Down and Dirty

By: Rhys Ford

Narrated by: Greg Tremblay

Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

A Cole McGinnis Mystery

From the moment former LAPD detective Bobby Dawson spots Ichiro Tokugawa, he knows the man is trouble. And not just because the much younger Japanese inker is hot, complicated, and pushes every one of Bobby's buttons. No, Ichi is trouble because he's Cole McGinnis' younger brother and off-limits in every possible way. And Bobby knows that even before Cole threatens to kill him for looking Ichi's way. But despite his gut telling him Ichi is bad news, Bobby can't stop looking...or wanting.

Ichi was never one to play by the rules. Growing up in Japan as his father's heir, he'd been bound by every rule imaginable until he had enough and walked away from everything to become his own man. Los Angeles was supposed to be a brief pitstop before he moved on, but after connecting with his American half brothers, it looks like a good city to call home for a while--if it weren't for Bobby Dawson.

Bobby is definitely a love-them-and-leave-them type, a philosophy with which Ichi wholeheartedly agrees. Family was as much of a relationship as Ichi was looking for, but something about the gruff and handsome Bobby Dawson makes him want more.

Much, much more.

©2014 Rhys Ford (P)2015 Rhys Ford

The book was meh but the narration rocked!

*3.5 stars, rounded up because the audiobook narrator, Greg Tremblay, is a-mazing*

I hold this series VERY close to my heart, and so I was dying to read Bobby and Ichi's story. However, it was only my love for these characters (and the narration, but we'll get to that later) that made this one bearable, to be honest.

The hard truth is that there is VERY little plot in this story.

The time frame jumps around because this book takes place during Dirty Deeds. One of the most difficult things about this story is that it is interspersed between the happenings of "Dirty Deeds." It didn't feel like its own independent story, but rather an offshoot of another, larger plot, which was really disappointing for me.

Part of that was my expectations. The Cole McGinnis books are so action-packed, so exciting that I was anticipating something more EXPLOSIVE. I didn't get that at all. This book is all about Bobby and Ichi coming together, which really wasn't enough to carry the story for me. At times, I found myself growing bored (GASP), which NEVER happens with a Rhys Ford book.

The problem is, I'm not sure if there was any way around my issues. The way the last book ended, this book HAD to take place during the last story, so the author was forced to mold a book to fit around that premise. I just found it sort of dull... flat. If I was going to rate this book on the content alone, I would have rated 2.5-3 stars. However, the narration saved this book and it saved it BIG TIME.

I adore Greg Tremblay. It is no secret to those who read my reviews that I'm a huge fan-girl of his. He just puts so much of himself into his work. His voices, his inflections... they are just PERFECT. This series feels like a labor of love for the narrator, and it shows in the quality of his performance. Listening to Greg embrace the characters easily bumped up my rating of this book a full star or more.

I think this book is reserved for only the most hard-core fans of this series, or audiobook lovers. All others might be disappointed by the result.

**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Charming fun, Bobby is a favorite.

I love this older Bobby character and it was very fun to get his lovely love-story. There wasn't much storyline in this new part (just more or less a mirroring of the last book but in Bobby's point of view instead).

...Anyway a sweet, tender, very sexy steamy book and the narrator (Greg Tremblay) does it simply FANTASTIC. I'm so much enjoying to listening to his grunting voice every time.

Are you already a series fan is this new part a must buy. In my opinion is this a excellent gay-romance (M/M) series to choose the audiobooks for. Just a lot of smexy romantic fun.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

4th one still a charmer

When all 4 (so far) books in a series area all equally entertaining, that says a lot about the author. This story changes the main characters from Cole and Jae Min to Cole's best friend Bobby and Cole's brother Ichi. In the background, Cole is still searching for Shelia and getting shot at and into other trouble as he does so, but those things do not drive the story. The story is simply about Bobby and Ichi developing a relationship and dealing with their inner selves and their outer life (how to tell Cole, for one thing). It is witty, sexy, and insightful, as are the others in this series. The narrator is one of the best I've ever heard, as I've stated in my reviews of the former 3 books, however, his Bobby voice was always sort of silly and dopey to me, so hearing that voice more and trying to put a sexy face on it wasn't easy. Nevertheless, the writing and the performance helped and it worked for me. I think there were a few less sex scenes in this one than the others.

Worth a credit? If you enjoyed the first three in the series, definitely. Could you start with this one? I think it could stand alone, but it would be better to have the Cole story backround.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Love Rhys! Love Greg! Love Bobby and Ichi!

Any additional comments?

Bobby’s story! Woot!

Or should I say Ichi’s story? No, it was definitely Bobby’s story!

Woot!

An important first point: let me say that you must have read the other books for this to really mean anything to you. There are snatches of moments taken from the previous books to give you a time line so that the view as seen from a different angle makes more sense, but Ford does not “backfill” too much. She assumes you are an informed reader. (Thank you!)

This is pretty straightforwardly Bobby and Ichi’s love story. There is no mystery (those were Cole’s to solve and we see them through Bobby and Ichi’s lenses only.) We learn what makes Bobby and Ichi tick (mostly Bobby) and then we learn how they can fit together.

