THE GIVEAWAY CONTEST IS CLOSED!
Scroll down to find the review for Sinner’s Gin!
Here’s an article from the author:
THE MURDER I WRITE
Rhys Ford
I’ll be honest. I like murdering people. They don’t have actual faces and they in no way actually are standing in the place of other people. They are faceless, sometimes given just the rudimentary of names and even the sketchiest of backgrounds… but oh they die just the same as everyone else.
When I first started writing the Dirty series with Cole McGinnis and Kim Jae-Min, I had no intention of having a high body count. It just sort of happened. It was kind of like watching the Blues Brothers. There are a lot of cars but really, they have finite lives. Such is the case of a lot of my secondary characters.
I try to make their deaths interesting. I even try to make them meaningful by pushing the story forward. Sometimes the reader meets them for the briefest of moments and other times, the reader might actually know them for a bit longer but still, ask not for whom the scythe swings, it swings for thee.
Someone asked me if I’ve researched on how to murder someone. Well, no, not really. I’m just naturally macabre and like things like body farms and carrion feeding stations. I love crime shows. I love crimelibrary.com and hell, shows like Justified and Supernatural. Boondock Saints? LOVE those movies. Se7en? One of my faves.
But see, I also love Buckaroom Banzai and dramas like Sungkyunkwan Scandal or Faith.
Sungkyunkwan Scandal Clip
Because not everything has to be about blood and gore. Sure, it’s nice. Like one of those little Victorian crème cakes and a nice cup of espresso. Rich, filling and oh so satisfying but truthfully, a diet of cakes and coffee can well, blow out your taste buds so it’s good to change things up.
In the case of Cole and Jae, there’s a bit of cultural tension but really, the bottom line for them is their relationship. And the building of that relationship.
I knew when I started the book it wasn’t going to be one of those two-hundred pages of kiss and everything is going to be okay. And I’ve written that but for Cole and Jae, their book needed to be built. Layered up in places and torn back down. Jae’s world needed to be established for the reader that his conflict was something he couldn’t just overcome immediately. It tears at him. He hates being gay because of his Korean family and his conservative upbringing, never mind that his family treats him like shit. It’s a screwed up world he lives in and he has to survive as best he can.
Until a damned Irish-Japanese man with green eyes walks in and blows his resolve to not fall in love with a man right out of the water.
Or chigae. Whatever Jae was simmering in at the time.
Digression.
Jae fell just as hard as Cole did. In a much more hidden fashion because the books are written from Cole’s POV but really, Jae fell. It’s shown in different ways. More subtle. The meals Jae makes for him. The phrases he uses… intimate words that might not mean a lot to Cole in the beginning but as Cole begins to understand his boyfriend, their import become apparent. So while people are dying around them for one reason or another, there is a greater arc push-pulling at them in true two-headed llama fashion.
That thing pulling them together is their relationship and both hope it is stronger than what pulls them apart.
Despite the death and destruction, the building of a relationship…. of a love that might be a bit of a stretch is much more interesting and complicated to write than a simple chopping a head off or a gunshot storm. Sure, it takes longer but the payoff is so much better.
Except for writing the sex scenes. Those can be a bitch because well, you want those to be at least simmering and interesting. Nothing like murder. Again, the payoff is better. I hope that the reader gets that payoff in Dirty Laundry. Besides the murder mystery…which was a lot of fun to write… Cole and Jae grow closer and appear to hammer out their troubles after a bit of a tempest.
I brought this all to a point in Dirty Laundry, the latest in the Cole McGinnis series. Cole and Jae are stressed by their families’ demands on them and it takes a toll on them. But see, it’s also about not murdering their relationship. Despite their problems, they truly want to be together… even through all the crap and dead bodies and trauma… Cole and Jae reach for one another.
If you’ve read the books, I hope you’ve enjoyed them. They’re meant to be a bit fantastical at times. A bit old-fashioned over the top detective novels with a bit of spice and a lot of developing affection. I can’t promise you that it’ll be a perfect ride for Cole and Jae. It is going to take them a few books to get it right but let’s face it, love is more powerful than murder.
And honestly, as much as I adore slaying people, I love the idea of romance a hell of a lot more. *winks*
=====================
SINNER’S GIN by Rhys Ford
Review by Heather C.
I fell in love with Rhys’s writing back when I read Dirty Kiss, the first book of the Cole McGinnis Series. So when I started Sinner’s, I was expecting something along the lines of a similar style: something with a twisted mystery and heavy Asian influences. In my opinion, Sinner’s is totally different, more focused on the romance and not the mystery. Yes, the mystery is still there, but it takes more of a backseat role, and I wasn’t too worried about trying to figure it out.
