Hellion

“Because I promised someone one day I’d dance in them for him,” Ivo whispered, his face going pale beneath the odd glow from the streetlamp. “Tonight was that night, and I wasn’t going to let any fucking asshole who thinks his dick is a gift from God stop me. Not tonight. Not ever.” ~ Ivo Rogers

I didn’t know what to expect of Ivo’s story. It would be so easy for me to gush about how much I love him and that he’s always been a favorite from day one but, in reality, I didn’t expect to have anything in common with him. Imagine my surprise when I could so totally relate to his feelings about being the youngest of five, the fact that he’ll always be the baby, and how overprotective his siblings are. Granted, they had every right to be, but sometimes trying to make your voice heard in a roomful of strong personalities is just an utter sh*t-show.

“Just don’t forget what I said. If this guy can’t celebrate your weird, he doesn’t deserve jack shit from you, and any one of us will be more than happy to show him the door.” ~ Gus

The fact that Ruan and Ivo have issues to work through didn’t come as a surprise. I mean, I’ve read the first two books in the series and these brothers all have trauma of one kind or another. Add in that Ruan is a cop who is older than Ivo and wasn’t raised in a warm, comforting, “it’s okay to be gay” home, and I knew the tone of this book from the moment I began reading. In no way, shape, or form, however, did that detract from my enjoyment.

“Loving Ivo meant loving all of Ivo, exactly as he was, however he presented himself on any particular day, because it didn’t change the man inside. His appearance simply was what he was feeling, and sometimes maybe gave him a bit of armor on the days he needed it the most.” ~ Ruan

I expected the feels from this story. What I didn’t anticipate was the slow-moving warmth that infused my entire system as I read their love story. It was so much more, and a little less if I’m honest, than I thought it would be. I loved revisiting all the brothers and the author has truly packed this story full of some wonderful Easter eggs that were a constant delight to find. She also left me salivating for the next book with a lovely little teaser at the end. Until next time, Rhys, thank you.

NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews

For me, the 415 Ink series gets better with each release. I thoroughly enjoyed Hellion from start to finish, something that surprised me a little. Although Ivo was always an intriguing secondary character, he wasn’t the brother I was most itching for a book about. And yet, once I heard his full story, I couldn’t help but look back and wonder how I had missed all those inklings of a strong, beautiful personality.

Hellion is a hurt-comfort romance featuring a May-December match-up between two very different personalities. I really liked how this story highlighted Ruan and Ivo’s differing perspectives and approaches to a sometimes cruel world, but also how these men supported and lent their strength to one another. I especially liked how patient Ivo was with Ruan. Even when I found myself frustrated with Ruan’s sometimes antiquated view of things, Ivo’s understanding and explanations lent a quiet, persistent strength to the book, offering a new way to look at issues without being forceful or giving up his own truths.

Then of course there are the brothers. The bond between these men is undeniable and such a powerful undercurrent in the 415 Ink series. I love how the author weaves their memories- good, bad, and funny- into every interaction to create a framework that showcases how special and loving this family is. I love being surprised by stories and Hellion and Ivo’s poignant story was a fabulous one, making this series that much better and one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

*Reviewed for Alpha Book Club*

Rhys Ford continues to entertain and amaze with her latest offering, Hellion. Ivo has always been a favorite of mine and learning his story made me cry, laugh and applaud his strength for surviving and growing into an amazing, talented person. Once Ruan resolves his issues he is the perfect compliment to Ivo. Their journey as a couple was inspiring. I love the story progression, the integration of characters from other books, and the segway into the next book in the series. Absolutely worth the read!!

This book series is outstanding. I love the progression of the story line of this forged family of brothers. In the third book, Hellion, we see life through the eyes of the youngest brother, Ivo. Whether in stilettos or combat boots, he has his own unique style and is comfortable in his own skin. When this talented tattoo artist reconnects with a police detective from his past, the sparks fly. Many years after their first encounter, Ivo realizes he is attracted to Ruan and takes the first step to reach out to the cop. However, there are issues that both Ruan and Ivo need to muddle through if they are going to make this relationship work. I loved this book and I recommend it highly! Such a page turner! Ivo, the family Hellion, is a must read!

Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gofted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the 415 Ink series, but you don't NEED to have read books one, Rebel, and two, Savior, before you read this one. You SHOULD though, because it will give you a better picture of this family group and how they work. Plus, they were both 5 star reads.

This one?? Not so much. And I cannot figure out why! Well I can, and I'll try to explain in a bit.

Oh don't get me wrong, its still a fabulous book, very well written form both Ivo and Ruan's point of view. Its well told, its emotional, its sexy, its a good book!

It just doesn't have that sledgehammer to the chest of such heartbreaking emotion that Gus and Mace's story carry. It DOES have deep emotions, especially when Ivo is talking to Ruan about *that* day and how it led him to do what he did and what happened after, but I kept waiting for Ivo to slip back, for *something* to happen to tip him over the edge. Maybe I'm becoming very mean in my old age, and wanting characters to fall apart so badly cannot be a good thing, but thats how I felt here, and I'm all about the book feelings.

I loved how Ruan questioned Ivo about his clothes, his image, the way he is, NOT to make him change, but to understand Ivo better. Loved that Ivo gave Ruan the time to process everything.

Loved that all the brothers pop up, there is a little bit of overlap to Mace's story. There is also a little bit that gives you Luke and his story. Now, when Ivo was at his tattoo thing, I saw this coming at me, what I did NOT see what how James and Luke knew each other and what happened then. I look forward to reading their story!

And Bear? Oh I have a feeling Ms Ford might have saved the best for last. Being the eldest brother in the family looks like he is the last to fall, and I cannot wait for his story!

So, I'm sorry Ivo wasn't quite the a**hole I thought he was going to be, given how much trouble he caused Ms Ford, but I did enjoy his and Ruan's tale, I just did not love it like I did Mace and Gus'

4 great, good stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**