Rebel

Rebel is the first book in Rhys Ford’s new series 451 Ink. Centered around a group of men who’ve worked to make a safe place for their extended family, the novels will tell their stories. Coming from broken homes, these guys have all been through horrific events, which results in some intense relationships and a dynamic that promises to never be dull. Knowing the writing of Rhys Ford, I think it’s safe to say that future books in this series will be as heart-wrenching and compelling as Rebel. There are some exceptional factors that play into this group of men, and there’s so much damage my heart just went out to these guys. We get to see some of the support networks they’ve set in place, and they’re all looking out for each other, but I can’t imagine how anyone can truly overcome the horrors they’ve lived through. Three years after their painful breakup, Gus Scott and Ray Montenegro bump into each other when Gus moves back to town. Their friends and family are completely intertwined, so these two have got to find a way to co-exist. Their intense attraction is clear from the moment they meet, and it’s almost as strong as the animosity and the bad memories. Communication between Gus and Ray is direct and honest, which turned out to be one of my favorite parts of this story. A slow-burn doesn’t work for me when the characters are constantly misunderstanding each other, or failing to just say what the heck the problem is. Gus tells Ray how much it hurt when Ray kicked him to the curb. He explains why other factors in his life make it impossible to consider getting back together right now. Likewise, Ray publicly vows to win him back. As the horrific events of Gus’ life come to light, it becomes clear that anyone looking for a relationship with him is going to need patience and understanding. The abuse, neglect, and downright cruelty he lived through as a boy made me cringe. Please note the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive about stories of child abuse. Rhys Ford has created an intense backstory for Gus and she doesn’t spare the details. Ray realizes right quick that he screwed up. Gus is everything Ray wants and he goes all out to prove he can be there, in whatever capacity Gus needs. While Gus welcomes all the support he can get, and admits the attraction to Ray is still there, he stresses he can’t become involved with someone who is going to distract him or kick him to the curb when the going gets rough. A true partner for Gus is going to have to learn the details of his damage, accept it, and incorporate that knowledge into becoming the person Gus needs in his life right now. Ray is going to have to do some serious work to prove he’s the right man for Gus. The sexual tension between Ray and Gus mounts continually throughout the story and waiting for them to get together wasn’t easy. After all, what would a Rhys Ford romance be without the smokin’ hot sex? Well trust me when I tell you that, WOW was it worth the wait! Rebel is filled with the beautiful writing I always expect from Rhys Ford. Her descriptions of everyday things always make me smile. The color of the sheets on an unmade bed are dark, “a blue found in the fold of twilight and shadows.” Isn’t that a moving way to describe a messy bed? There are some seriously fun, lighthearted moments in Rebel too. There were a couple good Easter eggs for us die hard fans, and I probably missed a few, distracted as I was by Tristan James’ soft, sultry, sexy voice. The low rumble that naturally comes out when he reads the romantic scenes? Gah, I’m a molten puddle on the floor. Let’s just say Tristan James could read me the phone book, but when he has the opportunity to read the beautifully poetic writing of Rhys Ford, I’m a goner.

Rhys fans will jump for joy with this one. Many of her other story lines touch on tattoo artists doing work on the MC'S so it's super cool to finally meet them. We get the trademark tough life, dig yourself out of a hole and drag your family with you story . I've got a new fave character now -Ivo. Heh . He's a tough cookie and I can't wait to read his story. That one will be magical, I can feel it! There's angst and drama - but not over done - and guest appearances from other universes. It's such a satisfying read and rich in story and description that I had to read it twice . And oooh Nelly! Was it even better the second time. *Advanced copy provided for an honest review.

✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ 4-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ > > Judging a Book by its Cover < < A guy in an open white shirt, with shirtsleeves rolled up to the elbows, and faded jeans stands in front of a while background. Nothing particularly eye-grabbing there. The Title and layout, however, give it a rocker magazine edge that DID catch the eye. Synopsis sounds really good. > > Looking Deeper < < POV ~> Third-person Gus - A damaged tattoo artist that grew up abused, almost killed, and tossed into the system like refuse grows into a man, not surprisingly, with some major trust, esteem, and security issues. He works at and co-owns 415 Ink with his brothers. Rey – A victim of arson in his childhood, be becomes best friends with his savior, Gus’s older brother, Mace. Now, they battle fires side by side as firemen. Things go south between Gus and Rey after making a go of it and Gus flees but three years later Gus returns with some shocking news, he has a son – a result of the night that Rey sent him packing! Four brothers, only one by blood, are supportive yet meddlesome… Bear, the eldest, is the glue. Mace, second in line, is an antagonist. Luke is Gus’s “good twin”, and Ivo dances to his own rhythm. There’s also Rey’s family and Jules’s family in the mix. For a series debut, the book was thick with world-building and character development. Oftentimes, I felt like there must have been an intro novella that I missed somewhere because it was almost too heavy with back plot information. It was difficult for me to wade through the first 30-40%. While the characters ARE well developed and the plot is packed full of content, the story itself moved too sluggishly for me. Maybe it was the topic content that seemed to prevail. A lot of negativity swirling throughout. The conflicts, mostly, stemmed from internalization. Predictability was low. The conclusion was satisfying enough and offered a sneak peek into the next book, SAVIOR (belonging to Mace). . Rating: [R] ~ Score: 3.8 ~ Stars: 4 ========================== ⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I purchased a copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