Hiys peeps, we have Rhys Ford stopping by with her new release Dirty Heart, we have a fantastic guest post from Rhys where she shares her goodbye to Cole and Jae, Dirty Bits 3 and a fabulous giveaway, we also have Tams review for you to check out, so enjoy the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Dirty Hearts
Rhys Ford
Former LAPD detective Cole McGinnis’s life nearly ended the day his police partner and best friend Ben Pirelli emptied his service weapon into Cole and his then-lover, Rick. Since Ben turned his gun on himself, Cole thought he’d never find out why Ben tried to destroy him.
Years later, Cole has stitched himself back together. Now a private investigator and in love with Jae-Min Kim, a Korean-American photographer he met on a previous case, Cole’s life is back on track—until he discovers Jeff Rollins, a disgraced cop and his first partner, has resurfaced and appears to be working on the wrong side of the law.
As much as Cole’s fought to put the past behind him, he’s soon tangled up in a web of lies, violence, and death. Jeff Rollins is not only trying to kill Cole’s loved ones, he is also scraping open old wounds and long-forgotten memories of the two men Cole loved and lost. Cole is sure Rollins knows why Ben ruined all their lives, but he isn’t looking for answers. Now Cole is caught in a cat-and-mouse game with a cold-blooded killer with the key to not only his past but his future.
Rhys Ford!
I’ve written the start of this post about five times and I still don’t know what to say. Some writer, huh?
How do I put into words the whole of this journey? This series was the start for me. These characters—Cole and Jae—have taken me to places I never thought I’d go, met people I am so very thankful to have known and most importantly, enriched my life beyond measure.
So how do I say goodbye to the beginning?
I can’t. And honestly, I won’t. As this story arc ends, I am grateful for so many readers joining me along the way. I can promise that as we close out this series, Cole and Jae will be back some time in the far future. But for now, this is goodbye.
And yet a hello of sorts… to a happiness and a life these characters deserve to have.
Because God knows, I’ve run them through the ringer.
So please enjoy this final Dirty tour as I present short scenes from Jae’s POV. Many are from instances in the books and a couple are in-betweens but I tried to find places where Jae really needed to speak. I hope you enjoy them.
And a tour cannot be a tour without a giveaway! So…. Here goes.
Leave a comment and be entered to win a $20 gift certificate from an e-tailer of your choice BUT that is not all. From these winners, I will randomly select ONE person to be a character in my other Los Angeles series, Murder and Mayhem. So hit up every blog, enter to win! ONE winner per blog!
Don’t I sound like I’m trying to sell you a used Buick? *grins*
Most of all, and please know this comes from the bottom of my heart where I keep my love for coffee and music, thank you. Thank you for reading the books and thank you for supporting me along the way. I cannot come up with the words strong and deep enough to express my gratitude.
Saranghae-yo.
Dirty Bits 3
If ever there was a time for violence, it was now. Standing across of Cole’s father, I felt the need to wrap my hands around his thick neck and choke him until his skin ran grey and his lips turned blue. I wanted to feel the life leave his body. To tear him apart until I found his spine so I could pluck the bones out and flick them into the fire pit burning at the corner of the covered patio.
Instead, I smiled.
I’d always thought the hardest thing I’d ever have to do would be to walk away from my family. I never thought walking into Cole’s would be just as hard. It was difficult seeing parts of his face on an older man, so similar but so different. I didn’t think Cole could sour his features with the amount of hate his father poured out of him.
“Jae, do you want a beer?” Maddy steadied herself with a hand against one of the patio’s post, leaning over an open ice chest. “Or something fizzy?”
“A soda or water is fine,” I replied. The tension building up inside of the house felt ripe to break and I didn’t want to be even a little buzzed if things went badly for Cole.
“Homos don’t drink beer, Maddy,” Cole’s father spat. “Probably wants something fruitier. Maybe Cole can make him a mai tai or something.”
Something in me broke and I turned to face the older man. It wasn’t my place to say anything. This wasn’t my family. This wasn’t my fight but at the same time, it kind of was. My own family would never confront me so brazenly, so out in the open. Everything thrown at me would be hidden and whispered, sly digs and sharp looks. I would know it was coming only because I was looking for it. To have Cole’s father slap at me out in the open was too…bold… even with all of the disgust he had in his voice, I was surprised.
“James—” Maddy straightened up and the fire in her eyes burned nearly as hot as the sun.
