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415 Ink #1
Rebel
The hardest thing a rebel can do isn’t standing up for something — it’s standing up for himself.
Life takes delight in stabbing Gus Scott in the back when he least expects it. After years of running from his past, present and the dismal future every social worker predicted for him, Karma delivers the one thing Gus could never—would never—turn his back on; a son from a one-night stand he’d had after a devastating break-up three years ago.
Returning to San Francisco and to 415 Ink, his family’s tattoo shop, gave him the perfect shelter to battle his personal demons and get himself together… until the firefighter who’d broken him walked back into Gus’s life.
For Rey Montenegro, tattoo artist Gus Scott was an elusive brass ring, a glittering prize he hadn’t the strength or flexibility to hold onto. Severing his relationship with the mercurial tattoo artist hurt but Gus hadn’t wanted the kind of domestic life Rey craved, leaving Rey with an aching chasm in his soul.
When Gus’s life and world starts to unravel, Rey helps him pick up the pieces, and Gus wonders if that forever Rey wants is more than just a dream.
Life takes delight in stabbing Gus Scott in the back when he least expects it. After years of running from his past, present and the dismal future every social worker predicted for him, Karma delivers the one thing Gus could never—would never—turn his back on; a son from a one-night stand he’d had after a devastating break-up three years ago.
Returning to San Francisco and to 415 Ink, his family’s tattoo shop, gave him the perfect shelter to battle his personal demons and get himself together… until the firefighter who’d broken him walked back into Gus’s life.
For Rey Montenegro, tattoo artist Gus Scott was an elusive brass ring, a glittering prize he hadn’t the strength or flexibility to hold onto. Severing his relationship with the mercurial tattoo artist hurt but Gus hadn’t wanted the kind of domestic life Rey craved, leaving Rey with an aching chasm in his soul.
When Gus’s life and world starts to unravel, Rey helps him pick up the pieces, and Gus wonders if that forever Rey wants is more than just a dream.
220 pages, Paperback
First published December 29, 2017
170 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Ford
79 books1,890 followersRhys Ford is an award-winning author with several long-running LGBT+ mystery, thriller, paranormal, and urban fantasy series and is a two-time LAMBDA finalist and a multiple Gold and Silver Medalist by the Florida Authors and Publishers President’s Book Awards. She is published by Dreamspinner Press, DSP Publications and Rogue Firebird Press.
She shares the house with Harley, a gray tuxedo with a flower on her face, Badger, a disgruntled former alley cat, and Gojira, a mercurial Tabico as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep of a 1979 Pontiac Firebird named Tengu and enjoys murdering make-believe people.
She shares the house with Harley, a gray tuxedo with a flower on her face, Badger, a disgruntled former alley cat, and Gojira, a mercurial Tabico as well as a ginger cairn terrorist named Gus. Rhys is also enslaved to the upkeep of a 1979 Pontiac Firebird named Tengu and enjoys murdering make-believe people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
December 9, 2017
4.5 Stars
Second chance stories and broken MC's are my jam. And let me tell ya, Rhys Ford knows how to write both -- I was in reader heaven the whole time I was reading Rebel.
While the romance didn't seem to be the primary focus, here, the UST was boiling over. Both Gus and Rey wanted each other, even if they didn't really know how to overcome all the hurt from past actions. And there was a lot of hurt and a lot of anger -- my heart broke for all of it.
August "Gus" Scott is more than a little broken. His childhood was filled with violence and he grew up in the system after his mother and twin brother died. Everyone wrote him off as 'not worth the trouble' because of his mother and her issues. It broke my heart, just how many people failed him when they should have been protecting him. Should have been advocating for him.
Rey Montenegro comes from a good family, though he's been through his share of trauma. He messed up three years ago by doing what nearly everyone else in Gus's life had done -- he threw Gus away. Communication was not their strong suit back then and Rey screwed up and ended it. A decision he regrets to this day, because he might not have realized it back then, but he loves Gus with everything, and he wants to make things right.
As the blurb mentions, Gus has made his share of questionable decisions, and one of those decisions led to him having a son. He wants to be a dad to the boy, but Gus is scared that he will fail spectacularly. He has a support system, though, and once he meets his son, Chris, he is smitten. I was thankful that Gus really wanted to do right by his son and his son's mother. I was also very happy that there was absolutely no baby-mama-drama. Both Jules and her parents wanted Gus to have a relationship with Chris. They advocated for him -- which is something no one ever did, when he needed it as a child.
In fact, the cast of secondary characters was fantastic, here. It's a collection of blood related family and found family who really gave a damn about one another. Bear, Ivo, Luke, and Mace are all people I really want to know more about. I want them all to have a story and I want them all to get their happy ending.
The angst level is fairly high, in Rebel, the steam is low to moderate, and the UST is off the charts. I loved Gus and Rey's HEA, too. It filled me with hope and love for these guys and their future together.
Rebel is about second chances. It's also about family (both blood and found). It's about healing and learning that you are worthy of love and happiness.
Recommended.
----------------
ARC of Rebel was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
"Because loving someone doesn’t mean needing them to be what you want them to be or swaddling them in bubble wrap so they can’t move. It means them knowing, deep down inside of their heart, you’re going to be there to hold them when they fall and celebrate when they fly."
Second chance stories and broken MC's are my jam. And let me tell ya, Rhys Ford knows how to write both -- I was in reader heaven the whole time I was reading Rebel.
While the romance didn't seem to be the primary focus, here, the UST was boiling over. Both Gus and Rey wanted each other, even if they didn't really know how to overcome all the hurt from past actions. And there was a lot of hurt and a lot of anger -- my heart broke for all of it.
August "Gus" Scott is more than a little broken. His childhood was filled with violence and he grew up in the system after his mother and twin brother died. Everyone wrote him off as 'not worth the trouble' because of his mother and her issues. It broke my heart, just how many people failed him when they should have been protecting him. Should have been advocating for him.
Rey Montenegro comes from a good family, though he's been through his share of trauma. He messed up three years ago by doing what nearly everyone else in Gus's life had done -- he threw Gus away. Communication was not their strong suit back then and Rey screwed up and ended it. A decision he regrets to this day, because he might not have realized it back then, but he loves Gus with everything, and he wants to make things right.
As the blurb mentions, Gus has made his share of questionable decisions, and one of those decisions led to him having a son. He wants to be a dad to the boy, but Gus is scared that he will fail spectacularly. He has a support system, though, and once he meets his son, Chris, he is smitten. I was thankful that Gus really wanted to do right by his son and his son's mother. I was also very happy that there was absolutely no baby-mama-drama. Both Jules and her parents wanted Gus to have a relationship with Chris. They advocated for him -- which is something no one ever did, when he needed it as a child.
In fact, the cast of secondary characters was fantastic, here. It's a collection of blood related family and found family who really gave a damn about one another. Bear, Ivo, Luke, and Mace are all people I really want to know more about. I want them all to have a story and I want them all to get their happy ending.
The angst level is fairly high, in Rebel, the steam is low to moderate, and the UST is off the charts. I loved Gus and Rey's HEA, too. It filled me with hope and love for these guys and their future together.
Rebel is about second chances. It's also about family (both blood and found). It's about healing and learning that you are worthy of love and happiness.
Recommended.
----------------
ARC of Rebel was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Not for me*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
I didn't like this one. I didn't like the story, I didn't like the characters and I didn't like the writing. The book centers around tattoo artist August ‘Gus’ ‘Goose’ Scott (29) and firefighter Rey Montenegro (32?). Along with Gus' brothers, Barrett ‘Bear’ Jackson, Mason ‘Mace’, Luke Muñoz and Ivo Scott. Gus comes home after being on the road for 6 month; he found out he have a son, Chris (soon 3). Coming home also means seeing the man who broke his heart, Rey. Can Rey get Gus to give him a chance? Overall, the book was confusing in the first 20% and extremely boring throughout the book. The writing just didn't do it for me, and I couldn't connect at all to any of the stories. Hell, I wasn't even interested. I even skimmed the sex scenes and that is saying a lot.
“I love you, you know. I'm sorry I took so long to see it... too long to understand what it was you meant to me... but I'm glad you're here. With me. In this bed. And I want to fall asleep, but if I do, I won't see you again until I wake up, and that's too fucking long to wait.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - August ‘Gus’ ‘Goose’ Scott.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - No.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 stars.
March 26, 2018
Tag Team Review with Lost in a Book!
FOUR HEARTS--This review is from a person who hasn't read many Rhys Ford romances.
*whispers* This is actually my second Rhys Ford book. *gasp* Don't tell anyone, okay?
Rhys Ford's back list is mystery heavy and that ain't my gig. Rebel's premise however, contemporary romance that stars ex-lovers who try to connect once again while dealing with baggage? My gig, wholeheartedly.
Rebel is told from dual POV but it's mainly tattoo artist's Gus Scott's story. Gus is approaching thirty, had a hard childhood that ruined him in some ways. He's run away from his band of brothers (some blood relations some chosen) and his ex, firefighter Rey Montenegro. Both men met when teens, tried having a relationship and didn't get it right at the time. It's been three years and Gus returns back to San Francisco with a bombshell: he has a son he's never met. The fact how his son was conceived is a kick in the gut.
Second chances and single parents are some of my favorite themes to read about. Rebel did a good job with these themes. It's a slow burn, meaning it isn't romance heavy. It was more of a personal growth and showcasing Gus's family. I'm happy that this wasn't sex heavy. It's less believable for me to see two adults who actively have baggage just jump into the sack without attempting to fix their baggage first. (I don't need quick fixes or band-aids). That can't be found here.
But...the way the story is written while good, took sometime for me to get used to. It's lyrical in way. And some chapters I found myself rolling my eyes and skimming to get to an interaction between the characters. The author takes time to describe the surroundings, the feel of a room. It was very descriptive. And for readers who enjoy this, you'll adore Rebel.
Truthfully, I think I enjoyed the families more than Rey and Gus. Both men were nice enough and since it was inevitable they would be together (there really isn't any conflicts stopping them), I wasn't as invested in them as a couple. Gus's brothers? They were funny, nosy as hell, rough around the edges and easy to love.
There were a few niggles for me: like Rey's mom and her view on Gus's family. I wish it was revisited so we can see if she grew as a person or not. It obviously bothered Rey, so I wouldn't have minded a revisit. Another thing was the guy Rey was supposed to be seeing. Mace, mentions him. I'm thinking 'yes, some conflict'. But it just disappeared into the ether. *shrug* I never tire of those plot devices. So missed opportunity for me.
I'm not familiar with this author's style. Overall, Ford gets the job done. It's a story with bones and meat. It not only shows its scars, it only reopens the barely closed wounds and drags the reader through the pain. That part I didn't mind...though I felt it got a tad repetitive at certain points. And I cursed a blue streak at 89%. I though the story was going to use a plot twist to add for drama, one I wasn't too keen on. But it got resolved. So I won't harp on it.
Rebel is about redemption and reconnection. Once you learn how horrific Gus's childhood is (triggers: abuse), you'll get to understand why he is the way he is. I don't think there is anyone else for Gus but Rey. They make a good pair. And the last chapter? The last three paragraphs got me intrigued enough to want to try the next book.
So it looks like I might have a new series to follow. Recommended for readers who won't mind the triggers, enjoys slow burn, tatts and damaged protagonists who figure out what life should be for them. On their own terms.
A copy provided for an honest review.