This is about Miki and Kane. Miki St. John was the lead singer of the popular band Sinner’s Gin until the night he loses all of his band mates in a horrible accident. Now, Miki is alone in the world, living in a warehouse with a mutt he calls ‘Dude’. His seclusion is interrupted once Detective Kane Morgan discovers a dead body in a classic car stored in Miki’s warehouse.
There is an immediate attraction between them, even though Miki is still a suspect in the murder. But Kane doesn’t care; he feels a connection to Miki and makes it his duty to protect him. Let me just tell you that I loved these guys together! There was some good sexual tension and romance. My only complaint is that it was a little too insta-love-ish for me, but I tried not to let it bother me too much because I really felt the connection between Miki and Kane.
“Oh, Miki love, I more than need you. You’re my temptation. My sin. I’ve got no intentions of being anywhere but next to you. We Irish? We like bathing in our sin.”
This story was pretty dark and gruesome as it tells the history of Miki’s abuse which was pretty graphic; my heart really broke for him. He really needed Kane at this point in his life to help pull him out off all that darkness. Kane’s family of Morgans were just amazing! Hope we get see more of them in the future.
Once you finally get to the ending, hold on to your pants, because its a shocker! But don’t worry too much because it’s not really a cliffhanger; just setting up the story arc for the next book. Still, it’s a pretty big surprise and will have you begging for the next book!! The good news is that Whiskey & Wry will be released from Dreamspinner Press later this year.
BUY LINK: Dreamspinner Press || Amazon
Heather’s Rating: 
Other Books by Rhys Ford
(As rated by Heather C.)
===============================
Heather C. is one of the official reviewers of The Blog of Sid Love
===================================================
Cinders
crozzy67@nctv.com
Sinner’s Gin I think with more romance that mystery would be more me to get aquainted with Rhys. A new writer for me.
Starbucks “if”
I enjoyed the blog and I am going to go surf for you and share in the giveaway. It is a good thing to promote writers.
Heh…. I am glad you entered!
[…] GIVEAWAY: Rhys Ford. […]
Elaine Lee
elaine.lee11@yahoo.com
DiRTY KISS
I missed this series I enjoy reading Rhys books
Keep up the good writing
Ah, Thank you!
Darlene
Darleneg77@yahoo.com
I would love to read Dirty Kiss. I think it would be right up my alley =)
Coffee!!! Being an Oregonian, the choice would be Dutch Bros. Yum yum yum
I am looking forward to reading Rhys Ford’s work. It will be a new author for me, which is always exciting!!!
Thank you. Good Luck!
I don’t think I have read a book by Rhys Ford so far, but hey that’s why I read reviews to get to know more potential reading material.
Name*: Löni
Email ID*: leo.v.s(at)aol(dot)de
Which of the listed books would you like to win and why?*: Well I would want the “Dirty Kiss”, because someone recommended Dirty Laundry to me – but it’s no use to start a series from the back so book one for me.
Which tea/coffee gift voucher would you prefer, if you win?: As I have no idea who or what coffe/tea it’s really tricky to choose
Good Luck!
JustJen
boltz186@gmail.com
DIRTY KISS
I borrowed this and would love to have it for my collection.
Starbucks would be lovely.
Wonderful stories, fab giveaway and great review! <3
I thought it would be nice to have a book and coffee 😀
I love Rhys Fords books. Whoever wins in this giveaway is in for a real treat. Be prepared to get hooked! 😉
Ah, Thank You!
~Urbanista
~brendurbanist@gmail.com
~I’d like Sinner’s Gin, because I LOVED it, my Kindle app deleted it, and I love muscle cars and Rhys Ford!
~St. Louis Bread Company (aka Panera) because I can get a huge coffee, an asiago bagel, then walk two blocks to pick up a big jar of KIMCHI at the international grocery. To me, Rhys Ford=Kimchi, spicy, unique, and delicious!
[…] GIVEAWAY: Rhys Ford. […]
Jbst
strive4bst(At) yahoo(Dot) com
– Dirty Laundry. I have the first two books in my huge Kindle TBR pile, but haven’t had time to read them yet. But, I know that I’ll love them from the excerpts, reviews etc.
– Starbucks
Thanks so much for the contest!
oooooo starbucks! Heh. 😀
Great review! Yes! Sinner’s Gin is one of those books that I too have to stop and think about what I loved best about it, and wow did I love it. I loved the characters, and mystery but the romance between these two was just plain awesome.
I love how how Miki is not damaged so badly that he does do exactly as he want to do. He surprises me at every turn throughout the story with his attitude and he doesn’t hide his past from Kane, and that Kane is 100% determined to keep Miki in his life period. Yeah…all the right and good connections right there…I love it!
As soon as I finished it I was off to add the rest of Rhys books to my gotta have list. I absolutely have to read the Dirty series now, and it’s at the top of my series list right now.