“It’s all right, Maddy,” I said, easing a Coke can from her clenched hand. “He isn’t anyone I have to carry with me for the rest of my life. Nothing he says to me will matter. Nothing he does to Cole will matter. We came here to see you and so Cole can visit with his sisters. In a few hours, he and his wife will be a stain on our time and we will go back to Cole’s house where we’ll probably have bacon for breakfast the next morning. He is nothing to me. And eventually, he will be nothing to Cole.”
“You fucking—” Cole’s father took a step towards me and Mike grabbed at his arm before he could cross the patio.
“Leave it alone, Dad,” Mike growled. “You started with your shit. Don’t get pissed off when someone spits it back at you. You doing okay, Jae?”
“I am fine,” I lied. I’d left Cole in the kitchen with the woman who’d raised him then threw him away. Like my own mother would throw me away. Standing in a boiling stew of conflict and intense hatred, I knew Cole would need someone—need me—once the night was over.
Maddy gave me a quick hug then exchanged an inscrutable look with her husband. I envied their secret language, the silence between them filled with so much meaning and my heart twisted with the pain of knowing I would never have that. It all seemed too impossible. My sisters were years away from moving away from my mother’s household and even then, she would need me to help her.
I had my own flash of hatred, anger at being less than everyone else. Why shouldn’t I have Cole in my life? Why couldn’t he depend on me to comfort him after the flaying he’d endure that night? I was enraged for him—for us—at being locked away behind a wall while everyone else laughed and lived.
At that moment, Cole stepped out onto the patio and I physically felt the pain in him strike me. His sisters ran to him, chattering away in girlish voices of little things but there were shards of anguish in his voice when he spoke.
I was at his side before I knew it, pressing my hand against the small of his back and he leaned into me, unaware or uncaring at the disgusted hiss his father gave us from across the cement pad.
“I’m here for you, agi,” I reminded him, brushing my lips over his jaw. It was barely a kiss but I shocked myself with it. I’d never touched another man so openly before but I felt nothing but a swell of deep affection for the green-eyed handsome private investigator who’d knocked on my aunt’s door then pushed his way into my life.
“I know, babe,” he whispered back, stealing a kiss from my parted lips. “Just like I’ll always be there for you. Always.”
About Rhys
Rhys Ford was born and raised in Hawai’i then wandered off to see the world. After chewing through a pile of books, a lot of odd food, and a stray boyfriend or two, Rhys eventually landed in San Diego, which is a very nice place but seriously needs more rain.
Rhys admits to sharing the house with three cats of varying degrees of black fur, and a ginger cairn terrorist. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep a 1979 Pontiac Firebird, a Toshiba laptop, and a red Hamilton Beach coffee maker.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | My books can be purchased, folded and first chapters read at Dreamspinner Press
Giveaway!
Win a $20 gift certificate from an e-tailer of your choice
BUT that is not all. From these winners, Rhys will randomly select ONE person to be a character in Rhys Fords other Los Angeles series, Murder and Mayhem. So hit up every blog, enter to win! ONE winner per blog!
Review
Title: Dirty Heart
Series: Cole McGinnis 06
Author: Rhys Ford
Genre: MM Contemporary Romance, Murder, Suspense
Length: Novel (204 pages)
ISBN: 9781634770279
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 21st 2016)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Dirty Hearts!
Reviewer: Tams
Blurb: Final book in the Dirty Series arc.
Former LAPD detective Cole McGinnis’s life nearly ended the day his police partner and best friend Ben Pirelli emptied his service weapon into Cole and his then-lover, Rick. Since Ben turned his gun on himself, Cole thought he’d never find out why Ben tried to destroy him.
Years later, Cole has stitched himself back together. Now a private investigator and in love with Jae-Min Kim, a Korean-American photographer he met on a previous case, Cole’s life is back on track—until he discovers Jeff Rollins, a disgraced cop and his first partner, has resurfaced and appears to be working on the wrong side of the law.
As much as Cole’s fought to put the past behind him, he’s soon tangled up in a web of lies, violence, and death. Jeff Rollins is not only trying to kill Cole’s loved ones, he is also scraping open old wounds and long-forgotten memories of the two men Cole loved and lost. Cole is sure Rollins knows why Ben ruined all their lives, but he isn’t looking for answers. Now Cole is caught in a cat-and-mouse game with a cold-blooded killer with the key to not only his past but his future.
