Back in Black

McGinnis Investigations #1

by Rhys Ford

There are eight million stories in the City of Angels but only one man can stumble upon the body of a former client while being chased by a pair of Dobermans and a deranged psycho dressed as a sheep.

That man is Cole McGinnis.

Since his last life-threatening case years ago, McGinnis has married the love of his life, Jae-Min Kim, consulted for the LAPD, and investigated cases as a private detective for hire. Yet nothing could have prepared him for the shocking discovery of a dead, grandmotherly woman at his feet and the cascade of murders that follows, even if he should have been used to it by now.

Now he’s back in the dark world of murder and intrigue where every bullet appears to have his name on it and every answer he digs up seems to only create more questions. Hired by the dead woman’s husband, McGinnis has to figure out who is behind the crime spree. As if the twisted case of a murdered grandmother isn’t complicated enough, Death is knocking on his door, and each time it opens, Death is wearing a new face, leaving McGinnis to wonder who he can actually trust.

Genres: M M Romance, Mystery, Contemporary, Audiobook, Romance, Suspense, Crime

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2020

About the author

Rhys 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.

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars


This is 100% a case of “it’s not you, it’s me”.

‘Back in Black’ is a book for the fans.

And it’s not that I disliked the original Cole McGinnis series - in fact, I quite enjoyed the audiobooks. But Cole and Jae-Min just aren’t my favourite Rhys Ford couple.

‘Back in Black’, and presumably the entirety of the new McGinnis Investigations series, is for those fans who would absolutely love to know what happens next.

Jae-Min and Cole’s story got the happy ending that they deserved in book 6 of the original series.

It had a finality to it - the two men had finally worked through their demons and gotten the answers that they needed to truly move forwards in life together.

So for me, ‘Back in Black’ started dragging pretty early on and never really picked up.

In particular, I was not at all a fan of the repetitive monologues and introspections on the same few parts of Cole’s life. Off the top of my head, Cole’s thoughts seem to mainly cycle through these topics on any given day:
- How loving Jae brought him back from the post-Rick brink
- How he and Jae had crappy families
- How he and Mike became better brothers
- How Bobby became a surrogate brother
- How Claudia became a surrogate mother

Again, these are all character and relationship dynamics that I’m sure fans of the series love and are more than happy to read about. But unfortunately, I just didn’t connect.

That being said - I did enjoy the mystery plot. I’m a fan of Rhys Ford’s brand. Give me all the explosions, gun fights, randomly-appearing corpses, and near-death scenarios you can throw at me!

The latest mess that Cole managed to get himself into was definitely entertaining.

Feel free to completely disregard this review, particularly for the superfans of Cole and Jae-Min. Your mileage may vary!

[Rhys Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating to anchor. Will remove once released.

Book one in Mystery series.

[Gerbera_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really tried to read it slowly and savor it! It was sooooo good! Even though I read the original series quite recently, both Cole and Jae left a lasting impression on me. Set a couple of years later after the events in the book Dirty Heart, we see everyone settled into happy life. Cole and Jae are so sexy, sweet and romantic - I could feel their love spilling from the pages. I enjoyed getting back Cole and Jae, Bobby and Ichi and the rest of the motley crew that makes up the family Cole McGinnis collected through the years - they are all such characters. I had so much fun reading this. Cole always cracks me up - trouble finds him everywhere he goes, and this time it comes in the form of his old client who initially was the catalyst to him crossing paths with Kim Jae-Min, his husband. Told from single POV this is absolutely hilarious, snarky, passionate and suspenseful fast paced wild ride! Life is never boring with Cole at the wheel! And get this, it crosses over with Murder and Mayhem series featuring my other fave couple Dante Montoya and Rook Stevens! I was tickled PINK!!!! OMG, to read about Rook from someone else's standpoint?! AWESOME!!!

The case was really good. So many threads leading everywhere and nowhere at the same time, no suspect and people dropping dead - it's never dull in casa de McGinnis. Add to that Neko and Honey, the ultimate pets, and a complex Korean spitfire of a man - and perfect story is complete. I loved it! Ms Ford's description of LA and its busy life was absolute wonder as well as all the spicy kimchee and delicious yummy goodness that graced Cole and Jae's table - I could almost taste it! Wonderful story with my favorite people! I hope there is more to come! I highly recommend it!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One can never have to much Cole McGinnis. I loved listening to the first story in Cole McGinnis's new series it's definitely more mystery than romance but I'm pretty sure we were warned about this by the author but regardless it was more Cole, Jae and friends so my world was good so very, very good.

