Rating: 5 stars out of 5
The hardest thing a rebel can do isn’t standing up for something — it’s standing up for himself.
Life takes delight in stabbing Gus Scott in the back when he least expects it. After years of running from his past, present and the dismal future every social worker predicted for him, Karma delivers the one thing Gus could never—would never—turn his back on; a son from a one-night stand he’d had after a devastating break-up three years ago.
Returning to San Francisco and to 415 Ink, his family’s tattoo shop, gave him the perfect shelter to battle his personal demons and get himself together… until the firefighter who’d broken him walked back into Gus’s life.
For Rey Montenegro, tattoo artist Gus Scott was an elusive brass ring, a glittering prize he hadn’t the strength or flexibility to hold onto. Severing his relationship with the mercurial tattoo artist hurt but Gus hadn’t wanted the kind of domestic life Rey craved, leaving Rey with an aching chasm in his soul.
When Gus’s life and world starts to unravel, Rey helps him pick up the pieces, and Gus wonders if that forever Rey wants is more than just a dream.
415 Ink: Rebel launches the start of another series by Rhys Ford in stunning style. A second chance at love story, full of wounded, life-damaged men in search of love and HEA, 415 Ink: Rebel is exactly why I eagerly await each new release by this author. It’s full of people whose lives are easy to fall into, in this case Gus Scott, a wandering tattoo artist returning home after a two and a half year absence with startling news. Due to one nightmarish breakup and a drunken night years ago, he’s just now learned he’s a father. Something a gay man is astonished to hear. And he wants to be a part of his son’s life.
As with most of Rhys Ford’s characters, there’s layers upon layers to Gus Scott and the men he calls family, a group of men tattooed, laden with their own issues, including a past history with Gus burdened with pain and misunderstandings. To say he’s returning home to a mixed welcome is understated.
As the story unfolds and Gus reveals the news behind his return from his travels, Ford weaves the reader into the emotional fabric of these men and their universe. We feel Gus’ pain when he finds out he’s a father, his desire to be a part of Chris’ life, the history that led up to Chris’ existence, all mired in one bad decision and breakup that’s casting reverberations still. It’s nigh to impossible to remain unmoved by this story, especially when all involved want what’s best for Chris. No “nasty mom or mother’s parents” to be found here. Instead it’s a refreshing change of responsible adults working together in the best interests of a child.
Yes, this is an emotional journey and not just for Gus and Rey, but for all in the house as they also work to help provide support for Gus and Chris. Due to Rhys Ford’s superb characters, vivid scenes, and dramatic narrative, I not only felt a part of their lives but believed in them absolutely.
What do you get with a Rhys Ford story? Men to love, broken hearts in need of mending, extended families giving support, and more romance and angst to overflow any tale….all that and more superbly done. I’ll leave you with this…
“I’m sorry I wasn’t what you wanted me to be, but you know what? You weren’t what I needed either, even if you were all I wanted.”
Sigh. Now to wait for the next in the series. Until then, pick up 415 Ink: Rebel by Rhys Ford. I highly recommend it.
Cover Artist: Reece Notley. Another great cover by Reece Notley. That’s exactly my idea of Gus.
Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon
Book Details:
ebook, 220 pages
Expected publication: December 29th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781640803848
Edition LanguageEnglish
Series 415 Ink #1
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 
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