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7553
Review: Every really good Author has their proverbial ‘Murphy’s Law’ coupling. Diana Gabaldon had Claire and Jaimie, Mary Calmes has Sam and Jory, Abigail Roux has Ty and Zane, and Rhys Ford has Cole and Jae. Cole and Jae have been through so much, both as a couple and on their own before they even met. It’s taken a very long time for Jae to live his life openly, to admit he loves Cole and to own his sexuality. Whereas Cole has always worn his sexuality like a badge. As this story starts, it looks like Cole is still up to his finding trouble no matter where he goes antics, but it also looks like he and Jae are finally settling into a comfortable relationship with no boundaries or barriers.
Well, if you know Cole and Jae, you know that them being happy is like a homing beacon for trouble. You also know Cole will stop at nothing to protect those he loves. Everything is about to come full circle for this unlikely duo. Someone in Jae’s estranged family reaches out to Cole and Jae for help, which is laughable, considering what said family have put them both through. And then another ghost from Cole’s past decides to start wreaking havoc and putting bullet holes in anyone or anything standing still. Is it just an unhappy coincidence that these things are happening simultaneously? Or has the grim reaper finally come to collect the debt Cole squirmed his way out of when he survived the shooting that took his former lovers life?
I think what has drawn me to this series with each new story is not only watching Cole and Jae struggling with issues both as a couple, and as individuals. Watching their bullet riddled love story unfold. I think it’s the way their feelings, emotions and thoughts have been described in such meticulous detailing that I feel I can almost see inside them. Ford could possibly make a sociopath feel with the way she vividly describes the characters and their emotions. Another fantastic aspect of Ford’s stories, not just this series, is how she creates these secondary characters that are as vital to the story as Cole and Jae are. Then there is the dry, witty sarcastic sense of humor Cole embodies.
Jae goes off on Cole at one point in this story, having had enough of his pleas with Cole to “not get hurt” or “not get shot” ignored quite long enough. It is hysterical. I laughed so hard I think I peed my pants just a bit. Claudia deserves mom of the year ya’ll! And Bobby, that man cracks me up. One of my favorite lines in the book came from Bobby, talking to Cole.
“Get out of my truck so I can go home and fuck your brother.”
Definitely a must read story for fans of the Author and/or the series. If you don’t grab a copy you will never know exactly what drove Cole’s former partner on the police force to shoot Cole and his then lover, leaving one of them dead before turning the gun on himself. I’ll admit that I have had a couple of theories since the first book. And I was surprised when the truth is revealed. If you like action packed, non-stop, thrill a minute stories with flawed, three dimensional characters and these absolutely insane story lines… I would wonder why you haven’t read this series yet.
Yes, definitely looking forward to see if my theory is right on the Ben shooting – sounds like it wont be!
Off to speed read through the books again over the weekend ready for release day!!
Littlesuze at hotmail.com
Oh, this part always makes me sad. I tend to think of Jae as unemotional. I’m really glad we get to see his perspective for these situations.
Loving these so much! can’t wait to get out of work to start Dirty Heart <3
I loved this scene. Thanks for sharing it! violet817(at)aol(dot)com
Love that DSP had an early release of Dirty Heart. Now getting back to my reading.
i cannot wait for Dirty Heat!
I just love Jae’s protective side. The things he wants to do to Cole’s father are wonderfully descriptive.
I’ve always wondered and wanted to know what was going through Jae’s mind in this particular scene. Thank you for providing the glimpse I’ve been craving! He breaks my heart a little more each time, but I love him the more for it.
This is one of the scenes I really wanted to see from Jae’s point of view.
My paperback just came today! Can’t wait to spend the weekend with Cole and Jae!
kathleenpower@comcast.net
This sounds so great, thanks for sharing! I need to get reading! 🙂
Such heartbreaking scene.
Twitter: @MarteTonder
This early release is wonderful!
The original scene was extremely painful to read. Geez his dad is a shit! Fascinating to see what was happening to Jae while Cole was being destroyed in the kitchen. Sigh.
Loved it – and absolutely adore Jai
I’m loving these scenes! Thank you for sharing them!
jczlapin@gmail.com
So excited!
Rhys does the best tours! Another fantastic scene – had me angry at the beginning and sniffling at the end. I pre-ordered my copy from ARe, so I have to wait a few more days. 🙁
Loving these Dirty Bits..
Great excerpt Cole’s dad is a really piece of work. Loved the beautiful scene between Jae and Cole.
“I know, babe,” he whispered back, stealing a kiss from my parted lips. “Just like I’ll always be there for you. Always.”
Love seeing Jae’s POV!
We got it early. YAY!!! I’m loving seeing these treasured book bites from Jae’s point of view.
