It all starts with a one-night stand…AMANDAMen 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 … 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 right 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 set in Sarah Darlington’s Kill Devil Hills world.
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I’m a big fan of the surprise pregnancy trope. I liked that the heroine was a tattoo artist. It’s usually the Hero. The industry is dominated by males, so I loved that we get a female in this role. It was sexy and sweet. Featured characters with panic disorder and agoraphobia. Sarah’s not afraid to cover sensitive topics in her books, and I love that.
I would have liked more focus on the relationship. It seemed like they had sex more than they actually dated or even talked. Also, It’s mentioned her dad is gone. But no conversation about what happened. I’d like to know that story. Especially since her mom is gone too.
Always happy to be back in Outer Banks, NC. I’ve been here plenty of times and love having the beach town in my head as I’m reading. Especially the pier!
The funny:
”Maybe I’ll find my soulmate that way,” I muttered. “We can have matching turtle ass tattoos and ride off into the sunset together.”
The sweet:
”Nothing had ever felt this good. She was my muse, my weakness, my hope.”
The hot:
”I want you to be mine,” he whispered against my ear. He pressed his lips against me. He moved his body, sliding his cock inside me in slow strokes. “Mine, Amanda, only mine.”
“I’m yours,” I breathed. I said it without thinking. I knew right then that I was his. He had me. In every way, he already had me.
“You aren’t. Not yet. But you will be.”
This story was pure fire and I loved every second of it .
This accidental/surprise pregnancy was everything I love about this trope.
Nick & Amanda’s story was amazing , their connection it’s so intense but it also felt so real .I loved everything about this story and the characters , their struggles & accomplishments . I highly recommended it , cant wait to read more stories from this author
Inked by Sarah Darlington
I loved this story and how the author captured my attention from the beginning.
Amanda and Nick were such a fun couple to read, and I loved that they were unique from one another. This story was beautifully written, and not your average love story. It focused on mental illnesses through the MMC, Nick.
Watching both of the main characters grow individually and romantically was terrific. I highly recommend this book.
ARC BOOK REVIEW
Title: INKED
Series: Kill Devil Hills Ink
Author: Sarah Darlington Sarah Darlington
Genre: Contemporary Romance, One-Night-Stand, Surprise Pregnancy
Rating: /5
I love Nick!! From the first time he was introduced in Crazed, I was intrigued by him, and I couldn’t wait to dive into his character in Inked. Sarah did not disappoint with him. He still has that mysterious quality about him for most of this story, but once he let’s you in, you have no choice but to love him even more.
“It’s just… it’s a sea turtle on your ass.” She gave me this pained look. “On your virgin skin, no less. I feel like I should make sure this is really, really, what you want.”
From the moment they meet, Nick and Amanda develop this interesting push and pull relationship. I loved watching the way their personalities clashed and then complimented each other. So pure at times and so raw at others, but it all just seems to work.
“Stop it. Stop doubting yourself. Stop questioning me.” He stared at me with these insanely fierce blue eyes. The seriousness in those eyes made my heart race like a stampede of wild horses. They were eyes that could make a girl drop to her knees if asked. I was certain of that. I bet this guy could have sex with whomever he damn well pleased. One look like that, and any girl would be his.
He was intense. My conundrum over who the hell this guy was suddenly multiplied by one thousand. The way he spoke, the way his chest moved in a slow, even rhythm as he breathed. Not to mention, the way his shirt fit over the lines of his muscular chest. All of it had me at his mercy. Completely at his mercy. He had an invisible tether tied straight to me.
But she was a drug, like morphine. I was dizzy, I was so lost in this girl… Nothing had ever felt this good. She was my muse, my weakness, my hope. Something animalistic took over. I got out of my own head. I stopped worrying about every little thing, and I just enjoyed her.
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Inked by Sarah Darlington
4 STARS
Inked was my first read by Sarah Darlington and I loved it. It was sweet, it was , it was funny it was emotional, it was perfect, for me.
The right book at the right time. The perfect gateway. A beautiful love story. Two beautiful characters.
They found each other at the perfect time, when they both were in hard places.
Nick a hero like I have never read before.
The book is written in dual POV, it can be read as a standalone.