FOUR HEARTS--This review is from a person who hasn't read many Rhys Ford romances.
*whispers* This is actually my second Rhys Ford book. *gasp* Don't tell anyone, okay?
Rhys Ford's back list is mystery heavy and that ain't my gig. Rebel's premise however, contemporary romance that stars ex-lovers who try to connect once again while dealing with baggage? My gig, wholeheartedly.
Rebel is told from dual POV but it's mainly tattoo artist's Gus Scott's story. Gus is approaching thirty, had a hard childhood that ruined him in some ways. He's run away from his band of brothers (some blood relations some chosen) and his ex, firefighter Rey Montenegro. Both men met when teens, tried having a relationship and didn't get it right at the time. It's been three years and Gus returns back to San Francisco with a bombshell: he has a son he's never met. The fact how his son was conceived is a kick in the gut.
Second chances and single parents are some of my favorite themes to read about. Rebel did a good job with these themes. It's a slow burn, meaning it isn't romance heavy. It was more of a personal growth and showcasing Gus's family. I'm happy that this wasn't sex heavy. It's less believable for me to see two adults who actively have baggage just jump into the sack without attempting to fix their baggage first. (I don't need quick fixes or band-aids). That can't be found here.
But...the way the story is written while good, took sometime for me to get used to. It's lyrical in way. And some chapters I found myself rolling my eyes and skimming to get to an interaction between the characters. The author takes time to describe the surroundings, the feel of a room. It was very descriptive. And for readers who enjoy this, you'll adore Rebel.
Truthfully, I think I enjoyed the families more than Rey and Gus. Both men were nice enough and since it was inevitable they would be together (there really isn't any conflicts stopping them), I wasn't as invested in them as a couple. Gus's brothers? They were funny, nosy as hell, rough around the edges and easy to love.
There were a few niggles for me: like Rey's mom and her view on Gus's family. I wish it was revisited so we can see if she grew as a person or not. It obviously bothered Rey, so I wouldn't have minded a revisit. Another thing was the guy Rey was supposed to be seeing. Mace, mentions him. I'm thinking 'yes, some conflict'. But it just disappeared into the ether. *shrug* I never tire of those plot devices. So missed opportunity for me.
I'm not familiar with this author's style. Overall, Ford gets the job done. It's a story with bones and meat. It not only shows its scars, it only reopens the barely closed wounds and drags the reader through the pain. That part I didn't mind...though I felt it got a tad repetitive at certain points. And I cursed a blue streak at 89%. I though the story was going to use a plot twist to add for drama, one I wasn't too keen on. But it got resolved. So I won't harp on it.
Rebel is about redemption and reconnection. Once you learn how horrific Gus's childhood is (triggers: abuse), you'll get to understand why he is the way he is. I don't think there is anyone else for Gus but Rey. They make a good pair. And the last chapter? The last three paragraphs got me intrigued enough to want to try the next book.
So it looks like I might have a new series to follow. Recommended for readers who won't mind the triggers, enjoys slow burn, tatts and damaged protagonists who figure out what life should be for them. On their own terms.
A copy provided for an honest review.
January 2, 2018
4.5 Stars!
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. I found it to be a bit of a cross between a Garrett Leigh and a Satino Hassell read.
The whole book was sort of heavy and angsty like a Garrett or Santino read. This one definitely wasn't a fluffy romance. And the two main characters, one especially, really took a lot of hits in life much like the characters in Santino's Five Boroughs series.
I thought the writing was good and engaging. And I loved all of the secondary characters, even though it took me some time to figure out who everyone was and how they all became brothers.
A bit lower on the steam. But I enjoyed the slow burn re-connection of the two main characters who were former lovers.
I am definitely looking forward to Mace and Rob's book! Great start to the series.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. I found it to be a bit of a cross between a Garrett Leigh and a Satino Hassell read.
The whole book was sort of heavy and angsty like a Garrett or Santino read. This one definitely wasn't a fluffy romance. And the two main characters, one especially, really took a lot of hits in life much like the characters in Santino's Five Boroughs series.
I thought the writing was good and engaging. And I loved all of the secondary characters, even though it took me some time to figure out who everyone was and how they all became brothers.
A bit lower on the steam. But I enjoyed the slow burn re-connection of the two main characters who were former lovers.
I am definitely looking forward to Mace and Rob's book! Great start to the series.
December 22, 2017
This is a "second chance" story, in every sense of the word, and I myself am a huge fan of second chances ;)
Gus and Rey used to be a couple 3 years ago.....until miscommunication causes them to break up. This in turn causes Gus to go out and get drunk off his ass, and changing his future forever. He doesn't know about this big change until 2,5 years later though....when he is told about his son Chris.
Gus wants a chance to be a father to his son, so he goes home, after being away for some time.... Which means he will come face to face with Rey again as well ;)
Both men never got over one another and the chemistry is still there. Rey has always regretted breaking things off with Gus. But getting back together is not that easy. These two had a lot to overcome, especially Gus. His past was horrible and he really needed to heal.... My heart broke for him and all he has been through.
I really enjoyed this one and I want to give some extra credit to the secondary characters. They were awesome !!
I would have liked a bit more time with the three of them as a family, but unfortunately, we don't always get what we want ;)
I'm very curious to see what's next !
This review has been posted on DirtyBooksObsession
January 10, 2018
Parece mentira que sea el primer libro que leo de esta autora porque es muy popular. Afortunada soy, me ha gustado y no solo estoy deseando seguir con esta serie, también buscaré en su catálogo para leer más de ella.
Rebel es el primer libro de una serie sobre unos hermanos, unos de sangre y otros no, y como el primero que es, mucho del plot se centra en la presentación de los protagonistas, su relación y algo de su background. La historia de segundas oportunidades entre un bombero y un tatuador está llena de química, los momentos hot necesarios (para mi, la autora no nos inserta una escena con sexo oral cada 10 páginas) y muchos sentimientos. Pero, a pesar de que ellos me han encantado, lo que más me ha gustado es la interacción entre los hermanos, las distintas personalidades, el hecho de que el amor no comienza y termina con el amor de pareja o con el amor entre familia que comparte la misma sangre.
Bien escrito, con dosis justa de angst, con algunos momentos duros y emotivo.
Estoy deseando leer el siguiente, pero fundamentalmente la historia de Ivo, el hermano menor.
Rebel es el primer libro de una serie sobre unos hermanos, unos de sangre y otros no, y como el primero que es, mucho del plot se centra en la presentación de los protagonistas, su relación y algo de su background. La historia de segundas oportunidades entre un bombero y un tatuador está llena de química, los momentos hot necesarios (para mi, la autora no nos inserta una escena con sexo oral cada 10 páginas) y muchos sentimientos. Pero, a pesar de que ellos me han encantado, lo que más me ha gustado es la interacción entre los hermanos, las distintas personalidades, el hecho de que el amor no comienza y termina con el amor de pareja o con el amor entre familia que comparte la misma sangre.
Bien escrito, con dosis justa de angst, con algunos momentos duros y emotivo.
Estoy deseando leer el siguiente, pero fundamentalmente la historia de Ivo, el hermano menor.
March 8, 2020
Audio 3.5 stars
Story 3 stars
Story 3 stars
December 29, 2017
I can’t believe this opening story in a new series from Rhys Ford; there isn’t a murder in sight! It is a touching, second chance, hurt/comfort romance, with a slow rekindling of love. Family is front and center, loving, bossy, irritating, never afraid to speak uncomfortable truths, even as they offer unquestioning support. Gus’s past is one of the worst and it’s influenced him in a lot of negative ways, but with a son coming into his life, he has to stand and face it at last. He and Rey were together for quite a while but never managed to share important thoughts or expectations with each other, made too many assumptions, and ultimately Rey ended things. After three years of avoidance and denial, both realize the love never ended but Gus has too much change in his life to deal with those feelings at first. It’s up to Rey to fix what he broke, if Gus will let him.
As always, Rhys’s narrative has its own rhythm, the distinct voices of the characters never missing a beat in the plot line. As in any series first novel, a good amount of page time is invested in building each personality but it flows seamlessly within the story, while moving the plot forward. There’s lots of UST and I could feel the chemistry and the longing, but not much intimacy occurs until later in the story. No one writes a love scene quite like Rhys though. Just yummy. I’m making this review short and sweet because other than assuring that this is excellent, and so worth reading, I don’t want to spoil anything. Experience this for yourself in all it’s rich detail.
*An ARC was provided by the author or publisher and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Hearts On Fire Reviews blog*
As always, Rhys’s narrative has its own rhythm, the distinct voices of the characters never missing a beat in the plot line. As in any series first novel, a good amount of page time is invested in building each personality but it flows seamlessly within the story, while moving the plot forward. There’s lots of UST and I could feel the chemistry and the longing, but not much intimacy occurs until later in the story. No one writes a love scene quite like Rhys though. Just yummy. I’m making this review short and sweet because other than assuring that this is excellent, and so worth reading, I don’t want to spoil anything. Experience this for yourself in all it’s rich detail.
*An ARC was provided by the author or publisher and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Hearts On Fire Reviews blog*
December 29, 2017
I loved it!! 5 wonky nautical stars!
Second chance romance and slow burn!
The first two or three chapters were a bit difficult because there are a lot of characters being introduced, also, they were kind of setting the stage for the story. Don't get me wrong, they were very interesting and I consumed them like I did the rest of the book. It's just that they were a bit confusing because I didn't know the characters or their past and they kept talking in half sentences.
Of course, as the book progressed it became apparent that this was in order to build some angst and curiosity to the reader and keep him engaged and interested. How perfectly that worked! I read and read and read and didn't want to stop until I reached the end and even then I wouldn't say no to some more pages..
So, it's a good thing that this is the first in a series. It means we're going to see Rey and Gus again! And of course Chris too!
About Chris, a weird thing happened here: he was an important part of the story, I could probably say that he was the reason there even was a story, and he was mentioned a lot, but his physical presence in scenes was very limited. At first I was disappointed by the lack of page time for him but after finishing the book I have to say that in the end I wasn't bothered by that at all. The story was mostly Gus's effort and struggle to move forward with his life, come to terms with his past and believe in himself and his worth.
The title of the book reflects to the reminders Gus has set for himself and his take of the tattoo he has on his arm with the word Rebel.
Gus was broken from some of the people closest to him but he managed to reach adulthood and navigate it as good as he could. He had self-esteem problems and trust issues but all of those things were completely and totally understandable, given the rough start his life had.
Rey had also experienced abuse but he at least had one good parent so he also knew love. He made many mistakes with Gus but it was obvious how much he cared about him and, once he realised how wrong his behavior was during their relationship, he went all in, determined to be there for Gus in whatever capacity he needed him. Of course, we are glad it was the boyfriend one!
Chris was a very happy and energetic child, I think the author did a great job with him, actually giving him the voice of a three year old and not a miniature-professor who speaks with way too much maturity for his age.
There was a lot of pain in all of the characters' pasts but they were all able to pick themselves up and make something of their lives. The five brothers formed a "stitched-together family" as they called it and Gus saw Luke as his "adopted twin". All those charecterizations show the love that existed between them but also their desperate need to not be alone in the world. It shows Gus's need to see his own face on someone else again, even though he knows that's never going to happen. They didn't care if there were blood ties between them, they had been burned by way too many people who had them. Now they chose their family and stuck together no matter what.
