When a hot tattoo artist has a chance encounter with his high school girlfriend, it’s hot and angsty and real. But will she give him a second chance?
I’m a world famous tattoo artist with a six month waiting list. Everybody’s begging me to put my ink on them. I’m the hottest shit in L.A., and can get any girl I want. So the last thing I expect is for Ash Carter to walk into my shop and blow me … walk into my shop and blow me off.
I’ve spent the last seven years screwing half the women in the northern hemisphere, but nobody could come close to the girl I left behind. Ash was my world. But in order to protect her, I had to let her go. It was the biggest mistake of my life. And now I’ll do anything to get her back.
It’s been seven years since we last spoke. Seven long years of trying to ignore the memory of her skin, her eyes, her incredible confidence. She is everything I remember. Still stubborn and feisty and sexy as hell. They say you should forgive and forget. But Ash can never forget what I did. And I can never forgive myself.
She’s left a permanent mark on my heart.
But even if she takes me back, will we be able to overcome the past? Will we be able to move forward towards our future?
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*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.* Making my heart grow about ten times over, author J.D. Hawkins left me on cloud nine with this story. Truly some of his best writing to date! I am blown away and wish the story hadn’t come to an end. Ash and Teo are a “destined to be couple” looking to find their way back to one another. This second chance story is angst-filled, steamy, and hits all the right notes that made me swoon and sweat. This story demonstrates two very strong, independent characters stubborn in their own right; but making one’s ability to prove themselves a bit difficult. It’s this that provides for that delectable tension romance readers long for. J.D. Hawkins’ writing is on a new level with “Love & Ink” and I can wait to see what else is in store.
Poignant, heart-wrenching and extremely hot second chance romance. JD Hawkins does an excellent job of capturing the emotions of both Teo and Ash as they reconnect after several years, but must conquer the demons of the past. The secondary characters and setting are unique, interesting and engaging – even though Teo and Ash find their HEA, I was left wanting to read more from them and their friends! I hope for and look forward to the love stories of the other characters.
Since I first found JD Hawkins, all his books have astonished me. His writing is always fresh and original, and the fact that we finally have a male writer in this predominantly female industry is also invigorating. Being as that he is the only male writer I personally read, I would say I hold his writing to a higher standard than I do with all my other go-to’s that I have been following for years. So anytime I start in on his newest release, I spend hours to days enveloping myself into what I assume will be better than the last. Well, in this case with Love & Ink, he’s blown my expectations out of the park. I truly fell in love with this story and these characters and perhaps it’s because this story is a bit different from him. I saw one reader say she was going to have her husband read this book as a sort of “how-too” guide. I just grinned at that and thought how right she truly was.
This book has so much of what we come to expect from JD Hawkins, the steamy smokin physical chemistry between two characters, yet this one has something different. The story of Teo and Ash is purely nostalgic. It’s a story of long lost love, reunited after years apart, and a somewhat shady past that tore them apart at a young age. It’s simply remarkable.
In Love & Ink we see our two leads living their lives in L.A., both oblivious to one another’s nearness. It isn’t until one day, that by pure coincidence, Ash stumbles into the tattoo parlor and in hence tattoo artists studio owned by no other than her ex from high school, Teo. He broke her heart over 7 years ago, and to this day she still doesn’t know why. He disappeared off the face of the earth on prom night and left her with questions unanswered. When he also happens to be the tattoo artist she has an appointment with one fateful day, the two are confronted with their attraction that still lies between one another, but still the lingering questions of the past. Their physical connection is obvious from the first page, however it’s their emotional bond that I didn’t see coming. I didn’t expect these two to be so well connected from the beginning, especially after 7 years apart and the things he has hidden from her.
I loved this book and don’t have much more I can give away without spoiling other plot points, but simply know if you are a JD Hawkins fan, this is some of his best work. It’s nostalgic while still being sexy, and it’s full of unexpected emotions while also being set in the real world. This is a book that anyone can relate too and that is where some of the nostalgia derives from. Another 5-star from JD Hawkins has left me yearning for his next release and to see where he develops his writing from here.
