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415 Ink #2
Savior
415 Ink: Book Two
A savior lies in the heart of every good man, but sometimes only love can awaken the man inside the savior.
The world’s had it out for San Francisco firefighter Mace Crawford from the moment he was born. Rescued from a horrific home life and dragged through an uncaring foster system, he’s dedicated his life to saving people, including the men he calls his brothers. As second-in-command of their knitted-together clan, Mace guides his younger siblings, helps out at 415 Ink, the family tattoo shop, and most of all, makes sure the brothers don’t discover his darkest secrets.
It’s a lonely life with one big problem—he’s sworn off love, and Rob Claussen, one of 415 Ink’s tattoo artists, has gotten under his skin in the worst way possible.
Mace’s world is too tight, too controlled to let Rob into his life, much less his heart, but the brash Filipino inker is there every time Mace turns around. He can’t let Rob in without shaking the foundations of the life he’s built, but when an evil from his past resurfaces, Mace is forced to choose between protecting his lies and saving the man he’s too scared to love.
A savior lies in the heart of every good man, but sometimes only love can awaken the man inside the savior.
The world’s had it out for San Francisco firefighter Mace Crawford from the moment he was born. Rescued from a horrific home life and dragged through an uncaring foster system, he’s dedicated his life to saving people, including the men he calls his brothers. As second-in-command of their knitted-together clan, Mace guides his younger siblings, helps out at 415 Ink, the family tattoo shop, and most of all, makes sure the brothers don’t discover his darkest secrets.
It’s a lonely life with one big problem—he’s sworn off love, and Rob Claussen, one of 415 Ink’s tattoo artists, has gotten under his skin in the worst way possible.
Mace’s world is too tight, too controlled to let Rob into his life, much less his heart, but the brash Filipino inker is there every time Mace turns around. He can’t let Rob in without shaking the foundations of the life he’s built, but when an evil from his past resurfaces, Mace is forced to choose between protecting his lies and saving the man he’s too scared to love.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 18, 2018
94 people are currently reading
531 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 195 reviews
October 1, 2018
So, I was VERY curious about this book! And that was mainly because of Mace since I did NOT like him in Rebel (I was pleasantly surprised in the end though!)
I thought Mace was overbearing and antagonistic for no other reason than to be an asshole in book 1.
I did not read him like a 'good brother', so I was sort of...Wary? Iffy going into this one.
I did end up changing my rating for book 1 to 3 stars instead of 4, since I thought this was a better read and the feel of that one compared to this was very... Bleak?!
Okay, so Rob works at 415 Ink and he's kind of fun and upbeat, even if he did not have an easy childhood. Mace (one of the owners and a fireman), is the opposite. He's moody, stand off-ish and tough and acts asshole-ish more than once.
They're attracted to each other, but due to the fact that Rob works for 415, he's off limits.
I have to be honest and say that I didn't quite 'get' their connection in the beginning. We're told that they were interested in each other, but it wasn't really shown (and I don't remember if they flirted in book 1?!)
But when they finally gave in, I thought they were very well matched and I liked their chemistry.
One of my little niggles with this one was the weird jumps in timeline when they started actually going out. I felt something was missing at times. It could be that there were instances of 'telling/not showing' in regards to the relationship, that made me disconnect a wee bit from the story.
Another niggle I had was with Rob's family and the subsequent 'ending' to that part of the story. I seriously did not understand how he would go from basically being cast out and shamed for being alive (seriously, FUCK his birth-family!), to inviting them to a get-together. The family relationship was never really explored or explained thoroughly, so something was a wee bit off for me.
It was... WEIRD and I wonder if something was missing or if Rhys ran out of pages or ideas or what.
It WAS pure Rhys Ford, but she'd toned down the analogies some, which I thought was a nice change.
They're still there, especially in the second part of the book, but I enjoyed the more direct language here (that is not to say that I don't enjoy her analogies normally, it was just a small change, that I noticed.)
Overall I did enjoy this story and I LOVED Mace's spirit and 'fight'! I thought it was amazing to finally have a MC I really, REALLY commend that choice.
People should be aware that Mace's childhood was not easy and that his father manipulated and abused him in some pretty horrifying ways!
This story was definitely better than the first for me (which is also why I changed that rating)! Despite Mace's horrific childhood, this read 'lighter' somehow, and I enjoyed the somewhat more specific focus on one MC, where book 1 was a sort of an introduction to the whole family -IMO.
But I have to say I am RIDICULOUSLY excited about Ivo's book! Like, I am so looking forward to reading his story, because he's such a character and to pair him with a cop!!!! YES PLEASE, and thank you very much!
*ARC kindly provided by author in a giveaway, in exchange for an honest review at GR and Amz*
I thought Mace was overbearing and antagonistic for no other reason than to be an asshole in book 1.
I did not read him like a 'good brother', so I was sort of...
I did end up changing my rating for book 1 to 3 stars instead of 4, since I thought this was a better read and the feel of that one compared to this was very... Bleak?!
Okay, so Rob works at 415 Ink and he's kind of fun and upbeat, even if he did not have an easy childhood. Mace (one of the owners and a fireman), is the opposite. He's moody, stand off-ish and tough and acts asshole-ish more than once.
They're attracted to each other, but due to the fact that Rob works for 415, he's off limits.
I have to be honest and say that I didn't quite 'get' their connection in the beginning. We're told that they were interested in each other, but it wasn't really shown (and I don't remember if they flirted in book 1?!)
But when they finally gave in, I thought they were very well matched and I liked their chemistry.
One of my little niggles with this one was the weird jumps in timeline when they started actually going out. I felt something was missing at times. It could be that there were instances of 'telling/not showing' in regards to the relationship, that made me disconnect a wee bit from the story.
Another niggle I had was with Rob's family and the subsequent 'ending' to that part of the story. I seriously did not understand how he would go from basically being cast out and shamed for being alive (seriously, FUCK his birth-family!), to inviting them to a get-together. The family relationship was never really explored or explained thoroughly, so something was a wee bit off for me.
It was... WEIRD and I wonder if something was missing or if Rhys ran out of pages or ideas or what.
It WAS pure Rhys Ford, but she'd toned down the analogies some, which I thought was a nice change.
They're still there, especially in the second part of the book, but I enjoyed the more direct language here (that is not to say that I don't enjoy her analogies normally, it was just a small change, that I noticed.)
Overall I did enjoy this story and I LOVED Mace's spirit and 'fight'! I thought it was amazing to finally have a MC I really, REALLY commend that choice.
People should be aware that Mace's childhood was not easy and that his father manipulated and abused him in some pretty horrifying ways!
This story was definitely better than the first for me (which is also why I changed that rating)! Despite Mace's horrific childhood, this read 'lighter' somehow, and I enjoyed the somewhat more specific focus on one MC, where book 1 was a sort of an introduction to the whole family -IMO.
But I have to say I am RIDICULOUSLY excited about Ivo's book! Like, I am so looking forward to reading his story, because he's such a character and to pair him with a cop!!!! YES PLEASE, and thank you very much!
*ARC kindly provided by author in a giveaway, in exchange for an honest review at GR and Amz*
September 8, 2018
Savior is the second book in Rhys Ford's 415 Ink series. This series is about 5 brothers (in the "found family" sense), all of whom are a bit broken in their own way, who finally find love and happiness. I do think you'd be ok reading this as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend book 1 - Rebel - because it was really fantastic, too!
Where Rebel was all about second chances, Savior is about healing and figuring out you're even worthy of one chance. To say that Mace's childhood was awful would be severe understatement. He was horribly abused by his father, until he was sent into the system, and while the system was undoubtedly better, Mace was pretty screwed up and foster care can be unpredictable, to say the least. But, it was there he met Bear, and Bear saw Mace's worth and became Mace's big brother.
Still, though, Mace was pretty screwed up. He used sex with strangers as comfort, not even wanting a connection. He never even thought himself capable of a relationship. Until Rob, who is off-limits because he works for 415 Ink.
Rob had it a whole lot better than Mace, when he was growing up. Like most of us, his parents just weren't that involved. Or maybe that isn't like "most", honestly I don't know, but I could certainly relate. His father did have issues, early on, with the gay, but they're more-or-less on ok footing now. Rob isn't like his straight-laced father, though. He's far more colorful, like his mom. Rob loves what he does and he's damn good at it. He never expected to be attracted to one of the owners of the shop - especially one that seems to hate the sight of him!
Mace and Rob had loads of chemistry once they got together. In fact, one of my only issues with the story is that they were barely together at all for the first third of the book. Still, I loved them together and was very happy we didn't have any manufactured melodrama and miscommunication. Instead, we got two adults who, while they might not have been terribly experienced at relationships, decided to go about it in a surprisingly mature and reasonable way. Rob wanted to talk to Mace and get to know all of him. His childhood demons - that have made their way into the present - and the man he has become.
The story's conflict came solely from Mace's father, who had been in prison for much of Mace's life. That conflict there wasn't huge, though, and it seemed to resolve itself without much fanfare. I'm torn, though, between wanting just a bit more angst and being glad that plotline didn't end in tragedy.
All in all, I'd give Savior a solid 4 stars. It's definitely a worthy addition to this series. Now we get to look forward to Ivo's story, next. He intrigues the fuck outta me, so I'm really looking forward to his story.
