an intriguing mystery to enjoy and the boisterous San Francisco Morgans are back with patriarch, Donal, still grounding them and loving his boys. (It turns out that the hot Irishman Sionn Murphy is family and, yes, Donal made me cry again.)
I fell for Damien Mitchell first. He is the super sexy Sinner’s Gin guitarist the world believes is dead. Damien and Miki St. John (“Sinner’s Gin”) are brothers of the heart and a huge chunk of themselves as men and musicians has been lost without the other as an anchor. Hidden away in an asylum since the band’s accident and given a new identity, Damien has struggled to hold on to glimpses of his past life, but the one thing he does remember is Miki. When the asylum where he has been held a prisoner burns down and an assassin tries to kill him, Damien heads to San Francisco like a homing pigeon in search of his friend.
Sionn Murphy is the owner of Finnegan’s the Irish pub next to the pier where Damien plays for his supper to tourists. Sionn fully intends to send the musician away, but one look into those sheltered, sultry eyes and that plan is ditched for coffee and conversation each morning before Miki plays the day away for tips. Feisty Sionn is dealing with his own demons from the fallout of a past job gone wrong. He is somewhat vulnerable, but he knows what he likes and he likes Damien at first sight. Sionn and Damien begin their relationship as tentative friends.
They are attracted to one another, but move forward carefully as they forge friendship, acceptance and trust. As the men get to know and rely on each other, Sionn realizes Damien is in life-threatening danger. Although the men’s feelings for each other are confused and not fully formed, Sionn knows he wants to protect Damien. Damien, who is distraught that he has brought his troubles to Sionn’s doorstep, fights to protect him as well.
Complex character development is one of Ford’s most powerful writing strengths and she knocks it out of the park with these guys. I love Damien as much as I loved Miki. Both men are broken, but they are survivors and they are Ying to the other’s Yang. I also love Sionn, as I did Kane. These compelling men artlessly become confessors, protectors and more to the once high-profile, enigmatic band members.
These main characters in the first two books are comparable, but not. They are, in fact, distinctly different. The men need similar things, but for different reasons and there are fascinating nuances in each of their personalities. They are passionate, caring and seriously steamy hot! You can’t help falling for them and cheering them on.
And, that’s not all. Wow, can Ford write an anti-hero. This villain is one of the most formidable and chilling characters I have read on a page. I felt a lot like I did the first time I saw the movies “Jaws.” The shark was out there and it just kept coming.
I am totally sucked in by Rhys Ford’s writing style — including her sharp, quirky dialogue, her rich, evocative description as well as her fresh take on mystery and suspense. As I read this one, I laughed, I was terrified and I cried — pretty good reasons to call this one a keeper. I have to say that I was hoping for more of the Morgans and Kane and Miki in this one, but something occurred to me as I read “Whiskey and Wry.” This is a four-part series, so it means the character arcs and plot lines are evolving. Each book is part of the journey. So far, it’s been a roller-coaster ride with riveting characters and plots and as a reader and fan, I’m on board for the full ride wherever she chooses to take us.
Oh, there is another cliffhanger in the last chapter and I have this to say about that: Bring it on Rhys Ford, I’m counting down the days waiting for the next gem.
December 16, 2013
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
Sinner's Gin was my first Rhys Ford book and I was immediately hooked on her writing. I have since gone on to read Cole and Jae's series and I become a bigger fan with each book I read. After the cliffhanger at the end of Sinner's Gin, I was eagerly awaiting Whiskey and Wry. I wondered if there was any way that Damien and Sionn's story could compare to Miki and Kane's. I needn't have worried. It was an excellent book. The author brings back beloved (and at time frustrating) characters from the first book and allows the reader to see them as Damien's story plays out. Miki and Kane (who I simply adore) are in this quite a bit and there is one scene that literally brought tears to my eyes. If you read it, you'll know what I'm referring to.
There's mystery and violence. Damien is constantly battling with himself over his identity. There is also one hell of a romance between him and Sionn Murphy. Rhys Ford does write her sex scenes well. :)
Overall, I loved it. I loved reconnecting with Miki and Kane and I loved watching Damien as he finally found home. An outstanding addition to the Sinners series.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
My Favorite Books of 2013 .
Sinner's Gin was my first Rhys Ford book and I was immediately hooked on her writing. I have since gone on to read Cole and Jae's series and I become a bigger fan with each book I read. After the cliffhanger at the end of Sinner's Gin, I was eagerly awaiting Whiskey and Wry. I wondered if there was any way that Damien and Sionn's story could compare to Miki and Kane's. I needn't have worried. It was an excellent book. The author brings back beloved (and at time frustrating) characters from the first book and allows the reader to see them as Damien's story plays out. Miki and Kane (who I simply adore) are in this quite a bit and there is one scene that literally brought tears to my eyes. If you read it, you'll know what I'm referring to.