5 TURTLE TATTOO SOULMATE STARS!! This book touched my soul…Nick and Amanda were so much fun to watch all the way through this story. Every emotion button I have was pushed, as I read this book. If you believe in soul mates, you will definitely want to read this book. These two will engrave their names on your heart, so get ready.
Inked is the first book in Sarah Darlington’s newest spin-off series, Kill Devil Ink! When she announced that she was once again bringing us back to Kill Devil Hills, I couldn’t have been more excited because I freaking love this world that she has created for her readers, a world that I have been in love with since the very beginning!
Nick and Amanda’s journey begins with a sea turtle tattoo on his butt cheek and a one-night-stand that leads to a special little surprise and a deep connection that neither one of them ever expected. Their romance is fast paced and messy at times, but one that I loved every second of. In all honesty my one and ONLY complaint really is that I didn’t want their story to end. However, I still found myself devouring the words in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down, which ALWAYS happens when it comes to Sarah Darlington’s words. Her storylines captivate my attention and her characters my heart. She knows how to get me hook, line and sinker every single time!
Whether this is your first book from Sarah Darlington, or you have read them all (LIKE ME), you won’t be able to put it down! I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the Kill Devil Ink series, especially if the couple is who I think they are! We already get to see a glimpse into their relationship in, Inked, and I am BEYOND excited to experience the journey of the next couple in the series. It should be an interesting pairing and the growth of the characters will be so FUN to see!
OMG!!! I seriously love this book!!
Every book by Sarah Darlington just keeps getting better and better. She just has a way with words that drags you into the story and Inked was a fabulous story with characters that I love so much and their journey and struggles is one you don’t want to miss reading.
This is a stand-alone story with a surprise pregnancy and deals with mental issues but I love how the author brings this real topics to life with so much understanding and care.
The story starts with Nick walking into A tattoo studio wanting to get a turtle tattoo. Amanda is the tattoo artist that he wasn’t expecting and their attraction was instant. One things leads to another resulting into the most amazing night ever. Unfortunately Nick is set to leave town for good after a not so good break up. After approximately a month later Amanda finds out she is pregnant. She never thought she will see Nick again so she is surprised one day when he walks into the studio again.
It’s so sweet that both of them think that they are not good enough for each other but little that they know that they are just what each other need. They have a bumpy ride ahead but it’s so beautiful to read how they care so much for each other and how love can conquer all.
INKED is the second instalment in Sarah Darlington’s contemporary, adult KILL DEVIL INK erotic, romance series-a spin off from the author’s Rock Stars in Kill Devil Hills. This is twenty-three year old, marine biologist Nick Jasmine, and twenty-five year old, tattoo artist Amanda’s story line. INKED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line/series is revealed where necessary. Nick was first introduced in Never Trust a Rockstar (Rockstars in Kill Devil Hills #1) and is Mick’s brother (Crazy .5).
Told from dual first person perspectives (Nick and Amanda) INKED follows the building relationship between twenty-three year old, marine biologist Nick Jasmine, and twenty-five year old, tattoo artist Amanda. Nick had been dumped by Emma, his girlfriend of six months, dumped for a rockstar, and to commemorate his time in North Carolina, Nick decided a tattoo would be his parting gift but Nick never expected to meet the woman that would call to his heart, tattoo artist Amanda. A one-night stand would result in an unexpected pregnancy but Nick had left without looking back. Two months would pass before Nick returned to Kill Devil Hills, and with it, the knowledge that not all was right in our hero’s world. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Nick and Amanda, and the potential fall-out as Nick’s struggles with issues of mental health, issues that could easily affect his relationship with the woman he loves.
INKED is a story of fate and love. On his last night in town, Nick walked into Kill Devil Ink, never knowing he would leave behind a piece of himself. With his best friend Lou in tow, Nick would return Two months later to discover that life as he knew it was about to change.
We are introduced to Amanda’s fellow tattoo artists Patrick and Finn, and Nick’s friend Lou; and the cameo appearance of Emma Winchester and Caleb Mills (Never Trust a Rockstar #1)
The premise is emotional and sometimes heart breaking; the characters are colorful , charismatic and flawed; the romance is tender, seductive and steamy.