-------------------
ARC of Savior was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Where Rebel was all about second chances, Savior is about healing and figuring out you're even worthy of one chance. To say that Mace's childhood was awful would be severe understatement. He was horribly abused by his father, until he was sent into the system, and while the system was undoubtedly better, Mace was pretty screwed up and foster care can be unpredictable, to say the least. But, it was there he met Bear, and Bear saw Mace's worth and became Mace's big brother.
Still, though, Mace was pretty screwed up. He used sex with strangers as comfort, not even wanting a connection. He never even thought himself capable of a relationship. Until Rob, who is off-limits because he works for 415 Ink.
Rob had it a whole lot better than Mace, when he was growing up. Like most of us, his parents just weren't that involved. Or maybe that isn't like "most", honestly I don't know, but I could certainly relate. His father did have issues, early on, with the gay, but they're more-or-less on ok footing now. Rob isn't like his straight-laced father, though. He's far more colorful, like his mom. Rob loves what he does and he's damn good at it. He never expected to be attracted to one of the owners of the shop - especially one that seems to hate the sight of him!
Mace and Rob had loads of chemistry once they got together. In fact, one of my only issues with the story is that they were barely together at all for the first third of the book. Still, I loved them together and was very happy we didn't have any manufactured melodrama and miscommunication. Instead, we got two adults who, while they might not have been terribly experienced at relationships, decided to go about it in a surprisingly mature and reasonable way. Rob wanted to talk to Mace and get to know all of him. His childhood demons - that have made their way into the present - and the man he has become.
The story's conflict came solely from Mace's father, who had been in prison for much of Mace's life. That conflict there wasn't huge, though, and it seemed to resolve itself without much fanfare. I'm torn, though, between wanting just a bit more angst and being glad that plotline didn't end in tragedy.
All in all, I'd give Savior a solid 4 stars. It's definitely a worthy addition to this series. Now we get to look forward to Ivo's story, next. He intrigues the fuck outta me, so I'm really looking forward to his story.
-------------------
ARC of Savior was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2018
I may come back and raise the * it's another 2.5 I did like it a whole lot more than the previous, but don't think it fair to other recent reads if I round-up.
For for me there's the same issue of being unfocused. Life can be a mess that drags you all ways, but a book needs a focus, an end game; with this I was never sure what ending I was reading for - resolution of trauma or the romantic HEA in which case neither really did it for me.
Mace - he's referred to as Mason a bit into the book and I did a kindle search before figuring they meant Mace - the main character; that's not a good sign! His past is traumatic and I read it with my heart in my throat, the mental scars are lasting. He made a strong impression after being the least compelling of the first book, and him facing things was rewarding.
Rob however didn't make a clear impression, there was little focus on him and what's there was frustratingly contradictory. Is he meek confrontation-avoiding or sassy? I love Ford, but it really felt like she lost her notes and changed his story mid way
Also he's a tattoo artist - but I've no real idea if he has any tattoos himself, were those mentioned real or analogy? and how many does Mace have?
The romance didn't happen for me. They were both in danger of spontaneously combusting with lust for each other long before they figured they liked each other - but I don't know what the attraction was, what was it that caught their attention? That got lost in the 'can not be'. It was nice when they were talking, but seriously it still felt one-sided. And their HEA was too much, too soon.
The brothers are a bigger focus. A great idea, a great bunch. Luke was mentioned and I had to figure out that was the name of the responsible therapist brother - though in our glimpses of him there was some chilling darkness that suggests his story will be an eye-opener. IVO, glorious Ivo again completely steals attention. There are pages of him and his character was better developed shadowing all others. As with the first book I spent most of my time wishing I was reading Ivo or Bear's story. As disappointing as I find this series I'm committed to read on for Ivo.
And tattoos much mention made of neo-traditionalism and packing in colour but leaving it space to breath. Yet somehow the ink didn't carry much life. There's few visuals offered. I like tattoos, although -not sorry Dave- I do indeed have a simple flower on my ankle lol and these might be fancier, done with greater expertise, but they don't appear to mean any more.
Mikki makes an appearance and there's lots of nods to the Sinners series. Ford's trademark green tea scent appears replaced with the scent and taste of citrus in this series but Vietnamese coffee is reassuringly present. While I expect the punchy chapter ends, the attitude they express didn't always suit the character. And with that, the reveal of Ivo's love interest piqued interest aspects of it also had me scratching my head.
Two things felt unfinished, I suspect they'll carry on into the next book.
Um, there's a lot I like. I like the brothers with their differences and strong bonds. I think I've now figured how many they are and can tell them apart. Can't claim to 'like' the trauma that shapes them but it's highly evocative.
But the stumbling block for me is it feels the different aspects of the story compete for page time.
For for me there's the same issue of being unfocused. Life can be a mess that drags you all ways, but a book needs a focus, an end game; with this I was never sure what ending I was reading for - resolution of trauma or the romantic HEA in which case neither really did it for me.
Mace - he's referred to as Mason a bit into the book and I did a kindle search before figuring they meant Mace - the main character; that's not a good sign! His past is traumatic and I read it with my heart in my throat, the mental scars are lasting. He made a strong impression after being the least compelling of the first book, and him facing things was rewarding.
Rob however didn't make a clear impression, there was little focus on him and what's there was frustratingly contradictory. Is he meek confrontation-avoiding or sassy? I love Ford, but it really felt like she lost her notes and changed his story mid way
Also he's a tattoo artist - but I've no real idea if he has any tattoos himself, were those mentioned real or analogy? and how many does Mace have?
The romance didn't happen for me. They were both in danger of spontaneously combusting with lust for each other long before they figured they liked each other - but I don't know what the attraction was, what was it that caught their attention? That got lost in the 'can not be'. It was nice when they were talking, but seriously it still felt one-sided. And their HEA was too much, too soon.
The brothers are a bigger focus. A great idea, a great bunch. Luke was mentioned and I had to figure out that was the name of the responsible therapist brother - though in our glimpses of him there was some chilling darkness that suggests his story will be an eye-opener. IVO, glorious Ivo again completely steals attention. There are pages of him and his character was better developed shadowing all others. As with the first book I spent most of my time wishing I was reading Ivo or Bear's story. As disappointing as I find this series I'm committed to read on for Ivo.
And tattoos much mention made of neo-traditionalism and packing in colour but leaving it space to breath. Yet somehow the ink didn't carry much life. There's few visuals offered. I like tattoos, although -not sorry Dave- I do indeed have a simple flower on my ankle lol and these might be fancier, done with greater expertise, but they don't appear to mean any more.
Mikki makes an appearance and there's lots of nods to the Sinners series. Ford's trademark green tea scent appears replaced with the scent and taste of citrus in this series but Vietnamese coffee is reassuringly present. While I expect the punchy chapter ends, the attitude they express didn't always suit the character. And with that, the reveal of Ivo's love interest piqued interest aspects of it also had me scratching my head.
Two things felt unfinished, I suspect they'll carry on into the next book.
Um, there's a lot I like. I like the brothers with their differences and strong bonds. I think I've now figured how many they are and can tell them apart. Can't claim to 'like' the trauma that shapes them but it's highly evocative.
But the stumbling block for me is it feels the different aspects of the story compete for page time.
October 10, 2018
3.5 Stars!
I liked this one. I enjoy Rhys Ford's writing for the most part. This one was a bit of a slow burn. And honestly as a whole, it was pretty low steam.
But I liked the connection between the MCs. Definitely fell on the insta-love spectrum for me a bit.
The secondary characters (all of the brothers) are pretty present, which I like. I'm intrigued the most by Ivo so I was pleased with the teaser we got at the end of this one. Looks like his book will be next. And his pairing with the cop. #yesplease
Overall a solid, likable read. It may not have wowed me but it was good.
I liked this one. I enjoy Rhys Ford's writing for the most part. This one was a bit of a slow burn. And honestly as a whole, it was pretty low steam.
But I liked the connection between the MCs. Definitely fell on the insta-love spectrum for me a bit.
The secondary characters (all of the brothers) are pretty present, which I like. I'm intrigued the most by Ivo so I was pleased with the teaser we got at the end of this one. Looks like his book will be next. And his pairing with the cop. #yesplease
Overall a solid, likable read. It may not have wowed me but it was good.
September 25, 2018
I enjoyed this quite a bit more than book one. I’ll have to give my rating some thought.
*****
Ok. I really liked this more than the first book, but... this series is still not up to par for what I expect from a Rhys Ford novel. So far, there has been no real relationship development in either released book. Most of the story is reserved for the tragic backstory of whichever “brother” is featured and more of the family dynamic. Don’t get me wrong, I LIKE those parts. If the book would focus on that, I’d be all in. But the books, so far, don’t really focus on anything. The second MC is never really developed. There is no real feel for why the MC are together. The “romance” doesn’t exist, and Ivo gets the best lines (his story had better kick ass, or I’ll be even MORE disappointed).
Gawd. I suck at reviews, but what can you do? 🤷🏽♀️
*****
Ok. I really liked this more than the first book, but... this series is still not up to par for what I expect from a Rhys Ford novel. So far, there has been no real relationship development in either released book. Most of the story is reserved for the tragic backstory of whichever “brother” is featured and more of the family dynamic. Don’t get me wrong, I LIKE those parts. If the book would focus on that, I’d be all in. But the books, so far, don’t really focus on anything. The second MC is never really developed. There is no real feel for why the MC are together. The “romance” doesn’t exist, and Ivo gets the best lines (his story had better kick ass, or I’ll be even MORE disappointed).