I'm not going to go into detail about the other four brothers as they are getting stories of their own, or at least I hope that all of them will do. Next in line is likely Mason, since there's a little tease in the epilogue with him. I think it's going to be a love-hate relationship with the couple going from kind-of-enemies to lovers. Bring it on!
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the publisher via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
Second chance romance and slow burn!
The first two or three chapters were a bit difficult because there are a lot of characters being introduced, also, they were kind of setting the stage for the story. Don't get me wrong, they were very interesting and I consumed them like I did the rest of the book. It's just that they were a bit confusing because I didn't know the characters or their past and they kept talking in half sentences.
Of course, as the book progressed it became apparent that this was in order to build some angst and curiosity to the reader and keep him engaged and interested. How perfectly that worked! I read and read and read and didn't want to stop until I reached the end and even then I wouldn't say no to some more pages..
So, it's a good thing that this is the first in a series. It means we're going to see Rey and Gus again! And of course Chris too!
About Chris, a weird thing happened here: he was an important part of the story, I could probably say that he was the reason there even was a story, and he was mentioned a lot, but his physical presence in scenes was very limited. At first I was disappointed by the lack of page time for him but after finishing the book I have to say that in the end I wasn't bothered by that at all. The story was mostly Gus's effort and struggle to move forward with his life, come to terms with his past and believe in himself and his worth.
The title of the book reflects to the reminders Gus has set for himself and his take of the tattoo he has on his arm with the word Rebel.
[...] he'd hadn't chosen the word to represent himself. Instead it was his reminder to not follow blindly, to fight against being led to his own slaughter, especially when it was someone he loved doing the leading. - Gus
Gus was broken from some of the people closest to him but he managed to reach adulthood and navigate it as good as he could. He had self-esteem problems and trust issues but all of those things were completely and totally understandable, given the rough start his life had.
Rey had also experienced abuse but he at least had one good parent so he also knew love. He made many mistakes with Gus but it was obvious how much he cared about him and, once he realised how wrong his behavior was during their relationship, he went all in, determined to be there for Gus in whatever capacity he needed him. Of course, we are glad it was the boyfriend one!
Chris was a very happy and energetic child, I think the author did a great job with him, actually giving him the voice of a three year old and not a miniature-professor who speaks with way too much maturity for his age.
There was a lot of pain in all of the characters' pasts but they were all able to pick themselves up and make something of their lives. The five brothers formed a "stitched-together family" as they called it and Gus saw Luke as his "adopted twin". All those charecterizations show the love that existed between them but also their desperate need to not be alone in the world. It shows Gus's need to see his own face on someone else again, even though he knows that's never going to happen. They didn't care if there were blood ties between them, they had been burned by way too many people who had them. Now they chose their family and stuck together no matter what.
I'm not going to go into detail about the other four brothers as they are getting stories of their own, or at least I hope that all of them will do. Next in line is likely Mason, since there's a little tease in the epilogue with him. I think it's going to be a love-hate relationship with the couple going from kind-of-enemies to lovers. Bring it on!
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the publisher via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
December 3, 2018
3.5 stars
As always, Tristan James delivered an excellent narration. He just has a way of sucking readers (listeners?) into the story. I had no trouble at all visualizing the various characters and the story. This narrator knows how to bring a book to life!
In ‘Rebel’, we’re introduced to two flawed men - Gus and Rey. Life hasn’t been kind to either man, and the two haven’t made the smartest decisions over the years. But despite their past, there’s no denying that Rey and Gus are connected at the heart.
We learn Gus and Rey’s stories in bits and pieces as the book progresses. This is one of Rhys Ford’s angstier books. The MCs, especially Gus, are torn down and built back up before they can get their happily ever after.
Gus stole my heart from the beginning. He’d been kicked one too many times by life, and didn’t believe he’d get anything good in life. But he’s willing to try for the one thing that brought him back home - his son.
It took me a bit more time to warm up to Rey. His abandonment of Gus didn’t do him any favours, and his backstory wasn’t that fleshed out. There just isn’t the same character development for Rey like there is for Gus.
But once Rey got his head out of his ass, he more than steps up to the plate.
Because this is a second-chance romance, we don’t see the MCs falling in love. Gus and Rey have been in love for years, they just had to learn how to make things work so that they could get their permanent happy ending.
It takes a lot of hard work, but eventually the two men get things right. And they seriously burn up the sheets while they’re at it!
As a backdrop to Rey and Gus’ relationship, readers are introduced to their ragtag family. I’m a big fan of the Sinners series, so I really liked getting to know the band of brothers. Also, Gus’ son Chris stole quite a few scenes. He was just a cute kid being a cute kid.
However, the last quarter or so could have been tightened up. It just seemed like things were thrown in for some extra drama, and didn’t really serve a purpose. Plus, I kept waiting for more of Rey’s story, and that never happens.
Overall, this was a really good start to a new series by Rhys Ford. I’m looking forward to reading where she takes it next!
As always, Tristan James delivered an excellent narration. He just has a way of sucking readers (listeners?) into the story. I had no trouble at all visualizing the various characters and the story. This narrator knows how to bring a book to life!
In ‘Rebel’, we’re introduced to two flawed men - Gus and Rey. Life hasn’t been kind to either man, and the two haven’t made the smartest decisions over the years. But despite their past, there’s no denying that Rey and Gus are connected at the heart.
We learn Gus and Rey’s stories in bits and pieces as the book progresses. This is one of Rhys Ford’s angstier books. The MCs, especially Gus, are torn down and built back up before they can get their happily ever after.
Gus stole my heart from the beginning. He’d been kicked one too many times by life, and didn’t believe he’d get anything good in life. But he’s willing to try for the one thing that brought him back home - his son.
It took me a bit more time to warm up to Rey. His abandonment of Gus didn’t do him any favours, and his backstory wasn’t that fleshed out. There just isn’t the same character development for Rey like there is for Gus.
But once Rey got his head out of his ass, he more than steps up to the plate.
Because this is a second-chance romance, we don’t see the MCs falling in love. Gus and Rey have been in love for years, they just had to learn how to make things work so that they could get their permanent happy ending.
It takes a lot of hard work, but eventually the two men get things right. And they seriously burn up the sheets while they’re at it!
As a backdrop to Rey and Gus’ relationship, readers are introduced to their ragtag family. I’m a big fan of the Sinners series, so I really liked getting to know the band of brothers. Also, Gus’ son Chris stole quite a few scenes. He was just a cute kid being a cute kid.
However, the last quarter or so could have been tightened up. It just seemed like things were thrown in for some extra drama, and didn’t really serve a purpose. Plus, I kept waiting for more of Rey’s story, and that never happens.
Overall, this was a really good start to a new series by Rhys Ford. I’m looking forward to reading where she takes it next!
Read
December 21, 2017I'm quitting. It's taken me four days to get to 30%. I've had to push myself to keep going. Reading shouldn't feel like a chore.
The writing isn't flowing for me, the pace feels off, and I'm bored.
No rating.
The writing isn't flowing for me, the pace feels off, and I'm bored.
No rating.
November 30, 2017
Overall this book was really enjoyable. It has the excellent writing style of Rhys Ford that I have come to really enjoy in the books I have read by this author so far.
Gus and Rey's connection was almost instant, from the moment they saw each other again and interacted - and even before that, in their memories of each other, in the way they reacted to other characters mentioning the other, it felt almost like a zing, their reactions and feelings to each other were so well written. When they were together, and the heat between them rose and I could feel them wanting to just jump each other's bones, I felt that. Very excellent chemistry.
And the story was, for the most part, fascinating. I found myself immersed in it, flipping the pages, hoping for more, more, more. What happened to Gus...it broke my heart. This man had such a horrible childhood, and to grow up to be the broken but ultimately good man he is, is amazing. I loved Gus. And I loved Rey. These two men both made mistakes in their past, when about three years prior to the present in this book, Rey breaks things off with Gus because he believes Gus doesn't want the same things he does, and Gus is heartbroken and barely listens after Rey starts breaking it off.
Gus is so heartbroken that he goes out and gets rip-roaring drunk - drunk enough to find comfort in a woman, Jules, who used to work at the tattoo shop Gus and his brothers - both blood related and not - own, and they sleep together, and three years later Gus finds out he is a father, so he comes back after 6 months away from San Francisco to be a father to his kid.
And his kid - gosh, he is THE cutest. I fell in love with the kid too, and I just wanted to snuggle him, give him hugs because Gus' kids cuteness was just so stinkin' adorable.
There are a few things here and there that didn't quite make this story feel complete. Like, we find out that Rey had a parent who was abusive and the opening scene is in the past when he meets Gus - and the four other brothers who are a family - and was in a fire set by said abusive parent, but for the rest of the story all the angst was about Gus and his past - but not much about Rey reflecting on his past or us really finding out too much beyond the fact that his family situation is a lot better, and we get to meet some of his family - and I liked them. I just had a need for more about Rey and his past. It was all about Gus' - and while I get that, because Gus had more shit to work through, I wanted more with Rey too.
I also felt that all the blame for their break up was put, for the most part, on Rey. Yeah, it was mentioned that Gus had his own shit he was dealing with and he wasn't the perfect partner at the time, but ALL the blame for them ending was put on Rey. Because Rey wanted Gus to fit into what he wanted a partner to be, and he let Gus go because it all about what Rey wanted - so what I was getting that Rey was the selfish, self-centered one who broke Gus' heart - and while yes, Rey was definitely in the wrong, I also feel like...some of it is on Gus too, but even Rey eventually is basically saying no, it was all his fault. But they BOTH did not communicate well, they both did not put in the effort needed to make it work, and while yes, Rey did the breaking up, Gus wasn't all the way in the relationship back then either.
Most of it was because of the shit he went through, but he never told Rey that, so how was Rey supposed to know? Neither communicated well back then and I just wish people had given them more a fifty-fifty "it was both of your fault" type of judgement instead of putting it all on Rey and being like "If Rey screws up again I'll beat him up" or something like that. I was just kinda like...Gus being in a shitty place does not excuse his own behavior. It makes it understandable, but doesn't excuse it. Get on both their cases, people :P
Also, the beginning is slow going for me, but only because these two don't come face to face until about the 30% mark, or thereabouts? In the present, I mean, and then even then it felt like their interactions were not much until about well into the second half. So I wanted SO much more with these two, is what I'm trying to say. I really loved them together so them not coming face to face after such a long time in the book made the beginning drag somewhat, and then the lack of scenes for a little bit after the first encounter in the present made it drag a little more. It definitely picked up speed in the second half and I loved the second half especially, but yeah, I was at like 30, 40% saying to the book "all right, get on with it, please!" it was just the feeling I got.
I mean, it set up some vital information and laid the ground work for the story of these two, but I was just greedy for more with these two ;)
Also, I wanted to see Rey
But aside from those niggles and frustrations, I really enjoyed this. It was so good, and these characters were passionate together, romantic together, loving together, and the end made me smile like crazy, and made my heart melt :D. I thought it ended in a good place but also a tad abrupt - these two were in a wonderful place, but it just didn't feel final, ya know? I was like "wait, is that the end? It is? Okay" still good, just surprising. Maybe others will not feel it was abrupt and it was just me.
But I definitely recommend this book, it was a strong start to this series, with great romantic leads and a great supporting cast of characters.