Once upon a time, I read a book called Kill Devil Hills that made a big impression on me. I fell hard for the two main characters and their story has stayed with me over the years. So I was excited to return to North Carolina’s Outer Banks with Sarah Darlington’s latest release, Inked.
Nick and Amanda had an unforgettable encounter when he came to her for a tattoo. When their one night together resulted in a pregnancy, Amanda panicked, certain that Nick was out of her league and would leave her high and dry, and told him the baby wasn’t his. What came next was the story of two people slowly opening up, learning to trust, and figuring out they are better together than apart.
What was endearing to me about Nick and Amanda is that they both felt that the other was out of their league. Amanda viewed Nick as wealthy and privileged and Nick thought Amanda was carefree and creative and wouldn’t be interested in him (especially after his ex told him he was boring). Nick had been diagnosed with Panic Disorder and it was heartbreaking to see the toll the panic attacks took on him. His outward persona was one of charming confidence but in reality he was self-conscious about the panic attacks and very much an introvert.
Nick was very all-in and committed from early on which seemed rather unlikely, but I rolled with it. It was easy to do because he was just such a sweetheart. They both leaned on one another and needed each other for comfort and support even before they could recognize or admit that to each other. Their path wasn’t conventional, but I enjoyed watching them figure out their way together. Inked was a sexy-sweet story of two gentle souls who accepted each just as they were.
Inked is the start of a new series in the Kill Devil Hills world by Sarah Darlington. I really love this world Sarah has created and I was happy to see she was continuing to write in it. Although it’s part of the KDH universe, Inked can be read as a standalone.
I love a “beta” hero like Nick. He stole my heart right from the beginning, with his insecurities and feelings of inadequacy, stemming from being dumped for a literal rockstar. When he shows up at Kill Devil Ink for one last hurrah, (in the form of a sea turtle tattoo), before moving back to Maine, he actually gets more than he bargained for in the form of Amanda, the pink-haired tattooist.
This was an engaging read. Nick and Amanda are both kind of lost when they first come together. Although there was an instant attraction, Inked is actually a bit of a slow burn, as these two felt their way around each other. There was some back and forth, from each of them at different times. I really felt for Nick, dealing with his panic attacks and feeling like he wasn’t worth much. Amanda is independent, but also has her own issues. I admit I was upset with how Amanda first handled the pregnancy, but in a way I can see why she did what she did, considering she knew next to nothing about Nick.
I guess you could say these two had a complicated, yet easy, relationship. It was a relationship I was rooting for, because Nick and Amanda deserved love- to love and be loved in turn.
“Inked” was a very enjoyable and fun read for me. The love story between Nick and Amanda was so sweet. I liked the way the one supported the other, especially Amanda, who was trying to help Nick with his mental health issues.
The author chose to make one of her main characters to be facing a mental health issue. That is one of the things that I really appreciated about this book.
All in all, Inked was a nice and at the same time relaxing novel. It is a good choice for romance lovers out there.
Inked is a really good read. Nick is an interesting character. His plans in Kill Devil Hills didn’t go as plan but before heading back to Maine he goes to Kill Devil Ink to get a tattoo. Nick has a good head on his shoulders. He suffers from panic attacks. He meets Amanda when he goes to get a tattoo. Amanda is nice. They have great chemistry and a great night. Nick heads back to Maine but he’s not happy so his friend Lou convinces him to go back. Amanda has a surprise for him when he come back to town. Nick is really a great guy and he proves it’s to Amanda. I loved their story and can’t wait for Lou and Finn’s story next.
Inked(Kill Devil Ink#1) by Sarah Darlington. Nick is heartbroken and going back home to Maine. Before he goes he decides to go by Kill Devil Ink for a tattoo. You see he is Emma’s ex. She left him for Caleb Mills. If you haven’t read the Rockstars in Kill Devil Hill series please do. 4 really good stories that I really enjoyed reading. Not a necessary read for this story just really good stories. Amanda is the tattoo artist at Kill Devil Ink. Nick is a tattoo virgin. The attraction between the two is instantaneous however they only have one night together. Back in Maine Nick isn’t as happy as he thought he would be. He misses his job in NC regardless to his ex still being there plus he left his favorite hat. All Amanda has to remember that night is Nick’s hat he left and a baby growing inside her. She has all intentions of having this baby alone but when he comes through the shop doors for his hat, she has a decision to make. Nick has serious issues of his own. His issues are a very interesting story all by itself. I enjoyed the two of them. Both have issues they need to overcome and then add a baby. Their dilemma had me hooked from page one till the end. A great start to a new series set at Kill Devil Ink. So looking forward to the next book in the series. 4.5 stars for me.