[Annika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review

Cole McGinnis is back (in trouble)! I was so happy when Rhys Ford announced there would be more books in the McGinnis universe. I read the original series years ago when I was still new to the genre. It’s nostalgic and comforting, so when Back in Black was released I couldn’t wait to listen to it.

I think you could read or listen to this book even if you haven’t read the Cole McGinnis series since the high point of it are summarised. But I also think that it’s a good idea to start from the beginning so that you can pick up the importance of certain things.

True to form when we catch up with Cole he’s running from trouble from his latest surveillance case. A surveillance case that turns into a murder investigation. You know, just like things go whenever Cole is near. This is a fast paced tale about betrayal, love, murder and theft. The mystery might be on the more convoluted and over the top side, but it’s still entertaining. And the most important; I had a lot of fun being back with them all.

I loved being back in this world, spending time with old friends. There is a different feel to this series, well this book at least. The romance and relationships have taken a backseat for the investigation side of things. They are still there in all their glory, but they aren’t to main focus anymore. I don’t mind this at all. I love Cole & Jae, Bobby & Ichi, Claudia and the rest of them, but I’m also a sucker for mysteries and police procedurals, and I was all over this book.

Greg Tremblay did it again. He brought Cole and the gang to life. We ran with him from the dogs, hid behind the cars during the gun fights, and were torn apart when Ichi tore into him. He has so many different voices for all of the characters, main and otherwise. They are also consistent throughout the series (original one) so it’s easy to identify the speaker by the voice alone. Tremblay is as much a part of this world as Cole. They are magic together, and makes it impossible to stop listening.

I think I’ve mentioned this before, but Rhys Ford and Greg Tremblay are the perfect match and I can’t wait for more.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Meep · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite pre-ordering found I wasn't in a rush to read this, for me the story arc was over. Once I'd started I remembered all I liked about the characters - unfortunately until around 30% (and some beyond) I was still getting reminded. It's a tricky balance refreshing memories of not only a previous book but a series of books, and also making this accessable to new readers. Over half the book was dedicated to this. Can only hope this is a transitional book and the rest of the series will fall into rhythm.

For me too much page time was wasted on Cole thinking how great people are; what conflicts they've faced, what he's lived through, how beautiful, sexy, graceful his husband Jae is. Hate to say it but Jae was so sexy, graceful, talented, pretty, smart... with no balancing flaws he didn't read as real.

While I love Bobby and Claudia... I don't think we needed all the details rehashed. And, I'm uncertain how long after the first series this is set; Cole and Jae have at this point been married at least two years? But Cole is still 'my husband, my husband' at every blink, a lot of attention on wedding rings and then the danger/gun debate and brotherly conflict. There's no feel of them settling into life together or of life having continued between the series, it still reads as novelty. Cole faced all his demons in the previous series, I saw him as becoming more settled as a result, instead he's still flying by the seat of his pants, regardless of what he has to live for. Maybe that's necessary for the stories to continue..

The mystery went from wacky chases to interesting tangles, I liked the mystery. But I think it got lost to all the introspection, the solution wasn't satisfying. A few things didn't quite make sense to me.

There's also a crossover to another Ford series - the name Rook itched at me until I checked (it wasn't a series that worked for me). CAn't know if my unfamiliartity with those characters had me missing nuances but their involvement and dynamic left me confused.

2.5% Overall I still enjoy reading these characters and Ford's brand of crazy; guns and explosions mysteries. But this book felt short, out of focus, resulting in an unsatisfying conclusion to the mystery. I'm hoping by the next book the series pattern will be set, will be giving it a go.

