BOOK REVIEW: Frisky Business by Kim Linwood

 

4.35 Stars

Axton Graves is the oldest brother in the Graves family and funeral home business.  He has a reputation as a workaholic, which he lives up to until he’s had enough.  Josie Garcia is a small-town florist and a good friend of Axton’s sister-in-laws.  With a new greenhouse business and a surly neighbor, Josie has a lot on her plate, but the two are able to give each other a hand.

I think I need a vacation as much as Axton, and this little reading sojourn hit the spot to escape for a short while.  It’s lighthearted, fun, and sexy.

“‘If we’re going to get frisky I want to make sure I’m not going to accidentally poke a stab wound you forgot to tell me about.’”

With action, danger, and suspense too.

The story moved along well. Maybe a little too fast; the end arrived sooner than I expected.  I would have liked a little more of an epilogue rather than a sample of the first book. Hints at the next story would have been welcome too as I’m anxious to see other Grave family members get their special someone.

A highly recommended, cute, steamy, and romantic series, I enjoyed Axton and Josie’s story just as much as the previous ones. Axton is a smart and swoonworthy guy. He’s not a manwhore or a chauvinist, something the romance world tends to have too many of.  We need more sweet, sexy, and respectful men like Axton.

Told via Axton and Josie’s alternating first person POV, it’s a story of a city boy and a country girl.  Couples from the previous books have supporting roles as we see their happily ever afters play out. Carter even has a cameo chapter.  Readers meet a few new characters too, including a lively introduction to Blossom who was a fun addition.

Safety Recap: 

No cheating. No sex scenes w/OP. No OW/OM drama. No appearances of OW/OM at all. h is not a virgin/H is not a manwhore. No rape or sexual abuse. HEA

*I volunteered to review this ARC from the author. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.

GOODREADS     AMAZON     BOOKBUB

~Also in the Series~

#1

Book Review 

#2

Book Review

REVIEW & INTERVIEW: Sacrifice by Charisse Moritz

~Book Review~

4.5 Stars 

Daisy Goodwill is a recent high school graduate on her own, lonely, and getting by with a job, apartment, and skimpy wardrobe all courtesy of The Choosy Beggar’s bassist’s generosity and wheeling & dealing. 

Meanwhile, Choosy Beggar’s drummer Shae Kristakakos is an almost nineteen-year-old single dad, also barely getting by. The last thing he thinks he needs or wants is a girl or a neighbor. But he’s coming face to face with both. 

 Told via their dual alternating POV, the characters engaged me right from the start. Like the previous book in this series, Shatter, the character development is strong. You really get a sense of what weighs Shea and Daisy down and what lifts them up. And while they pull you into the ups and downs of their lives, the supporting characters, toddler included, also add to the fullness of the story—creating an admirable group of friends— as well as entertaining. 

For example, Minnie was a hoot: 

“‘You could pull the zipper down now and then. Let loose. Pound the duck….This is me watching my language.’” 

And Mutt…You can’t muzzle him, and I certainly wouldn’t want to. 

“‘We won’t be coming out until Satin’s skank has been exorcised….And Shae, either handle this right or start a go-fund-me page so you can afford a working set of balls.’” 

Oh Mutt made me want more from him, his own story up next. And I was happy to see Tia from the previous. 

“‘Who wants easy?...Take exhibit A. You don’t think that took some patience and work?’” 

But back to our hero and heroine, Shae bowed me over with how amazing he was as a dad. Despite his rough and sometimes grouchy exterior, he was such a sweetie underneath, so devoted and so selfless. Even though he was reluctant at first, I liked how once he got to know Daisy, he never doubted her. They complimented each other well. 

 “He blinks and the tides rush in. He moans with pleasure and this daisy blooms.” 

Shae was definitely a keeper and rocked the romantic hero role. He will make reader’s hearts, ovaries, and panties melt. 

 This is a largely a new adult tale with a nice balance of heartwarming, heartstring-pulling, adventure, sweetness, and sexy. There’s fun banter and reveals I did not see coming that kept me on my toes and turning pages. And while the characters have their struggles and heartaches, the angst was kept in check nicely keeping the tone and mood positive. 