Congrats on your newest release, and please count me in on the giveaway….*S*
Darcy
pomma @akwolf.com
Thank you so much! Ah, I hope you like Whiskey and Wry. *grins* And oh yes, you’ll see more Miki and Kane 😀
Can’t praise Rhys Ford’s books enough. Good plotting, good characters, good story, and damn good writing. Since I have all of her books on my Kindle, I’m now trying to fill in my print collection and would want to start with the (so far) single title ‘Sinner’s Gin.’ As for tea/coffee gift card. There’s a Biggby near my house that I frequent, but I’m not adverse to Starbucks. Anywhere I can get a good Chai Latte is fine. 🙂
Thank you sunshine *HUGS*
Name: Nikyta
Email ID: mercedes791@gmail.com
Which of the listed books would you like to win and why?: Well, I already own all Rhys’ books but I love her writing because her characters are so intense, the plots are always suspenseful and leave me on the edge of my seat, and she doesn’t clog the book with a bunch of meaningless smut ^_^
Which tea/coffee gift voucher would you prefer, if you win?: Starbucks would be great! I have recently developed a chai tea addiction
Message to the Author and/or Reviewer: I love the Boondock Saints too! I’ve seen it a bunch of times 😀 Great post, Rhys! I loved how you associated murdering all those peeps with not murdering Cole and Jae’s relationship. Cracked me up lmao
Heh… Starbucks is soooo nice. Love their chai. *grins* And ah, Boondock Saints. So much love for those boys. 😀
Smooches, love.
Suze
Littlesuze at hotmail dot com
Dirty Kiss – sounds a good series, though Sinners Gin had caught my eye too
Coffee GC – not so easy as UK based, so maybe better given to a n other!
If you win….and can’t get a GC for coffee or tea, I’ll amazon UK you 😀
And I love how you murder people, babe! 😉 I took forensic anthropology with Kathy Reichs at UNCC a few years before she was published, and we took a field trip to the city morgue. You would have loved it.
I um…. know some… um… people. *grins* Heh.
Love your books Rhys!
Aw, thank you baby!
Name*:DebraG
Email ID*:debby236@gmail.com
Which of the listed books would you like to win and why?*:Sinner’s Gin because I have the three Dirty ones.
Which tea/coffee gift voucher would you prefer, if you win?: Starbucks
Message to the Author and/or Reviewer: I just started reading the Dirty books. I am loving them.
Aw, thank you. *grins* Heh…. Thank you thank you. 😀
Name*: Penumbra
Email ID*: penumbrareads at gmail dot com
Which of the listed books would you like to win and why?*: Dirty Kiss because I want to start from the beginning 🙂
Which tea/coffee gift voucher would you prefer, if you win?: Peet’s Coffee and Tea
Message to the Author and/or Reviewer:
Forgot to fill out the last part. Thank you for the giveaway! 🙂
Good luck sweetie! Ah, I love Peet’s Major Dickensen.
Carolyn
caroaz [at] ymail [dot] com
I’d love a chance to get Dirty Kiss. This series is one I have to start because I’ve heard such good things about it. I was an insta-fan of Rhys’ after Sinner’s Gin, just absolutely loved it and am so looking forward to Whiskey and Wry.
As for coffee/tea, that’s not really my thing, so I’d have to ask if I could go with Jamba Juice, definitely a pick-me-up in the way I assume some people get from coffee. Of course, if I got a Starbucks, my daughter would love to have some chai lattes courtesy of her generous mom. 😉
Thanks for the chance at these goodies!
If I can Jamba Juice online… it is yours if you win. *hugs*
Name*:Kat
Email ID*:kalimar2010@gmail.com
Which of the listed books would you like to win and why?*:I’ve already devoured all of them and am waiting on tender-hooks for Dirty Deeds, Down & Dirty, Whiskey & Wry, Tequila Mockingbird (great title BTW!), Fish & Ghosts and…and…well anything Rhys writes. LOL
Which tea/coffee gift voucher would you prefer, if you win?: Starbucks
Message to the Author and/or Reviewer: Can you tell I’m a fan? I love how Rhys combines the all the plot elements and delivers stories and characters that resonate with me. I’ve already re-read them and they are all on my DIK list.
Heh. thank you love. Fish and Ghosts is almost done. Dirty Deeds is plotted and ah, W&W is in editing! so…..sooooooon
Rhys Ford is a new author to me and I would love to give her books a try.
Name*: H.B.
Email ID*: humhumbum AT yahoo DOT com
Which of the listed books would you like to win and why?*: Sinner’s Gin. Heather C.’s review made me feel as if this book would put me on an emotional roller coaster and for me that equals a great book.
Which tea/coffee gift voucher would you prefer, if you win?: Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts, they’re everywhere in my city (almost every 2-3 blocks) and the quickest place to get my iced coffee/unsweetened ice tea fix.