P.S. - was I the only person thrown by Cole's sudden long-term love of Mexican Hot Choc? He even observes someone's coffee as being lethally strong - Cole who lived off strong Vietnamese Coffee! I recall this because as a coffee-addict I googled the significance at the time.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I picked up a Rhys Ford book, but when this book came in, I found myself once again intrigued by Cole McGinnis. He was a character that I enjoyed in the past and now that there are more stories with him and his partner, Jae, I guess I just missed them.

I will say that right off the bat that this book started off a little slow for me. I usually read a lot of M/M, especially the ones with suspense in them and although there’s action, there’s also a lot of idle narrative that kind of takes you out of it. So that would be my only real complaint about this book. Sometimes the author takes to long to keep the story going.

But it was nice to be back in this world and back to Ford’s writing. I think if you’re a fan of M/M suspense with a dash of mystery, then you’re going to enjoy this one too.

[Susan Mac Nicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I received this book in return for an honest review.
Wow, I was chuffed when Rhys told us she was writing more Cole and Jae books. I've loved this series from the get-go, and Rhys's writing always captures the imagination and you fall absolutely in love with her characters. In this book, we get the usual Cole and Jae banter, as well as glimpses of old characters like Bobby and Ichi.
As always, Rhys writes a ripping good mystery and coupled with fabulous scenes which bring out the best -and the worst -in her characters – Back to Black is a triumphant return to this series of thrillers. I’d always advocate reading a series from the beginning and if you’ve read the series before and now have the new book to enjoy, well, read them again and experience the joy of Rhys’s writing all over again. Otherwise, dive into this one straight away and bring back the flood of feelings in meeting old characters once more, and loving them as much, if not more.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the Cole McGinnis series and I was so happy to hear that there will be more books. so it took me by surprise that I needed some time to get back into it. I just had the feeling that I missed a lot and all of them developed so much as characters and in their relationship that it took me some time to relate to them.

neverheless, I loved it. Cole is his usual self - but maybe a bit more cautious and Jae is great, but more open. which is really good to see. Love them together.
Would have loved to see more of Itchi and Bobby together - because we only got glimpses of them seperately and Itchi was not his best in these.

all in all, a good book and I really look forward to the next one

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published at Reading Reality

Once upon a time, there was a book titled Dirty Kiss, in which ex-LAPD-turned-private-investigator Cole McGinnis investigated the case of a cheating wife who put the sex in sexagenarian – with leather on it. Also a whip and thigh-high boots, because the lady wasn’t merely cheating on her husband, she was cheating on him as a dominatrix for hire. When Cole discovered her shenanigans, she came after him with a shotgun – and almost got him.

Fast forward a few years. Cole is now happily married to the man he met during the course of that first book. They’ve been good years – and they’ve also been fairly peaceful years for Cole, Jae and their friends and family.

When Cole trips over the leather-clad corpse of that senior-citizen dominatrix while running from two dobermans and a guy in a sheep costume who has just been caught in flagrante delicto in an abandoned house, Cole’s peace is definitely at an end. And not just because he needs brain bleach to remove the image of the sheep chasing him with his “flagrante” flopping out of the front of that sheep suit.

Cole feels an obligation to Adele Brinkerhoff and her husband Arthur. The original case was resolved satisfactorily for all concerned, but it did, in a very roundabout way, bring him to Jae and his current happiness.

And no one else is going to get justice for the old lady. Not just because of the spill of manufactured diamonds next to her corpse, but because her past is even shadier than her previous moonlighting as a dominatrix would suggest.

But even before Cole takes on the case, his peace is shattered – along with the victim’s house and the victim’s husband. When the assailant starts shooting up the neighborhood, including Cole and his friend and brother-in-law Bobby Dawson, Cole becomes even more determined to get to the bottom of a case that seems to be every bit as weird as the first time he tangled with Adele and Arthur Brinkerhoff all those years ago.

And even more deadly.

Escape Rating A+: I absolutely adored this book. To the point where I’m desperately trying not to just sit here and squee for endless pages. But that’s not particularly informative – dammit.

Part of my glee about this book is just how much fun it is to see Cole, Jae and all their friends and family – found and otherwise – again. Especially Jae’s cat Neko, who is the cattest cat who ever catted.

But in all seriousness, something that is difficult to maintain in the face of the truly unbelievable messes that Cole gets himself into, the arc of Cole’s first series left everyone in a good place and came to a cathartic and well-earned resolution. I didn’t expect to see them back, but I’m so happy to see them back.