 “I don’t think there’s any way it could get any better, but we should practice…a lot…just in case. Maybe, probably even again tonight. At least once more…” 

At this point, I’m definitely invested in the Choosy Beggar bunch. I kinda didn’t want it to end. They have a great little crew of misfit friends and I look forward to reading more of their stories. 

 Safety Recap:

No cheating. No sex scenes w/OP. H is not a manwhore; has been celibate for about a year or so. h is not a virgin. OW/OM drama: H’s ex/mother of his son is a real piece of work who has made H’s life difficult and threatens to cause problems. h’s ex is a drug dealer/dangerous who she’s ran away from. No rape (but threat of) or sexual abuse. Brief references to past dubious consent. HEA.

GOOODREADS    BOOKBUB    AMAZON

*I was gifted a copy from the author to review. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. This title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.

~Character Interview~

Book Boyfriend Data Sheet

Name: Shae Kristakakos

Age: 19

Birthday: 🎂 August 25 ♍

Birthplace:🌎 Upstate NY

Measurements:📏
Height 6'4"
Weight: 260 lbs.
Length: That’s personal 
Girth: What the hell is girth?

Turn-ons:👍 Daisy in a yellow dress 

Turn-offs:👎 Mutt in a yellow dress

Guilty Pleasures: Sometimes, late at night, I google Sabian Artisan cymbals. I put the 13” Artisan Hi-Hats in my cart and let them sit in there for a while. 

Idea of a perfect date: I skipped this question, answered the others and came back to it. I thought about all the fancy places I could take my girl, but I’d really just like to sleep with her. Actually sleep. Literally sleep. Raising a two-year-old is exhausting. Getting time alone isn’t easy. Give me a king size bed so my feet don’t hang off the end. Let me spoon my gal, sleep in without setting an alarm … I’m a happy man. 

Favorite song to sing: 🎵 My bandmates came up with a really aggravating song called Gravy Toad that’s catching on with our fans. Now I’m adding lines about a dirty dog and a yardbug. Payback is sweet.  

My next tattoo will be:  A daisy. Right under the word Amo over my heart.

You're stuck in an endless line at the DMV, and Patrick is squirming. When you reach into your backpack, you realize there's only one book, which you'll be reading on repeat. You're thankful it's not one of Daisy's, but which title do you hope is there— Goodnight Moon, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Go Dog Go, or The Monster at the End of this Book? 📘 I would never be caught at the DMV without a backpack full of toys, books and snacks for my boy. But I’ll play along and choose Go Dog Go. Colors, rhyming, counting, up and down concepts … it’s got everything.

Mutt pulls some epic strings and gets a celebrity drummer to perform alongside you at the next Choosy Beggar gig. Who is it

 —Ringo Starr, Tommy Lee, or Dave Grohl? 🥁 I hate to miss out on Tommy Lee and the chance to play the Dr. Feelgood drum part … it’s iconic, but I’d probably pick Dave Grohl, just so I could ask him about his time in Nirvana. I’d avoid the topic of Foo Fighters and just keep asking about what it was like to write with Kurt Cobain. 

Daisy is wearing her Lick Me tee and holding a pint of ice-cream🍨 in her right hand and a container of cupcake frosting 🧁 in her left. Your choice, which one are you tasting off her? Sounds sticky. Do you have any idea how hard it is to clean up melted ice cream? And frosting is pure sugar and fat. No thank you. All I need is pure Daisy. 

A big thanks to Charisse for making Shae available! 💜

Emily Award Finalist and Melody Of Love Award Finalist, Charisse Moritz divides her life between upstate NY and northern Florida. When not barricaded inside her writing cave or enjoying every possible minute with her husband and three kids, you’ll find her listening to 60’s music, singing off key and looking for new reads.

~Also in the Series~

Shatter (The Choosy Beggars #1)

BOOK RELEASE/REVIEW: The Good Guys Box set by Jamie Schlosser

 ~Now Available~

This box set includes the last three novels from The Good Guys series (Outcast, Magic Man, and Loner) as well as a bonus novella. 

