Book Review: Sinner’s Gin by Rhys Ford

Sinner’s Gin by Rhys FordTitle: Sinner’s Gin
Series: Sinners, Book 1
Author: Rhys Ford
Genre: Romantic Suspense, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy provided by publisher
Published: December 24, 2012 by Dreamspinner Press

There’s a dead man in Miki St. John’s vintage Pontiac GTO, and he has no idea how it got there.

After Miki survives the tragic accident that killed his best friend and the other members of their band, Sinner’s Gin, all he wants is to hide from the world in the refurbished warehouse he bought before their last tour. But when the man who sexually abused him as a boy is killed and his remains are dumped in Miki’s car, Miki fears Death isn’t done with him yet.

Kane Morgan, the SFPD inspector renting space in the art co-op next door, initially suspects Miki had a hand in the man’s murder, but Kane soon realizes Miki is as much a victim as the man splattered inside the GTO. As the murderer’s body count rises, the attraction between Miki and Kane heats up. Neither man knows if they can make a relationship work, but despite Miki’s emotional damage, Kane is determined to teach him how to love and be loved — provided, of course, Kane can catch the killer before Miki becomes the murderer’s final victim.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: Loved the emotional romance and great characters of this mystery by an author quickly becoming a personal favorite.

The Set Up: Miki is the sole survivor of a car crash that killed his band mates and all he wants to do is wallow in his misery. When the pedophile from his childhood is found dead in his car, the cops think he did it. Only Miki’s neighbor, Kane, an artist and cop, thinks he’s innocent and will stand by Miki in ways no one else ever has. But the killer is targeting Miki and time may be running out.

Why I Read this Book: I’ve read the Cole McGinnis series and loved them so have been meaning to read this series.

What I Liked: I loved Miki and Kane. Miki’s isolation but desire for a connection are beautifully juxtaposed like when he wants Kane’s comfort but is scared to want or accept it. This is perfectly illustrated after the cops show Miki pictures his pedophile took of him and other boys in an attempt to identify the other boys. Kane hurts for Miki but he doesn’t relate to Miki as broken and this was an important distinction for me. Kane obviously feels anger about how painful Miki’s past was but he doesn’t base their relationship on this or allow it to taint his feelings for Miki. Kane knows it will take time to win Miki’s trust and instead of demanding it, Kane willingly allows his actions to win Miki over. I loved this emotional and erotic romance and think few authors combine the two as well as Ford does here or in her other books for that matter.

What I Also Liked: Kane is part of a large Irish-American family, the Morgans and I absolutely adore them. They’re the kind of family we all dream about, where they fight, love, argue, support and cherish each other. Brigid the mother and Donal the father are stellar characters who bring Miki into the fold, the first by smothering him with food and love and the later by sharing silence and wisdom. Kane’s brothers, most of whom are police officers as well, provide the levity and support for Kane and by extension Miki. I fell in love with this family and wish they’d adopt me and mine!

Ford also writes strong mysteries in her books, as she does in this one. Kane and his partner, Kel, follow the clues (and disgusting body parts) to find the killer. Yep, it’s gross and creepy but still kept my attention from beginning to end. The pacing of this book is stellar as the mystery plot slows at perfect intervals to allow the romance to develop. This interwoven story is one I really enjoyed and highly recommend.

Slight Warnings: Miki’s Sinner’s Gin band mates are killed in a mysterious car accident, including his best friend Damien. The ending of this book shows readers there is a story here and it’s told in book two so be very sure you have book two queued up!

Second, this book has vivid accounts of childhood abuse so readers that need to watch for that trigger be warned.

IMO: This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites because of the oh-so-enjoyable romances and well written mysteries. If you haven’t read this author do yourself a favor and start here with Sinner’s Gin.



J9’s Rating:
4 1/2 Frogs



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About J9: Vegan. Avid runner. Android addict. Never without a book in hand. Currently devouring MM romance but reads historial romance and paranormal romance as well. Follow J9 on Twitter.

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