Gawd. I suck at reviews, but what can you do? 🤷🏽♀️
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February 27, 2019Placeholder. Releasing Fall 2018.
October 7, 2018
Hot, sexy slightly broken men with tats created by one of my favs...
all this means I'ma happy, happy girl.
'Savior' is the second book in 415 Ink by Rhys Ford. I'll be totally up front here I'm fan of this author...she's at the top of my 'must buy' list and for whatever reason her writing just speaks to my heart and it works for me pretty much without fail. Off the top of my head I can honestly say there's not a book of hers that I wouldn't happily enjoy over and over again either in book or audio format. These stories are totally one of my happy places.
I loved 'Rebel' which gave us Gus and Rey's story. For that matter one of the things that I've come to look for in pretty well any book I read is the character's background...it's like watching a puzzle come together. Finding out how that character went from the child they were to the adult they become...what shaped them gave them their strengths, their weaknesses, their passions all the things that make them who they are and it's stories like these where that background for me is such an integral part of everything.
415 Ink is a series about 5 men all of them failed by the system in one way or another and yet they manage not to fail each other coming together as a family and this time around we get a look at Mason's past. It's not a past that I would wish on anyone and it's left Mason struggling with his sense of self worth. Mason doesn't do relationships because he's pretty sure he's not good relationship material. But try as he might he can't seem to keep himself from being drawn to Rob one of the tattoo artist that work at 415 Ink the family business and the fact that Rob's equally drawn to him doesn't help his determination...sometimes resistance really is futile.
Mason for me was honestly the brother that held the least interest...or at least that's what I thought...but apparently still waters do run deep. The more I read the more interested in Mason I became and the more I realized that he was so much more than the character we'd been given in 'Rebel'. Add in the fact that while we met Rob in 'Rebel' we really weren't given any information about him in that story and I got a book that I enjoyed a lot more than I had anticipated.
Compared to Mason, Rob's had a life of leisure. While Rob never wanted for material needs like so many kids now a days what he lacked was the time and attention of his parents but abuse was never an issue. Rob walked away from the life his father had planned for him to find his own way in the world and while this left things strained between him and his father. It was never a hopeless situation just one that would need time and compromise on both parts to fix.
While I enjoyed the relationship that developed between Mason and Rob. I loved seeing Mason come to terms with and get closure on the part of his life that haunted him and kept him from truly opening up to both his brothers and the man he would come to love.
'Savior' took Mason from being 'just one of the brothers' to not just a brother but an individual and solidified his place in this self-made family for me making him someone that I look forward to getting more of in future stories but for now I'm holding out for what we were teased with at the end of 'Savior' and that's Ivo's story...I can't imagine it's going to be anything less than out there, in our faces and totally flamboyant just like the man himself and maybe, in the meantime I'll get to go to another happy place and hear get my hands on the audio book for 'Savior' when it's available...please, let there be an audio book.
*************************
An ARC of 'Savior' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
all this means I'ma happy, happy girl.
'Savior' is the second book in 415 Ink by Rhys Ford. I'll be totally up front here I'm fan of this author...she's at the top of my 'must buy' list and for whatever reason her writing just speaks to my heart and it works for me pretty much without fail. Off the top of my head I can honestly say there's not a book of hers that I wouldn't happily enjoy over and over again either in book or audio format. These stories are totally one of my happy places.
I loved 'Rebel' which gave us Gus and Rey's story. For that matter one of the things that I've come to look for in pretty well any book I read is the character's background...it's like watching a puzzle come together. Finding out how that character went from the child they were to the adult they become...what shaped them gave them their strengths, their weaknesses, their passions all the things that make them who they are and it's stories like these where that background for me is such an integral part of everything.
415 Ink is a series about 5 men all of them failed by the system in one way or another and yet they manage not to fail each other coming together as a family and this time around we get a look at Mason's past. It's not a past that I would wish on anyone and it's left Mason struggling with his sense of self worth. Mason doesn't do relationships because he's pretty sure he's not good relationship material. But try as he might he can't seem to keep himself from being drawn to Rob one of the tattoo artist that work at 415 Ink the family business and the fact that Rob's equally drawn to him doesn't help his determination...sometimes resistance really is futile.
Mason for me was honestly the brother that held the least interest...or at least that's what I thought...but apparently still waters do run deep. The more I read the more interested in Mason I became and the more I realized that he was so much more than the character we'd been given in 'Rebel'. Add in the fact that while we met Rob in 'Rebel' we really weren't given any information about him in that story and I got a book that I enjoyed a lot more than I had anticipated.
Compared to Mason, Rob's had a life of leisure. While Rob never wanted for material needs like so many kids now a days what he lacked was the time and attention of his parents but abuse was never an issue. Rob walked away from the life his father had planned for him to find his own way in the world and while this left things strained between him and his father. It was never a hopeless situation just one that would need time and compromise on both parts to fix.
While I enjoyed the relationship that developed between Mason and Rob. I loved seeing Mason come to terms with and get closure on the part of his life that haunted him and kept him from truly opening up to both his brothers and the man he would come to love.
'Savior' took Mason from being 'just one of the brothers' to not just a brother but an individual and solidified his place in this self-made family for me making him someone that I look forward to getting more of in future stories but for now I'm holding out for what we were teased with at the end of 'Savior' and that's Ivo's story...I can't imagine it's going to be anything less than out there, in our faces and totally flamboyant just like the man himself and maybe, in the meantime I'll get to go to another happy place and hear get my hands on the audio book for 'Savior' when it's available...please, let there be an audio book.
*************************
An ARC of 'Savior' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2019
I don’t read much of Rhys Ford. Her writing style doesn’t work for me. Yet, somehow I’m always tempted to pick up one of her books thinking that this time it will be different. That I’ll feel connected to the characters, that I’ll feel the chemistry between them, that their dialogue won’t be OTT emotional, that I won’t be bogged down with unending internal monologues, and that scene changes will happen in a logical manner.
I was wrong. This book had all of what I don’t like including an incredible amount of purple prose that simply took me out of the story. It also has a very short, slow-burn-wannabe set up for the MC’s which didn’t work, but ended up in a flurry of insta-love and lifetime declarations of marriage.
I opted for the audiobook version narrated by Tristan James—a narrator I love as the voice of the Hexworld series. But here, I found that he lacked differentiation for the characters’ voices and everyone sounded alike. A shame, because he truly is a great narrator. Maybe I would have gotten more out of this story had I read it. But I doubt it.
I keep trying to be a Rhys Ford fan, but it seems like I’ll have to place her in the same category as Mary Calmes: not for me.
Too melodramatic and full of overwriting for me. But I’m sure Ford’s fans will like this one.
I was wrong. This book had all of what I don’t like including an incredible amount of purple prose that simply took me out of the story. It also has a very short, slow-burn-wannabe set up for the MC’s which didn’t work, but ended up in a flurry of insta-love and lifetime declarations of marriage.
I opted for the audiobook version narrated by Tristan James—a narrator I love as the voice of the Hexworld series. But here, I found that he lacked differentiation for the characters’ voices and everyone sounded alike. A shame, because he truly is a great narrator. Maybe I would have gotten more out of this story had I read it. But I doubt it.
I keep trying to be a Rhys Ford fan, but it seems like I’ll have to place her in the same category as Mary Calmes: not for me.
Too melodramatic and full of overwriting for me. But I’m sure Ford’s fans will like this one.
August 26, 2018
This was a pretty solid second installment in this series. Rob and Mace did have really good chemistry.
About the first half of this or so is what happened before that brief scene we got at the end of Rebel where they're outside 415 Ink making out.
Rob and Mace have been dancing around each other for months, but it's clear that they want each other - although they half-heartedly tried to act like they didn't like each other, although it didn't translate for me. They were into each other from the beginning, and the "we don't like each other" was a such a weak thing haha. They had banter, and it was fun, but nowhere near "hate"
Just like with the first one, this book took it's time with the slow burn, and while it didn't wait until 30% for Mace and Rob to see each other, their interactions weren't plentiful at first, and I honestly would have enjoyed more scenes with them.
It's good that these books spend so much time with the family, with the brothers because they are important, but I think spending so much time away form the main romantic couple can also not always be the best. With these two books I've felt that there hasn't been enough with both of the couples.
Mace and Rob only have sex twice in this - and that would be fine if we got a lot more scenes of them just...being together, getting to know each other and falling in love. At one point Mace felt like he was falling in love with Rob and it felt a little bit out of nowhere, or really, a little too soon. It just didn't feel like it was earned, even by the end. And especially when .
There wasn't much that happened with the main plot of the book, but it was interesting and drama-filled, although although with it we got the introduction of Ivo's LI for the next book, and the first scene of them really interacting. I'm definitely intrigued.
Overall, I felt like this book could have just done a little more to be amazing, like it was just missing a little something here and there to make me absolutely love it. But overall I enjoyed it immensely and am excited to read Ivo's story, because Ivo is such an interesting character and his LI is a mystery right now, but he's interesting too.
Recommended for those who enjoyed the first book in this series, because this followed along the same lines as that (although surprisingly, not quite as drama-filled with the relationship, which I did enjoy a lot.)
***ARC generously provided by the Alpha Book Club in exchange for an honest review***
About the first half of this or so is what happened before that brief scene we got at the end of Rebel where they're outside 415 Ink making out.