It. Was. Wonderful!

I absolutely loved digging deep into Bobby’s psyche. He’s a unique character, with years of experience that Jae and Cole don’t have. His history (being a closeted gay cop) must mirror what so many men of his generation experienced and it serves as a reminder for how far we (as a culture) have come along (hopefully) in our acceptance of “other” in our society. There was even a story thrown in as told by an older man who had similar experiences with his mixed marriage, that is, he was subjected to questions and cruelty as well.

Without reading this book, you may be worried that Bobby couldn’t possibly be seen as someone to trust in a long-term relationship. What Ford did was show us, by slowly peeling back the layers, just why Bobby is EXACTLY the type of guy you should trust in a long-term relationship. It was very elegantly done and felt completely organic.


Ichi’s history surprised me a bit too. There are things we find out that explain some of his personality; information about his mother (Cole’s too) and father and step-mother… fascinating. He’s an old soul and perfectly matched for Bobby.

I found the lack of mystery refreshing, not that the mysteries in Cole’s books aren’t great, but we got a chance to really focus on the characters in this book. Ford spends a lot of time developing these complex, rich characters (main and secondary) and this book show-cases that effort.

The ending was absolutely THE BEST. First, the way Jamie finds out Bobby is gay and then, the last scene at the tattoo shop… (le sigh) grab some tissues, it’s just wonderful. It feels so complete, but is just open enough that it hints at more excitement that we could see in upcoming book(s). I hope that both Bobby and Ichi (and maybe even Jamie?) will continue to play big roles in any future book(s).

Well done Rhys Ford, well done!

I highly recommend this and give it 6 of 5 hearts!



Audio

Greg Tremblay has done this entire series, so we are familiar with his deliciously growly Bobby and the exquisite way he handles all the variety of Asian accents.

I think he does another outstanding job with Down and Dirty. The emotion Bobby shows and the tenderness from Ichi are breathtaking.

I absolutely loved this audiobook and highly recommend it along with the entire series.



6 out of 5 hearts

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Another hit

Greg Tremblay is awesome!! He has done this series justice!! I loved the story and the narration is spot on

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great story. Great narration.

Another wonderful audiobook by Ford and Tremblay. Full of emotion both from the words and the voice. The pop culture and comic book references add just enough light hearted moments to accent the intense ones.

Bobby gets his story!

I so wanted to learn Bobby's story and Rhys Ford didn't dissapoint! Bobby and Ichiro quickly became my favourite supporting characters in this series and I'm glad they got their story. Greg Tremblay, as usual, was fabulous. I have yet to listen to anything he narrates that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed.

Amazing narration

Down and Dirty is the only book in this series not focused on Cole and Jae. This time we follow Bobby and Ichi. Another change from the previous books is that this time the story is told in third person and from both Bobby and Ichi's POV. However, we still get the amazing Greg Tremblay doing the narration.

Sometimes the things that are forbidden are the things we want the most. No one knows this better than Bobby Dawson. From the first moment he laid eyes on his best friend Cole's baby brother, Ichiro Tokugawa, he was drawn to him and couldn't stop thinking about the fascinating man. Being the same age as his son made Ichi even more off limits.

Bobby has been there from the beginning, the kind of slutty best friend, but one with the biggest heart and who's always there, no questions asked. He's always been in the periphery and we haven't fully gotten to know him beyond the superficial level. That is until this book. We get to know his past, his heartbreak, his dreams and secrets, and they all made me fall for this man so much harder. He was so worth all the happiness he found with Ichi.

It's not only Bobby that was drawn to Ichi from the get go. Ichi too is drawn to the gruff Bobby the rough around the edges older man. He made him feel safe, feel loved. Something that's been lacking in his life growing up.

Ok, so I just thought of another difference compared to the previous books. They have had a large portion focused on solving a mystery, a case in some form. Down and Dirty is mostly focused on the relationships, getting to know Ichi and Bobby as individuals, their pasts, and then their growing relationship. Sure, as they still reside in the same city as Cole McGinnis, there are a few bullets flying, but that's not the focus of the book, but merely a catalyst of sorts. Bobby and Ichi are the focus. Getting to know them and their growing relationship. On the surface they are so different but together they become whole, complete.

I love Greg Tremblay. I know I've said that before, but it bears repeating. He is without a doubt my favourite male narrator and I have a smile on my face every time I pick up one of his works. They are always pure perfection, he never misses a single thing.

Down and Dirty was everything that I wanted from Bobby and Ichi's story. It had a gentler feeling than the other books, and it's nice to have a bit of a breather from the intenseness that's Always present when Cole is around. As I'm feeling good and relaxed, I'm going to jump right into the fire and ne next adventure with Cole McGinnis.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review for Love Bytes

nice addition, but not a stand alone

well written, great characters, but you have to have read the previous book to follow it. For more this was a pleasure, not a problem. Just be sure you know that before you buy.