The first three novels of the series (Trucker, Dancer, and Dropout) are in a separate box set.)  

This is a great series and one I’d recommend. You can find my reviews of the first five novels by clicking on the titles above. The sixth book is in my TBR pile. I’m more than a bit behind so review to come once I have more romance reading time.

The bonus novella, The Last Bachelor in Tolson, is available exclusively in this box set. Sadly, it’s not one I can say I’d recommend. 

~Review~

The Last Bachelor in Tolson is the romance of Hank (Colton’s dad from Dancer) and Karen (Travis’s mom from Trucker) who are both widowed and have known each other for years but have held back getting involved.

Set on Christmas Eve and during the wedding of Beverly (Jimmy and Ezra’s grandmother) and Ernie, I opened this expecting a sweet and light-hearted Christmas read. And if you are looking for a feel-good, leave you with a smile on your face quick story, you're going to want to skip the epilogue.  I can't tell you how much I wish I would have stopped before it (or that I wish it would have just ended up on the editing room floor.) It is somber and depressing and not the ending I was expecting. While it technically gives the hero and heroine of this tale their HEA, I’m not sure I can say it does the same for the series as a whole. If anything, it takes away from it. I don’t know I could re-read Dropout now and enjoy what is some of the funniest parts without feeling sad.

I think this is a situation where the epilogue went too far in the future (it can happen), and it wasn’t needed. It didn’t add anything to the story or the series. In fact, I would have much preferred the time and pages to have been spent on the Christmas story at hand, adding more development between Hank and Karen (I can’t quite say I felt as warm and fuzzy about them as I have the previous couples) and more holiday good times. There was definitely missed opportunities for some holiday humor (Sweatpea is mentioned but never gets a real cameo).

I’ve always been a romance reader for a little escape. I can read other things for life’s realities.  We’re living in a real-world pandemic where loved ones (especially elderly and vulnerable loved ones) are lost every day. I was frankly kinda shocked to have to read about the deaths of beloved fictional characters too, in a holiday novella. It’s much more fun to just imagine them going on with their lives.

This is still a good bundle as the bonus story is only the last 5%.  Just be aware that if this is a trigger or reading hard pass for you, to bow out before the end. 

Safety Recap: 

No cheating. No sex scenes w/OP. No OW/OM drama. H is not a manwhore/h is not a virgin. No rape or sexual abuse. Triggers: Death of significant supporting character.  HEA? For the H&h— yes. For the series as a whole—debatable.

GOODREAD         AMAZON 

*Title purchased from Amazon. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. 

BOOK REVIEW: IOU by Kristy Marie

4.35 Stars

Rumors run rampant at Havemeyer college, but it’s no lie that Ainsley James has been blacklisted from college living complexes after earning an unfair arsonist reputation.  

Maverick Lexington’s reputation keeps people at bay, and he gets by feeding off that mystique. He definitely doesn’t want a roommate, but when his “favor” business encounters a challenge he can’t meet, his solo reputation gets a test. 

“What I wanted was ice-cream and dick with a side of mac and cheese. So here we are.”

Ainsley is beyond quirky, but Mav definitely intrigued me from the start. He has that cool, aloof bad boy aura, but a genuineness to him as well. He’s not exactly your ordinary college student, and I related with him, sharing a similar health issue. Despite his surface surliness, you could tell he was a good guy underneath.

“Confused. Pissed. Happy. I’m like a hormonal teenage girl.”

Much like Mav’s initial response to Ainsley, she had to grow on me as well. In some of the earlier chapters, her monologues drug on and I did some skimming.  I also wanted her to get over her douchey ex as much as Mav.

I think the story could have benefited from some pacing adjustments. For example, it takes several chapters till they even meet in the beginning, while at the end, there’s a bit of an abrupt jump to the epilogue. Also it’s a slow burn romance. The smexy times don’t arrive till about the last quarter of the book, and there’s only one or two sex scenes. I would have liked more steam.

However, there is palpable sexual tension long before that and the first kiss….oh that was one of the best I’ve ever read. Major points for originality and if this was a movie—definite Best Kiss winner.

