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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Another fantastic book to add to your JD Hawkins collection!
Teo is….well, there’s just something about him that draws you in. He’s a good guy that’s done some not-so-good things in his past, which altered his future with Ash. He’s charming, mysterious, and insanely sexy with that bad boy allure that he’s never lost from his youth. But there’s so much more to him than that. He’s just amazing.
Ash has always wanted to do things her own way, without being forced to follow someone else’s influence. She’s ambitious, head-strong, and can make the best out of any bad situation – and trust me, she deals with plenty of bad situations in this story.
I LOVED Teo and Ash! Their chemistry bleeds through the pages and won’t be denied. Be prepared to take a trip through ALL the feels with this one.
If you haven’t taken a chance on JD Hawkins yet, you’re missing out. His books are well written, a good combination of sexy and swoony, and highly entertaining.
I have realized with a J.D Hawkins read that I first take the time to appreciate the cover. It’s kind of my right of passage to enter a story written by a man who understands his heroine, his hero and his subject matter. In Love & Ink, we are introduced into the world of a tattoo shop and a man who worked his ass off to be a famous tattoo artist. It’s perfectly written that I almost found myself making a appointment to get that tattoo I’ve wanted for some time now.
Teo (Mateo) made the biggest mistake of his life seven years ago when he walked away from his one true love. His journey around the world wasn’t enough to try and forget her, Teo worked his way up to be a tattoo artist with a six month waiting list. He never expected that the woman he was meant to keep away from would walk into his shop, now that he has seen her, will he be able to let her go? The secrets he holds onto could destroy her if he reveals the truth or letting go of them could help them both move forward with a life together.
Ash Carter has it all, a family of politicians, a job and no need to worry about money if it all falls apart. Ash fell in love with a guy from the wrong side of the tracks and on one important night in her life, he broke her heart. Those wounds reopen the day she comes face to face with the tattoo artist she waited six months to have work done by. Ash finds that this gorgeous man in front of her may distract her from finding out the answers that she needs, but she will need the answer to why he left her and never looked back. I love Ash’s mentality of earning what you want, she will need her strength, her feistiness, the love she carries and forgiveness when it comes to her job and discovering the truth to why Teo broke her heart.
Love & Ink is a second chance romance that was torn apart and left these characters broken. Now, that Teo and Ash are older they can face the reason that kept them apart, Teo realizing his worth and Ash standing up for herself. The sexual chemistry between these two is felt with every swipe of the page. Hawkins has a way of keeping a smile on your face, feeling that tingling sensation in a great romance and the heartbreak of broken promises and the possibilities of losing that forever after. This is one story that I found myself losing sleep because I didn’t want to put it down.
5 Star Read!
I love second chance romance and this had everything I crave to read! This modern retelling of Romeo & Juliet is sweet, emotional, breathtaking, and passionate! Teo & Ash were young lovers who were suddenly torn apart. Years later they have a chance meeting and discover their fiery attraction is still alive. Unfortunately the obstacles they need to overcome are still there as well. Will they be able to turn their forbidden romance into an epic forever love? Teo & Ash are honest and relatable characters that you want to be friends with. Their story is captivating, and emotional, making me laugh, cry and swoon, especially at one epic, redo, romantic scene! I love Hawkins insightful, and comprehensive writing style. He makes you feel every emotion, and totally engaged. Don’t miss this breathtaking and passionate romance!
Another stellar book from JD Hawkins.
I have read all his books and can say without a doubt that each one just gets better and better.
Such a great storyline between old lovers who find each other.
Here are two of my favourite parts of the book
“Every part of me thirsting for him, purposeful and untamed, so much I almost scare myself, almost forget who I am, forget who he is…”
“A kiss that makes my skin shiver in the breeze, my knees weaken until Teo holds me to him tightly and it feels like I’m weightless.”
Let’s hope I don’t have to wait long for his next one .
Teo and Ash had been high school sweethearts, but something tore them apart. It’s sheer chance that they found each other again, and the chemistry they had back then is just as strong. The only problem is that unspoken thing that happened, which keeps cropping up in the back of their heads.