(You don’t need to read the first series to get into Back in Black – although that first series is wonderful. But seriously, Back in Black is the start of a new series, and it has a different feel to the first one. However, Cole does an excellent job of providing enough backstory info as it goes to get new readers into his life and his world, and to get series fans caught up on anything they might have forgotten.)

Enough time has passed between the end of the final book in that series, Dirty Heart, that life has moved on, mostly for the better, for Cole and Jae and their circle. The biggest change is that Cole and Jae have been married for a few years. (That story is told in the blog tour for Back in Black and began here at Reading Reality last week.) It’s not just Cole and Jae that have found their HEA – Cole’s brother Ichi and his friend Bobby (the protagonists of Down and Dirty) have also married, making Cole and Bobby brothers-in-law to the surprise of them both, if not necessarily to the delight of either of their husbands.

Because Cole and Bobby tend to lead each other into trouble, including gun-toting would-be assassins, and that’s just what happens in Back in Black.

But unlike the previous series, which leaned more towards romantic suspense, Back in Black and the McGinnis Investigations series fall firmly onto the mystery side of that suspense. Cole starts by doing a security check for a friend-of-a-friend (Rook Stevens from Murder and Mayhem) and literally trips over a former client’s dead body – while being chased by the sheep and the dobermans.

From that hilarious but inauspicious beginning, the case and the story are off to the races. It’s up to Cole, along with his police contact Dell O’Byrne, to determine not just whodunnit but also why it was done. An investigation which seems to be a mystery wrapped in an enigma and covered in a painter’s drop cloth.

Meanwhile Cole and Bobby find themselves dodging assassins, sometimes not terribly well. Assassins who seem determined to take them out of the picture before Cole discovers what the picture actually is.

And the entire story is told from Cole’s wry, snarky and frequently self-deprecating first-person perspective. In a voice that elicits groans and laughter in equal proportions, even if the laughter is all too often the result of some truly atrocious gallows humor.

On the other hand, it’s the voice of the man who got chased by a sheep. And two dobermans. And to whom stuff like that just keeps happening. Cole doesn’t go looking for trouble, but trouble clearly has his address on its GPS and has zero problem hunting him down and shooting at him. Over and over again.

Of course Cole does eventually solve the case. Which turns out to be nothing like anyone, not Cole and not the reader, expected when he tripped over that first body. But Cole, with more than a little help from his friends, gets the job done in his own inimitable style.

Considering the life he’s led, Cole McGinnis really should know better than to ask the universe, “what’s the worst that can happen?” because the universe is likely to take that question as a challenge.

On the other hand, just thinking about that is a fantastic way to end Cole’s first investigation in his new series, Back in Black, because that means there will be more. Hopefully lots, lots more!

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole McGinnis is back with another wacky murder to solve. When asked to check out security for a home, Cole comes across a dead body. Not just any dead body though. This is the wife of a previous client and she's still wearing one of her black leather outfits. In the process of investigating her death, Cole is dodging bullets and murder attempts. No one is surprised as Cole always seems one step away from being murdered. This time a fake daughter attacks Cole's best friend Bobby and causes problems between Cole and his brother Ichi. Every time someone comes to kill Cole they miss and somehow end up dead themselves.
This is a really good book with mystery, romance and lots more sarcasm from just about everyone in the book. The chemistry between the characters is excellent. This felt like catching up with old friends. As much as I wanted to get to the end to see how it ends; I really wanted it to last forever. Cole and Jae are a lot more smooth in their relationship and seem like the stereotypical married couple. Bobby's still an ass but a loving ass that will always have Cole's back. Mike is still trying to keep Cole out of trouble in his bossy way. You get more of Detective O'Byrne and a small peak at Detective Montoya and his boyfriend Rook. Claudia, Maddie, and baby Mad Dog are all mentioned and/or briefly met. I really wanted Scarlet to be seen and heard. I love her character. Her love for Jae and Cole as well is heart warming. This book would have been perfect (IMO) if Scarlet had be there. Already ready for more McGinnis Investigations.

ARC received for an honest review.