I like romances where the hero and heroine complement each other and provide something the other one needs or is missing. And that’s how Ainsley and Mav ultimately operated as Ainsley learned to live for herself, and Mav learned to lean on someone and not take on all his problems by himself.  I adored the complete absence of OW drama from Mav’s side (he’s wonderfully celibate and most definitely not a manwhore).

Told via Mav and Ainsley’s first person POV, it’s a cute, safe, and light-hearted feel-good story, which I always enjoy. The genie/IOU theme also had a sweet and original touch.

“I had to grant a favor. #genielife”

  Lawrence was endearing as well.

Some side characters appear to have their own books now so I might have to check them out.  This story is a stand-alone with connections to a Rumors series and other series. 

 Safety Recap:

No cheating. No sex scenes with OP. H is not a manwhore/h is not a virgin. No OW drama. Some OM drama from h’s ex. No rape or sexual abuse. Possible triggers: medical issues. HEA.

 

GOODREADS     BOOKBUB     AMAZON

*Title purchased from Amazon during a .99 cents sale. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions.

BOOK REVIEW: Driven Wild by Kim Linwood

4.35 Stars

Race car driver Brandon Graves was Zoe Chandler’s celebrity crush till her best friend fell in love with his brother and she got to met him. Then he became a real-life annoyance. Still, that doesn’t stop the trouble-making pair from getting drunk and married in Vegas.

“'Because if you’re looking to get this annulled, we consummated the fuck out of this marriage.’”

But to avoid steeling the spotlight during Carter and Sadie’s wedding preparations, Brandon and Zoe agree to keep things quiet—well about the marriage anyways. Everything else they do isn’t so silent.

“G-spots or G-forces, who cares when it feels this amazing?”

This is the second book in the Graves Brothers series, but it can be read as a standalone. Brandon’s brother Carter was adorable in the previous title so I was a little worried that Brandon could live up, but it turns out he’s just as entertaining and hot too. Though a no-strings-attached guy, Brandon’s head, hard-on, and soon heart are all in for Zoe as the pair trade snarky barbs, sexy innuendos, and stir up mischief that proves just how well suited they are for each other.

"I gasp as her fingers circle my shaft like a cock ring made of ice.”

I honestly thought they were closer to two peas in a pod than opposites attract when it came right down to it.

“‘I won’t crush what make him him, but I won’t let it drag him down, either.’”

And I didn’t think Brandon was the screw-up his family pegged him as. That award had to go to Sadie’s parents, who kept things on the edge as to what mishap these retirees would land themselves in next. Meanwhile, I side-eyed Cousin Ethan a few times. I think Grandma Gladys better keep an eye on him.

 Told via Brandon and Zoe’s alternating first person POV, this is a funny and steamy tale. I had several laugh out loud moments.

“‘On a horror scale from Saw to The Great Pumpkin, we’re solidly in Charlie Brown territory,’”

 Oldest brother and workaholic Axton is next in the series. I can’t wait to read Frisky Business, while also keeping my fingers crossed that there’s a book for Dani to come.

Safety Recap: 

No cheating. No sex scenes with OP. Not really any OW/OM drama—there’s a minor scene where girls are heard in the background while the H is at a bar and on the phone with the h, but the H appears to blow them off. This is where I think cousin Ethan is to blame. Otherwise, no presence of any OW/OM.  h is not a virgin/h was a ONS kind of guy in the past till he hooks up with the h. My impression was that he was a bit of a player, but not necessary a manwhore. He has a line where he said he sleeps alone more than people think.  No rape or sexual abuse. HEA.

*I volunteered to review this ARC from the author. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.

GOODREADS     AMAZON     BOOKBUB

~Also in the Series~

#1

Book Review

BOOK REVIEW: Stiff Competition by Kim Linwood

4.35 Stars

If this casket is rocking, don’t come a knocking!

Sadie Williams, 23, is left in charge of her family run funeral home and deciding the fate of the business when her parents take an early retirement vacation.

Carter Graves, 26, is also looking to the future of his family’s funeral home chain, and top on his priority list is sealing the deal—professionally and personally. He wants the business and the girl too. But till he gets Sadie to trust him, he won’t be scoring either.