***ARC generously provided by the Alpha Book Club in exchange for an honest review***
Gus and Rey's connection was almost instant, from the moment they saw each other again and interacted - and even before that, in their memories of each other, in the way they reacted to other characters mentioning the other, it felt almost like a zing, their reactions and feelings to each other were so well written. When they were together, and the heat between them rose and I could feel them wanting to just jump each other's bones, I felt that. Very excellent chemistry.
And the story was, for the most part, fascinating. I found myself immersed in it, flipping the pages, hoping for more, more, more. What happened to Gus...it broke my heart. This man had such a horrible childhood, and to grow up to be the broken but ultimately good man he is, is amazing. I loved Gus. And I loved Rey. These two men both made mistakes in their past, when about three years prior to the present in this book, Rey breaks things off with Gus because he believes Gus doesn't want the same things he does, and Gus is heartbroken and barely listens after Rey starts breaking it off.
Gus is so heartbroken that he goes out and gets rip-roaring drunk - drunk enough to find comfort in a woman, Jules, who used to work at the tattoo shop Gus and his brothers - both blood related and not - own, and they sleep together, and three years later Gus finds out he is a father, so he comes back after 6 months away from San Francisco to be a father to his kid.
And his kid - gosh, he is THE cutest. I fell in love with the kid too, and I just wanted to snuggle him, give him hugs because Gus' kids cuteness was just so stinkin' adorable.
There are a few things here and there that didn't quite make this story feel complete. Like, we find out that Rey had a parent who was abusive and the opening scene is in the past when he meets Gus - and the four other brothers who are a family - and was in a fire set by said abusive parent, but for the rest of the story all the angst was about Gus and his past - but not much about Rey reflecting on his past or us really finding out too much beyond the fact that his family situation is a lot better, and we get to meet some of his family - and I liked them. I just had a need for more about Rey and his past. It was all about Gus' - and while I get that, because Gus had more shit to work through, I wanted more with Rey too.
I also felt that all the blame for their break up was put, for the most part, on Rey. Yeah, it was mentioned that Gus had his own shit he was dealing with and he wasn't the perfect partner at the time, but ALL the blame for them ending was put on Rey. Because Rey wanted Gus to fit into what he wanted a partner to be, and he let Gus go because it all about what Rey wanted - so what I was getting that Rey was the selfish, self-centered one who broke Gus' heart - and while yes, Rey was definitely in the wrong, I also feel like...some of it is on Gus too, but even Rey eventually is basically saying no, it was all his fault. But they BOTH did not communicate well, they both did not put in the effort needed to make it work, and while yes, Rey did the breaking up, Gus wasn't all the way in the relationship back then either.
Most of it was because of the shit he went through, but he never told Rey that, so how was Rey supposed to know? Neither communicated well back then and I just wish people had given them more a fifty-fifty "it was both of your fault" type of judgement instead of putting it all on Rey and being like "If Rey screws up again I'll beat him up" or something like that. I was just kinda like...Gus being in a shitty place does not excuse his own behavior. It makes it understandable, but doesn't excuse it. Get on both their cases, people :P
Also, the beginning is slow going for me, but only because these two don't come face to face until about the 30% mark, or thereabouts? In the present, I mean, and then even then it felt like their interactions were not much until about well into the second half. So I wanted SO much more with these two, is what I'm trying to say. I really loved them together so them not coming face to face after such a long time in the book made the beginning drag somewhat, and then the lack of scenes for a little bit after the first encounter in the present made it drag a little more. It definitely picked up speed in the second half and I loved the second half especially, but yeah, I was at like 30, 40% saying to the book "all right, get on with it, please!" it was just the feeling I got.
I mean, it set up some vital information and laid the ground work for the story of these two, but I was just greedy for more with these two ;)
Also, I wanted to see Rey
But aside from those niggles and frustrations, I really enjoyed this. It was so good, and these characters were passionate together, romantic together, loving together, and the end made me smile like crazy, and made my heart melt :D. I thought it ended in a good place but also a tad abrupt - these two were in a wonderful place, but it just didn't feel final, ya know? I was like "wait, is that the end? It is? Okay" still good, just surprising. Maybe others will not feel it was abrupt and it was just me.
But I definitely recommend this book, it was a strong start to this series, with great romantic leads and a great supporting cast of characters.
***ARC generously provided by the Alpha Book Club in exchange for an honest review***
April 21, 2018
Get ready to have your heart broken and pieced back together.
Three years ago Gus was shattered after a devastating break-up with Rey. It was just one more time that he was disappointed by someone who should have been there for him. Six months ago Gus got on his bike and got out of town, but now he's coming home after finding out he's a father.
Rey has never been able to get Gus off his mind or out of his heart. The way they left things has been a sore point, and one Rey wants to fix.
There's quite a bit of angst here. None of the characters have had an easy time of things, and Gus's patchwork family has had their share of life kicking them in the teeth. But Gus knows what's important here - his son, Chris. Nothing else, including Rey, gets billing over that. But Rey doesn't want top billing, he just wants to be a part of Gus's life. And this time he's willing to talk and listen.
This story focuses on Second Chances, found family, love, loss, and all the things that make us human. Told from both Gus's and Rey's third-person POV, there's some romance here, and although it's not the main focus, it does have some heart-melting moments.
I like the characters here, from father/brother Bear, to always organizing everyone Mace, to stiletto wearing goes his own way Ivo, to quiet and thoughtful Luke - the brothers of this family are wonderful, and I cannot wait to get their stories.
While I loved the characters, I felt like the flow was broken up quite a few times by the action being off page and then relayed almost anecdotally afterwards, or not at all. There were a lot of scenes I wanted to be immersed in (Rey's father and the fire, Rey's mother, Bulcher and the Bavarians, the accident)- I wanted to see and hear what was happening, not find out about it like an afterthought later.
Overall I enjoyed the story, including the HFN ending, and the little tease we get for what's coming. I'll definitely be back to check out what's next.
For my full book review click here.
3.5 Stars
Advanced Review Galley copy of Rebel (415 Ink #1) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t what you wanted me to be, but you know what? You weren’t what I needed either, even if you were all I wanted.”
Three years ago Gus was shattered after a devastating break-up with Rey. It was just one more time that he was disappointed by someone who should have been there for him. Six months ago Gus got on his bike and got out of town, but now he's coming home after finding out he's a father.
Rey has never been able to get Gus off his mind or out of his heart. The way they left things has been a sore point, and one Rey wants to fix.
“I was stupid, and I want to fix it… fix us. We can’t keep running away from each other, Gus, not when we keep coming right back to where we’d left off.”
There's quite a bit of angst here. None of the characters have had an easy time of things, and Gus's patchwork family has had their share of life kicking them in the teeth. But Gus knows what's important here - his son, Chris. Nothing else, including Rey, gets billing over that. But Rey doesn't want top billing, he just wants to be a part of Gus's life. And this time he's willing to talk and listen.
“Not talking’s what got us into trouble the first time. All cards on the table this time.”
This story focuses on Second Chances, found family, love, loss, and all the things that make us human. Told from both Gus's and Rey's third-person POV, there's some romance here, and although it's not the main focus, it does have some heart-melting moments.
Listen to me carefully. I’m not going to spend my life anyplace other than with you, and I love you. With all of my heart. All of my soul and most of my sanity… I love you.”
I like the characters here, from father/brother Bear, to always organizing everyone Mace, to stiletto wearing goes his own way Ivo, to quiet and thoughtful Luke - the brothers of this family are wonderful, and I cannot wait to get their stories.
While I loved the characters, I felt like the flow was broken up quite a few times by the action being off page and then relayed almost anecdotally afterwards, or not at all. There were a lot of scenes I wanted to be immersed in (Rey's father and the fire, Rey's mother, Bulcher and the Bavarians, the accident)- I wanted to see and hear what was happening, not find out about it like an afterthought later.
Overall I enjoyed the story, including the HFN ending, and the little tease we get for what's coming. I'll definitely be back to check out what's next.
For my full book review click here.
3.5 Stars
Advanced Review Galley copy of Rebel (415 Ink #1) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
July 28, 2018
Audiobook review3,5 stars
I love you, you know. I'm sorry I took so long to see it... too long to understand what it was you meant to me... but I'm glad you're here. With me. In this bed. And I want to fall asleep, but if I do, I won't see you again until I wake up, and that's too fucking long to wait.
Excuse me while swoon a bit.
Gus has been in love with his brothers best friend Rey for years and getting dumped by said man broke him into pieces. A drunken night gives him a son he didn't know about until years later. But when he does. he realises it's time for him to return back home where he belongs and be a part of his son's life. He just hopes everything with Rey won't come back to haunt him.
These boys have Chemistry. And the UST is off the charts! I mean... phew, I need a cigarette just being near them - and I don't even smoke! Everyone around them are probably lucky they have a couple of fire fighters among them. ;)
Joking aside, I really enjoyed listening to this book. I fell in love with this family. My heart broke for them, ached for them and what they'd all gone through growing up. Each and every one of them carrying their scars, some more visible than others. But what's even more striking is the inner strength they all have and the love they feel for each other. They truly are a family in every sense, blood related or not.
I do feel like a lot of Rey was left unexplored and I wanted more of him. Wanted to know more about his past, present but also for him to resolve some if his family issues. We find out that they are there, but then nothing happens on that front. The story was too focused on Gus, not to say I didn't love him, but I wanted Rey too.
Tristan James has become a bit of a hit or miss with me. On the one hand he has an amazing voice and I just love listening to it. On the other, he has this habit of sounding bored while reading, not really feeling the book or the characters. It gives off a kind of negative vibe for me and I know that I'm not enjoying the story as much as I know I could have. I also think that this is a tough book for one person to narrate alone. There are many important characters that needs a distinct voice in order for them not to blend together. I feel like James didn't quite get there, but more or less narrated the book in the same voice. It made some parts difficult to follow, especially when there were scenes with several of the brothers speaking.
Rebel is a second chance story in so many ways. A second chance at that one great love that was never forgotten, but also a second chance at life, to starting over and truly letting go of the past. The past can dictate who we are and become, but it doesn't need to rule your future. I loved listening to Gus overcoming his past demons, stop being afraid of himself and seeing him embrace the future.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
April 21, 2018
Get ready to have your heart broken and pieced back together.
There were two things I absolutely loved about this audiobook - Tristan James's narration and the cameo of narrator Greg Tremblay to voice an established character from Rhys Ford's Cole McGinnis series.
Gus Scott hasn't had it easy. In fact, in the grand scheme, once could argue he's never had anything easy. He's had his heart broken by almost everyone, including firefighter Rey Montenegro. Three years ago Gus was shattered after a devastating break-up with Rey. It was just one more time that he was disappointed by someone who should have been there for him.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t what you wanted me to be, but you know what? You weren’t what I needed either, even if you were all I wanted.”
Gus left town six months ago, but he's back and ready to pick up the pieces of his life, and Rey is determined one of those pieces is going to be him. Told from both Gus's and Rey's third-person POV Rebel focuses on Second Chances, found family, loss, and love. There is some romance here but it's not the main focus, though Rebel does offer up some heart-melting moments.
Listen to me carefully. I’m not going to spend my life anyplace other than with you, and I love you. With all of my heart. All of my soul and most of my sanity… I love you.”
Tristan James provides a nuanced, textured, and beautiful interpretation of Rhys Ford's text.