[Liz (Bugetta) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed being back with Cole, Jae and the rest of the characters, but I felt like something was missing. There wasn’t as much interaction between Jae and Cole, Jae seemed more like a secondary character and the mystery was kind of meh. It definitely was saved by the nostalgia factor and Greg Tremblay’s narration and the fact that I got it from the library.

[Heather C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole McGinnis is back!! And he's still running from dogs and bullets!

It's been a few years since we last saw Cole and his "happily ever after" with Jae in Dirty Kiss, and I guess it's been a few danger free years of catching cheating spouses and finding lost dogs. But when Cole stumbles across the dead body of someone he's investigated in the past, he teams up with Bobby to track down the killer.

It's Cole McGinnis! What's not to love?! I loved everything about this book:

The Mystery: The mystery was tight and unpredictable. Even though there was that one person I was always highly suspicious of, I never figured out the "bad guy" or the motive until it was revealed.

The Friendships: There was A LOT of Bobby in this book. I've always loved Bobby and I enjoyed seeing him work with Cole on a case. Hopefully there will be more of them teaming up in the future. Plus, there's some things between Cole and Ichi that I never realized were unresolved.

The Romance: Of course, Cole and Jae are now happily married now. But this series is not heavy on the romance, nor is there big relationship drama between Cole and Jae. No worries, there are definitely some sexy times between them.

The Action: Was Cole always this BAD-ASS?? I mean seriously!

The Crossover: Love Murder and Mayhem? Rook and Dante make a few appearances. And Detective O'Byrne of course. Was she in the previous Cole McGinnis books? I can't remember.

Love Cole McGinnis? Read this book!

4.5 Stars

Reviewed for The Blogger Girls

[ReviewerLarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

EDIT JULY 2020: the audiobook makes the story even better!

Yay! Cole is back! When I finished the last book, I thought the series was done, but I can't tell you how happy it is to have your favorite characters back in an adventure!

A lot of things have changed since the last book, yet everything is so familiar at the same time. Again Cole dives head-first into adventure, damn the consequences, determined to help. There is Jae-min, steadfast as usual. Bobby, to keep Cole in check and all the others that make up this fun, adventurous world of Cole.

I will not give away the plot for Back in Black, it's really something to read for yourself, but I will say that it's a good mystery/adventure and it doesn't get old to read stories with Cole and the gang in it!

It's written in typical Rhys Ford style, which is character-driven, but solid. You have to like the inner monologues going on, but that's the author's style and what makes her books fun to read.

[Sadonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review and much more can be found at Love Byte Reviews

Cole McGinnis is a man that trouble loves to find. In this rip-roaring start to a new series starring our favorite guys, Cole and his now husband Jae, we once again are in for a roller-coaster of a ride. The opening of this story was absolutely perfect – an homage to the kick-off of the original series. And even some familiar characters. I really don’t want to say much about the plot, because the mystery and the murders should be discovered by the reader. Suffice to say that when Cole accepts what should have been an easy recon/security job, it ends in him basically tripping over a dead body while being chased by a potential killer. But then he feels compelled to find out what really happened to the murder victim that he accidentally discovered. And that task is a whole lot harder than it sounds. Cole calls on his best friend and former LAPD detective Bobby Dawson who tries to help him piece together what in the heck is going on. There are clues but they point in all different directions. It becomes clear that a lot of the people involved have very deep secrets and they sure don’t want Cole to discover what they are or figure out the motive for the murder. But fear not! Cole doesn’t back down from a mystery 😉

I am sooooo happy Cole and Jae are back! Along for the ride are Bobby and Ichi and Rook and Dante (from Ford’s Murder and Mayhem series). There is even a call out to one of Ford’s other popular series 😀 Just like we’d expect for a Cole McGinnis story, we begin with a scene that just jumps off the page. For those long time fans of Rhys Ford’s Cole McGinnis series (affectionately known as the Dirty series), this will come as no surprise and is like visiting an old friend. With a death wish. Honestly, poor Cole just cannot buy a break. One of my favorite things about having Cole back is that we also get to see how Cole’s office manager (and surrogate mother) Claudia is doing these days still trying to keep Cole in line 😉 She of course has her work cut out for her. Cole’s family has expanded by a niece and it’s endearing to see how he’s taking to being an uncle. Most importantly we see how his marriage is working. Marriage is definitely a different thing and this is exemplified particularly well in this story as we see how different couples deal with the stresses of the case. I also really enjoyed the difference in Cole’s relationship with the police at this point. It’s a bit less contentious than it was in the previous series and it’s refreshing to see that maybe things are improving at LAPD?? Cole’s relationships with his brothers Ichi and Mike as well as his BFF Bobby have progressed as their lives have changes since the final book in the previous series as well.