“Carter’s smooth on the surface, rough around the edges and drives me crazy and wild in equal measure, but he’s also kind, useful in a pinch, and not nearly as superficial as his blustery negotiator act might lead people to believe.”

Carter was cute, playful, and likable.  He was a full of himself at times but still a total good guy.  There’s plenty of banter between them as well as the supporting characters to keep things interesting. The setting was unique while largely still feeling upbeat.

Told via their dual alternating first person POV, it’s a pleasing blend of sweet and lighthearted with a moment of touchingly sad, while never sacrificing those all import steamy scenes.

“‘Whatever you want and as many ways as you want it. Standing up or on all fours. You can be on top. Really, I’m open to anything, so long as it involves you, me and as much dirty, filthy, time as you’ll give me.’”

Fans, like myself, of low angst, sexy, safe reads will enjoy this one.

There’s also an unexpected cameo from One Flight Stand, which almost derailed me as I flipped back to one of my favorite reads for a quick refresh that made me want to read it again. But next up is Driven Wild, Carter’s brother Brandon’s book with resident embalmer Zoe. I’m definitely intrigued by all of the Graves brothers and sister so looking forward to all of their stories as well as hopefully more appearances from Grandma Graves.

Safety Recap:

No cheating. No sex scenes w/OP. No OW/OM drama. No appearances of OW/OM at all. h is not a virgin/H is not a manwhore. No rape or sexual abuse. HEA.

*Title purchased from Amazon. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions.

GOODREADS      AMAZON     BOOKBUB

~Also in the Series~

#2

BOOK REVIEW

2021 Update

(*Dusts off blogger*) Hi Everyone! (*dust continues to fly*) Wow, it’s been a long time. Specifically, it’s been nine months since my last review. (*counts on fingers just to be sure*) Yep, tomorrow it will be exactly nine months since my last post.

You may ask, where did you go? (*song pops into head* It's a good song so let's take a moment to enjoy it....) 

First, I apologize for not getting back to a number of email inquiries and requests for review.  It's not that I'm not reading; I'm just not reading much romance. Those blocks on the old calendar have been slim to none in the past few months.  And so time flies as I’ve been busy in other aspects of my life. I do miss leisure reading, but priorities and all that. Today though I’m taking a little break from nineteenth century British literature where orphans and monsters have been occupying my summer to creep back into Romancelandia momentarily. Thanks to the great invention of author newsletters, I’m not completely out of the loop when it comes to my favorite steamy reads... I think. (*ponders what else is new that I might have missed*)

Anyways, here’s what I now know I missed and what new is on the horizon:

Kim Linwood is back with a new release in her Graves Brothers series. Driven Wild hits Kindle screens on August 10th, and pre-order for .99 cents is available now.

If you missed the first book, like me, (*hides in shame*) well maybe we can buddy read. Stiff Competition is at the top of my TBR pile. 

Also coming this month, the latest and possibly final(??? Jamie, say it isn’t so!) book in The Good Guys series by Jamie Schlosser. Loner drives into town August 12^th.  Check out the cover:

And if you haven’t read the previous stand-alone titles in this enjoyable series of sweet and sexy good guys, you can get acquainted with them from their earlier centerfold appearances on the blog: HERE!

And finally, Annika Martin teased a few months back a new installment in her Kinky Bank Robbers serial.  If you haven't one-clicked the freebie first installment, definitely give it a try. That's how I got hooked! Learn more: HERE!

In the meantime, read a book you've never read and stay tuned....😜

BOOK REVIEW: Hot Ghost by Annika Martin

4 Stars

Cassie Nolan is an aspiring screenwriter sidelined in her hometown to help with her family’s seaside pub and ghost tour. Their business and the town’s livelihood depend on the legend of “Old Salt,” whose nightly appearance in search of a lost love captivates tourists and annoys Cassie.  

Captain William “Old Salt” McHenry, 26— over a hundred years ago, can’t stop reliving his ship wreck or escape the coastal town where he went down.  And the lonely sea captain doesn’t appreciate Cassie’s attitude, but if he gets to know her and see her up close, he might just change his mind.   