Love these Jae POV’s! Thanks so much Rhys!
Ok already! Make me cry with just a few paragraphs … (ptkat@live.com)
Trying to savour this last slice of Dirty pie. Cole and Jae have moved beyond the pages for me, becoming flesh and blood friends. Thank you Rhys for sharing them with us xo
so enjoying the blog tour 🙂
gamistress66 (at) aol( dot) com
It’s wonderful seeing things and especially Cole through Jae’s eyes, it’s a true partnership based on true love 💜
Great tour, love Jae’s POV. Just downloaded Dirty Heart, thank you DSP! Time to have my heart ripped from my chest, but I’m sure Rhys will put the pieces back, battered and bruised but filled with lots of love for Cole and Jae.
It’s always great to have another book from one of my favourite series! Thank you, Rhys!
susanaperez7140(at)gmail(dot)com
It’s so nice to see this scene from Jae’s pov. ;-;
lirasylira(at)gmail(dot)com
I find it hard to read that scene with Cole’s parents, I get so angry. It’s interesting to see how Jae compares Cole’s pain and isolation to his own. Thanks again for such an insight, Rhys!
Another good one, back to reading Dirty Heart
Really liking these Dirty Bits from Jae’s POV. At the end will it be put together like your other this bits? kjpattersonrn@yahoo.com
Yes 😀
I’m loving these scenes with Jae POVs. They’re like getting a super sized portion of a favorite dessert.
strive4bst(AT) yahoo(DOT)com
I just downloaded my copy and can’t wait to get started. Yay!
such a great tidbit, I’m definitely going to have to get started on this series!
Seriously I am loving this blog tour. Love seeing this side of Jae.
Thank you Dreamspinner Press for the early release! I can’t wait to see if my prediction about the mystery of Ben is correct.
I remember that scene so well. I felt so sad for Cole. Nice to see Jae’s reaction to it.
Seeing protective Jae is great! 🙂
penumbrareads(AT)gmail(dot) com
love the excerpt..congrats Rhys
I love this series and will miss Cole and Jae. However, they deserve to happily live their lifes now. Looking forward to your next series! Thanks for being such a good storyteller.
I simply cannot wait!
My favorite series!
I absolutely love Jae. Having grown up in an Asian family, Jae’s thoughts just bring back many memories about the “olden days” though my family was never as harsh as his family.
I am loving these snippets! Thanks.
I loved reading the excerpt.
Loving Jae’s bits to pieces. Thanks.
dejamew@centurylink.net
*sigh* So love Jae <3
sxswann(at)gmail(dot)com
I love that Jae will fight for Cole even though I always want him to fight for himself too.
Cherryinor@gmail.com
I’m loving seeing the different side to Jae.
Reading along on the blog tour after I finished the book. It’s interesting to see things from Jae’s perspective, since Cole is so large than life and loud–you tend to lose what Jae might be thinking in scene. Nice to have his perspective instead of him eye ball rolling or head shaking at Cole’s antics. I wonder if you would write the time Cole was felled by the old woman in the riot. What was Jae thinking when he brought out the Tiger Balm? Just torturing Cole? Or busting his balls (figuratively) about the hit? I’ll just have to keep reading to find out.
It took me until I read Jae-Min’s name to realise which series this story belonged to. Talk about not engaging my brain. Now I feel like reading the series from the beginning. Congratulations! I am looking forward to reading this story.
hojurose(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for the post and generous giveaway (curious what name you’d pick up for Murder & Mayhem 😉 )
puspitorinid (at) yahoo (dot) com
I’m loving these Dirty Bits!
@juleslovesbooks
First, I have to say congrats on the release. I’ve been looking forward the this book, but hate to see the series end. I haven’t gotten to pick it up yet, but payday is just around the corner. Thanks for a chance in the giveaway.
flutterfli01 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Loving Jae’s point of view on the blog tour.
I love that Jae stood up for himself in this one. I am really enjoying his point of view.
bubbliemom@gmail.com
Way to go, Jae! Loving these snippets you have on your blog tours.
So much pain, and do much love, reflected through the whole series. Thanks again, Rhys, not just for Cole and Jae but for Mike and Maddy, Bobby and Ichi, Scarlet and the rest, all of them battered and scarred but living their lives as best they can. Hope for us all.
Golly — Cole’s family are the one’s you just love to hate! Grrr.
That was such a great snippet. I can’t wait to read Dirty Heart.
I love that these are from Jae’s POV. I already miss the series.
I love Jae. 🙂