Rob and Mace have been dancing around each other for months, but it's clear that they want each other - although they half-heartedly tried to act like they didn't like each other, although it didn't translate for me. They were into each other from the beginning, and the "we don't like each other" was a such a weak thing haha. They had banter, and it was fun, but nowhere near "hate"
Just like with the first one, this book took it's time with the slow burn, and while it didn't wait until 30% for Mace and Rob to see each other, their interactions weren't plentiful at first, and I honestly would have enjoyed more scenes with them.
It's good that these books spend so much time with the family, with the brothers because they are important, but I think spending so much time away form the main romantic couple can also not always be the best. With these two books I've felt that there hasn't been enough with both of the couples.
Mace and Rob only have sex twice in this - and that would be fine if we got a lot more scenes of them just...being together, getting to know each other and falling in love. At one point Mace felt like he was falling in love with Rob and it felt a little bit out of nowhere, or really, a little too soon. It just didn't feel like it was earned, even by the end. And especially when .
There wasn't much that happened with the main plot of the book, but it was interesting and drama-filled, although although with it we got the introduction of Ivo's LI for the next book, and the first scene of them really interacting. I'm definitely intrigued.
Overall, I felt like this book could have just done a little more to be amazing, like it was just missing a little something here and there to make me absolutely love it. But overall I enjoyed it immensely and am excited to read Ivo's story, because Ivo is such an interesting character and his LI is a mystery right now, but he's interesting too.
Recommended for those who enjoyed the first book in this series, because this followed along the same lines as that (although surprisingly, not quite as drama-filled with the relationship, which I did enjoy a lot.)
***ARC generously provided by the Alpha Book Club in exchange for an honest review***
September 25, 2018
So I got this because I bought it from amazon by accident and thought I would give it a go. This is a well regarded author, and I thought I would give her another try. Then I got interested enough to skim my way through it. .
This is standard Rhys ford. If you like her stuff, I dare say you will like this. If you connect really well with her characters, you will love this, because there are lots of them.
Trigger warnings: child abuse and animal cruelty.
My take was trope trope trope trope and someone very mentally damaged...who didn’t seek professional help, but had his mental injuries healed by his true love and his beloved brothers? And more trope trope trope trope and my goodness these people talked. About their feelings. All The Time.
....and more rampant lust, trope trope trope trope...more talking. All the talking. Almost Laurell K Hamilton levels of talking. But the sex isn’t as interesting. Nor is the hair.
I guess the bottom line is that if you connect with rhys ford’s characters, you will find this a satisfying read.
This is standard Rhys ford. If you like her stuff, I dare say you will like this. If you connect really well with her characters, you will love this, because there are lots of them.
Trigger warnings: child abuse and animal cruelty.
My take was trope trope trope trope and someone very mentally damaged...who didn’t seek professional help, but had his mental injuries healed by his true love and his beloved brothers? And more trope trope trope trope and my goodness these people talked. About their feelings. All The Time.
....and more rampant lust, trope trope trope trope...more talking. All the talking. Almost Laurell K Hamilton levels of talking. But the sex isn’t as interesting. Nor is the hair.
I guess the bottom line is that if you connect with rhys ford’s characters, you will find this a satisfying read.
June 10, 2024
This is my second reading of this this series, so I know that this entire series is composed of compelling, beautifully done journeys of healing and love. This one is the second story in the "415 Ink" series, and while it can diffidently be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first book in the series as situations and characters swarm throughout each of the stories.
Mason “Mace” Crawford is a firefighter that has worked hard to put his extremely dysfunctional and abusive childhood behind him. His father was a nasty piece of work. He has been mostly successful by having devised a few coping mechanisms that help hold the demons back. Then an unexpected rescue at the scene of a fire revives some of those haunting memories from his past. He fears the reactions of what he calls his "brothers of his heart", so he doesn't reveal any of these heart-stopping experiences to any of them. He also struggles with low self-worth, so he avoids relationships which is why he finds his reaction to 415 Ink tattoo artist Rob Claussen more than a little troubling. Mace tries to ignore this very inconvenient attraction but realistically, how long can these two men ignore their desire for one another?
On the surface, Mace appears to have moved past his troubled childhood since he shares a tight bond with the "family" that he has made for himself. He has a few quirks that the folks he calls friends simply accept. However, none of the guys at 415 Ink have any inkling, (no pun intended), of the secrets he is keeping, and he happy for it to stay that way. When he receives shocking news and all of the shameful memories come rushing back, Rob convince Mace to trust him enough to confide in him. Rob’s relationship with his actual family isn't much better than Maces, but he is much happier since he decided to follow his dream of becoming a tattoo artist. The two guys spend most of the story circling around each other until a cataclysmic event finally leads to them acting on what their hearts have been telling them. It's not until Mace’s past collides head on with his present that Rob finally persuades him it is time to talk about the events from his childhood.
There is a romantic aspect to the plot, but the main focus of the novel is Mace making peace with his childhood. Savior is a heartwarming story with a marvelous band of characters and a deeply moving storyline. Rhys Ford brings the novel to a heartfelt conclusion that is also quite satisfying. Readers will be pleased with the intriguing glimpse of the couple who will be featured in the next installment in the 415 Ink series.
Mason “Mace” Crawford is a firefighter that has worked hard to put his extremely dysfunctional and abusive childhood behind him. His father was a nasty piece of work. He has been mostly successful by having devised a few coping mechanisms that help hold the demons back. Then an unexpected rescue at the scene of a fire revives some of those haunting memories from his past. He fears the reactions of what he calls his "brothers of his heart", so he doesn't reveal any of these heart-stopping experiences to any of them. He also struggles with low self-worth, so he avoids relationships which is why he finds his reaction to 415 Ink tattoo artist Rob Claussen more than a little troubling. Mace tries to ignore this very inconvenient attraction but realistically, how long can these two men ignore their desire for one another?
On the surface, Mace appears to have moved past his troubled childhood since he shares a tight bond with the "family" that he has made for himself. He has a few quirks that the folks he calls friends simply accept. However, none of the guys at 415 Ink have any inkling, (no pun intended), of the secrets he is keeping, and he happy for it to stay that way. When he receives shocking news and all of the shameful memories come rushing back, Rob convince Mace to trust him enough to confide in him. Rob’s relationship with his actual family isn't much better than Maces, but he is much happier since he decided to follow his dream of becoming a tattoo artist. The two guys spend most of the story circling around each other until a cataclysmic event finally leads to them acting on what their hearts have been telling them. It's not until Mace’s past collides head on with his present that Rob finally persuades him it is time to talk about the events from his childhood.
There is a romantic aspect to the plot, but the main focus of the novel is Mace making peace with his childhood. Savior is a heartwarming story with a marvelous band of characters and a deeply moving storyline. Rhys Ford brings the novel to a heartfelt conclusion that is also quite satisfying. Readers will be pleased with the intriguing glimpse of the couple who will be featured in the next installment in the 415 Ink series.
September 26, 2018
3.5 Stars!
Though this was angstier than Rebel, I still enjoyed it overall.
When the blurb alluded to Mace having had a horrific childhood, I mentally prepped myself but what he went through was truly horrifying. That such evil people like his father exist in real life is sickening. *shudders*
As you can imagine, these horrors greatly skewed the person Mace became as an adult and it took sheer will on his part, the love of his family and Rob appearing in his life for him to begin to fight some of the demons from his childhood.
This was not as steamy as Book 1 but it worked just right for the tone of the book. Rob was a balm to Mace's soul and I was glad when they overcame all that life tossed at them by emerging at the other side together and stronger than ever.
Ivo's book is next and though I haven't warmed up to him yet, I'm hoping that is rectified because it is obvious that beneath all his sass and snark, lies a vulnerable young man.
*** eARC Was Graciously Provided By The Publisher In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased, Review ***
Though this was angstier than Rebel, I still enjoyed it overall.
When the blurb alluded to Mace having had a horrific childhood, I mentally prepped myself but what he went through was truly horrifying. That such evil people like his father exist in real life is sickening. *shudders*
As you can imagine, these horrors greatly skewed the person Mace became as an adult and it took sheer will on his part, the love of his family and Rob appearing in his life for him to begin to fight some of the demons from his childhood.
This was not as steamy as Book 1 but it worked just right for the tone of the book. Rob was a balm to Mace's soul and I was glad when they overcame all that life tossed at them by emerging at the other side together and stronger than ever.
Ivo's book is next and though I haven't warmed up to him yet, I'm hoping that is rectified because it is obvious that beneath all his sass and snark, lies a vulnerable young man.
*** eARC Was Graciously Provided By The Publisher In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased, Review ***
September 29, 2018
Rhys Ford never lets me down. This one was a bit of a heartbreaker, with all that Mace has survived in his past but still carries with him, everyday. Rob was just what he needed, pushy and bold but also compassionate and kind, someone who wouldn't let him hide everything away inside and retreat from everyone but his brothers.
I continue to love this whole family and look forward to all of their stories, and oooh! *Excited* Looks like Ivo is next!
I continue to love this whole family and look forward to all of their stories, and oooh! *Excited* Looks like Ivo is next!
December 25, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Savior is the second book in Rhys Ford’s 415 Ink series, focusing on a group of five men who are combination of blood and found family. They have all experienced horrible childhoods and the men have bonded over their shared experiences and their determination to support and love one another. These are gritty stories, this one even more than the first, in that we learn about each of their pasts and it is not pretty. In Mace’s case, we get some details of intense child abuse and some other horrific incidents. So while the story is generally uplifting, especially as we see Mace find a way to move forward from his past, this definitely has some intense moments.