There's mystery and violence. Damien is constantly battling with himself over his identity. There is also one hell of a romance between him and Sionn Murphy. Rhys Ford does write her sex scenes well. :)
Overall, I loved it. I loved reconnecting with Miki and Kane and I loved watching Damien as he finally found home. An outstanding addition to the Sinners series.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
My Favorite Books of 2013 .
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September 28, 2016Fractured nonsense short AF review coming in 3... 2... 1...
Gah. This was amazing. I loved Damien so much. The reunion with Miki was worth the wait and Sionn is fucking swoony! I want to sit with him and have a talk over a cup of dark Finnegan brew… sigh.
This was such a freaking fracking exciting story. I loved the mystery even while I was filled with angst and dread wanting to know who the fuck was doing this shit to Damien and WHY. I admit to even digging the extra POV because he was one sick fucker but he added the darkness and gore to the story that was another level and layer of WTF is going on-ness that I have come to associate with the author.
Good lord, I just loved the hell out of this and holy fuck, the way Ford ends her books with a glimpse into the next? How does she make Donal Morgan the BEST person, like… ever? *sigh*
So… can’t stop, won’t stop. Moving on to the next book!
**SIDE NOTE***
The angst/tension with Miki and Damie and their friendship/brotherhood deal made me create a new shelf named with the help of Miss Jenni Lea called "LMBMMB" (Love My Bro Miss My Bro) which is the non-sexual bromance equivalent to UST.
Gah. This was amazing. I loved Damien so much. The reunion with Miki was worth the wait and Sionn is fucking swoony! I want to sit with him and have a talk over a cup of dark Finnegan brew… sigh.
This was such a freaking fracking exciting story. I loved the mystery even while I was filled with angst and dread wanting to know who the fuck was doing this shit to Damien and WHY. I admit to even digging the extra POV because he was one sick fucker but he added the darkness and gore to the story that was another level and layer of WTF is going on-ness that I have come to associate with the author.
Yer with the Morgans now, boy.
Good lord, I just loved the hell out of this and holy fuck, the way Ford ends her books with a glimpse into the next? How does she make Donal Morgan the BEST person, like… ever? *sigh*
So… can’t stop, won’t stop. Moving on to the next book!
**SIDE NOTE***
The angst/tension with Miki and Damie and their friendship/brotherhood deal made me create a new shelf named with the help of Miss Jenni Lea called "LMBMMB" (Love My Bro Miss My Bro) which is the non-sexual bromance equivalent to UST.
September 20, 2016
Oh boy, Rhys Ford proved to me that a second in a series could be better than the first. I knew I would love this, but never thought I would love it more than the first Sinners Gin.
Damien Mitchell knows somewhere in the back of his mind that he is not Stephen Thompson, but all pieces of the puzzle refuse to go together. All he knows is he must find Miki for his life to make any kind of sense. He makes his was to the City by the Bay, searching for the piece that will make everything come together. What he doesn't know is there is a killer dogging him or how big a part Sion Murphy, pub owner will play in putting his life back together.
All the broken men can be put back together if they are in Ms Ford's hands. Once again the reader is treated to the wonderful Morgan family. To me, without the Morgans the story would never mean as much to me as it does. I can't get enough of them.
I give it a pub full of stars. I am more than happy to know that the series will continue, but I could do with a second story about these two.
*****the audio by Tristan James is sex on a stick. His Irish brogue is epic. 5 stars to the entire Sinner's Gin audio series! ****
Damien Mitchell knows somewhere in the back of his mind that he is not Stephen Thompson, but all pieces of the puzzle refuse to go together. All he knows is he must find Miki for his life to make any kind of sense. He makes his was to the City by the Bay, searching for the piece that will make everything come together. What he doesn't know is there is a killer dogging him or how big a part Sion Murphy, pub owner will play in putting his life back together.
All the broken men can be put back together if they are in Ms Ford's hands. Once again the reader is treated to the wonderful Morgan family. To me, without the Morgans the story would never mean as much to me as it does. I can't get enough of them.
I give it a pub full of stars. I am more than happy to know that the series will continue, but I could do with a second story about these two.
*****the audio by Tristan James is sex on a stick. His Irish brogue is epic. 5 stars to the entire Sinner's Gin audio series! ****
September 5, 2018
Still 4.5 stars rounding up to 5 because second time around and loved it every bit as much as the first so Yeah for the 'Sinners' and Tristan James it's a match.
