Former cop turned private investigator Cole McGinnis never considered committing murder. But six months ago, when Jae-Min’s blood filled his hands and death came knocking at his lover’s door, killing Sheila Pinelli became a definite possibility.
While Sheila lurks in some hidden corner of Los Angeles, Jae and Cole share a bed, a home, and most of all, happiness. They’d survived Jae’s traditional Korean family disowning him and plan on building a new life—preferably one without the threat of Sheila’s return hanging over them.
Thanks to the Santa Monica police mistakenly releasing Sheila following a loitering arrest, Cole finally gets a lead on Sheila’s whereabouts. That is, until the trail goes crazy and he’s thrown into a tangle of drugs, exotic women, and more death. Regardless of the case going sideways, Cole is determined to find the woman he once loved as a sister and get her out of their lives once and for all.
I was recently introduced to this series when asked if I wanted to review an ARC of Dirty Deeds. I hadn’t read any of the books in the series so I thought I would give it a shot. I mean, I already knew I liked Rhys Ford’s books so why not? Well, I didn’t like this series.
I loved it!
I knew halfway through the first book Dirty Kiss that this series would end up being my favorite of hers. Just the fact that I never figured out whodunit in any of the books made sure that this series would go down as one of my favorites, not just of her books, but of all the series I have read in this genre. I was surprised by each one of the first three books. The shock value alone was worth a five heart rating.
If you liked the first three books in this series then you’re in for a treat with Dirty Deeds. But I must warn you, this book is a little different. Do not expect the standard whodunit like the earlier books, ‘cause it’s not in this one. Instead we get what I felt was some much needed closure on a few of the plot lines throughout the series.
In Dirty Deeds, Cole is fighting his past in order to protect his future. He races against time to find the one from his past who has the potential to end his life with Jae. Sheila is out there somewhere and she is dangerous. She threatens everything that Cole has fought for in the past year since he met Jae. He’ll be damned if he’s going to let her get away with what she’s done. He’s a man on a mission. It’s a potential suicide mission but that’s not going to stop him. He’s not going to let history repeat itself.
One of the things I loved most about this book was seeing Cole and Jae settled comfortably in their relationship. They’ve been together for the better part of a year and it has been six months since Jae was almost taken from Cole. Jae has really blossomed in the past six months. He laughs now and shows more aggression when interacting with Cole. It was nice to see him speaking up and demanding what he needs. Verra, verra hot!
Cole… gah! What can I say about Cole? This is a man who loves with a fierceness that I have yet to see in any other character ever. He loves those close to him with more than just his heart. He loves them with his soul. The strength of his character is something to be admired. He’s not afraid to feel and to let others see him feeling. A fierce protector, he will do anything to make sure that those he loves are safe and happy.
I think I say this on every review I write for a Rhys Ford book but it bears repeating. Rhys Ford is an outstanding writer. She writes so descriptively that I get pulled into whatever book I’m reading of hers every time. Every damned time. I feel like I’m right there next to them, living what they’re living. I can see every last detail and feel every last emotion. Her characters are so fleshed out it feels like I know them personally in real life.
And that brings me to a very special character of hers. A character that I would love to see more of.
Claudia
Claudia is the most well written character I have ever read. I wish I could tell you what it is about her that just makes me love her so much. Such an amazing woman! I wish she was real so I could know her. I could recommend this series just for her alone. If you read this series for nothing else, read it for Claudia. I feel richer just from having met her.
Between Cole, Jae-Min, Mike, Bobby, Claudia and the rest of this wonderful cast of characters, you can’t go wrong with this series. I give this the highest of recommendations. Read it, people. You won’t be sorry.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Great review here, young lady! :)
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you Stallion!
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