This book is a combination of the romance between Mace and Rob, and learning more about Mace’s past as it returns to haunt him. I did find that the early parts of the story moved a little slowly for me as there was a lot of set up to catch us up with Mace’s past and what he had overcome. So it takes a while before the relationship takes a major focus and I felt once it did, things moved rather quickly. Not in the sense that they fell in love too fast, but more that Rob becomes this solid presence in Mace’s life and a confidant pretty fast and I wish we got more of a feel for why this connection is so strongly so quickly. But I did like these guys together and there is a steadiness to Rob that really helps ground Mace and get him through the horrible situation he is facing.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Savior is the second book in Rhys Ford’s 415 Ink series, focusing on a group of five men who are combination of blood and found family. They have all experienced horrible childhoods and the men have bonded over their shared experiences and their determination to support and love one another. These are gritty stories, this one even more than the first, in that we learn about each of their pasts and it is not pretty. In Mace’s case, we get some details of intense child abuse and some other horrific incidents. So while the story is generally uplifting, especially as we see Mace find a way to move forward from his past, this definitely has some intense moments.
This book is a combination of the romance between Mace and Rob, and learning more about Mace’s past as it returns to haunt him. I did find that the early parts of the story moved a little slowly for me as there was a lot of set up to catch us up with Mace’s past and what he had overcome. So it takes a while before the relationship takes a major focus and I felt once it did, things moved rather quickly. Not in the sense that they fell in love too fast, but more that Rob becomes this solid presence in Mace’s life and a confidant pretty fast and I wish we got more of a feel for why this connection is so strongly so quickly. But I did like these guys together and there is a steadiness to Rob that really helps ground Mace and get him through the horrible situation he is facing.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
September 22, 2018
I really liked this!!! It broke my heart for sure, and there were a few times I thought I was gonna be sick even, but I adored Rob and he was so perfect for Mace. I do enjoy the brothers, all of them. I love Bear the most, but Ivo is probably the most interesting, though I must say there were some moments in here that made me think that Luke's story might be the one to get me.
I think Ivo's is next
Mace has had a pretty rough time of it and held so much back and was striving to be so perfect and not let anyone down, it really was very painful. He did not feel worthy of love. His father was just evil. no other word for it and his mother--a waste of flesh. I honestly hated Rob's family too, well, his mama seemed fine, but...I don't know. There were a few parts to this story that didn't flow though, like time was missing or I wasn't privy to certain things and then it felt sudden and out of the blue. I did enjoy it though and I'm really excited for the next one!!!
I think Ivo's is next
Mace has had a pretty rough time of it and held so much back and was striving to be so perfect and not let anyone down, it really was very painful. He did not feel worthy of love. His father was just evil. no other word for it and his mother--a waste of flesh. I honestly hated Rob's family too, well, his mama seemed fine, but...I don't know. There were a few parts to this story that didn't flow though, like time was missing or I wasn't privy to certain things and then it felt sudden and out of the blue. I did enjoy it though and I'm really excited for the next one!!!
September 22, 2018
The opening of this book was brutal, horrible and truly heart breaking. But it also made us connect instantly with Mace. It made us want for his happily ever after. It made the reader invested in the book.
Mace is a martyr of sorts. He never asks for anything for himself. Always giving it to everyone else, no matter how much it hurts him. He is part of the family, but constantly afraid of being rejected. He exists more than live. He truly believes he was not worthy of love of any kind, having had it taken away several times before.
He lives a lonely life, never having anything more serious than hookups he barely knows the name of. So when the attraction to one of the tattoo artists at 415 Ink refuses do die down, he's not quite sure what to do about it. Add in his worst nightmare from his childhood coming back to haunt him in the worst ways and his life as he knows it starts to crumble at the edges.
There was something that kept me from loving this book, and I can't really put my fingers on why. I really like the characters. My heart broke for Mace so many times. For the boy he was, for the man he thought he'd become, how little he tought he was worth. It got to me it truly did.
I also think that it ended there. After reading this book, I can't really say that I know Rob all that much. We never really got to know him beyond a very superficial level. He was always in the prefifery looking in. Oh sure, he was always there for Mace and so on, but the focus was never on him. I still don't really know his wants, fears, flaws, hopes and so on.
Then there was the writing. There was something about it that kept me from fully submerge into the book. After that powerful opening scene it all just kind of faded for me, I wasn't all that invested anymore, there was a distance that I can't fully explain. I've read and loved so many of Ford's novels before, but this series, this book don't have their feel to it. If their name hadn't been in the cover, I'd been hardpressed to guess the writer. It feels a bit clunky and messy at times to the point where I had a hard time really following what was going on.
These are all my feelings and are highly subjective, so please, If you've read and loved Fords books in the past, do pick up this book and form your own opinion and don't take mine for gospel.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Mace is a martyr of sorts. He never asks for anything for himself. Always giving it to everyone else, no matter how much it hurts him. He is part of the family, but constantly afraid of being rejected. He exists more than live. He truly believes he was not worthy of love of any kind, having had it taken away several times before.
Trust me, Ivo, the only love I'm ever going to get in my lifetime is from you and the rest of my family. That's just going to have to be enough
He lives a lonely life, never having anything more serious than hookups he barely knows the name of. So when the attraction to one of the tattoo artists at 415 Ink refuses do die down, he's not quite sure what to do about it. Add in his worst nightmare from his childhood coming back to haunt him in the worst ways and his life as he knows it starts to crumble at the edges.
There was something that kept me from loving this book, and I can't really put my fingers on why. I really like the characters. My heart broke for Mace so many times. For the boy he was, for the man he thought he'd become, how little he tought he was worth. It got to me it truly did.
I also think that it ended there. After reading this book, I can't really say that I know Rob all that much. We never really got to know him beyond a very superficial level. He was always in the prefifery looking in. Oh sure, he was always there for Mace and so on, but the focus was never on him. I still don't really know his wants, fears, flaws, hopes and so on.
Then there was the writing. There was something about it that kept me from fully submerge into the book. After that powerful opening scene it all just kind of faded for me, I wasn't all that invested anymore, there was a distance that I can't fully explain. I've read and loved so many of Ford's novels before, but this series, this book don't have their feel to it. If their name hadn't been in the cover, I'd been hardpressed to guess the writer. It feels a bit clunky and messy at times to the point where I had a hard time really following what was going on.
These are all my feelings and are highly subjective, so please, If you've read and loved Fords books in the past, do pick up this book and form your own opinion and don't take mine for gospel.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
September 18, 2018
4.5 stars
The first scene in this book was so heartbreaking but pulled me in immediately. This author knows how to make the reader connect to the characters. When we meet Mace in the first book in this series, I did not hate him but I definitely did not necessarily like him either. Just reading the first scene in this book had me changing my thoughts.
We slowly see the different layers of Mace in this book and discover that he has a lot more depth than the jerky older brother we meet in book one. Rob was also great because while he would not take any crap, he was also kind and was there for Mace when he needed it. It was sweet to see Mace let his guard down with Rob and let him in. It was easy to connect to both of them as MCs.
There were so many different aspects to this book that I did not want to put it down. The storyline of Mace's father had me on the edge of my seat. I pretty much needed to murder him after learning about him and then especially after meeting him. Grrr.. he was the worst! Even though he was such a detrimental piece of Mace's life, I think the author did a great job of giving Mace his closure with that by the end of the book. Though I have a feeling we will be seeing that storyline layout a little bit more in future books.
Just like book one, all of the side characters are just as interesting and entertaining as the main characters. I loved getting hints of Gus, Rey and Chris in this book. Chris is just SO SWEET. Getting Ivo's POV at the end of this book was great and I am excited to see more from him and Officer Nicholls in the next book. This was my first two books from this author and they were both great. I definitely plan on picking up more from Rhys Ford!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
The first scene in this book was so heartbreaking but pulled me in immediately. This author knows how to make the reader connect to the characters. When we meet Mace in the first book in this series, I did not hate him but I definitely did not necessarily like him either. Just reading the first scene in this book had me changing my thoughts.
We slowly see the different layers of Mace in this book and discover that he has a lot more depth than the jerky older brother we meet in book one. Rob was also great because while he would not take any crap, he was also kind and was there for Mace when he needed it. It was sweet to see Mace let his guard down with Rob and let him in. It was easy to connect to both of them as MCs.
There were so many different aspects to this book that I did not want to put it down. The storyline of Mace's father had me on the edge of my seat. I pretty much needed to murder him after learning about him and then especially after meeting him. Grrr.. he was the worst! Even though he was such a detrimental piece of Mace's life, I think the author did a great job of giving Mace his closure with that by the end of the book. Though I have a feeling we will be seeing that storyline layout a little bit more in future books.
Just like book one, all of the side characters are just as interesting and entertaining as the main characters. I loved getting hints of Gus, Rey and Chris in this book. Chris is just SO SWEET. Getting Ivo's POV at the end of this book was great and I am excited to see more from him and Officer Nicholls in the next book. This was my first two books from this author and they were both great. I definitely plan on picking up more from Rhys Ford!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
October 8, 2018
I think I liked this one better than the first in the series and I am more hopeful for this relationship but some of the same things that I didn't like about the first book were still present.
Segue ways were really weird. This book jumped from scene to scene very, very awkwardly. Timelines still messed me up a bit and I have a lot of questions about how Mason was so easy to find.