Quite a bit happens off page, many of which I think could have added more depth to the story overall, but in the end I enjoyed Rebel and I'm looking forward to getting the stories for the supporting cast of characters here - especially Bear and Ivo. Looks like Mace is up next and (hopefully) we'll also get a feature for Luke.
I, for one, really hope Tristan will be back to narrate the rest.
Story = 3.5 Stars, Narration = 4.5 Stars; Total = 4 Stars
For my full book review click here.
Audio copy of Rebel (415 Ink #1) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 31, 2017
Angst upon words upon angst and more flowery words. And a whole lot of food description.
The first book in a series has a tough job to fill - lots of people and back stories to be established. In this world of tortured soul tattoo artists who’ve formed a family based on shared early childhood trauma, the task was larger than most. As a result, the book felt dense in parts. Add in the author’s writing style of full descriptions of everything (particularly food) and it felt like a bit of a slog to get through certain parts.
What I loved was the steady support of the five brothers for each other. And when Rey and Gus finally clicked, it was so satisfying. I just wish there was more of Gus and Rey, even more Gus, Rey and Chris & Jules and less of the many (many) extra people and scenes and descriptions that took away from the impact of the relationship. Less would have been more.
The first book in a series has a tough job to fill - lots of people and back stories to be established. In this world of tortured soul tattoo artists who’ve formed a family based on shared early childhood trauma, the task was larger than most. As a result, the book felt dense in parts. Add in the author’s writing style of full descriptions of everything (particularly food) and it felt like a bit of a slog to get through certain parts.
What I loved was the steady support of the five brothers for each other. And when Rey and Gus finally clicked, it was so satisfying. I just wish there was more of Gus and Rey, even more Gus, Rey and Chris & Jules and less of the many (many) extra people and scenes and descriptions that took away from the impact of the relationship. Less would have been more.
June 30, 2024
Review from 2018
I've given this a C+ for narration and a C for content at AudioGals.
I’ve listened to a number of Rhys Ford’s novels recently, and I’ve enjoyed Tristan James’ work in other books of hers, so I was pleased to pick up Rebel, the first book in her 415: Ink series, for review. Ms. Ford is a prolific author who writes in a variety of genres – fantasy, paranormal, romantic suspense, for instance – so Rebel, which is more of an ensemble family drama, is a bit of a departure from the other stories of hers I’ve listened to. And I have to confess that I wasn’t as drawn in by it as I’d hoped to be. The major characters are engaging, and their backgrounds are intriguing and skilfully incorporated into the story, but the central romance is lacklustre; there’s minimal conflict which is resolved rather easily, and I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry between the central couple. Add to that some odd quirks in the narration, and Rebel proved ultimately to be a bit of a let-down.
The story opens as Rey Montenegro is saved from a house fire by the man who later becomes his best friend. Mason Scott is one of five ‘brothers’ – all of whom have been through the foster system, not all of whom are related (although some are) and who have forged themselves into the family unit they never had. Even as the seventeen-year-old Rey glimpses Mason’s brother August – Gus – from afar, he feels the pull of a strong attraction, and before long, the pair are developing a strong friendship that, years later, turns into more. But things don’t last, and three years before the story commences in the present, Rey dumped Gus, citing his unreliability and general flakiness as something he – Rey – wasn’t prepared to deal with.
The family ‘patriarch’ – who is actually Gus’ cousin, Barrett (Bear) – is the owner of 415 Ink, a popular tattoo shop, where Gus and his brother, Ivo (who IS his biological brother) also work. Gus often travels around the country doing guest-slots at various other tattoo shops, and he’s arrived back in town after an absence of six months after having received some life-changing information. Back on the night when he and Rey split up, Gus went to a party, got blind drunk and hooked up with Jules, who, at the time, was apprenticing at the shop. She got in touch with Gus a few weeks earlier to tell him that he’s got a three-year-old son, and it’s been a kind of wake-up call for Gus, who is just shy of thirty and realises it’s past time he got his shit together. He wants to be a proper father and is determined to do everything he can to make sure he’s part of his son’s life from now on.
The thing I enjoyed most about the story was the close-knit relationship between the brothers, who obviously care for other a great deal, and there’s absolutely no question that, despite any disagreements or personality clashes, they have each other’s backs and would do anything for one another. There’s plenty of brotherly piss-taking and teasing, and they’re very protective of Gus, who had the most appalling childhood imaginable, taken into care after the deaths of his twin brother and violently unstable mother and then bounced from one family to another until Bear was finally able to gain custody of him. On the downside though, the second-chance romance between Gus and Rey is sadly flat and uninteresting, and there’s little chemistry between the pair. They don’t really talk about everything that lies between them until fairly late in the book, and what we get instead is a bunch of conversations between Gus and Bear, Gus and Mason, Rey and Mason, Rey and Bear, which are basically rehashes of the same thing – “he still loves you but hurt him again and I’ll kill you” or “he still loves you but are you ready to forgive him for what he did?” I was glad when Rey finally realised that three years earlier, he’d done to Gus what pretty much everyone else he’d cared about had done to him – threw him away – but it’s kind of surprising that it took him three years to work it out, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d ever have got it, if one of the brothers (Bear or Mason, I can’t remember which) hadn’t clued him in. We’re told Rey and Gus have never stopped loving each other, but that’s the problem – we’re told and not shown. There’s a lot of repetition and, especially in the first part, internal monologue or narrative and little dialogue; the story tends to get bogged down in unnecessary detail, and ultimately, I found it difficult to connect with either of the principals or invest in their rekindled romance. There are gaps in the storytelling that lead to the whole thing feeling rather disjointed, especially near the end where there are some crucial missing scenes that made me wonder if I’d somehow skipped a couple of chapters.
I’ve enjoyed a number of Tristan James’ performances (and have several on my TBL), but there’s something ‘off’ about his narration here that I can’t quite put my finger on. He’s got the sort of deep, husky voice that just washes over one in pleasant waves, and I generally enjoy his rather laid-back style of delivery, but here, it’s so languorous as to be verging on the soporific; and I can’t work out if I felt that way because I was bored (in places) by the story, or if the lack of momentum in the story was responsible for the lack of energy in his delivery.
And then there’s a rather odd pronunciation quirk I’ve never heard from him before, and which happened enough times throughout to be pretty jarring. For some reason he “double pronounces” the letter ‘s’ at the end of a plural, so, for instance “the kids’ rooms” is said as “the kidses rooms” and “brothers’” is pronounced “brotherses” (I couldn’t help thinking of Gollum from Lord of the Rings and his Hobbitses!) Regardless of whether you subscribe to the use of the “apostrophe-s” manner of indicating a plural possessive or writing the ‘s’ twice (kids’s), it’s still pronounced the same way – kids, brothers etc. I also found his characterisations to be inconsistent in places, and that sometimes he’d use the wrong brother’s voice in dialogue. The characters are well differentiated, so the listener can tell there are two or more people speaking in any one scene and can hear the distinction between them, but I noticed several occasions where a character sounds one way in one scene, and another way in the next. Maybe Mr. James had an off day, or maybe my dissatisfaction with the story had me hearing things differently, but given my admiration for both author and narrator, I’m gutted to have to say that Rebel didn’t work for me in terms of either story or performance. Fingers crossed that my next Ford/James collaboration will be a more pleasurable experience.
I've given this a C+ for narration and a C for content at AudioGals.
I’ve listened to a number of Rhys Ford’s novels recently, and I’ve enjoyed Tristan James’ work in other books of hers, so I was pleased to pick up Rebel, the first book in her 415: Ink series, for review. Ms. Ford is a prolific author who writes in a variety of genres – fantasy, paranormal, romantic suspense, for instance – so Rebel, which is more of an ensemble family drama, is a bit of a departure from the other stories of hers I’ve listened to. And I have to confess that I wasn’t as drawn in by it as I’d hoped to be. The major characters are engaging, and their backgrounds are intriguing and skilfully incorporated into the story, but the central romance is lacklustre; there’s minimal conflict which is resolved rather easily, and I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry between the central couple. Add to that some odd quirks in the narration, and Rebel proved ultimately to be a bit of a let-down.
The story opens as Rey Montenegro is saved from a house fire by the man who later becomes his best friend. Mason Scott is one of five ‘brothers’ – all of whom have been through the foster system, not all of whom are related (although some are) and who have forged themselves into the family unit they never had. Even as the seventeen-year-old Rey glimpses Mason’s brother August – Gus – from afar, he feels the pull of a strong attraction, and before long, the pair are developing a strong friendship that, years later, turns into more. But things don’t last, and three years before the story commences in the present, Rey dumped Gus, citing his unreliability and general flakiness as something he – Rey – wasn’t prepared to deal with.
The family ‘patriarch’ – who is actually Gus’ cousin, Barrett (Bear) – is the owner of 415 Ink, a popular tattoo shop, where Gus and his brother, Ivo (who IS his biological brother) also work. Gus often travels around the country doing guest-slots at various other tattoo shops, and he’s arrived back in town after an absence of six months after having received some life-changing information. Back on the night when he and Rey split up, Gus went to a party, got blind drunk and hooked up with Jules, who, at the time, was apprenticing at the shop. She got in touch with Gus a few weeks earlier to tell him that he’s got a three-year-old son, and it’s been a kind of wake-up call for Gus, who is just shy of thirty and realises it’s past time he got his shit together. He wants to be a proper father and is determined to do everything he can to make sure he’s part of his son’s life from now on.
The thing I enjoyed most about the story was the close-knit relationship between the brothers, who obviously care for other a great deal, and there’s absolutely no question that, despite any disagreements or personality clashes, they have each other’s backs and would do anything for one another. There’s plenty of brotherly piss-taking and teasing, and they’re very protective of Gus, who had the most appalling childhood imaginable, taken into care after the deaths of his twin brother and violently unstable mother and then bounced from one family to another until Bear was finally able to gain custody of him. On the downside though, the second-chance romance between Gus and Rey is sadly flat and uninteresting, and there’s little chemistry between the pair. They don’t really talk about everything that lies between them until fairly late in the book, and what we get instead is a bunch of conversations between Gus and Bear, Gus and Mason, Rey and Mason, Rey and Bear, which are basically rehashes of the same thing – “he still loves you but hurt him again and I’ll kill you” or “he still loves you but are you ready to forgive him for what he did?” I was glad when Rey finally realised that three years earlier, he’d done to Gus what pretty much everyone else he’d cared about had done to him – threw him away – but it’s kind of surprising that it took him three years to work it out, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d ever have got it, if one of the brothers (Bear or Mason, I can’t remember which) hadn’t clued him in. We’re told Rey and Gus have never stopped loving each other, but that’s the problem – we’re told and not shown. There’s a lot of repetition and, especially in the first part, internal monologue or narrative and little dialogue; the story tends to get bogged down in unnecessary detail, and ultimately, I found it difficult to connect with either of the principals or invest in their rekindled romance. There are gaps in the storytelling that lead to the whole thing feeling rather disjointed, especially near the end where there are some crucial missing scenes that made me wonder if I’d somehow skipped a couple of chapters.
I’ve enjoyed a number of Tristan James’ performances (and have several on my TBL), but there’s something ‘off’ about his narration here that I can’t quite put my finger on. He’s got the sort of deep, husky voice that just washes over one in pleasant waves, and I generally enjoy his rather laid-back style of delivery, but here, it’s so languorous as to be verging on the soporific; and I can’t work out if I felt that way because I was bored (in places) by the story, or if the lack of momentum in the story was responsible for the lack of energy in his delivery.