Full disclosure, I picked this up as a ‘distraction read’ while waiting for election results. It worked as it kept me engaged, and I read it in one sitting. I’m also not a PNR reader nor a fan of third person romance so bonus points as I usually won’t get past the first page under those two criteria. Lastly, it’s a short story/novella, and I always crave a little more from those lengths in romance and this one was no exception. I do wish it would have been fleshed out a little bit more— more story, more build up/sexual tension, and more sex!

“He pressed at her thighs, urging them open with the hook hand, positioning  her the way he wanted. It was exciting and dirty.”

There’s plenty of potential for it to be fuller.

Thankfully, the tale never felt sad as the tone is lighthearted, and I really enjoyed the ending. I also liked a few modern spins on the typical ghost tale. Old Salt’s long lost love was a ONS and he’s not a fan of bar band music. It would have been fun though if she’d have shown him her e-reader.

“Cassie furrowed her brow. This guy had a difficult time getting dates? Cassie found it hard to believe. He was a hot guy with a badass hook hand!”

That all being said, I think this would be a fun and fitting few hours for romance readers on Halloween night. As a fan of that holiday I wish I’d had the pleasure so I’d recommend it for anyone getting a head start on next year’s TBR or for fans of a romance ghost story any time of the year.

Safety Recap:

No cheating. No sex scenes w/OP. No OW/OM drama. H isn’t a manwhore; h isn’t a virgin. No rape or sexual abuse. HEA.

*Title purchased  from Amazon on a freebie sale in November 2020 

 

AMAZON     B&N     GOOGLE

BOOK REVIEW: Tofu Cowboy by Lola West

 3 Stars

Luke Morgan is a rancher more interested in drawing than cattle—both raising them and eating them.  Feeling like an outcast amongst his family, he takes a college art class in secret. Maddie Richards, the newbie in town, is also part of the class. Except she’s the nude model, in an attempt to forge a better self image of her body after overcoming an eating disorder.

The opening was engaging. The characters had some interesting angles, and the early scenes fleshed out sufficiently to set the tone and feel. Luke was a good guy, pursing his own interests and wrangling his own identity issues in a culture he wasn’t quite at home in, despite it being his upbringing.  It made sense that Luke would gravitate to the blue haired outsider. And Maddie does break some typical romance heroine molds. With so many virgin heroines in romance, I was pleased that she was more realistically described as neither “a wallflower [n]or a saint.”

The pacing, however, made me start to lose interest.  I think this is often a common problem with novella length books in general. Specifically here though, readers get the first date but then it skips ahead a few weeks (and later a few months) and sometimes there are places where conversations they had in that time are summed up in monologue rather than unfolding in scenes of their own when it happened.  And along these same lines the “tell” rather than “show” vibe cropped up.  I’m not sure I ever really felt what they were supposed to be feeling for each other. Mostly, due to pacing that either ‘rushed’ or ‘glossed over’ rather than ‘built up’ their connection and the story. For example, I liked their plan to not just give in to lust; I already felt that Maddie was just scratching an itch during their first encounter.  But their ‘take it slower and get to know you’ plan is often tossed into a summation after the fact rather than developed into scenes occurring chronologically. This was a lost opportunity for chemistry and sexual tension.  

Personally, I also wasn’t a fan of the infertility conflict. The way Maddie handled it didn’t endear me to her. It was also a heavy, complicated topic for a shorter book.  

But if you gravitate to quicker reads and ones that are safe, this might be a title to check out. It’s thankfully void of any OW/OM drama and the couple is only focused on each other.  This is the premier book in the new Big Sky Cowboys series. Future releases will feature Luke’s siblings.

Safety Recap:  

 *I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.

GOODREADS    AMAZON

Lola West writes short, sweet, smart, silly, sexy romance. With a PhD in women's studies and a flair for the dramatic, Lola likes to keep it real.  Her loves are cotton candy, astronomy, kitten heels and small-town hunks. Lola writes heroes that make you swoon and heroines that talk back. And, she believes that consent is always sexy, even in books.  

Follow her HERE!

