“MOVING ON” IS JUST ABOUT ACTING THE PART.I would never say as much to the people I love, but it’s the truth.They want to see me doing better.They want to see me living for more than just my son.So I let them.Every day is about putting on a face,pretending to get over the loss of my husband.And every day is a lie.UNTIL MOVING ON IS A TEMPTATION THAT CAN’T BE DENIED.I’m not about to claim I’m a … CAN’T BE DENIED.
I’m not about to claim I’m a genius,
unless we’re talking with a tattoo gun or woman in my hands,
but I’m smart enough to know the beauty serving up my cupcake fix is off limits.
Really, I know.
Too bad the lure of putting a real smile on Kate’s face is so strong.
When she visits Sailor’s Grave Tattoo Parlor,
I can’t help but want to leave my mark.
more
“He’d left a mark that went way beyond the skin.”
Marked is a Savage Disciples MC crossover story. I’m a big fan of that series and was very excited to revisit some of my favorite characters. Sailor’s Grave Tattoo Parlor is run by a club member so the two worlds intersect beautifully. However; this particular story is not about him. Nope, it features a very talented and sexy tattoo artist who works for him. I noticed the author doesn’t mention his name in the synopsis so I’m reluctant to do so either.
What I can tell you is that having a box of tissues nearby while reading this story is a good idea, especially if your Kindle is not encased in a waterproof cover. Your emotions are liable to get the best of you at some point during the reading of this emotional journey through first love and loss. And then, they might come in handy for other things later. You know, like when either you or your reading device breaks out into a sweat from the #HEAT.
One of my favorite quotes. “It’s like you were the only one in my life who could have helped me through the trauma of losing you. How fucked up is that?”
Since I’m trying to be careful not to share anything that the author would prefer to keep as a surprise for her readers, I’ll just leave you with a few thoughts to peak your curiosity that you might remember later with a smile.
Sometimes there’s not much distance between an ‘oh’ and a ‘O’ .
There’s no such thing as too much paint. Some masterpieces just take longer to dry.
He has a #SweetTooth and he craves more than her #Cupcakes.
When it’s #Perfect you’ll know it.
Was that as clear as mud? But admit it, you’re intrigued, right? I encourage you to give into it and one-click this amazing story that will fill your heart and leave you smiling as you wait for the next installment in the Sailor’s Grave series. The line forms here…
Liam and Kate will take you on an emotional ride, but you will love every word of it! I received this book in a book box subscription, so Drew’s work is new to me. I realized I’m walking into to a world that has books before it, but that didn’t take away from reading this book. I am however going to go back and read all of Drew’s library as I fell in love with her writing instantly from this book
My favorite by this author! The angst is real and Liam will melt your heart. Totally swoon worthy and perfect for Katie. Their storyline will tear out your heart and you’ll be rooting for them. Definitely worth the read and can’t wait to read the next one in this series!
What a beautiful story of life and love after loss! If you have read the Savage Disciples MC series, then you got a good background and introduction to the main character in this book. In this series Drew dives in and tells Kate’s story of overcoming loss, and moving on. It is also based out of Sailors Grave, the tattoo parlor that made an appearance in the MC series as well. The stage was set well for this book, and Kate’s story is, sad, happy, tragic, romantic and beautiful as we ride along with her and Liam while they struggle to find each other and come together. I just loved every moment of this story and can’t wait for the next chapter at Sailors Grave! Wonderful read!
Marked was the second book I ever read from the author and I can safely say that her writing style improved a lot since her debut novel and it wasn’t bad to begin with. I loved how the structure of the book lightened up despite the heaviness of the plot. It was a great, quick read. So bear with me, I enjoyed the book immensely but I felt that I need to explain the things I didn’t like. However it led to a review that feels a bit overly negative but it’s not the case. There is a lot of things to love about the book so take everything I write following with the understanding that this is an amazing story.
The story is emotional and beautiful at the same time. Personally I liked the idea behind the premise and I enjoyed the romantic element but I think would have enjoyed it more if the balance between the new love and the grief motifs were a bit more equal. I never lost a husband or a boyfriend to death for that matter so I can’t really identify with the heroine but I tried. Still I felt that for it being a romance novel the weight of her grief and the attention it got was a bit overdone. Sorry I know that its kinda sounds cruel but around 60% of the book solely revolved around her struggles and her attachment to her husband, add to this the introduction of the characters, the past scenes and some minor interactions and the book is over. I think there wasn’t enough time for the romance to develop and it was a shame because I loved the pairing. I still enjoyed the book it was just a bit lacking for my taste.
Another thing before I get to the characters, the story is told from dual point of views which is all well and good, also necessary in my opinion. However what I couldn’t understand were the little snippets from Kate’s past. Okay, so I could understand the reason why they were in the book, establishing her connection with her dead husband, but for me they just didn’t hit the emotional mark and only served to drag the whole healing process even more out. I would have done without them or at least with less of them.