And then there’s a rather odd pronunciation quirk I’ve never heard from him before, and which happened enough times throughout to be pretty jarring. For some reason he “double pronounces” the letter ‘s’ at the end of a plural, so, for instance “the kids’ rooms” is said as “the kidses rooms” and “brothers’” is pronounced “brotherses” (I couldn’t help thinking of Gollum from Lord of the Rings and his Hobbitses!) Regardless of whether you subscribe to the use of the “apostrophe-s” manner of indicating a plural possessive or writing the ‘s’ twice (kids’s), it’s still pronounced the same way – kids, brothers etc. I also found his characterisations to be inconsistent in places, and that sometimes he’d use the wrong brother’s voice in dialogue. The characters are well differentiated, so the listener can tell there are two or more people speaking in any one scene and can hear the distinction between them, but I noticed several occasions where a character sounds one way in one scene, and another way in the next. Maybe Mr. James had an off day, or maybe my dissatisfaction with the story had me hearing things differently, but given my admiration for both author and narrator, I’m gutted to have to say that Rebel didn’t work for me in terms of either story or performance. Fingers crossed that my next Ford/James collaboration will be a more pleasurable experience.
August 16, 2019
4.5 shining stars rounded up to 5 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and Rhys Ford + Tristan James = shiny fun for me.
Nothing new here...I loved the book and loved the audio...
Honestly I'm not really sure what to say here. I loved this book and will honestly admit for me it was pretty much a given that I would...Rhys Ford writes in a way that just calls to me heart and soul. I love the characters that she give us each and every time. From Cole McGinnis to this latest addition of 415 Ink. Ms. Ford has not failed to give me stories and characters that I willingly and wholeheartedly embraced.
So much of what I said in my original review of the book still holds true for me, so I'm going to borrow from that review in regards to the story...
As always Mr. James has given me a story that from start to finish has been a total pleasure to listen to and one that I have no doubt I will be listening to again and probably again after that.
When it comes to authors and narrators we all have our favorites and they are so much a matter of personal preference but for me the combination of a Rhys Ford story, narrated by Tristan James is basically a guaranteed success for hours of listening pleasure...it's my jam, my crack...call it what you will I just know that at the end of it all I'll be left sighing with contentment and wondering how soon can I get some more.
*************************
An audio book of 'Rebel' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sept. 5/6, 2018 - I needed to refresh my memory on this one...oh, who am I kidding I love the hell out of anything Rhys Ford and wanted to hear the story again and nothing has changed I love this book and as always Tristan James delivered on the narration and I was a happy, happy girl. Long story short I still love this book and I can't wait to get into Savior, the second story in this series...because it's coming...soon!
Nothing new here...I loved the book and loved the audio...
Honestly I'm not really sure what to say here. I loved this book and will honestly admit for me it was pretty much a given that I would...Rhys Ford writes in a way that just calls to me heart and soul. I love the characters that she give us each and every time. From Cole McGinnis to this latest addition of 415 Ink. Ms. Ford has not failed to give me stories and characters that I willingly and wholeheartedly embraced.
So much of what I said in my original review of the book still holds true for me, so I'm going to borrow from that review in regards to the story...
'Rebel' is the beginning of a series that this author has once again filled with characters that I want more of...Gus and Rey are just the tip of the iceberg on this one. Gus has two families the one that he was given and no longer has but still a family that has marked his soul and left him broken and then there's the family that he's created, the family of brothers who have loved him and held him together over the years...there's Bear the oldest and father figure, Luke the peace keeper, Mace who grates on Gus but believes in him the most and will fight for him without hesitation and Ivo the only one who is Gus's brother both by birth and by choice. Along with these characters we've been given glimpses of others who may or may not play a role in future stories and I'm sure will add interest to other stories as the series progresses.Ok so here's the new part of this audio review or at least I'll try and make it new...you see the narrator for this one is Tristan James and I'm not sure I really have any new vocabulary for this but here goes...
As well as a cast of awesome new characters to discover one of my favorite things about Rhys Ford books is that if you're paying attention you get surprise visits and this story was no exception I mean it's partially set in a tattoo parlor so of course Ichi showed up and I'm pretty sure there was someone there from the Sinners series getting a bit of ink as well...but you'll have to read the story to find out who.
'Rebel' is so much more than a second chance story. Of course it's about finding love but it's also about learning to forgive yourself and accept that wanting something good in your life and reaching for it can be worth the risk to your heart. It's about starting over and building the life you deserve which maybe isn't the life you thought you wanted. I loved how Rey and Gus worked together there was just something about them as couple that worked and made me a fan of these men and this series. I'm so looking forward to reading the next book in this series whatever comes next I know we'll at least get a peek at how Gus and Rey are doing and yet another awesome story.
As always Mr. James has given me a story that from start to finish has been a total pleasure to listen to and one that I have no doubt I will be listening to again and probably again after that.
When it comes to authors and narrators we all have our favorites and they are so much a matter of personal preference but for me the combination of a Rhys Ford story, narrated by Tristan James is basically a guaranteed success for hours of listening pleasure...it's my jam, my crack...call it what you will I just know that at the end of it all I'll be left sighing with contentment and wondering how soon can I get some more.
*************************
An audio book of 'Rebel' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sept. 5/6, 2018 - I needed to refresh my memory on this one...oh, who am I kidding I love the hell out of anything Rhys Ford and wanted to hear the story again and nothing has changed I love this book and as always Tristan James delivered on the narration and I was a happy, happy girl. Long story short I still love this book and I can't wait to get into Savior, the second story in this series...because it's coming...soon!
June 13, 2018
Rebel is the first book in Rhys Ford’s new series 451 Ink. Centered around a group of men who’ve worked to make a safe place for their extended family, the novels will tell their stories. Coming from broken homes, these guys have all been through horrific events, which results in some intense relationships and a dynamic that promises to never be dull. Knowing the writing of Rhys Ford, I think it’s safe to say that future books in this series will be as heart-wrenching and compelling as Rebel.
There are some exceptional factors that play into this group of men, and there’s so much damage my heart just went out to these guys. We get to see some of the support networks they’ve set in place, and they’re all looking out for each other, but I can’t imagine how anyone can truly overcome the horrors they’ve lived through.
Three years after their painful breakup, Gus Scott and Ray Montenegro bump into each other when Gus moves back to town. Their friends and family are completely intertwined, so these two have got to find a way to co-exist. Their intense attraction is clear from the moment they meet, and it’s almost as strong as the animosity and the bad memories.
Communication between Gus and Ray is direct and honest, which turned out to be one of my favorite parts of this story. A slow-burn doesn’t work for me when the characters are constantly misunderstanding each other, or failing to just say what the heck the problem is. Gus tells Ray how much it hurt when Ray kicked him to the curb. He explains why other factors in his life make it impossible to consider getting back together right now. Likewise, Ray publicly vows to win him back.
As the horrific events of Gus’ life come to light, it becomes clear that anyone looking for a relationship with him is going to need patience and understanding. The abuse, neglect, and downright cruelty he lived through as a boy made me cringe. Please note the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive about stories of child abuse. Rhys Ford has created an intense backstory for Gus and she doesn’t spare the details.
Ray realizes right quick that he screwed up. Gus is everything Ray wants and he goes all out to prove he can be there, in whatever capacity Gus needs. While Gus welcomes all the support he can get, and admits the attraction to Ray is still there, he stresses he can’t become involved with someone who is going to distract him or kick him to the curb when the going gets rough. A true partner for Gus is going to have to learn the details of his damage, accept it, and incorporate that knowledge into becoming the person Gus needs in his life right now. Ray is going to have to do some serious work to prove he’s the right man for Gus.
The sexual tension between Ray and Gus mounts continually throughout the story and waiting for them to get together wasn’t easy. After all, what would a Rhys Ford romance be without the smokin’ hot sex? Well trust me when I tell you that, WOW was it worth the wait!
Rebel is filled with the beautiful writing I always expect from Rhys Ford. Her descriptions of everyday things always make me smile. The color of the sheets on an unmade bed are dark, “a blue found in the fold of twilight and shadows.” Isn’t that a moving way to describe a messy bed?
There are some seriously fun, lighthearted moments in Rebel too. There were a couple good Easter eggs for us die hard fans, and I probably missed a few, distracted as I was by Tristan James’ soft, sultry, sexy voice. The low rumble that naturally comes out when he reads the romantic scenes? Gah, I’m a molten puddle on the floor. Let’s just say Tristan James could read me the phone book, but when he has the opportunity to read the beautifully poetic writing of Rhys Ford, I’m a goner.
There are some exceptional factors that play into this group of men, and there’s so much damage my heart just went out to these guys. We get to see some of the support networks they’ve set in place, and they’re all looking out for each other, but I can’t imagine how anyone can truly overcome the horrors they’ve lived through.
Three years after their painful breakup, Gus Scott and Ray Montenegro bump into each other when Gus moves back to town. Their friends and family are completely intertwined, so these two have got to find a way to co-exist. Their intense attraction is clear from the moment they meet, and it’s almost as strong as the animosity and the bad memories.
Communication between Gus and Ray is direct and honest, which turned out to be one of my favorite parts of this story. A slow-burn doesn’t work for me when the characters are constantly misunderstanding each other, or failing to just say what the heck the problem is. Gus tells Ray how much it hurt when Ray kicked him to the curb. He explains why other factors in his life make it impossible to consider getting back together right now. Likewise, Ray publicly vows to win him back.
As the horrific events of Gus’ life come to light, it becomes clear that anyone looking for a relationship with him is going to need patience and understanding. The abuse, neglect, and downright cruelty he lived through as a boy made me cringe. Please note the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive about stories of child abuse. Rhys Ford has created an intense backstory for Gus and she doesn’t spare the details.
Ray realizes right quick that he screwed up. Gus is everything Ray wants and he goes all out to prove he can be there, in whatever capacity Gus needs. While Gus welcomes all the support he can get, and admits the attraction to Ray is still there, he stresses he can’t become involved with someone who is going to distract him or kick him to the curb when the going gets rough. A true partner for Gus is going to have to learn the details of his damage, accept it, and incorporate that knowledge into becoming the person Gus needs in his life right now. Ray is going to have to do some serious work to prove he’s the right man for Gus.
The sexual tension between Ray and Gus mounts continually throughout the story and waiting for them to get together wasn’t easy. After all, what would a Rhys Ford romance be without the smokin’ hot sex? Well trust me when I tell you that, WOW was it worth the wait!
Rebel is filled with the beautiful writing I always expect from Rhys Ford. Her descriptions of everyday things always make me smile. The color of the sheets on an unmade bed are dark, “a blue found in the fold of twilight and shadows.” Isn’t that a moving way to describe a messy bed?
There are some seriously fun, lighthearted moments in Rebel too. There were a couple good Easter eggs for us die hard fans, and I probably missed a few, distracted as I was by Tristan James’ soft, sultry, sexy voice. The low rumble that naturally comes out when he reads the romantic scenes? Gah, I’m a molten puddle on the floor. Let’s just say Tristan James could read me the phone book, but when he has the opportunity to read the beautifully poetic writing of Rhys Ford, I’m a goner.