This is my first JD Hawkins books and it will not be my last. Love his way of writing style, his details in his characters.
Ash has been looking forward to getting a tattoo. She’s research images, style and artists. And has chosen to get tattooed by Schurkenwolf, artists and owner of Mandala Ink. With a six months waiting list he has to be great.
Teo, has been traveling the world, learning and discovering his art skills and trying to forget the love he left behind 7 long years ago. Until she walks into his tattoo shop.
Second chance love story at its best.
I’ve been lucky enough to get to read and review this book voluntary
FANTASTIC 5 STAR READ!!! I love the way JD writes. He has a way of drawing you into the story and keeping you there. His characters are amazing and Teo and Ash are no exception. First of all, who doesn’t love a sexy, tattooed bad boy? Did you see that cover? Teo is…WOW!!! And Ash. I love Ash. She is so sweet. The chemistry between these two is amazing. Love & Ink will take you on a journey of love, tragedy and heartache, and second chances. Extremely well written. A love story you won’t soon forget.
If after finishing this book you are not completely in love with these two there something horribly wrong with you. High-school sweethearts, separated by… (I’m not saying why) and later reunited and learning what really love is.
Learning what really being in love and loving someone means is not easy and these worked their way to each other again even though it seems that everything was against them.
The book has a great pace and believe me it will be difficult to put down. You will get sucked in their world.
Teo and Ash…
Can I have a sequel…
This is a great read about two loves that separated by meet up again by accident.
Ash and Teo were from different sides of the tracks and kept their love a secret through high school. Then, on prom night, they’re ready to expose themselves to everyone but Teo disappears. Ash is heartbroken. Fast forward 7 years and Ash is walking into a tattoo parlor to finally get a tattoo that she’s been wanting only to find Teo there, as owner and the one about to give her a tattoo.
These two were such developed characters. You can’t help but route for them. Teo wasn’t just the bad boy tattoo artist. There was such depth to him and his love for her. He was afraid to tell her the real reason why he disappeared for fear of hurting her further.
There wasn’t anything about this book that disappoints. What a great second chance kind of love story!
Another amazing book by JD Hawkins. The story of two people from opposite sides of the tracks rerailed for a few years. This was hands down one of my all time favorites by JD Hawkins (second only to Cocky Chef). This book had all the feels, humor, perfect build up and some great steam built in and at points I felt this one straight to my heart. Loved the development of the characters in this and would have loved a little more with Teo’s background and family but overall a great book!.
Could not put it down once I started and never wanted it to end. ALso made me want to get a tattoo — haha
OMFG!!! JD HAWKINS DELIVERS A OUTSTANDING BOOK!! LOVE & INK is Outstanding & Sexy!!! Ash & Teo story is So Beautifully written and Intense Chemistry between both characters. I Love Second chance Romance stories and this one has a twist that makes you want to Throw your tablet across the room! This a is my Favorite book of Jax thus Far. It was funny, exciting, caring and Sexy!
Being a Teenager is hard but hiding a relationship is harder which they had to do. Ashley being political affluent Family and Teo coming from a trailer park with an alcoholic dad that had a criminal record. As the night they were going to publicize the relationship Teo decides to disappear and never come back.
NOW 7 years later they tend to bump into each other by accident by a tattoo appointment. After realizing who Ashley was looking at, she runs out of the studio and decides not to get the tattoo after all. Then a couple of days later they bumped into each other again and decide to exchange numbers to get to know each other again. Not knowing the past will Haunt the both of them of what of happened that night Teo disappeared. Ash wants answers but does not know how to approach and he will not talk about the night that he disappeared.
Ash & Teo decide to give into their feelings but not sure what’s going to happen. Then throw in a meddling father & sister, some awesome friends and Unfinished feelings in the mix to get a Rollercoaster ride of Drama!
THIS IS A MUST READ BOOK!!
He leans down, elbows on either side of me, bringing his face to mine to kiss me softly and then pull back just to look at me.
I bring my hand up to that sharp cheek, feeling the sweat under my palm, and he smiles back. “You’re mine,” he tells me.