Liam is the best, people. He is not just sexy and cool, with an awesome profession but really caring, patient and understanding. He was attracted to Kate from the moment he laid eyes on her but knowing her situation he was also willing to settle only being her friend. I loved how great he was with Kate and her son, and also with his own family. He brought certain lightheartedness to the otherwise grief stricken story. I want one for myself, please.
Kate on the other hand was a mess, she perfected the art of acting fine but inside she still didn’t process the death of the love of her life. The only reason she was so top on her game was because her son needed her. She wasn’t my favorite character but I admired her strength. Thou I didn’t like when she constantly compared Liam to her husband.
The book ends with a HEA and let just say the characters wholly deserved it. It was a great read and looking forward to the next book in the series.
Drew really brought out the emotional feels with this book. Her writing was so raw and real, the emotions flowed from the pages and under your skin. I fell in love with Drew’s writing with her MC series The Disciples’ Daughters but this cemented my love for her books.
Kate is grieving after losing her husband in a tragic accident. She goes through the motions, putting on the ‘i have moved on’ façade. Widow stories really get to me, the struggle with the guilt from surviving, the loss of the person that you loved most. How on earth do you move on and find happiness again? love someone else? Drew really got the feelings so well in this book.
Liam, oh how I loved him, he had such a lovely family, the bond he had with his mum and siblings was beautiful to watch. He was so patient with Kate, understanding what she needed, helping with her son Owen.
Tissues will be needed with this book and if your like me a bottle of wine afterwards.
This is the first time in reading this author with the cover which usually doesn’t happen with all the generic chest covers out there and the combo of the blurb tempted me like no one’s business. Kate is a woman who knows grief but she does go on. That is the first thing that pulls on our emotions. Then there is Liam whom you swoon over and want to keep for your very own thanks to his character. So there is another way the emotions will be pulled. This is one that will get you deep with it affecting you without a doubt thanks to these two and their story. It gives you a indepth look on what a woman can go through but also what love can do too if allowed. You will finish this being fully satisfied but also emotionally full.
***4.5 Stars***
The feels are real in this one. Not that I wasn’t prepared for them, I mean the description tells you pretty much all that you need to know, but you never know exactly how they will hit you and the feels in this one, along with meeting some pretty amazing characters and wanting to get to know them better made it really hard to put this one down and had me wanting to spend more time with them even after I read the last words to their story.
I absolutely adored Liam. Talk about book boyfriend all the way. He’s sweet, charming, considerate, patient and tenacious. And though he doesn’t fall into the alpha AF category, he still got that alpha vibe when it comes to taking care of those he calls his own.
I loved Kate. My heart hurt for her and all that she had and was going through, but I loved her strength and how hard she loved, even when it hurt her. Her journey was a long one with a lot of ups and downs, but to watch as she worked through it all and coming out stronger for it was a absolutely satisfying.
Liam and Kate’s journey to their HEA is all kinds of slow burn goodness as they both work through what it means to have loved, lost and to find love again. It’s was a rough one, but to watch Liam and Kate connect and become more was totally worth it. They had a sort of flow when they were together that had me rooting for them from the very beginning.
This is my first Drew Elyse book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing was engaging, the pacing was good and the dual 1st person POV was well done. This is a spin-off of her Savage Disciples MC series, which I didn’t know before diving in, but I never felt as if I was missing out on anything, though I do hope to find time to read that series in the future *Glances at the TBR pile and sighs*. I loved the supporting cast of characters and I loved what they brought to the table as Liam and Kate worked things out. My fav’s are Conor, Margot and Owen ~ though no one should be surprised that they are ~ but I loved Jess, Avery and Daz as well and am definitely looking forward to getting my hands on Jess’s book next!
~ Copy provided via InkSlinger PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
I’ll start by saying this is a totally new to me author (I know, how the heck have I missed this author?!?) This book is the first in a new spin off series, from her Savage Disciples MC. After reading this story, I’m going to have to totally go back to read this series. (Not that I need to, because this book is a complete stand alone. It does reference characters from the previous series, but I kept up just fine!) I fell in love with the characters in this world so much, I want to devour all of the other books!
Kate is a single mother, widowed during tragic circumstances. She was completely in love with her husband, and is having a hard time moving on. Really, she is having a hard time surviving, only going through the motions, for her son. (really gives the phrase “fake it until you make it” a new meaning!) Her husband’s brother is a member of the SDMC, so she has close ties. My heart literally hurts for Kate, because her pain in this book is palpable, and the author does such an amazing job relaying those feelings, along with her fears. I literally had tears in my eyes for most of this book!
Liam is just plain amazing! There is no other way to describe him. He is patient, understanding, and supportive, exactly what Kate needs. He puts her wants and needs above his own. (Did I mention yet how amazing he is?!?) His feelings for Kate are pure and beautiful.
This story is so perfect. The feelings and chemistry between Kate and Liam had me hooked from the very beginning. I couldn’t put this book down. This is a very emotional book that focuses on grief, healing, and new beginnings. It’s definitely one I’d recommend, and one of my top reads for this year, so far!