4 Stars

There’s definitely murder and mayhem here, but despite that, this was also one of Ford’s lighter fares, and it was highly enjoyable.

Rook is a retired thief, determined to go the straight and narrow despite detective Montoya’s drive to see him behind bars. He doesn't deny his attraction to the sexy cop, but Rook doesn’t dare think anything more will come of it. They’re like cats and dogs. Oil and water. Day and night. Inherent enemies to be forever at odds.

Despite wanting to put Rook away, Dante grudgingly admits that Rook still has high principles regardless of his criminal past. Dante’s trying to right some wrongs, and he’s determined to go by the book, especially when Rook becomes a murder suspect. However, as more of Rook’s associates end up dead, the facts just don’t add up, and it gets harder and harder for Dante to deny Rook’s innocence as well his attraction to the compelling man.

This is when the Ford formula works. Damaged antihero needs equally damaged hero to heal and be shown that he’s worthy of love and happiness. Add mystery and suspense while the protagonists mainly work against each other in solving the whodunit. To keep things lively, throw in one funny cantankerous partner, an equally grouchy grandpa, and a loveable ex drag queen uncle, and this was all sorts of good entertainment.

To sum it up - smexy smex, feels, and action with penultimate proclamations equals success. I’m quite happy to know there’s a sequel waiting for me! ( )

Loved this one (though whodunit didn't surprise me) because Ford is so freaking good at creating characters I fall in love with -- even the most contrary, feisty ones! Herein you'll find violence along with your escapes, teasing, snarky sex, and cool collectibles. I think Ford's written more logically progressive stories, but I don't regret reading this one. Rook is perfectly maddening and Dante is lovably heroic. ( )

Hmmm! well i enjoyed reading and listening to this book.



I switched to Audio-book when i saw the narrator was Greg Tremblay and he did not disappoint. 5 Stars for the Audio

This is my first book written by Rhys Ford and sure won't be the last. I loved her writing the story was flowing.

I Loved

-Dante the Cuban-Mexican cop.* fans self* I Loved him. He was loving , understanding, sweet and i liked how when he realized that he had feelings for Rook (Cuervo), he just went for it.

"And babe, I'll hold you forever for however long you want me to. And even then, I might not let you go."



-Rook and Dante chemistry it was real and believable.

-Hank i loved him he was funny and said really inappropriate things but you can't help but love him.

-Manny and Rook's grumpy grandfather.

- The MC's names Dante Montoya and Rook Stevens, i don't know why but i love the names.

As for the mystery , i guessed who the Unsub was early on but i still enjoyed the investigation journey.

Rook well i was not convinced at first but i ended up liking him, that was halfway through the book.

The Sex was hot too. I love me some hawt! smutty sex and this book did deliver that. ( )

Murder and Mayhem is the first suspenseful installment in Rhys Ford's new mystery series, Murder and Mayhem.

Ex-thief Rook Stevens is walking the straight and narrow now he has opened a collectible shop. So when he arrives to find the very dead body of former associate Dani Anderson in his shop, he is at a loss to understand who killed her or why.  Despite his prior walk on the crime side, Rook is a genuinely kind, caring and compassionate man who goes out of his way to help those who are less fortunate than he is.

Rook's relationship with his newly found grandfather, Archibald, is a work in progress.  Rook and Archie take great pains to hide the fact that they care about each other and their scenes together are as funny as they are heartwarming. Archie has his grandson's back no matter what but Rook cannot help but feel great remorse that his grandfather is smack dab in the middle of this increasingly dangerous situation. But Rook is not one to reveal his tender side, so he continues to keep everyone at arm's length including the cop he has some personal history with, Detective Dante Montoya.

Dante and his former partner worked very hard to build a case against Rook several years earlier, and when their efforts came up empty, Rook became his personal white whale. Never imagining their paths would cross again, Dante does everything possible to ensure he and his new partner, Hank Camden, do everything by the book. However, this plan quickly falls by the wayside when his relationship with their chief suspect crosses over into very personal territory when Rock is very nearly killed.

By this point in the investigation, Dante has very strong doubts that Rook had anything to do with Dani's death. When the body count continues to rise, he and Hank look to Rook's past to try to figure out why Rook has been targeted and more importantly, by whom.  Rook makes no secret of the fact there was animosity between him and Dani but since he gave up his thieving ways soon after their last job together, he can think of no explanation for her being in his shop.  With Rook's input, Dante interviews someone who gives him a possible motive for everything that has been happening, but has he discovered this information too late to save Rook?

Despite the circumstances of their unexpected reunion, there is no denying the sexual tension that underscores Rook and Dante's interactions.  Dante is a by the book detective who is upfront with both his boss and Hank about their history and he tries to ignore his attraction for Rook.  The circumstances surrounding them giving into their mutual desire are a little unrealistic but there is no doubt there is more to their relationship than just sex. Dante is pretty much an open book with everyone and he has no reason to hide his sexuality. Rook's default is to deflect and deny so he is not exactly onboard with admitting to himself, let alone Dante, that there might be more to their relationship than sex.  Will Dante find a way to sneak past Rook's formidable defenses?

With an intriguing mystery, plenty of action and a colorful cast of characters, Murder and Mayhem is a fast-paced and engaging novel. Rook and Dante are wonderful protagonists and their budding romance is an absolute joy to watch unfold. Their sex scenes are definitely on the steamier side but there is little doubt there is more to their relationship than sexual chemistry.  Rhys Ford does an outstanding job with the mystery element of the storyline and the novel comes to a stunning, adrenaline-laced conclusion. ( )

Very enjoyable and entertaining read. I really liked the characters and found their families fun as well--especially comparing the two and knowing that there was love in both, it was just expressed so differently. The plot was twisty and interesting, and if there was a shop like Rook's here, I would be on it like a can of Spam. Loved the cultural references! (And the dedication). ( )