Still, it was better than some of the other series and had less random people showing up and every woman in this book is not an evil person but she still throws the mom in as overly evil which is now as much the regular formula as having fire in her books.
We'll see how she does with Ivo.
Segue ways were really weird. This book jumped from scene to scene very, very awkwardly. Timelines still messed me up a bit and I have a lot of questions about how Mason was so easy to find.
Still, it was better than some of the other series and had less random people showing up and every woman in this book is not an evil person but she still throws the mom in as overly evil which is now as much the regular formula as having fire in her books.
We'll see how she does with Ivo.
February 14, 2019
Starting this book, I didn’t think there was any way it could be better than book one. But, boy was I wrong. Every part of this book was Awesome. I loved the characters and the plot, storyline. It had conflict and drama and angst, but just the right amount of everything, nothing was too drawn out or overdone. We get the perfect amount of character development and communication between the two main characters Mace and Rob. And the chemistry and heat is off the charts HOT. The two men fit perfectly together and I loved that Mace was able to find the other half of himself in Rob. With every horrible thing Mace has gone through in life leading up to the point in the story, he fully deserves every moment of happiness he gets in life. Rob is awesome, I really liked getting to know his character and background. Knowing and seeing that he was willing to do whatever was needed to look past Mace’s rough edges, to see all his insecurities and still try to help Mace overcome them, just shows how perfect Rob was for Mace. I totally connected with Mace and his need to run. Knowing his thoughts and feelings behind it and his reasoning, really made me fall in love with him. I just wanted him to be happy. He’s one of those characters you wish you could just jump into the book and hug to try and make everything they have to deal with in life better. And make him realized that he is really a lot stronger as a person than he thinks and believes he is. Mace’s dad needs to rot in Hell, he is a horrible human being who deserves worse than death for what he put Mace and others through.
I LOVE this whole entire family, how they bond together and stick by each other no matter what happens. I need more of this series ASAP. Like, I will be holding my breath waiting on book three. I really hope its Ivo’s book and that he ends up with the cop… Ivo has the best personality and we’ve only gotten snippets of him so far. I really can’t wait for more.
Audio - Tristan James did great. I really liked his take on these guys and I’m glad the Author stuck with him narrating this book as well as the first one. I enjoyed listening to this book almost as much as I loved reading it the first time around. There were however, a few words that might have just been a different regional pronunciation from what I am used to, but to me they sounded a little odd compared to how they were written into the book. But, that was easily overlooked by how much I loved this story. I’m still really looking forward to Ivo’s book too.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I LOVE this whole entire family, how they bond together and stick by each other no matter what happens. I need more of this series ASAP. Like, I will be holding my breath waiting on book three. I really hope its Ivo’s book and that he ends up with the cop… Ivo has the best personality and we’ve only gotten snippets of him so far. I really can’t wait for more.
Audio - Tristan James did great. I really liked his take on these guys and I’m glad the Author stuck with him narrating this book as well as the first one. I enjoyed listening to this book almost as much as I loved reading it the first time around. There were however, a few words that might have just been a different regional pronunciation from what I am used to, but to me they sounded a little odd compared to how they were written into the book. But, that was easily overlooked by how much I loved this story. I’m still really looking forward to Ivo’s book too.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
September 25, 2018
Biggest complaint? As usual, too much purple prose. The previous one in the series wasn’t as bad so I thought this author was trying to move away from that, but no. It’s very likely a personal thing, but when every scene is drenched in metaphors because the author wants to wax poetic about the most mundane things I just cringe. Other than that, the surrounding subplot about Mace, his brothers and their collective lives, competed too much with what was supposed to be the main plot, Mace & Rob. It wasn’t until about 30% into the book that the two MCs actually interacted with each other in any way that progressed their story. Also, even when they were together, there was always the distraction of Mace’s past. Rob was a nice character but he would have been a great one if some of the focus was on him throughout the book and not rushed in there in the last 15%.
September 5, 2018
I was excited to read this one. I liked the first book in the series and I loved the characters a lot.
In this one, Mace and Rob are fighting their attraction to each other. Mostly Mace since his childhood was dark and has done and be done horrible things, so he thinks that no one will love him the way he is.
But here comes Rob, a tattoo artist starting to work in 415 Ink, that comes into Mace’s life and in the process of the book is there and helps Mace. They know that they can’t act on their attraction because Rob works for them and it’s against the law, also they are not good at relationships, but they do it anyway.
Mace was a very likeable guy; of the two I liked him more. He puts all his energy into his job as a firefighter, helping people and double checking all the rooms when they are on a call for a fire.
When Mace learns that his father got out of jail, he is scared but doesn’t want to worry anyone. His brothers don’t know a lot about his childhood but they know his father. Being out of jail has everyone alert. He is a very dangerous man and Mace doesn’t want him anywhere near his family.
During that, Mace and Rob get to know each other, going on dates, talking. There are not a lot of sex scenes, there are only two but the story felt like nothing more was needed. We don’t see a lot of their interactions and I wish we did. At least so that their relationship felt more solid.
The drama with his father doesn’t last long and it is resolved very mysteriously, though I have a theory what must have happened. Which makes me a lot more eager for the next installments and Ivo’s story!
This is focused mainly on Mace and we learn a little bit about Rob. Rob’s life was pretty normal; we read more about his family at the end where there are some good changes in his life. Not a lot of drama, if you are expecting that.
Again, I think that the story needed a little bit more. That little bit more info, just a little bit more interaction, a little angst, more scenes with Mace and Rob and Rob’s family. That was what was missing.
So yeah, looking forward to Ivo’s story so much!
ARC was provided by the author for an honest review!
In this one, Mace and Rob are fighting their attraction to each other. Mostly Mace since his childhood was dark and has done and be done horrible things, so he thinks that no one will love him the way he is.
But here comes Rob, a tattoo artist starting to work in 415 Ink, that comes into Mace’s life and in the process of the book is there and helps Mace. They know that they can’t act on their attraction because Rob works for them and it’s against the law, also they are not good at relationships, but they do it anyway.
Mace was a very likeable guy; of the two I liked him more. He puts all his energy into his job as a firefighter, helping people and double checking all the rooms when they are on a call for a fire.
When Mace learns that his father got out of jail, he is scared but doesn’t want to worry anyone. His brothers don’t know a lot about his childhood but they know his father. Being out of jail has everyone alert. He is a very dangerous man and Mace doesn’t want him anywhere near his family.
During that, Mace and Rob get to know each other, going on dates, talking. There are not a lot of sex scenes, there are only two but the story felt like nothing more was needed. We don’t see a lot of their interactions and I wish we did. At least so that their relationship felt more solid.
The drama with his father doesn’t last long and it is resolved very mysteriously, though I have a theory what must have happened. Which makes me a lot more eager for the next installments and Ivo’s story!
This is focused mainly on Mace and we learn a little bit about Rob. Rob’s life was pretty normal; we read more about his family at the end where there are some good changes in his life. Not a lot of drama, if you are expecting that.
Again, I think that the story needed a little bit more. That little bit more info, just a little bit more interaction, a little angst, more scenes with Mace and Rob and Rob’s family. That was what was missing.
So yeah, looking forward to Ivo’s story so much!
ARC was provided by the author for an honest review!
April 1, 2019
I actually finished this one a couple of days ago but small things got in the way.
I’ve said it before but it hold true: Rhys Ford excels at giving us broken men that need a little (or a lot of) love to mend their souls. Battered by life and repaired through love and kindness and faith. And all kinds of love. Brotherly/family love. That soul searing love that melts your heart and makes you break out in a sheen of sweat. The love you find in child's laugh punctuated with encyclopedic knowledge of absolutely nothing of any importance.
There’s a constancy in the authors books that’s comforting but also a darkness that at time can envelope her characters. But that’s the fun. Watching this people wrangle the shadows and realize that the light is always there.
4.5 stars rounded up
I’ve said it before but it hold true: Rhys Ford excels at giving us broken men that need a little (or a lot of) love to mend their souls. Battered by life and repaired through love and kindness and faith. And all kinds of love. Brotherly/family love. That soul searing love that melts your heart and makes you break out in a sheen of sweat. The love you find in child's laugh punctuated with encyclopedic knowledge of absolutely nothing of any importance.
There’s a constancy in the authors books that’s comforting but also a darkness that at time can envelope her characters. But that’s the fun. Watching this people wrangle the shadows and realize that the light is always there.
4.5 stars rounded up
September 18, 2018
I loved this book.
Great story.
Can't wait for the next book in this series.
Great story.
Can't wait for the next book in this series.
September 23, 2018
See Meep's review, it's thorough and accurate.
September 18, 2018
3.5 Stars
Savior is Mace’s story, firefighter and second-in-command for Bear and the family of the heart they have built, sheltered and loved. Just like Gus in Rebel, Mace also had a traumatic childhood but there are details he has never shared with anyone, including his family. It’s what prevents him from admitting his strong attraction to Rob, the tattoo artist we saw him with at the end of Gus’s story. They’ve both been pretending dislike but they rock each other’s world after feeling the earth move...literally, during an earthquake. Mace’s past has turned up to haunt him and Rob is the one who finally helps Mace unburden his secrets. His dangerous father has turned up, destroying Mace’s peace of mind and threatening his future.
