When a car accident changed the trajectory of his life at fifteen, Sam Braga set out to find his own way in the world. It never occurred to him he’d find home in Fairfield, Colorado, working with a childhood friend at a tattoo shop, and the legal guardian of a gorgeous little girl who was abandoned by her mother at birth. Sam has his life organized exactly the way he needs it. Maisy, work, and … his found-family. There isn’t room for anything else. Especially when DCS gets involved and tells him that his disability might interfere with his petition to finally adopt the little girl he’s been raising. Sam might be lonely, but he just doesn’t have room for love.
Niko Pagonis tells himself he’s not using the small town of Fairfield as an escape, but who is he kidding. When his NHL career ends two minutes after it begins, Niko flees the East Coast in search of somewhere to settle. He finds home in the form of his accounting firm and his gym buddies who never abandon him on leg-day. Eventually, however, it’s not enough. Niko craves connection, and above all, he wants to feel like he belongs. He stumbles onto the unlikely family at Irons and Works, and more than that, he finds himself in the path of the gorgeous single-dad who has made it clear he has no plans to fit Niko into his routine.
But things aren’t always that simple, even when both men try to make them that way. A misguided offer of friends with benefits turns into something else, and both Sam and Niko know they’re flirting with disaster. Still, neither one of them can seem to stay away from the other. Will they find their way through the mess before someone gets hurt? Or will it all come crashing to the ground.
Blank Canvas is the second book in the Irons and Works series. Each book contains an individual storyline with no cheating and HEA.
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BLANK CANVAS is book 2 in the “Irons and Works” series and can be read as a stand-alone. I think you should absolutely read book 1 – it was that good.
This is Sam’s story. He is a single dad facing life’s adversities and has his family of choice always there to back him up.
I appreciated the connections in the friendship group, I like how the author portrayed both MCs in a realistic way. I did not like NIKKO in the first book, he was a jerk. He 100% redeemed himself in this story.
One of the things I was grateful for, was the author’s explanation in the beginning about how the system works and how Sam could be and would be discriminated against. If I had not read that, I think I would have put the book down because it seems so unrealistic.
I am absolutely moving onto the next book in the series.
tags: KU/MM/Single Dad/Reading series in order
Absolute love, this one! I always get more and more invested in a series the longer I’m into it and with Irons and Works it’s already happening.
In Blank Canvas (amazing title by the way, though I want to see that tattoo) Sam and Nico’s story unfolds. Both men were part of the first book as friends and horrible dates so it’s no surprise they got their own story.
Sam who lived his entire adult life in a wheelchair, is a tattoo artist, has a beautiful sweet baby girl who he needs to fight for and he also has a heartbreaking past. Perfect hero, eh? Well, he’s kind of an ass sometimes so maybe not perfect.
Nico’s story is somewhat less tragic but entirely heartbreaking the same. I did feel like the emphasis was more on Sam in the book but seeing Nico learn from his mistakes and accept without hesitance was amazing as well.
I loved their weird friendship/hookup/realtionship. It was intense both emotionally and sexually.
Also what was amazing is Sam’s fight for his little girl who he loves more than anything and who he wants to be a real dad for but the system is messing with him.
The story also showed a ‘it’s never too late to start over and be happy’ attitude which is inspiring in a way and gave a sweet little thing for Nico to do after not really being in the focus of the emotional drama of this book.
A lot of crazy, loyal friends, a sweet little town and generally heartwarming characters completed this book.
Can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
This was a fantastic read.
Like seriously fantastic!
Maybe I should’ve read the first book first but I have never been one having a problem with spoilers so this worked more than well enough for me to starting the series.
I am at a bit of loss for words honestly. I might have to come back for a better review later but let me say this: it touched me deeply.
This is a beautifully told story that is, like E.M. Lindsey’s books are, meaningful and really get you thinking. I love how she tries to educate her readers and not just entertain them. And I did learn something about the human spirit and life’s daily struggles. We all don’t need to be ‘fixed’ to be loved. This story had me consumed from beginning to end and left me ready to dive into book 3.
We got some insight into Sam and Niko in the first book – just enough to make me really look forward to seeing how their relationship develops. Sam is a guy with A LOT of baggage, with the world sitting on his shoulders. Niko is a good guy wrestling his own demons who just wants to love and be loved. Seeing these guys navigate a relationship was amazing, frustrating and, ultimately, so rewarding. I love how this book didn’t shy away from the crappy, hard things because that’s life. It made the payoff all the more sweet! So glad I found this series!
Sam Braga, wheelchair-bound since the age of 15, tattoo artist, guardian of 3-year-old Maisy. Niko Pagonis, retired hockey player, accountant, and all around nice guy. When Sam and Niko get involved, it’s supposed to be just friends with benefits until it becomes something neither of them was looking for, but yet they were. I love, love Sam and Niko. After reading “Free Hand” and getting a taste of Niko and Sam, I knew I needed to have more. This book was so good. The chemistry between Sam and Niko is fabulous. Even though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone in my opinion, but I would highly recommend you start with “Free Hand.” This series is so good. You won’t be disappointed. Sage is up next and I absolutely cannot wait! If you’re looking for something just a bit different, then I suggest giving this series a try. These characters aren’t perfect, which makes them all the better. I love my characters flawed, and this series hits the spot.
This is Sam and Nico’s story. Both men have issues they have to overcome. It’s at times not pretty or romantic, it shows the reality of living with spinal injury, and that there are people who see beyond the surface to the person within. It shows ableism and homophobia. But it also tells a love story.
Sam’s life is a constant battle to keep his daughter. He doesn’t think that there will be happy ever after for him. When it gets too much, he has a close circle of friends who will be there for him. What he doesn’t expect is a man who will see past the wheelchair, who will not shy away from difficulties. But it takes a bit of time for Sam to see that, and while that’s happening he sometimes acts like an a$$. Considering that no one could get past his disability, he guards his heart but Nico slowly chips away at his defenses with his kindness, open-mindedness and patience.
Nico’s life was all panned out but a simple mistake caused him his career and purpose in life. Even though he managed to carve a life for himself, he still feels adrift. When he finally decides to try and start over by opening his own business, he meets an amazing man who does not see his own worth, Sam. I liked Nico a lot. He is so considerate and understanding. He cares for Sam and his daughter Maisy, he helps out Sage when he needs it. And he is just a all together nice guy.
The book centers on Maisy’s adoption case, what hoops Sam has to jump through, how everyone rallies to help. The relationship starts off as friends then progresses into something more. There were moments I had tears, there were moments I got really mad. I love a book that will leave a lasting impression, and this book certainly did. It’s full of angst, very emotional and it does have a fair amount of steam but it’s not glossed over. It’s as real as it gets, and I liked that. The ending is sweet and romantic, made me want to know Sage’s story. This author is certainly becoming one of favorites!