More happy place with the Sinners...
Yeah, I won't even try and pretend that I didn't press the play button on this one as soon as 'Sinner's Gin' was done because that's totally what I did and it's been a repeat of the first book loved the story, loved the narration and I'm still in that happy place.
So here's the link to my first review and I'm off to the next book...or the one after that because yeah, I've already listened to 'The Devil's Brew' (review coming shortly)...anyways, Rhys Ford's 'Sinners' + Tristan James = me still in a happy place.
Original Review: Whiskey and Wry
Update: August, 2018 just another go round on a series I love nothing new here...love the series and still thinking that MC + TJ = Karen's happy place.
More happy place with the Sinners...
Yeah, I won't even try and pretend that I didn't press the play button on this one as soon as 'Sinner's Gin' was done because that's totally what I did and it's been a repeat of the first book loved the story, loved the narration and I'm still in that happy place.
So here's the link to my first review and I'm off to the next book...or the one after that because yeah, I've already listened to 'The Devil's Brew' (review coming shortly)...anyways, Rhys Ford's 'Sinners' + Tristan James = me still in a happy place.
Original Review: Whiskey and Wry
Update: August, 2018 just another go round on a series I love nothing new here...love the series and still thinking that MC + TJ = Karen's happy place.
February 2, 2014
Ford can tell a fun story, has lovable characters, and makes fantastic use of San Francisco. I was caught up and wanted to know what was going to happen, but this veered too far into soap opera territory for me. I guess I'm just not ready for a contemporary with an amnesiac hero who's universally believed dead, a monstrous villain right out of a slasher flick, an Irish patriarch who should be nominated for a sainthood, and cops/bodyguards who sit around talking about their feelings like a teen girl peer support group. Except for the well-observed details about SF, very little felt realistic or credible to me, and a lot felt wishful (Donal Morgan) or absurdly over the top (Parker). I enjoyed being reunited with Miki and Kane, was happy that Damien didn't die in the car accident or get hacked to death by a maniac, and just to see Dude again since I love terriers, but mostly, I couldn't shake my skepticism about the whole thing.
February 20, 2022
That was unexpected😍 but really good
I hope to read more about the morgans
I hope to read more about the morgans
October 23, 2013
Originally posted at Rarely Dusty Books
Genre & Keywords:
Contemporary Romance, M/M, Suspense, Serial Killer, Musician, Abusive Youth
~~~~~
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Heat level: 2 out of 3 flames
~~~~~
I had been looking forward to this second book in Ford's Sinners series. Very much so. Maybe that's why I'm a bit disappointed by it. It's probably a classic case of my own too high expectations, but I wasn't as overwhelmed and amazed by it as I was with the first book, Sinner's Gin, and the books in the Cole McGinnis series. Whiskey and Wry is still a good read, don't get me wrong, but for me it felt a bit too much like 'more of the same'.
It follows the same patterns as the first book in the series, partly because two of the main characters in both books - Miki and Damien - are very much alike, are both damaged men and are going through a similar emotional process of recovery while in the meantime they are being targeted by a killer. Additionally, their love interests in both books - Kane and Sionn - are not that different from each other either: they are in fact cousins, and one of them is a cop and the other a former bodyguard, both with strong protective instincts.
Also, both books have a serial killer and the same sort of suspension, with a bloody climactic scene near the end of the book. Not changed either is the warm Morgan family that became Miki's substitute family in the first book and now Damien's in this second book. Other elements also return in this novel, like the fragments from songs and notebooks at the beginning of every chapter. Maybe I just read the two books too close after another, I don't know, but the similarities became too obvious for me to be able to ignore them, and instead they started bothering me a little bit.
Apart from that all, Whiskey and Wry is still a heartbreaking story that I wouldn't have wanted to miss out on, simply because of Ford's entertaining way of telling a story and her fabulous writing style. Also, Damien is one of her unforgettable characters that just crawl under your skin and make your heart bleed with empathy for him. His and Sionn's coupling is an interesting and engaging one. They have plenty of chemistry that I enjoyed seeing combust during their sexy times. The build-up of their relationship is slow yet intense. Paradoxically they fall in deep love rather quickly.
Damien's music - which is a large part of who he is, of what he breathes - adds to the intensity of the story, of his character. He's a complex hero with many layers, more so than Sionn, although both are three-dimensional heroes. However, Sionn's kept a bit in Damien's shadow, with Damien being such a colorful and intense character. I would've liked it if we'd seen more of Sionn's personality too: for example, he had some issues to overcome himself, with a former job gone wrong, but this stayed slightly under-exposed.