Chosen family and the strong ties they build are often a wonderful feature in the author’s books and Savior is no different. Mace’s interaction with each of his brothers is emotional and tender, also adding layers to each one as a character. There’s a fair amount of action featured in this plot due to the threat from Mace’s father. It sets the tone for much of the time Rob and Mace’s spent together through the narrative. I felt that was not so well-paced, limiting my ability to see the growth of a romantic bond between Mace and Rob. I would have preferred more page time with them as a couple, especially since it made the epilogue feel too rushed. Another underdeveloped element, in my eyes, was that Mace wasn’t given enough closure or redemption for his history with his father.
The setting is phenomenal, as it usually is, using Mace and Rey’s running competition to convey a true sense of the cityscape in San Francisco. Every brother is vibrantly and vividly characterized but Ivo contributes very strongly to the story, standing out as the featured MC for the next in the series. I’m looking forward to discovering what he and the cop he meets will get up to. In theory, you might be able to read this as a stand alone since the creation of this family of found brothers is outlined in part. I’m too obsessed to miss any of the dynamics or details about the rest of Bear’s charges. I can always depend, no matter what, on a Rhys Ford story standing out strongly in my memory, unlike other books that may fade away after the last page.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*
Savior is Mace’s story, firefighter and second-in-command for Bear and the family of the heart they have built, sheltered and loved. Just like Gus in Rebel, Mace also had a traumatic childhood but there are details he has never shared with anyone, including his family. It’s what prevents him from admitting his strong attraction to Rob, the tattoo artist we saw him with at the end of Gus’s story. They’ve both been pretending dislike but they rock each other’s world after feeling the earth move...literally, during an earthquake. Mace’s past has turned up to haunt him and Rob is the one who finally helps Mace unburden his secrets. His dangerous father has turned up, destroying Mace’s peace of mind and threatening his future.
Chosen family and the strong ties they build are often a wonderful feature in the author’s books and Savior is no different. Mace’s interaction with each of his brothers is emotional and tender, also adding layers to each one as a character. There’s a fair amount of action featured in this plot due to the threat from Mace’s father. It sets the tone for much of the time Rob and Mace’s spent together through the narrative. I felt that was not so well-paced, limiting my ability to see the growth of a romantic bond between Mace and Rob. I would have preferred more page time with them as a couple, especially since it made the epilogue feel too rushed. Another underdeveloped element, in my eyes, was that Mace wasn’t given enough closure or redemption for his history with his father.
The setting is phenomenal, as it usually is, using Mace and Rey’s running competition to convey a true sense of the cityscape in San Francisco. Every brother is vibrantly and vividly characterized but Ivo contributes very strongly to the story, standing out as the featured MC for the next in the series. I’m looking forward to discovering what he and the cop he meets will get up to. In theory, you might be able to read this as a stand alone since the creation of this family of found brothers is outlined in part. I’m too obsessed to miss any of the dynamics or details about the rest of Bear’s charges. I can always depend, no matter what, on a Rhys Ford story standing out strongly in my memory, unlike other books that may fade away after the last page.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Jessie G Books Reviews blog*
October 2, 2018
3.5 Stars. Reviewed for Just Love. ARC received in exchange for honest and fair opinion.
The 415 Ink family continues to capture my heart with Savior, but Mace and Rob’s story isn’t without its problems. There’s a lot that I like about the book though, so let’s start there.
My absolute favorite thing about Savior was the fact that we get more page time with the entire 415 Ink family – there’s more Bear, Ivo and Luke, and we get to see how Gus and Rey from Rebel are settling into their new life together. To my delight, Ivo featured quite prominently throughout the book and easily stole every scene he was in. All the brothers continue to captivate me and if anything, Savior just solidifies my love for this fledgling series.
The book didn’t pick up where the teaser in Rebel left off (and I’d remember, that final back alley scene was fire!). Instead, Savior takes us a little further back to when our two heroes started to get under each other’s skin (or more accurately, get on each other’s nerves). I’m glad the author took the time to track back because it gave her an opportunity to do what she does best and connect us with her heroes via powerful backstories and glimpses into their day to day. I should warn you that Mace especially had an unspeakably horrific childhood courtesy of his abusive, white supremacist father, so please beware.
I also dug the fact that Mace and Rob fought their attraction at first – apart from making sense for professional and personal reasons, it also made the burn super intense. I especially loved that Rob pushed hard to be in Mace’s life. And when shit hit the fan, I loved that Mace stood up for what he wanted both in terms of facing his fears and exploring his attraction to Rob. I also appreciated the lowkey way the story was eventually resolved because I don’t know if even more explosive drama would’ve been the way to go.
So what didn’t work for me? As I had previously mentioned, Mace’s childhood was particularly heartbreaking and it made his fears understandably real. What didn’t sit right with me, however, was his lack of faith in his brothers. I mean even two books into this series, you know how tight their bond is, and that they would never in a million years abandon him. Doubly confusing was his insistence of keeping his dark past a secret from them – even from Bear, when it was implied early on that Bear was privy to at least some of it.
My biggest problem with Savior though was that ultimately, the romance just didn’t work for me. Between focusing on Mace overcoming his issues and his bond with his brothers, the book just didn’t have much left to give in terms of a relationship with Rob. After the dust had settled on the major conflict in the story, I was expecting our heroes to start exploring a relationship together. I was surprised to see them dive straight into “forever” mode even though in my mind, they were nowhere there yet. The fact that it’s also sometimes difficult to gauge how much time has passed from one scene to the next could be a factor, but the result remains the same – the relationship felt rushed and the HEA seemed forced.
This also brings me to my final bone to pick with the story, which was a small one at first but it ended up bothering me quite a bit by the end. We find out early on that Mace writes as an outlet for his pain and is in fact writing a book. I would’ve liked to have seen some sort of hint of Mace’s creative writing side in his POV – I think this would’ve enhanced his narrative and made it slightly more believable. At no point on page do I remember Mace doing any actual writing, but an indeterminate time later in the epilogue, not only had he finished his manuscript but he’d also found a publisher and had a book release coming up. I definitely had to suspend my disbelief where all this was concerned and I wish it was incorporated better into the story rather than just an afterthought.
So as you can see, as much as I enjoyed this read and would definitely rec it, some parts just did not work for me. This doesn’t stop me from being 100% invested in the 415 Ink brothers and I am seriously excited to read Ivo’s story next.
The 415 Ink family continues to capture my heart with Savior, but Mace and Rob’s story isn’t without its problems. There’s a lot that I like about the book though, so let’s start there.
My absolute favorite thing about Savior was the fact that we get more page time with the entire 415 Ink family – there’s more Bear, Ivo and Luke, and we get to see how Gus and Rey from Rebel are settling into their new life together. To my delight, Ivo featured quite prominently throughout the book and easily stole every scene he was in. All the brothers continue to captivate me and if anything, Savior just solidifies my love for this fledgling series.
The book didn’t pick up where the teaser in Rebel left off (and I’d remember, that final back alley scene was fire!). Instead, Savior takes us a little further back to when our two heroes started to get under each other’s skin (or more accurately, get on each other’s nerves). I’m glad the author took the time to track back because it gave her an opportunity to do what she does best and connect us with her heroes via powerful backstories and glimpses into their day to day. I should warn you that Mace especially had an unspeakably horrific childhood courtesy of his abusive, white supremacist father, so please beware.
I also dug the fact that Mace and Rob fought their attraction at first – apart from making sense for professional and personal reasons, it also made the burn super intense. I especially loved that Rob pushed hard to be in Mace’s life. And when shit hit the fan, I loved that Mace stood up for what he wanted both in terms of facing his fears and exploring his attraction to Rob. I also appreciated the lowkey way the story was eventually resolved because I don’t know if even more explosive drama would’ve been the way to go.
So what didn’t work for me? As I had previously mentioned, Mace’s childhood was particularly heartbreaking and it made his fears understandably real. What didn’t sit right with me, however, was his lack of faith in his brothers. I mean even two books into this series, you know how tight their bond is, and that they would never in a million years abandon him. Doubly confusing was his insistence of keeping his dark past a secret from them – even from Bear, when it was implied early on that Bear was privy to at least some of it.
My biggest problem with Savior though was that ultimately, the romance just didn’t work for me. Between focusing on Mace overcoming his issues and his bond with his brothers, the book just didn’t have much left to give in terms of a relationship with Rob. After the dust had settled on the major conflict in the story, I was expecting our heroes to start exploring a relationship together. I was surprised to see them dive straight into “forever” mode even though in my mind, they were nowhere there yet. The fact that it’s also sometimes difficult to gauge how much time has passed from one scene to the next could be a factor, but the result remains the same – the relationship felt rushed and the HEA seemed forced.
This also brings me to my final bone to pick with the story, which was a small one at first but it ended up bothering me quite a bit by the end. We find out early on that Mace writes as an outlet for his pain and is in fact writing a book. I would’ve liked to have seen some sort of hint of Mace’s creative writing side in his POV – I think this would’ve enhanced his narrative and made it slightly more believable. At no point on page do I remember Mace doing any actual writing, but an indeterminate time later in the epilogue, not only had he finished his manuscript but he’d also found a publisher and had a book release coming up. I definitely had to suspend my disbelief where all this was concerned and I wish it was incorporated better into the story rather than just an afterthought.
So as you can see, as much as I enjoyed this read and would definitely rec it, some parts just did not work for me. This doesn’t stop me from being 100% invested in the 415 Ink brothers and I am seriously excited to read Ivo’s story next.