Just a note to those who have not read the previous Dirty series – more properly named the Cole McGinnis series. Certainly this book can be read without reading those stories first, but I wouldn’t really recommend it. The original series really sets the stage and context for much of the dialogue that occurs in this book. On it’s own, it’s a really fantastic book that shows the maturity and the growth of the characters into this next phase of their lives and loves, but definitely keeps the adrenaline pumping. For long time Ford fans, we would expect nothing less. Brava and well done! Highly recommended.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal from the first scene to the last!

Cole McGinnis is back in business and I’m here for it. Like other fans of the series, I was excited when Rhys Ford announced the birth of McGinnis Investigations. In book 1, “Back in Black” Cole and company are back and better than ever. All the favorite characters are back, along with some other favorites from another series. In Back in Black, Cole is a few years removed from Dirty Heart and is now happy and settled in his marriage to his beloved Jae. There’s still a lot of heat in their relationship, but also the warm comfort and happiness of clicking with the other half of your heart. Seeing Cole and Jae like this made Back in Black feel the comfort of coming home after a long day. The dynamic between Cole and Bobby is the same sarcastically affectionate relationship as they chase down leads on the latest crazy mystery that leads Cole into totally Cole-like hairy situations. Dell O’Byrne is also back, working with Cole as her consultant. The groundwork for a friendship between them is set and I can’t wait to see this friendship grow as they work together to solve future cases. As always, Rhys Ford weaves her words so exquisitely to tell a fantastic tale. She also included delightful Easter Eggs that were so much fun to discover. I found myself not wanting to put it down, but also forcing myself to slow down and make it last.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole McGinnis is back and involved in a crazy case that leads to all kinds of trouble! I really enjoyed the original series and although you could probably read this without having read the original - why? If you haven't started go back to the beginning it's worth it!

The romance takes a back seat to the case in this book but part of that is because the relationships are solid and although we see plenty of loving moments this book is more about a case which isn't a bad thing. There's no relationship drama just couples in love who support each other. I really loved reconnecting with Cole and Jae, Bobby & Ichi and of course Claudia.

The case which starts out as surveillance and of course since Cole is involved leads to murder is full of interesting twists and turns. It's entertaining and fast paced with plenty of action filled moments that perfectly interspersed with quiet and lovely relationship moments and just a touch of family drama to keep it all interesting.

Greg Tremblay did an amazing job on the audio bringing all the characters to light with different voices and accents. It was always east to tell who was speaking based on the voice itself. I loved listening to this audio book and look forward to more from Cole and the gang.

[Edga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back Cole and Jae.

So chuffed that the 'Dirty' crew are back. I read this is one sitting, and it was just like hooking up with old friends after some time apart, no awkwardness, just lots of love and familiarity.

Ms Ford has kicked off this new series with a crazy great action adventure love story! Cole is still the accidental trouble magnet, and boy does he ever step into a shitstorm in this one. All the usual suspects are there to help. Jae, Bobby, Ichi, Claudia, Mike and Mad Dog. They still fit together seamlessly, with only the occasional falling out .

Don't expect to put this book down until you read it cover to cover. Their story is well told and flows beautifully . The passion, love and trust has grown between them since we left the guys. They're still willing to die for others, but especially for each other.

The story just kept building and building, as things go from bad to worse. Ms Ford pulls the whole thing off with her usual panache and swagger. Excellent read, loved it!