BOOK REVIEW: Inked by Sarah Darlington

~Synopsis~

AMANDA

Men like Nick should come with a warning label... don’t touch. He walked into the shop, smelling like heaven, wanting his first tattoo, and I should have refused his business. Because I knew the moment I set eyes on him, I didn’t stand a chance. Still, I fell down the rabbit-hole with him.

Now, he’s gone, moved on, and the result of our one-night stand is left growing inside me. I’ll probably never see this man again.

NICK

It was only supposed to be a little ink. A parting gift to myself from myself. Because when your girlfriend dumps you for a famous rockstar, you leave. You move on. You get the hell out of town and forget all about her. But I never counted on meeting Amanda before I left. Or the night we shared. Or the mark she left when she put her ink on my skin.

I have to go back. For her.

*INKED is a full-length standalone with a HEA.

GOODREADS

~Review~

3 Stars

Marine biologist Nick Jasmine, 23, is still reeling after his girlfriend left him for a rockstar (see Never Trust a Rockstar). Amanda, 25, is the tattoo artist who leaves a reminder of Kill Devil Hills on his skin before he kisses the beach town good-bye. Except he inadvertently leaves Amanda with a little memento as well.

I liked both Nick and Amanda in the opening chapters.  The turtle thing was cute. It was off to a good start.  But when Nick returns from Maine, both characters went downhill.

For Amanda, it was her lie about him not being the father.  I don’t really get why she did that. I’m not sure Amanda even got why she did that. 

“I knew that I should have been honest with him from the start. I should have told him the baby was his.”

It not only was a lousy and immature thing to do, but it was just the beginning of crappy communication and wishy-washy behavior on both of their parts.

Then there’s Nick. His character, like often times their romantic connection, seemed to suffer from tell vs. show.  Amanda describes him as cool, confident, and gorgeous, which I suppose was how he was supposed to come off to others, but then in his POV the reader gets the real Nick, the insecure one who suffers from a panic disorder. Or was this just another facet of Nick’s personality?  It was hard to tell, and I struggled to envision a clear picture of him. It didn’t help that he too flip-flopped so much on what he wanted.

 “…I don’t want kids of my own.”

Okay, he might have even had a valid reason, but then why not be super diligent about protection!?

Their lack of safe sex practices and lack of safe sex discussions made them seem immature and irresponsible.  So did the fact that he ditched a good job he loved in his career and fled town to avoid his previous girlfriend. His acceptance of raising someone else’s baby with a stranger he barely knew just made him seem desperate. Nick was all over the place. Which brings me to the dinner scene...

The fake “social” story that Nick tells just made him seem….well fake. And the lack of condemnation over it was bothering.  That scene didn’t help make Nick more likable, and it was a big miss in terms of interweaving John and Dani (whose voice was noticeably absent) from the previous books/sister series (see Never Kiss a Rockstar).

All in all, the story just fell a little flat (as did their love scenes). It had tons of potential, but the execution left their chemistry hard to feel alongside so many issues that could have been resolved with basic communication and simple conversation. And given that they were going to be parents together, I really needed them to display the foundations of a solid, lasting relationship.

Told via Amanda and Nick’s alternating first person POV, the safety angle is good which I always appreciate, but the characters just left me feeling kinda meh. I didn’t love it; I didn’t hate it. My recommendation—if the items mentioned above don’t bother you, give it a whirl. If communication is key, you might want to sit this one out or check out other titles in the Kill Devil Hills universe.

Safety Recap: 

No cheating. No sex scenes w/OP. Celibate during brief separation. H is not a manwhore/h is not a virgin.  No OW drama/minor OM drama (not real drama more like minor perceived drama as h pretends someone else is her boyfriend and baby daddy briefly.) No rape or sexual abuse. HEA

*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.

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Sarah Darlington was born in Colorado and grew up all over the United States. These days, she calls Virginia home, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and large dog. The best word to describe Sarah is 'creative.' She's passionate about designing, crafting, and photography. But most of all... she loves creating stories through her writing. Her romance books are sexy and heart-gripping at their core, guaranteed to make you swoon. Any of them can be read as a stand-alone, but all are connected within the same world. 

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