When it comes to writing M/M romances, no one does it quite like Rhys Ford. From her beloved (and sadly concluded) Cole McGinnis series to this new liWhen it comes to writing M/M romances, no one does it quite like Rhys Ford. From her beloved (and sadly concluded) Cole McGinnis series to this new literary adventure, everything she does is a guaranteed success, and with good reason. Ford’s romances are never superficial and her mysteries are never just glue for multiple steamy scenes. She builds her stories on a solid foundation and treats steamy scenes precisely as what they are – desserts, rare nuggets meant to make the story sweeter.
It’s a tried and true recipe: one vulnerable partner, brittle and breakable, but with a spine of steel, and one steady, dependable rock that never falters, never waivers and never doubts. Rook Stevens has been abandoned and told he’s worthless far too many times, but he finally realizes he’s worth everything to Dante Montoya.
Rhys never creates unnecessary rifts between her protagonists. She respects the love and trust they’ve built. If anything, their bond becomes stronger in the face of dangers and challenges. All the problems, all their discussions seem natural and organic. Not a single emotion is forced or ingenuine.
Between the two, Rook sometimes seems as the more interesting character with his carnie past and his ridiculously rich and newly found family. He is certainly the one we enjoy uncovering, one vulnerability at a time. But Dante kind of sneaks up on a person, seemingly simple, unfailingly honest. There are depths to uncover in him as well, nothing flashy, but interesting nevertheless.
The plot in Tramps and Thieves is clever and firm, a mystery that follows the rules of its genre. Ford easily avoids predictability and masterfully weaves threads that lead to our moment of dangers and revelations. Having done it many times, both in her Cole McGinnis and in her Sinners series, she builds the mystery side of her plot with a very sure hand.
I enjoyed the two or three nods to characters from Cole McGinnis books. If we’re lucky, Ichi and Bobby might just show up in one of the future books. Be that as it may, I hope we won’t have to wait long for the next one – these two have burrowed their way under my skin and I can’t wait to see where their love will take them next.
If you haven’t read this wonderful series, start with Murder and Mayhem and catch up quickly. And make room in your heart for an ex-cat burglar with different colored eyes and the cop who chased him until he fell in love with him.
Inspired by JD Robb and other legends of romantic suspense, the very versatile Amy Lane decided to pen her very own series of romance and action, withInspired by JD Robb and other legends of romantic suspense, the very versatile Amy Lane decided to pen her very own series of romance and action, with a pair of competent, resourceful and deeply damaged protagonists at its center. The deeply damaged, in this case, applies to one half of the couple – Jackson Rivers – the former policeman who was, years ago, betrayed and abandoned by his department, his colleagues, and everyone else that was supposed to protect him.
We first met Jackson and Ellery last year in Fish Out of Water. A year between books is a very long time to wait, but it might be necessary to heal our poor hearts from all the pain Jackson puts us through. Red Fish, Dead Fish picks up more or less where the first book left off, and it promptly delves into the consequences of their first case together. Jackson is wounded inside and out and he’s seemingly recuperating, but he is skittish, vulnerable and slow to commit to Ellery, no matter how much the handsome lawyer wants him to. The guys are still struggling to understand the true depths of the case and they have a tough time getting law enforcement to believe them. While they investigate, the serial killer sets his sights on them in return and does irreparable damage to Jackson’s already fragile psyche.
I realize Jackson is the intended star of this book (even with couples someone is usually at the forefront), but I love Ellery even more. His no nonsense, steady approach to life is very appealing. He never allows himself to be pushed around or pushed away, but he is gentle even when he’s firm. He is the very definition of reliable and I adore him for it.
Red Fish, Dead Fish contains references to Racing for the Sun, Amy’s 2013 novel which I, unfortunately, haven’t read. Because of the links and explanations, the plot becomes somewhat convoluted for a time, but it clears up when the focus turns back to Jackson and Ellery’s personal struggles. Those who haven’t read Racing for the Sun might just have to power through as I did. In my opinion, connecting the two burdened this book unnecessarily.
There are four short stories at the end that I regret not having read first. They would have made the convoluted parts easier to swallow. Anyone delving into this should go in that order and make life easier on themselves. That said, this series is a must read for fans of the genre who don’t mind reading about flawed, reticent men in love.
In conclusion, Red Fish, Dead Fish is another success from an author who doesn’t know how to offer anything less.
The long farewell to our beloved characters from Bear, Otter and the Kidd is finally here. Tj Klune made the brave and wonderful choice to give his faThe long farewell to our beloved characters from Bear, Otter and the Kidd is finally here. Tj Klune made the brave and wonderful choice to give his fans a chance to say goodbye to those they’ve loved and cried with for such a long time. After seeing these guys grow up, fall in love and build a life together through pain, loss, friendships, joy, drama and unexpected word vomits, our reluctance to let go is more than understandable. But let go we must, and I can’t imagine a better way to do it than with this final book.
In The Long and Winding Road, everyone is grown, everyone is mature, everyone behaves like a responsible adult at all times and everything goes exactly as planned… and if you believed a single word of that, you’ve obviously never met Bear or Creed, or even the Kid. Nothing, nothing goes as planned for this small family. Every single plan goes awry, everything turns into a dramatic and often ridiculous event and not a single conversation ends like you expect. Seeing Bear, Ty and everyone else change as the blows come along was once again a privilege and a marvel… and something I’ll revisit many times in years to come.
The boys (and girls) from the Green Monstrosity might have some loose ends to tie, but they are ready for the next chapter in their lives. Tj takes us back in time to see some previous events through different eyes and to witness major decisions being made. Bear, as always, is basically a grandma in a young man’s body, an adorable, careful worrywart, who develops ridiculous scenarios in his head only to panic about them. Otter, of course, is the calming influence, the stabilizing factor in this crazy and wonderful family. And Ty… Ty must learn that all actions have reactions and that the universe sometimes has a truly odd sense of humor.
Those of us who are familiar with Tj’s special brand of humor know not to read his books in public… or we should. I’ve had people distance themselves from me at the beach because I was laughing out loud like a loon. If you don’t wish to become the local crazy person, you should perhaps keep this one behind closed doors. Or you can take it to the town square and say to hell with everybody… we all deserve to laugh so hard daily.
If you haven’t met these guys, hold on to something and prepare for a very emotional ride. But if you, like me, already know and love them, you know exactly what to expect. I can only assure you that it’s even better than you could have imagined.
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
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