October 6, 2018
2.5 stars
The first book in the "415 Ink" series was Gus and Rey's story and it was amazing! I kept thinking about that story for days after I finished it. "Savior" is the second book and it deals with Mason, one of Gus's brothers. I was excitedly waiting for this story to get here, but after finishing it I just feel disappointed.
To say it got the complete opposite reaction from the first book from me would be an understatement. This book felt nothing like the first one. It didn't even read like it's own teaser - I mean the scene that was at the end of book one. After reading that, I was expecting a story about two guys hating - or at least actively disliking - each other. I was expecting tension and fights, and I certainly didn't expect the sweet story that I got in the end. At times it was like reading two different stories. We were constantly told how Mason and Rob hated each other and couldn't stnad the sight of each other but we were never shown that. There was never a reason why, other than Mason saying he was attracted to Rob and that's why he couldn't stand him. That's not enemies-to-lovers though and it's not what the teaser teased about. Where's the dislike? The "I'm attracted to you but I don't want to be"? The "I can't stay away and I hate myself for it"? It was all very smooth sailing, no bumps on the road. Sweet and effortless.
There was a side plot that brought some angst and action but it had nothing to do with the two MCs. It was completely external. Mason had a bad past, like the rest of the brothers, and since this is his story we get to learn about what happened to him and how he came to find his chosen family. That part was hard to read and it's a wonder that Mason only has some hang ups after what he had to go through while growing up. Why does he have to have a nightlight on? Why does he always have to have some kind of noise around him? Why does he hate silence so much? His story and his experiences are truly frightening.
On a final note, how do you feel about characters talking loudly to themselves? I hate it! In this story both of them did it all the time. At times I even thought they were talking to someone else but even if there was someone else in the room with them they still said their thoughts aloud and nobody commented on them. I don't know what that was about. It was plain weird and very frustrating because it happened all the time. I keep trying to recall if that was the case with the first book as well but I can't remember. I kind of think it didn't happen there because otherwise I most likely would have commented on it. I can't figure out why in this story it was so important for the MCs to have conversations with themselves loudly. Couldn't they just think their thoughts quietly?
Anyway, maybe it was just my mood that was the problem. It's very possible, since I wasn't really feeling any of the books I read those days. Gus and Rey's story will remain one of my favorites but this one didn't measure up to them. I'm sorry Mason, I really wanted to like your story...
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. *
The first book in the "415 Ink" series was Gus and Rey's story and it was amazing! I kept thinking about that story for days after I finished it. "Savior" is the second book and it deals with Mason, one of Gus's brothers. I was excitedly waiting for this story to get here, but after finishing it I just feel disappointed.
To say it got the complete opposite reaction from the first book from me would be an understatement. This book felt nothing like the first one. It didn't even read like it's own teaser - I mean the scene that was at the end of book one. After reading that, I was expecting a story about two guys hating - or at least actively disliking - each other. I was expecting tension and fights, and I certainly didn't expect the sweet story that I got in the end. At times it was like reading two different stories. We were constantly told how Mason and Rob hated each other and couldn't stnad the sight of each other but we were never shown that. There was never a reason why, other than Mason saying he was attracted to Rob and that's why he couldn't stand him. That's not enemies-to-lovers though and it's not what the teaser teased about. Where's the dislike? The "I'm attracted to you but I don't want to be"? The "I can't stay away and I hate myself for it"? It was all very smooth sailing, no bumps on the road. Sweet and effortless.
There was a side plot that brought some angst and action but it had nothing to do with the two MCs. It was completely external. Mason had a bad past, like the rest of the brothers, and since this is his story we get to learn about what happened to him and how he came to find his chosen family. That part was hard to read and it's a wonder that Mason only has some hang ups after what he had to go through while growing up. Why does he have to have a nightlight on? Why does he always have to have some kind of noise around him? Why does he hate silence so much? His story and his experiences are truly frightening.
On a final note, how do you feel about characters talking loudly to themselves? I hate it! In this story both of them did it all the time. At times I even thought they were talking to someone else but even if there was someone else in the room with them they still said their thoughts aloud and nobody commented on them. I don't know what that was about. It was plain weird and very frustrating because it happened all the time. I keep trying to recall if that was the case with the first book as well but I can't remember. I kind of think it didn't happen there because otherwise I most likely would have commented on it. I can't figure out why in this story it was so important for the MCs to have conversations with themselves loudly. Couldn't they just think their thoughts quietly?
Anyway, maybe it was just my mood that was the problem. It's very possible, since I wasn't really feeling any of the books I read those days. Gus and Rey's story will remain one of my favorites but this one didn't measure up to them. I'm sorry Mason, I really wanted to like your story...
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. *
October 13, 2018
The “415 Ink” series touches tangentially on both of Rhys Ford’s other San Francisco-based series, the Cole McGinnis books, and the Sinner’s Gin books. Here again we focus on a group of young gay and bisexual men who have bonded together as a family. The “425 Ink” family is further bound together by ink—by the eponymous tattoo parlor by the San Francisco Piers owned by this band of brothers.
Mason Crawford is a fireman, not a tattoo artist, but he is one of the brothers-by-choice, having been rescued from a horrifically abusive father and placed in foster care. Rob Claussen is a rising star at 415 Ink, making his way amidst the talented men, including Mace, who own and run it. Half German and half Philippino, Rob has a less traumatic story, but is distanced from his family, where class distinctions and racial prejudice made his youth unhappy.
Mace has yet to learn to trust outside his chosen family and has decided that love is not for him. Inconveniently, he is obsessed with Rob, and is terrified of letting his feelings free. Indeed, Mace’s dark past is the central theme and plot driver of this book, weaving its way through the tenuous connection between him and Rob, and spreading its influence throughout Mace’s new family. Each of the brothers—who will likely be the subject of future books in this series—plays an important role in the drama. They not only help Mace learn to trust his feelings, but they also hep Rob understand what family really means.
I like Rhys Ford’s rather hyperbolic style, and while there was a little too much lovey-dovey palaver toward the end, she really puts her heart into her characters, making each one of them vivid, interesting, and fully realized. Ford has a taste for drama and relishes violence as a lynchpin for her plots. But there is a gentleness to this series, so far, that sets it apart from the other two. The empowerment of self-identity is stronger in this series, and gives it a stronger poignancy. As always, Rhy Ford’s rich emotional infusion keeps the reader on edge and makes it difficult not to fall in love with all of her men.
Mason Crawford is a fireman, not a tattoo artist, but he is one of the brothers-by-choice, having been rescued from a horrifically abusive father and placed in foster care. Rob Claussen is a rising star at 415 Ink, making his way amidst the talented men, including Mace, who own and run it. Half German and half Philippino, Rob has a less traumatic story, but is distanced from his family, where class distinctions and racial prejudice made his youth unhappy.
Mace has yet to learn to trust outside his chosen family and has decided that love is not for him. Inconveniently, he is obsessed with Rob, and is terrified of letting his feelings free. Indeed, Mace’s dark past is the central theme and plot driver of this book, weaving its way through the tenuous connection between him and Rob, and spreading its influence throughout Mace’s new family. Each of the brothers—who will likely be the subject of future books in this series—plays an important role in the drama. They not only help Mace learn to trust his feelings, but they also hep Rob understand what family really means.
I like Rhys Ford’s rather hyperbolic style, and while there was a little too much lovey-dovey palaver toward the end, she really puts her heart into her characters, making each one of them vivid, interesting, and fully realized. Ford has a taste for drama and relishes violence as a lynchpin for her plots. But there is a gentleness to this series, so far, that sets it apart from the other two. The empowerment of self-identity is stronger in this series, and gives it a stronger poignancy. As always, Rhy Ford’s rich emotional infusion keeps the reader on edge and makes it difficult not to fall in love with all of her men.
October 12, 2019
Mace and Rob are on fire together. We have a bit of that hate love going on and the forbidden as well as Mace part owns the tattoo shop where Rob works.
Mace's backstory like all of his foster brother. There is a great deal of outside drama in this book as Mace's past comes back and all the darkness he has tried to hide leaks out but that is all for the good as Mace gets a chance to heal.
The brothers are wonderful as they were in the first book and I would recommend reading this series in order.
I like Rob a great deal and love that he comes with his own support system. Ford really builds a world here and I like coming to hang out with this crew.
Mace's backstory like all of his foster brother. There is a great deal of outside drama in this book as Mace's past comes back and all the darkness he has tried to hide leaks out but that is all for the good as Mace gets a chance to heal.
The brothers are wonderful as they were in the first book and I would recommend reading this series in order.
I like Rob a great deal and love that he comes with his own support system. Ford really builds a world here and I like coming to hang out with this crew.
January 5, 2019
I would have given this book very easy 4-Stars, up to around the halfway mark, but then (for me) it shot itself in the knee.
Therefore -1 Star, because I did like the rest and will read the next one.
I just don't get it. Why write a good book and then go overboard and become unrealistic just for the dramatic climax?
What I really liked about this book were the secondary characters. They felt real. They were probably more real than some main characters in other books that I've read.
Which made it a bit sad, that they showed up, when they were convenient and then disappeared seemingly forgotten.
The rather unrealistic part
Therefore -1 Star, because I did like the rest and will read the next one.
I just don't get it. Why write a good book and then go overboard and become unrealistic just for the dramatic climax?
What I really liked about this book were the secondary characters. They felt real. They were probably more real than some main characters in other books that I've read.
Which made it a bit sad, that they showed up, when they were convenient and then disappeared seemingly forgotten.
The rather unrealistic part
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