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this new series by Rhys Ford. I was so glad when I got the opportunity to read this book. I couldn't get enough of Cole and Jae and I missed them. Cole is back and he hasn't changed trouble always follow him and there's no exception in this book. The book is funny, a little angst, romantic, suspenseful, a lot of action, some surprising moments and once you start reading you will not be able to put it down. All the characters are back and Rhys Ford did a wonderful job with this and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.6 stars? I did quite enjoy this book and I hope that there will be another one. Having said that, I noticed in this book and the last couple of books in particular, I found myself shipping Bobby x Cole WAY more than Cole x Jae or Bobby x Ichiro...🤷🏻‍♀️

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has brought back two of her much beloved characters for a new series and I could't be happier. This was an amazing start to Cole and Jae's new series and I'm already hooked. I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to read more.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Kortland Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy Cole and Jae are back. Poor Cole gets wrapped up in a case that just keeps going after him. Always a wild ride and so much fun.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm...

Yes, this was mostly an over-the-top, try-to-kill-Cole-fest, until the "mastermind" behind all of the killings was revealed... then it was just "meh"... maybe I was expecting something "bigger"? But, I guess if you think about it, size doesn't always matter... *snort* LOL!!!

Anyways, I am sure I will be reading the next book in this series... just because I can! *grin*

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I started reading the McGinnis stuff a while back, but I got behind and never got to finish that part of the series. This book actually explains a lot about the previous series that leads up to this, but it would be better to read those first to get the feelings and everything behind it. When Rhys writes, it's a whole new world and if you miss out on books, you are missing a part of the world she creates and it's almost an empty feeling.
But the thing with her books, is the characters alone make the books she writes. They are in a class of their own. They're funny, sarcastic, sassy and so much more. You laugh when they laugh, cry when they cry and rage against what they are going through. Then you get to the plot of the story itself and it draws you in and you can't put it down. The mystery of what's going on, the action, the love, the heartache. All of it. You feel every emotion and it is just the best feeling in the world. Even when you're bawling like a baby because you know you've just read a real work of art.
I cannot wait to see where this series goes next and how much more these characters grow. Hopefully Cole can stay out of some trouble. I have a feeling that's never going to happen, but hey, one can hope lol. If Jae don't string him up first that is.
It's a set of great stories. I know this is the first of this particular series, but if you want to get the backstories on everyone, if you haven't already, you need to read the Cole McGinnis Mysteries. I know Dirty Laundry is one. There's Dirty in the names of all of them I think. I know I'm going to be going back and rereading the ones I've read and reading the ones I didn't get to. Can't wait for the next one!!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, thank you, thank Rhys Ford! I'm so happy to have Cole back in my life. I just plain adore him and Jae. This book is just plain typical Cole and Bobby. Somehow Cole always seems to end up in the middle of crazy no matter what he intends and Bobby follows behind trying to clean up his mess and keep them both from getting killed. I loved seeing all my favorite people back in this one, and hey the nod at Rook was fun too. The mystery/suspense was well done even if there were a lot of people seeming out to kill Cole for just plain ending up in the wrong place at the wrong time and not able to let his curiosity go. There were a lot of great twists and turns in this plot, and well that beginning was just plain epic Cole shenanigans. Only he could end up being chased by some kinky guy dressed up as a sheep with his junk swinging, being shot at, attacked by dogs, and still end up discovering an unrelated dead body all while on what is supposed to be an easy recon of an empty house.

This was just great fun and let me reunite with some much beloved characters that I thought would never get another story after the Cole McGinnis series finished. I will always be down for more adventures with these guys and their men. Cole and his brothers are still learning out how to truly be brothers with each other and I enjoyed their interactions in this one. Ichi got me with the feels. So fun!

[AliciaJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I loved seeing Cole and Jae again, the mystery in this one just wasn't all that intriguing. I could have cared less about who shot who and why. It was boring and jumbled. I will still read any books coming next, but only because I'm irrevocably in love with Jae. And Cole's not so bad either. But I truly hope that Rhys finds her mojo again and comes up with a better plot next time around.

[JR · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Are Back!

This was like coming home to family and friends. You don't realize how much you miss them, till you are with them again. Happiness is Cole, Jae, Bobby, Claudia, and all the rest. Intriguing mystery enhanced with all the gang being present. I hope there is more to come.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize how much I missed these guys :) I will need to do a re-read of the originals.

[Harshini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this it did feel like parts of it were re runs of the original series