June 20, 2018
Updated for audiobook review:
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Rebel is the first book in Rhys Ford’s 415 Ink series and it’s off to a great start. Most of Ford’s work is in suspense and urban fantasy, so I was really curious how this straight contemporary story would go, but Ford infuses it with her trademark intensity and emotion that makes the story really shine. The series focuses on five brothers, some of whom are blood relatives and others who are brothers of the heart. They came together as kids struggling through the foster care system and bonded into a family. Several of them now work at/co-own the 415 Ink tattoo parlor and the series will follow each of the brothers.
What I loved most about this story is the connection between the five men. The bond between them is incredibly strong, and though they bicker and fuss at one another, it is clear how much of a loving family they are. When crisis hits, the men rally around one another and you can just feel the strength of their relationship. Each of them have difficult pasts and have overcome horrible circumstances. That shared sense of history gives them all the ability to really understand one another and be there for each other. It is a lovely dynamic and I am sure it will continue to play out as the series continues. My only hurdle here is that I found the beginning of the story a bit overwhelming as all these guys are introduced. There are five brothers, plus one who died, plus Rey, all being introduced at the start of the book. It is necessary to give you the foundation of the story and their relationships, but as a reader I had a little trouble at first keeping up with who is who, how they are related, what their backgrounds are, etc. Once I was a few chapters in, things settled down, so if you experience this just give it a chance and things come together fairly quickly.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Rebel is the first book in Rhys Ford’s 415 Ink series and it’s off to a great start. Most of Ford’s work is in suspense and urban fantasy, so I was really curious how this straight contemporary story would go, but Ford infuses it with her trademark intensity and emotion that makes the story really shine. The series focuses on five brothers, some of whom are blood relatives and others who are brothers of the heart. They came together as kids struggling through the foster care system and bonded into a family. Several of them now work at/co-own the 415 Ink tattoo parlor and the series will follow each of the brothers.
What I loved most about this story is the connection between the five men. The bond between them is incredibly strong, and though they bicker and fuss at one another, it is clear how much of a loving family they are. When crisis hits, the men rally around one another and you can just feel the strength of their relationship. Each of them have difficult pasts and have overcome horrible circumstances. That shared sense of history gives them all the ability to really understand one another and be there for each other. It is a lovely dynamic and I am sure it will continue to play out as the series continues. My only hurdle here is that I found the beginning of the story a bit overwhelming as all these guys are introduced. There are five brothers, plus one who died, plus Rey, all being introduced at the start of the book. It is necessary to give you the foundation of the story and their relationships, but as a reader I had a little trouble at first keeping up with who is who, how they are related, what their backgrounds are, etc. Once I was a few chapters in, things settled down, so if you experience this just give it a chance and things come together fairly quickly.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
May 31, 2018
Oh My God. I survived chapter 15. I need a medal. Okay tissues and wine may do but this book has made me do what i havent done in forever (No - not become an alcoholic) but as soon as i finished listening on audible i started again from the beginning.
So
Damn
Good.
So
Damn
Good.
January 21, 2018
Nobody gives us wounded, scarred, incredibly smart, tattooed hellions quite like Rhys Ford.
The start of a new series, 415 Ink: Rebel is Rhys Ford doing what she does best: damaged, scarred (both emotionally and physically), incredibly smart men fighting for various kinds of love as if their lives depend on it. And it usually does, at least in the psychological sense.
An absolutely brilliant study in contrasts - light & dark, pain & pleasure, lost & found - and it goes on.
This installment begins where most wounds occur: in the past. There's a bit of shuffling between past and present that can be a tiny bit jarring until you get the rhythm. But stick with it. The details of past events are the reason for the present and the key to the future. And the way it's presented to us is brilliant.
Don't think this is all doom and gloom, though. Ford is a master (mistress?) of snark, sweet-hot-dirty sex, and people finding home. And she's given us a few easter eggs alluding to some of her previous work and a certain shifter series by one Charlie Cochet. Rhys Ford can bring the funny right when the reader needs it.
She's also given us a group of people whose stories can lead infinite possibilities and if the ending snippet she gives us is our next story, it can't get here soon enough.
4.75 stars.
The start of a new series, 415 Ink: Rebel is Rhys Ford doing what she does best: damaged, scarred (both emotionally and physically), incredibly smart men fighting for various kinds of love as if their lives depend on it. And it usually does, at least in the psychological sense.
An absolutely brilliant study in contrasts - light & dark, pain & pleasure, lost & found - and it goes on.
This installment begins where most wounds occur: in the past. There's a bit of shuffling between past and present that can be a tiny bit jarring until you get the rhythm. But stick with it. The details of past events are the reason for the present and the key to the future. And the way it's presented to us is brilliant.
Don't think this is all doom and gloom, though. Ford is a master (mistress?) of snark, sweet-hot-dirty sex, and people finding home. And she's given us a few easter eggs alluding to some of her previous work and a certain shifter series by one Charlie Cochet. Rhys Ford can bring the funny right when the reader needs it.
She's also given us a group of people whose stories can lead infinite possibilities and if the ending snippet she gives us is our next story, it can't get here soon enough.
4.75 stars.
January 10, 2018
Another Winner
The past is particularly painful for Gus, when Rey, the man he loves tells him that he doesn't see the relationship working. Gus leaves his home, his brothers, trying to bury the hurt. He's back now, with a bombshell for the family.
Ms Ford does lost boys better than most authors. She also has a grasp of cultures, like tattooing that are foreign to most people, and the value of family under the most dire of circumstances. Another excellent foray into life and love.
The past is particularly painful for Gus, when Rey, the man he loves tells him that he doesn't see the relationship working. Gus leaves his home, his brothers, trying to bury the hurt. He's back now, with a bombshell for the family.
Ms Ford does lost boys better than most authors. She also has a grasp of cultures, like tattooing that are foreign to most people, and the value of family under the most dire of circumstances. Another excellent foray into life and love.
December 30, 2017
aw romance!
I have been blessed with reading some outstanding books this year and I wanted to read something to tie me over before I start my end of year buddy read with Karen.
I had forgotten I had ordered this and was glad when it showed on my kindle.
Second chance romance is a good trope and I find Ford's writing entertaining.
The two romantic leads were good together but what I really enjoyed the most was the family ties between Bear, Mace, Gus, Lucas and Ivo and I really wanted to know more about all of them and I am hoping there will be more about them all soon.
I have been blessed with reading some outstanding books this year and I wanted to read something to tie me over before I start my end of year buddy read with Karen.
I had forgotten I had ordered this and was glad when it showed on my kindle.
Second chance romance is a good trope and I find Ford's writing entertaining.
The two romantic leads were good together but what I really enjoyed the most was the family ties between Bear, Mace, Gus, Lucas and Ivo and I really wanted to know more about all of them and I am hoping there will be more about them all soon.
February 28, 2018
4.5 rebellious stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
It seems I've become a sucker for men with tats...
'415 Ink.' is the newest series by Rhys Ford and you can be damned sure that I was going to read this. Unfortunately lifes been handing out sucker punches for me lately so it took me a little longer than intended to get to this one...so, my apologies to the author for that. But I'm here now and damn am I glad I finally made it to this party.
Gus Scott has been on the road trying to escape the demons of his past and find some inner peace until an unexpected phone call makes him pause and take a look at himself only to realize that in spite of his reluctance...it's time to go home and become a parent to the son he never knew he had.
Rey Montenegro has known since the day he first saw Gus that he wanted him. For Rey...Gus but try as they might when they finally got together in spite of the fire of their passion Rey finally realized that what he wanted and what Gus wanted weren't the same things and ultimately they were both left heart broken when Rey ended things.
When Gus returns home determined to become the dad his son needs and take his place at 415 Ink. the family run tattoo shop things start to unravel when he comes face to face with Rey but it's also Rey who's there and becomes a constant in his life and giving him strength, support and a shoulder to lean on.
'Rebel' is the beginning of a series that this author has once again filled with characters that I want more of...Gus and Rey are just the tip of the iceberg on this one. Gus has two families the one that he was given and no longer has but still a family that has marked his soul and left him broken and then there's the family that he's created, the family of brothers who have loved him and held him together over the years...there's Bear the oldest and father figure, Luke the peace keeper, Mace who grates on Gus but believes in him the most and will fight for him without hesitation and Ivo the only one who is Gus's brother both by birth and by choice. Along with these characters we've been given glimpses of others who may or may not play a role in future stories and I'm sure will add interest to other stories as the series progresses.
As well as a cast of awesome new characters to discover one of my favorite things about Rhys Ford books is that if you're paying attention you get surprise visits and this story was no exception I mean it's partially set in a tattoo parlor so of course Ichi showed up and I'm pretty sure there was someone there from the Sinners series getting a bit of ink as well...but you'll have to read the story to find out who.
'Rebel' is so much more than a second chance story. Of course it's about finding love but it's also about learning to forgive yourself and accept that wanting something good in your life and reaching for it can be worth the risk to your heart. It's about starting over and building the life you deserve which maybe isn't the life you thought you wanted. I loved how Rey and Gus worked together there was just something about them as couple that worked and made me a fan of these men and this series. I'm so looking forward to reading the next book in this series whatever comes next I know we'll at least get a peek at how Gus and Rey are doing and yet another awesome story.
Also before I scoot off to the next task...can we just take a minute to admire this cover...I mean seriously...that hint of tats on his arms and while it's not a clear face view...Yeah!!! no headless torso!!!! and yummy...just yummy!!! I may not factor covers into my rating for a book but it doesn't mean I don't admire them when I see one that I like and this one...well...me likey!!!
*************************
An ARC of 'Rebel' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
It seems I've become a sucker for men with tats...
'415 Ink.' is the newest series by Rhys Ford and you can be damned sure that I was going to read this. Unfortunately lifes been handing out sucker punches for me lately so it took me a little longer than intended to get to this one...so, my apologies to the author for that. But I'm here now and damn am I glad I finally made it to this party.
Gus Scott has been on the road trying to escape the demons of his past and find some inner peace until an unexpected phone call makes him pause and take a look at himself only to realize that in spite of his reluctance...it's time to go home and become a parent to the son he never knew he had.
Rey Montenegro has known since the day he first saw Gus that he wanted him. For Rey...Gus but try as they might when they finally got together in spite of the fire of their passion Rey finally realized that what he wanted and what Gus wanted weren't the same things and ultimately they were both left heart broken when Rey ended things.
When Gus returns home determined to become the dad his son needs and take his place at 415 Ink. the family run tattoo shop things start to unravel when he comes face to face with Rey but it's also Rey who's there and becomes a constant in his life and giving him strength, support and a shoulder to lean on.
'Rebel' is the beginning of a series that this author has once again filled with characters that I want more of...Gus and Rey are just the tip of the iceberg on this one. Gus has two families the one that he was given and no longer has but still a family that has marked his soul and left him broken and then there's the family that he's created, the family of brothers who have loved him and held him together over the years...there's Bear the oldest and father figure, Luke the peace keeper, Mace who grates on Gus but believes in him the most and will fight for him without hesitation and Ivo the only one who is Gus's brother both by birth and by choice. Along with these characters we've been given glimpses of others who may or may not play a role in future stories and I'm sure will add interest to other stories as the series progresses.
As well as a cast of awesome new characters to discover one of my favorite things about Rhys Ford books is that if you're paying attention you get surprise visits and this story was no exception I mean it's partially set in a tattoo parlor so of course Ichi showed up and I'm pretty sure there was someone there from the Sinners series getting a bit of ink as well...but you'll have to read the story to find out who.