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.
This is the second book I have read by Sarah and just like the first one, I really loved it. It’s a very easy book to read, I literally read it in two sittings and could of finished it in one had the family not wanted dinner
This book is about Nick and Amanda, they had a chance meeting when Nick turned up in Amanda’s work place looking for a tattoo before moving on from the town. He did not think he would then meet the love of his life, but it definitely shows you things always happen for a reason.
This pair were two lost souls, both with their own issues and struggles in life but together they made each other happy. They both had a lot of insecurities and pushed each other away, they both went in to their heads and did a lot of over thinking but in the end the love they have for one another came out on top.
Loved this book and loved seeing that sometimes love conquers everything.
Thank you for the chance to read this book.
I absolutely loved this book. I adore Nick and his quirkiness. Amanda is the perfect match for him, she’s so sweet, caring, and understanding. Nick is a very complicated character with a heart of gold. This book definitely gives you all the feels. I love Sarah’s writing style and how she isn’t afraid to show real life issues in her book like mental illness and how you can live a fulfilled life with one. I can’t wait for the next book in the Kill Devil Ink Series. 4 1/2 Stars from me!
Inked is my first Sarah Darrlington book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Conquering different disorders and also not seeing one’s self worth. Nick and Amanda‘s story is full of surprises. The story takes turns when you least expect them and I can not wait for the next book in this series.
Blurb:
It starts with a one-night stand…
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 right 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.
Universal link: https://books2read.com/u/b55Z7O
This is an honest review for an ARC received.
Nick & Amanda meet when he strolls into Kill Devil Tattoo Shop, to get his first ever tattoo before he moves back home to Maine. During the tattoo session, the chemistry between them ignites and they sleep together.
Fast forward a few months later, and Nick returns to North Carolina with his childhood best friend, Lou, who suffers from agoraphobia for a new start. Once back he desperately wants to reconnect with Amanda. Nick, who suffers from Panic Disorder, never wanted biological children for fear of passing on his mental illness.
Amanda learns that she is pregnant and decides she is going to have the baby and be a part of a family again. After finally being truthful with Nick about the baby, she is unsure of how to help him. Surprisingly, everything she does is mostly what he needs. There are moments of self doubt, that both characters work through.
As they navigate their relationship, you see the growth between them as a couple and individually. This book is a HEA, but Ms. Darlington makes Nick and Amanda work for theirs.
Although this was the first book I’ve read from Ms. Darlington, it will not be the last. I love how she shows the realness of living and loving someone who has a mental illness and all that each individual goes through to try and lead a productive and happy life. This book was a 4 1/2 star read.
4 star review of Inked by Sarah Darlington
Sarah Darlington is a new author to me and I am surprised that I have not come across her before. Inked is Nick and Amanda’s story and I was invested from the first to the last chapter. This is a well written story that ticked many boxes for me.
When Nick walk in to the tattoo parlour where Amanda weaves her magic, he has no idea that they are about to embark on a journey that will change both their lives forever. Their attraction is instant and what follows is a night of passion which as Nick is leaving town will be all they have.
Fate works in mysterious ways and when Nick returns to town, he is shocked to learn that he is going to be a father. This was an emotional read at times and my heart almost broke for both Nick and Amanda on occasion. I also appreciated that the author tackled the issue of Mental Health with dignity and respect, she didn’t shy away from it and I appreciated that.
Can Nick and Amanda, both with baggage come together and forge a path to love and happiness and above all else become a family? One click and find out.
Who would have thought that I small tattoo would result in a pregnancy? Welcome to Nick’s world. A fun, sexy surprise baby read that is so great. A standalone with characters from previous SD’s books, this book is a mix of new and familiar with a complicated love story. A great read. I was so happy to be back at the Outer Banks even if it’s just in a book.