Solid storytelling

Not my favorite but a solid story. As a personal preference I like couples to be closer in age. Despite that I enjoyed the way the storyline was running roughly during the same timeline as the previous book. I am looking forward to the next book.

Not my fave of the series but....

Review dated April 2016.

Yes, I enjoyed listening to Ichi and Bobby's story, even if it was only to get their backgrounds and life stories. 4 stars from me. Bobby of course was around during the AIDS crisis in the 80's, and was firmly in the closet a) cos he was a cop and knew loads of bigots, even in his own family unfortunately and b) cos he'd felt pressured to get married and pretend to be 'normal', as loads of guys did at that time, but that of course went to s**t thanks to that lovely guy from the hospital and the incriminating photos.

I was not happy with Cole or Mike, and their stupid views on their younger brother's relationship with Bobby, and admittedly Bobby's son James walked in on his father and Ichi at completely the wrong time and was shocked at what he saw, but then again, what he nearly accused his father of?? Absolutely disgusting, and could I forgive and forget?? Probably not, so Bobby's bound to be a better person than me, although lots of awful things are said in the heat of the moment aren't they??

A lovely side addition to the McGinnis storyline

This book is Bobby and Ichiro's story and runs (mostly) alongside the previous book in the McGinnis series, essentially covering what Bobby & Ichi were doing/ how their relationship developed while Cole did his usual thing of trying to avoid being killed by everone around him.
I have to say that I love Bobby's character and finding out what was behind his attitude to sex was enlightening while at the same time a little sad, too. Claudia was brilliant in setting Bobby & Cole to righrs; Mike was a bit of a knob but hopefully has come around to the idea of Bobby & Ichi together; & when Bobby's son Jamie saw Ichi for the first time - that was traumatic for him and well done. And the way it ended...well. Brilliant, but oh, my God! Good job I've got the next book already.
Greg Tremblay's narration was excellent and brought the characters to life, not just in the funny/ sexy parts but also in the emotional /painful parts when everything seems to be going to hell and Bobby & Ichi just put themselves out there, hearts on their sleeves, and decided to give it a go - that really came through very well.
When I finished listening to this I had that warm feeling of satisfaction you get when you've read/ listened to a book and it's like you've just had an excellent meal, or a fantastic day out. The, 'that was great, let's do it again tomorrow', feeling.
I am very happy I bought this book.

Disappointing

What would have made Down and Dirty better?

I liked the first 5 stories in the series - so this is a bit of a disappointment.
The story doesn't work as a stand alone as it relies on the back-story provided in the other books. Also the characters are entirely unconvincing and 1 dimensional; the "meanwhile" plot is too thin and the loose-ends tied up too quickly in a ready-mix romance book fashion without any originality.
The narration as with the other books however is excellent. ,

Would you ever listen to anything by Rhys Ford again?

I will listen to book 6 to finish the series.

Not a mystery, but a nice love story

As others have said, this is not a murder mystery, this is the love story of Bobby and Ichi, set against the background of previous books in the series. You do need to have read those, or there will be a lot you don't understand.
If you like to follow the characters from the Cole McGinnis books, read this. If you mainly want the mysteries, maybe you should skip this one.

Greg Tremblay is magnificent with the accents, and I love his deep Bobby voice. I cannot fathom how he manages to distinguish between Jae's Korean accent and Ichi's Japanese, but he does. I have no way of knowing how correct the accents are, they sound real to me and I marvel at the subtlety with which Tremblay makes them sound just that little bit different. He does that with Latino and other accents as well. I had to get used to him in the first book, but he is now definitely one of my favourite narrators.

(also posted in the Kindle section of Amazon.com, with a few minor differences)

Fabulous

This series is just awesome. Every book has such stunning appeal. Bobby has always been special in his relationship with Cole and Jae, but finding his own HEA has been a stunning ride of love, lust, humour and a little angst.
Greg Tremblay does a fantastic job of being all of the characters but for me his Scarlett and Claudia are SUPERB.
I highly recommend this to Everyone!

Hot and sizzling!

What did you like most about Down and Dirty?

As with all of Rhys's stories they are character driven, and this is no exception. Very believable characters.

What other book might you compare Down and Dirty to, and why?

This book could only be compared to previous books in this series as they are so distinctive.

What about Greg Tremblay’s performance did you like?

Like his previous performances, he brings the characters to life!

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Love has no barriers!

Any additional comments?

I've now listened to all of Rhys's books here on audible, and for me she can do no wrong. Her brilliant story telling and believable characters draw you in. If you have never read or listened to one of her books, do yourself a favour and start now as I can guarantee you will not be disappointed!

Fits inside forth story in series

If you've read the others in the series you will have picked up some of the history and some of the contents. As such I got a lite boredom places. However still love this authors humour as he tells the story and glad I read it

Brilliant!

Brilliant story in the continuation of the Cole McGuiness Mysteries series. Greg Tremblay's narration of this series is superb. He brings all of the characters to life with individual voices. None moreso than his narration of Bobby Dawson, with his distinctive 'princess' and 'sunshine', the nicknames he has for Cole & Ichi. A definite must listen to!