Ash fits herself into Teo’s life seamlessly, but because of his past, Teo has troubles doing the same. I loved when he finally came clean and explained what happened so they could finally move on.
Ash and Teo were such great characters, and I loved reading their story. The side characters were just as good, pulling from me emotions that are hard to build for characters who aren’t the leads. I love JD Hawkins’ characters’ voices. They always seem so real. The descriptions do as well, and it’s so easy to picture every scene as if it’s a movie.
This was a fantastic book and I didn’t want to put it down once I’d started. Even though they got their HEA, it’ll be hard to let Teo and Ash go.
Teo is an amazing character with so much depth. He hasn’t had an easy life and has made many bad decisions. But none bigger and more painful than at the age of 17 when he walked away from someone and something so beautiful.
Ash has never gotten over Teo. How can she when he just walked away without a word? She works hard for everything she has, not willing to give up what she believes in for the easy way out. She’ll get there. Her own way and in her own time.
A tattoo she has researched and waited months for and there he is. Teo. He still owns her; heart and soul. But the hurt and confusion remain and she knows he’s withholding something. The magic and passion is beautiful. But it’s not going to be easy and the truth needs to be told.
Teo is an old soul. His battles in life have given him a perspective and thoughtfulness many do not have. He nailed it with his explanation of why he likes tattoos.; the permanence of tattoos. My favorite quote in the whole book and I had to go back and highlight it.
Love & Ink is another great life story and second Chance romance.
J.D. Hawkins never disappoints and once again has delivered another amazing book! His books are so descriptive, you feel like you are inside the book with the characters. He has a way of writing that completely blows me away and Love & Ink is one of my favorite JD Hawkins books by far!
I loved Teo and Ash! Their story is beautifully written and a book everyone should read!
I absolutely loved Teo and Ash’s story. Lots of emotions went through this story. A much complicated history, past meets the future. Definitely a MUST read!!
I loved it!! Since the first book I read of JD’s, I devoured what was already available and waited impatiently for a new release. I consumed this story in one sitting. I didn’t want to leave their world. I hope we get to visit again.
This is a fantastic second chance romance between Teo & Ash. (Where do I find a Teo? Rawr!) Poignant & steamy. I love the journey to their HEA. You definitely need to pick this one up!
Oh my goodness! I am a sucker for second chance romance and this one completely….completely fits the bill!!!
Teo and Ash’s story is one to be remembered.
Teo had a rough upbringing and Ash had a life of privilege. Despite all of that, they find one another and have a love that could stand the test of time. That is, until life throws a nasty little bit of reality their way.
Fast forward seven years later…..
Ash seeks to do something that she has been hesitant about and it leads her straight into the arms of the one person who holds the answer to her suffering. The one person who has hurt her, but she can’t seem to let go.
Teo has suffered in silence. Doing unsavory things just to get him through the pain of losing the one thing in life that really ever mattered to him.
Both different people now, they still share the attraction and love that they had for one another.
There are secrets, there is angst, there are revelations, but more importantly, there is the love between the two that has refused to die.
Ash is a fantastic heroine! She is smart, beautiful, strong and loyal. She goes after what she wants and deals with life’s blows by staying true to herself.
Teo is such a dream. He loves this girl. Always has and even though he falters a bit ONLY when her welfare is threatened, he still manages to find a way to let her know that it is her that he wants.
That it was always her.
In a way that is the essential stylings of J. D. Hawkins, the story is relatable. The characters are loveable and mesmerizing.
I could not put this book down and it has become one of my favorite reads by this author.
Add to that the many highlighting worthy and quotable moments with the (blush inducing,…..smirk) steamy scenes, and what you will get is what I would consider a perfect read that will stick to your bones and leave you smiling every single time you think of their story.
I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a satisfying read that makes you feel like you got your money’s worth.
Keep them coming J. D. Hawkins! Bravo on a job well done!