'Rebel' is so much more than a second chance story. Of course it's about finding love but it's also about learning to forgive yourself and accept that wanting something good in your life and reaching for it can be worth the risk to your heart. It's about starting over and building the life you deserve which maybe isn't the life you thought you wanted. I loved how Rey and Gus worked together there was just something about them as couple that worked and made me a fan of these men and this series. I'm so looking forward to reading the next book in this series whatever comes next I know we'll at least get a peek at how Gus and Rey are doing and yet another awesome story.
Also before I scoot off to the next task...can we just take a minute to admire this cover...I mean seriously...that hint of tats on his arms and while it's not a clear face view...Yeah!!! no headless torso!!!! and yummy...just yummy!!! I may not factor covers into my rating for a book but it doesn't mean I don't admire them when I see one that I like and this one...well...me likey!!!
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An ARC of 'Rebel' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2018
2.5*
Feel mean low rating this, it's Rhys Ford who I love. The book has some of the feel of her Sinner's series, which I love. The same story structure and a bunch of hurt heroes banding together. It made me want to re-read Sinners yet again for some Donal magic. But, sadly it didn't work for me. The writing is a mix of short punchy sentences and the purplish angst Ford does so well - there are some great lines hidden in there, though I'm afraid the impact was lost to frustration.
From the start I got very confused over who was who and how they were all connected, in fact on finishing the book I still wasn't entirely sure on the connections and have no concept of their ages. While I loved the characters this book felt more an introduction and set-up than an individual story. It was distracting to meet everyone at once and know there's stories there, then being asked to focus on the most distant one. I was wanting more Bear, more Ivo; unfortunately I never connected to Rey or Gus whose book this is. They remain faceless, I believe one is blond the other has tan skin, that's it.
Similar (as in both three letters) names didn't help - Rey / Gus, I read almost four pages of one chapter before realising the pov character had changed! Then being a second chance story their story has started off-page and we get a conflicting impression of their history being either all consuming love or a brief childhood fling. We don't see it. For all the strong emotion poured into their reunion the fix felt easy, an acknowledgement of fault that meant nothing for not having any impression of the past. On the whole we know they're in love because we're told they are. The child Chris is barely present, I liked his mum and grandparents they were handled well, though surprisingly trusting, I had no image of him, he felt more a role aka responsibility to face, than a real character. Gus's history was teased through the book until I was wishing he'd just spit it out already! And though the story starts with Rey it seemed his life had turned up roses.
Every character turns Yoda. There's indepth support from everyone, when I'd have liked to see Rey and Gus hammer at least some things out themselves. Yell a little. There was instead a pep-talk. It took focus off the couple and more on the brothers. I must admit I kept comparing the brothers to Sinners characters and going 'that's the Donal/Conner character...' The nods to the band and co. encouraged that. And throughout I was more interested in reading about the brothers and their shop than Rey/Gus.
On finishing I'm looking forward to reading more of the brothers, but not caring about this couple, a shame because they're not un-interesting it's just I never connected. I so wanted to love this, but know I'll have trouble remembering whose book it is!
Ford has done her research; the Tattoo shop was interesting and felt a real place. The writing is really what elevates this to something more. Must have been exhausting writing all the emotion! Reminded me of Chesapeake Bay Saga but with more visceral angst. But it's too anecdotal, we're never apart of the action, or drawn in to events. It's a conflicting really great - but doesn't work. Possibly I'm rating more harshly due to high expectations - there's a lot to love about this and I'm honestly looking forward to the next book, but I'd only re-read this as an intro to the rest, rather than for it's own merit.
Feel mean low rating this, it's Rhys Ford who I love. The book has some of the feel of her Sinner's series, which I love. The same story structure and a bunch of hurt heroes banding together. It made me want to re-read Sinners yet again for some Donal magic. But, sadly it didn't work for me. The writing is a mix of short punchy sentences and the purplish angst Ford does so well - there are some great lines hidden in there, though I'm afraid the impact was lost to frustration.
From the start I got very confused over who was who and how they were all connected, in fact on finishing the book I still wasn't entirely sure on the connections and have no concept of their ages. While I loved the characters this book felt more an introduction and set-up than an individual story. It was distracting to meet everyone at once and know there's stories there, then being asked to focus on the most distant one. I was wanting more Bear, more Ivo; unfortunately I never connected to Rey or Gus whose book this is. They remain faceless, I believe one is blond the other has tan skin, that's it.
Similar (as in both three letters) names didn't help - Rey / Gus, I read almost four pages of one chapter before realising the pov character had changed! Then being a second chance story their story has started off-page and we get a conflicting impression of their history being either all consuming love or a brief childhood fling. We don't see it. For all the strong emotion poured into their reunion the fix felt easy, an acknowledgement of fault that meant nothing for not having any impression of the past. On the whole we know they're in love because we're told they are. The child Chris is barely present, I liked his mum and grandparents they were handled well, though surprisingly trusting, I had no image of him, he felt more a role aka responsibility to face, than a real character. Gus's history was teased through the book until I was wishing he'd just spit it out already! And though the story starts with Rey it seemed his life had turned up roses.
Every character turns Yoda. There's indepth support from everyone, when I'd have liked to see Rey and Gus hammer at least some things out themselves. Yell a little. There was instead a pep-talk. It took focus off the couple and more on the brothers. I must admit I kept comparing the brothers to Sinners characters and going 'that's the Donal/Conner character...' The nods to the band and co. encouraged that. And throughout I was more interested in reading about the brothers and their shop than Rey/Gus.
On finishing I'm looking forward to reading more of the brothers, but not caring about this couple, a shame because they're not un-interesting it's just I never connected. I so wanted to love this, but know I'll have trouble remembering whose book it is!
Ford has done her research; the Tattoo shop was interesting and felt a real place. The writing is really what elevates this to something more. Must have been exhausting writing all the emotion! Reminded me of Chesapeake Bay Saga but with more visceral angst. But it's too anecdotal, we're never apart of the action, or drawn in to events. It's a conflicting really great - but doesn't work. Possibly I'm rating more harshly due to high expectations - there's a lot to love about this and I'm honestly looking forward to the next book, but I'd only re-read this as an intro to the rest, rather than for it's own merit.
February 13, 2018
I like that Rhys is back to damaged but struggling to mend characters. I prefer these to her fluff pieces in between. This was the kind of book that you sink into and really feel the broken heart and damaged soul of the characters. I am going to add that Rhys Ford really, really loves fire. It's common enough in her books to be a bit formulaic at this point.
Some small spoilers (but really, this info is telegraphed really early on in the book)
Where I struggled: First, the timeline for this book made no sense. The ages when things happened, the amount of time that passes, who knew what and when and so on doesn't ever seem to line up. I found myself distracted by this and it lessened the impact of the book.
Second, Gus' perception of Puck.
There are some missing answers...why were Bear, Mason and Gus there to save Rey that night? What was the aftermath and the injuries and the connection to Rey afterward between all three? How did they all stay connected? What the hell happened with the CPS tool and the Bavarians? What the hell was that? So many missed scenes and fade to black with no follow up or way too little follow up. It felt like we were reading an outline of the story rather than the whole story.
This also is not the best edited book which is surprising for Dreamspinner. In the first 9% there were several missing words and weirdly structured sentences alone.
Finally, I hope for the best for Gus and Rey but sadly, without some professional couple and single therapy, I don't hold out a lot of hope for them. The resolution to their issues was hopeful but superficial.
Now we wait for Mason's story.
Some small spoilers (but really, this info is telegraphed really early on in the book)
Where I struggled: First, the timeline for this book made no sense. The ages when things happened, the amount of time that passes, who knew what and when and so on doesn't ever seem to line up. I found myself distracted by this and it lessened the impact of the book.
Second, Gus' perception of Puck.
There are some missing answers...why were Bear, Mason and Gus there to save Rey that night? What was the aftermath and the injuries and the connection to Rey afterward between all three? How did they all stay connected? What the hell happened with the CPS tool and the Bavarians? What the hell was that? So many missed scenes and fade to black with no follow up or way too little follow up. It felt like we were reading an outline of the story rather than the whole story.
This also is not the best edited book which is surprising for Dreamspinner. In the first 9% there were several missing words and weirdly structured sentences alone.
Finally, I hope for the best for Gus and Rey but sadly, without some professional couple and single therapy, I don't hold out a lot of hope for them. The resolution to their issues was hopeful but superficial.
Now we wait for Mason's story.
April 14, 2018
*peeking from my box of shame* sigh... this didn't work for me. I think I enjoyed the secondary characters more than the main couple. The couple just didn't hold my attention. Quite frankly, I'm not sure I would have finished had I not been listening to the audio while doing other things. This was more like an introduction to the series than an actual romance. I'll read the next in the series because it's Rhys.
November 6, 2018
LOVE!!!
January 21, 2018
I liked it, I'm very comfortable with huge casts; In Rebel we have a myriad of characters from this series or from other -through sprinkled hints here and there-, but I admit that an abundance of characters it may not be to everyone's taste.
I felt the lack of more visceral emotions; the story lacked a truly catharsis; surely that was the intention of the bridge scene but it didn't seem enough. In addition, I would have liked to know a little more about Ray's life prior to the fire as well as his life and his relationship with his mother before and after the appearance of Randy, a lovable character, BTW.
The tight control over their emotions that each brother has, cry out for an absolutely liberating moment in each one's stories, where the feelings are so raw that its hatching to be like the cleanliness of the Augean stables, a crucial and emotional moment that adds -to each of them with their hard backgrounds- a vision of the future as a possibility and not as a sentence.
There are details that I know will be revealed through the books; Rhys's series although divided into books and short stories, are enjoyed more at the end, when elements that seem scarce in each story, make sense and round off the whole picture when you consider the books together. Not for nothing one of my rereads during the past couple of months was Sinners, which I liked even more than when I read it for the first time. I expect the same with this series.
415 Ink has in common with Sinners the approach to family as a choice -there are ties of blood (like the Morgans) or not- and how that choice is not an instant but a work in continuous progression.
We can already guess more or less who will be the men for Mace and Ivo, I personally have a slight assumption about Bear's and it is an absolute mystery what awaits Luke. I can't wait to read each of those stories!
I felt the lack of more visceral emotions; the story lacked a truly catharsis; surely that was the intention of the bridge scene but it didn't seem enough. In addition, I would have liked to know a little more about Ray's life prior to the fire as well as his life and his relationship with his mother before and after the appearance of Randy, a lovable character, BTW.
The tight control over their emotions that each brother has, cry out for an absolutely liberating moment in each one's stories, where the feelings are so raw that its hatching to be like the cleanliness of the Augean stables, a crucial and emotional moment that adds -to each of them with their hard backgrounds- a vision of the future as a possibility and not as a sentence.
There are details that I know will be revealed through the books; Rhys's series although divided into books and short stories, are enjoyed more at the end, when elements that seem scarce in each story, make sense and round off the whole picture when you consider the books together. Not for nothing one of my rereads during the past couple of months was Sinners, which I liked even more than when I read it for the first time. I expect the same with this series.
415 Ink has in common with Sinners the approach to family as a choice -there are ties of blood (like the Morgans) or not- and how that choice is not an instant but a work in continuous progression.
We can already guess more or less who will be the men for Mace and Ivo, I personally have a slight assumption about Bear's and it is an absolute mystery what awaits Luke. I can't wait to read each of those stories!
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