Heh. Sinner’s Gin was fun to write. And yes, a bit of a ride. Good Luck!
Name Amy C
email: amygoober@yahoo.com
Which of the listed books would you like to win and why?*: If possible, I would love a copy of Whiskey and Wry! Sinner’s Gin is one of my all time favorite books and if I could get that then my life would be complete. But if not, then I would like Dirty Laundry.
Which tea/coffee gift voucher would you prefer, if you win?: Starbucks fo sho;)
I’m a big fan of your work and I can’t tell you how excited I am for Whiskey and Wry. I have to know how Miki will react to that cliffhager! wink wink;)
Ah, W&W isn’t out until August and oh boy, will I have giveaways. *grins* I’m hoping to design a Sinner’s Gin band shirt and get that out for people….so…. wooooot 😀
Starbucks for the win!
If I win I’d like to have Dirty Kiss, the cover really captured my attention and the characters Cole and Jae-Min seem like very interesting characters. Also this series is new to me and I love reading new series and finding out about new authors! Thanks for the contest Ms. Ford!
Name: Gabrielle J.
Email: fallschangingheart (AT) hotmail (DOT) com
Which tea/coffee gift voucher would you prefer, if you win?: I’d really like a voucher for Starbucks, we have at least two where I live so it’ll come in handy for when I run out of tea!
Okay just read the review and although I still want to read Dirty Kiss if I win, Sinner’s Gin is definitely going on my TBR list! I honestly haven’t read a lot of murder mystery stories like this one but the Dirty Kiss and Sinner’s Gin have caught my attention so I’ll definitely be looking into both books as soon as I can!
Again thanks for the contest Ms. Ford!
I do try to balance the mystery/relationship throughout the book. Sinner’s Gin is… well it was fun to write. 😀 The Dirty Series….oh I beat these boys up.
Trix
vitajex(at)aol(dot)com
DIRTY LAUNDRY (I know it’ll be a little intense for me, but I pretty much have the others!)
Voucher I’d prefer: Oh, boy, this is where Rhys is going to hate me if I win. 🙂 I’m crazy about Verve Coffee Roasters in Santa Cruz, California (I’ve pretty much grown addicted to all their single-origin espressos). I know they have gift cards, and they’ve got a thriving Internet and mail order business going at vervecoffeeroasters.com. Yet, for some insane reason, the gift cards are not listed on their web catalog page. They’re all over Twitter and Facebook, so I’m sure they’d answer an e-mail inquiry pretty quickly. But, if it’s too much of a hassle in the end, I’ll do some more research and figure something else out.
I follow via e-mail…
No no no, no hatred. Promise. That’s why I offered up to whereever you want. ‘Cause everyone has their faves. *hugs* 😀
Juliana
OceanAkers @ aol.com
Um, I already own all of Rhys’ books! I am (im)patiently waiting for Whyskey & Wry at the moment! And the hinted at Tequila Mockingbird, since I love puns! 😉
I’d love a Starbucks card, which I would use to buy tea! Take that coffee drinker!
Ichi! Nough said…
Follow via email.
Heh…Ichi. ICHI! Sooooon. And oh yes, Tequila Mockingbird. Heh. Tea is fine. 😀
Issa
cojazzchick AT yahoo DOT com
Sinner’s Gin because I’ve have two of the other ones and have a thing about rock stars : )
I don’t know! Don’t care for Starbucks and would need to know what my options were, but I know I’d find something that would work. Dutch Bros. maybe or the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
While I have Dirty Secret I haven’t read it yet. Why or why could I not be independently wealthy with nothing but time to read?
I wanna be wealthy so I can sit home and write! *grins*
Name*: Goesta
Email ID*: goestas@gmail.com
Which of the listed books would you like to win and why?*: Since I’m a Rhys Ford virgin, and I tend to start palpitating at the vision of green Japirishese eyes, I’d love to plunge into a Dirty Kiss.
Which tea/coffee gift voucher would you prefer, if you win?: Not sure whether they’d even work on this side of the pond, but if so, we do have Starbucks.
Message to the Author and/or Reviewer: I scrolled haphazardly through the posts you had me at Buckaroo (room ?? as in getta?) Banzai and enslaved me at Kim Chigae.
Heh… chigae is soooo good. Hits the spot really. Good Luck!
Tara
tegriffic@gmail.com
Dirty Secret because I have read and loved Dirty Kiss. My favorite romances are those set in a mystery or suspense setting.
Tim Horton’s because I like hockey.
Tim Horton’s is GREAT! <3 😀
Thank you so much for drawing my name, and the wonderful review of Sinner’s Gin. Definitely a big fan, and loving reading Rhys books!
Thank you, Pomma!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT
[…] book was first reviewed in 2013 by Heather C. and again last year in audiobook form by Annika. They both gave it glowing […]