As a complete Miki & Kane fan I couldn't have been happier than to see so much from this Sinner's Gin couple again in Whiskey and Wry. It's one of the best aspects of reading a series, even if it's a series with a new couple in every book, as long as the author gives us cameos like we get here. Ford gives them plenty of screen time too and I loved every minute of it. However, in the light of the balance of the plot I felt that maybe Damien and Sionn's romance arc got a bit snowed under by other plot lines that took up quite some space, like Miki and Kane (or also Miki and Damien) scenes, and quite elaborate scenes from the killer's point of view as well. I must admit that I'm never a big fan of a third point of view in my romance novels (besides those of the two heroes), especially not those of a villain, so I wasn't too thrilled about it here either. These scenes weren't badly written, not at all, I just thought I'd rather read more about Sionn and Damien together than about the killer's thoughts. On top of that, I found the killer's behavior becoming incredible towards the end, turning from a professional hit man into a psychopathic serial killer. I'm not sure what that was all about, other than that it was rather convenient for the suspense arc.
Overall, Whiskey and Wry was a great read, were it not that its patterns became a bit predictable. Its fabulous and engrossing way of story telling still makes it an above average romance novel. With Damien and Sionn the author added another memorable couple to her oeuvre, and with Damien a hero that has settled his place in my heart. This author's voice has become one of my favorites over the past months and this new addition only confirms that position.
July 16, 2017
1.5 star
This review is kinda spoilerish~
I'm gonna stop at 66% and leave it at that.
I think it was a mistake reading book #1 and this one one right after the other.
What I liked:
- Not much, actually. In the previous book the best parts were Miki and Dude. With them not in the spotlight... Well, I did like the reunion.
What I didn't like:
- I have forgiven Kane's cheesiness because I thought it was just how he is. And Miki's reactions to it were kinda funny. But, it seems the cheesiness is either a family trait or just the way this writer does things. Sionn's lines were... I can't find the right word, but this says it all:
- There were lots of things that broke the flow of the story, like when D and Sionn were getting hot and heavy and D suddenly started comparing Sionn to Dread Pirate Roberts from The Princess Bride. Or when Sionn was looking for D and started talking to God in the middle of a full street when he found him.
- In general, people seem to do a lot of talking out loud to no one in particular in this series.
- The motivation of the villain is flaky at best. This has been said many times before but, why was Damie kept alive? If the motivation is money, why spend a load of it on an assassin?
- Speaking of the assassin, I get it. He is super bad. He is a sick fuck. But his bits of POV were not helping me wanting to continue reading the book.
- After talking a bit with Tara, the conclusion is that the way the Murphy family is speaking is just a bunch of words and phrases that sounded "Irish" enough thrown together. The word "boyo" especially made me think of really old Irish mobsters in American cop shows typically set in NY. Incidentally, the word isn't used anywhere in Ireland, by old people or young.
In the end, I didn't think I needed to finish this book to be able to enjoy(?) the third one, so I didn't.
This review is kinda spoilerish~
I'm gonna stop at 66% and leave it at that.
I think it was a mistake reading book #1 and this one one right after the other.
What I liked:
- Not much, actually. In the previous book the best parts were Miki and Dude. With them not in the spotlight... Well, I did like the reunion.
What I didn't like:
- I have forgiven Kane's cheesiness because I thought it was just how he is. And Miki's reactions to it were kinda funny. But, it seems the cheesiness is either a family trait or just the way this writer does things. Sionn's lines were... I can't find the right word, but this says it all:
"Hold on, Damie love," he whispered, suckling the spot he's bitten. "Let's see how close we can fly to heaven."
- There were lots of things that broke the flow of the story, like when D and Sionn were getting hot and heavy and D suddenly started comparing Sionn to Dread Pirate Roberts from The Princess Bride. Or when Sionn was looking for D and started talking to God in the middle of a full street when he found him.
- In general, people seem to do a lot of talking out loud to no one in particular in this series.
- The motivation of the villain is flaky at best. This has been said many times before but, why was Damie kept alive? If the motivation is money, why spend a load of it on an assassin?
- Speaking of the assassin, I get it. He is super bad. He is a sick fuck. But his bits of POV were not helping me wanting to continue reading the book.
- After talking a bit with Tara, the conclusion is that the way the Murphy family is speaking is just a bunch of words and phrases that sounded "Irish" enough thrown together. The word "boyo" especially made me think of really old Irish mobsters in American cop shows typically set in NY. Incidentally, the word isn't used anywhere in Ireland, by old people or young.
In the end, I didn't think I needed to finish this book to be able to enjoy(?) the third one, so I didn't.
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