“I am.”
Love & Ink is the 10th book written by J.D. Hawkins. What a journey it was! Each time more exciting than the next, I’m always wondering to see where JD will lead his next story. You can always trust him to spend a good time. He knows how to write dual pov. As a male writer, he sure knows how to portray the bad boys featured in his story but his women are to the point as well.
Love & Ink tells the story of Ash & Teo who were high school sweethearts but no one knew because of their different background. Teo left Ash behind out of the blue and both of them suffered without the other knowing.
Seven years later, they meet again and while the bitterness is strong on Ash’s part, the attraction is too strong to ignore. Both of them will have to overcome the past to hope for a better future.
I especially love this book because there’s a moral behind it all. No matter where you are coming from, no matter the background, no matter the money, there’s always a way, always the possibility to follow your dreams, your wish, not take the easy route and still be okay at the end of the road.
Teo has never got it easy. People saw his future more behind the bars than doing an actual legit job, yet he’s a successful tattoo artist. Not J.D’s usual cocky and confident guy, Teo is looking for place where he can fit, a place he can call home. While his business has settled him a little, there’s still an empty space he can’t seem to fulfil completely.
Ash comes from an upscale family and her life is already outlined for her. Fortunately, she isn’t the kind of person to let herself be pushed around. She chose the life she wanted to live and even if her career isn’t as satisfying as she wants it to be, she owes her success to herself only.
Love & Ink is about dealing with your past, your fears and your insecurities. It’s about giving a chance to the ones who believe in you endlessly. It’s about opening your eyes and look what’s right in front of you.
Engaging second chance story that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Boy from the wrong side of town meets girl from prominent family then get separated. Ash and Teo are like two sides of a coin, destined to be together but for meddling forces. Misunderstandings galore and heartaches abound. Sometimes it’s not about what the heart wants. J.D. Hawkins weaves a tale of lost love in this seamless story, with two seemingly ordinary characters who slowly carve out a piece of your heart. Be prepared for heartfelt emotions and lovable secondary characters in this winner.
This book proves once again what an amazing writer J.D. is. he just keeps getting better with every book. He made me fall in love with almost all of the characters by the time I finished and the ones I wasn’t in love with I still felt for. now that’s saying something because there is always at least one character in a book I don’t see as ever being redeemable but this book was different. a must read for everyone.
Oh my *sigh*…
This red-hot and heartrending love story will leave a permanent mark on your heart!
Love & Ink is a phenomenally penned romance that takes us on an all-consuming ride of heartbreak and redemption. A story about second chances thought to be gone, secrets kept hidden, and a love that never went away, Teo and Ash learn how to navigate their once-again complicated and emotional relationship. Broken hearts have turned to hidden walls that both characters need to overcome and tear down. But the old wounds from the past resurface, challenging Teo and Ash with difficulties that could make or break their newfound feelings and connection.
This story of young love evolved into a mature, fiery, and passionate tale of two people who are flawed and damaged, but found a way to overcome the mistakes of the past and forge a stronger and more intense love together.
Love & Ink is an emotionally impactful romance that blazes the pages with its unique character dynamic, intriguing storyline, and sizzling chemistry! An absolute must read that is sure to leave you warm and breathless!
5 Stars!
Love and Ink was a fun second chance novel. This is Ash and Teo’s story and I really liked them together. These two had some intense history and the sparks were still there seven years later. The steamy scenes were smoking hot. Told in dual POV this story gave you varying emotions.
The secondary characters were all fun and all added to the story. There were some family drama, work drama, secrets coming to light and so much more. This was a good read.
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel. *
I have to say, its been so long since I have stayed up late to finish a book in one sitting. Well let me tell you Love & Ink by J.D. Hawkins was so worst all the sleep I lost! This second chance romance was sweet, angsty, and emotional and it literally consumed me!
Teo has spent the last seven years running from a past he never wanted to give up but had no choice in doing so. In that time, he has made something of himself. It was hard at times, but he came out at the other end stronger, even as his heart was missing its other half.
Ash Carter has spent the last seven years wondering if what she shared with Teo was all in her head. Was their love real, if he could walk always so easily and without looking back? She has worked hard to live a life she chooses, but something has been missing.
Ash has been waiting six months for her tattoo. She wanted the best to do it, so it was worth it. Imagine her surprise when she walks in and see him, the boy turned man who walked away from her all those years ago. She imagined this meeting many times, the things she would say and the answers she would demand. But the man is even better than the boy she once loved. Could this be their second chance or is it already too late?
Teo and Ash wore their hearts on their sleeves. I loved that about them. Teo was strong, sexy and determined, but also carried the weight of his past on his shoulders. Ash was sweet, caring, kind and loyal, but she wanted answers. Could they find way to meet in the middle and finally fight for their future?
I loved Teo and Ash’s story. It was emotional, sweet and angsty. Teo had secrets, but he also knew truths could destroy. Can Teo and Ash have a second chance, or will their truths destroy them? This is the second book I have read from J.D. Hawkins and I love it. He writes story full of heart and that will consume you. I highly recommend this second chance romance. It was a great read!
4.5 stars! Loved this book!
I have a new favorite J.D. Hawkins book. A beautiful and well-written second chance romance. Ash and Teo are complex but relatable characters. I was rooting for them from the first chapter.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
JD. has definitely done it again with Love & Ink!! This book is one of my top picks for 2018!! Love & Ink has all the right feels. Love, betrayal, desperation, desolation, you name it, this book gave it. The characters were all very well developed and realistic. I was drawn into the story immediately and stayed entwined until the very end! JD always does an amazing job with his male POV. Teo is a great character strong, tattoo’d biker, yet a serious business man with artistic talents galore. Ash is also an incredible character, strong, beautiful yet unsure of herself, never getting over the hurt when Teo left her 7 years ago, with no explanation. Now they have a second chance, if life will allow. I think JD has really given us his best work to date and I really look forward to whatever he writes for us next!!!
*4.5 Stars*
This was my first JD Hawkins book and I was not disappointed. I really like this story and the characters right away. Discovering Ash and Teo’s world was alt of fun, and getting to know their story, wanting to find out how deep things ran, was great.
I like some, not all of the secondary characters. Mind you, some of them are just not likeable. You’ll know who when you read it.
There was angst in this but not an over the top amount. It’s a couple reconnecting and trying to discover what happened to them in the last. Can they really work? Or are they just a girl born into a privileged family and a boy from the wrong side of the tracks?
Their workplaces both play a huge role in the story as well, and as different as they are, their jobs suit them perfectly. Lots of things at play here but the story moves well and keep you intrigued.
I’ll definitely be reading more from JD Hawkins in the future.
I love that this was a second chance romance book, it was perfect and written so well. The cover is hot and that is just the beginning, the story is just as hot and steamy at times. This story was flawless, from the first page you will be hooked all the way until the last page. The characters, Ash and Teo are great together. Ash is a independent, strong woman that know what she wants and knows how to fight for it, I love a strong woman as a main character. This is a great read that everyone should 1-click.
If you enjoyed Aladdin, you’re going to enjoy Love & Ink. They are both second chance romances with looming secrets. Both heroines are from wealthy families and feel the need to escape from their father’s expectations. One by magic carpet and the other on a motorcycle. The heroes are from the wrong side of the track and need to come clean in order to set things straight or lose their true loves. Love & Ink is the much sexier version of the Disney classic.
It’s been seven years since Teo (Matteo) disappeared from Ashley ‘Ash’ Carter’s life. Seven years of heartbreak, wondering why he skipped town on the night when they were going to reveal their secret relationship to the world. So when Ash discovers her tattoo artist is none other than Teo, she runs.
Teo isn’t going to let Ash get away that easily, however no matter how hard he tries, the truth is what will set them free.
Love & Ink is a second chance romance about two young lovers from different sides of the track. The character struggles and heartache were well developed. It’s easy to fall in love with Teo and Ash. Don’t get too distracted by the book cover, you’ll want to read what’s inside. 5 Stars