Man, every time I see that JD Hawkins has a new book coming out, I am ready to one-click that bad boy. Why, you might ask? Because I know what I am going to get when I read one of his books and he has never disappointed me. He is definitely an artist when it comes to his words. His writing style is precise and in depth. If he doesn’t know about something he is writing, he doesn’t just put something down from minimal research. No, the man is combing every possible avenue to ensure what he says is 100% accurate. The other thing I love about his writing is his ability to integrate his other works into his current book. It is a little bit of history that makes you go, “Oh I remember that place or that person!”
Teo and Ash’s story is one that I am sure people can relate to. They come from separate worlds, but they don’t care. There is only one person who has something to say about their relationship. What happens when they were supposed to meet one night and run away together but Teo didn’t show up? He has spent the last seven years trying to get over the love of his life any way he can and then fate throws him a curve ball when Ash shows up at this tattoo business wanting a tattoo in remembrance of her mother. Shocker to say the least when you see the boy now man you fell in love with and just disappeared off the face of the Earth, seven years ago, and she wants…..no deserves answers. Will she ever find out the truth? HHHmmm, you will have to read it and find out. Thank you, Mr. Hawkins, for another wonderful story…I FLOVED it!
I thought the book was very good. It was about a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks and a rich girl who fell in love when they were in high school. Teo disappears and is never to be seen again until Ash walks into his tattoo parlor looking to get a tattoo. This is a second chance romance unlike any book I have ever read. I received an arc for an honest review. I would recommend reading Teo and Ash’s story
I love this author, J.D. Hawkins has really come into his own and I fell in love with him after reading Brando. Each of his books after that have just gotten better and better, his characters out doing themselves and Teo and Ash were no different. This second chance romance was sweet and sexy! I cannot wait for what he has in store for his next book. J.D. Hawkins is a must read author for me.
Loved this book! I mean what’s not to love?!?
Hot tattoo artist! Smart, gorgeous girl!
If you love econd chance romances like me…JD Hawkins newest work was amazing and had me hooked from page 1! Loved the leads, loved the secondary characters!!!
Can two people who loved each other so much rekindle that flame after years apart? Ash & Teo may not have been born into the same circumstances but love isn’t measured by anything but love
I highly recommend this sexy, fun, well written & passion filled Read!
Great second chance romance. They were high school boyfriend and girlfriend, but only in secret. She came from a politically affluent family and he came from a trailer park with an alcoholic and criminal for a father. He left town without a word, and now seven years later they happen to cross paths. She wants answers but he’s unwilling to give them. Yet somehow they manage to fit together now as much as they did all those years ago. Lots of fun and quirky characters, as well as those ones you want to smack upside the head. It carries that mystery as to why he left throughout the book. The story/book is well written. It has a few more emotional scenes, but nothing overly dramatic. There are several steamier scenes as well adding to the HOT factor. She is a strong individual who wanted to work hard for and earn everything she has. Not wanting to take the handouts that her father wants to toss her way. He lived his life trying to work himself away from being known as his father’s son. Trying to forget the love he left behind. And trying to make himself worthy of her, even if he lost his chance. They seem to have people all over working against them, so they must work hard if they want this second chance to survive.You will love these two characters and love them together. Of course it has the whole tattoo aspect too, to add to it’s allure. 😉 It reads easily and rather quickly. Alternates between POV’s. As I mentioned, there is some sexual content, and I would recommend this a read for the 18+ crowd.
Teo and Ash were star crossed teenage lovers. When he deserts her she never expects to see him again. When she walks in the exclusive tattoo shop she is shocked to see Teo again. The chemistry between the two had not dimmed.
Spicy second chance romance. Teo is the consummate bad boy with a heart of gold. Ash is feisty and his equal. Amazing chemistry and story line. Super enjoyable read!
I read to escape, to learn and reach into the stories that the authors’ creative journey will take me. Sometimes the words hit so close to home that I think to myself, “damn here is something beautiful I can remind myself of daily.” It can be a quote or a thought, but it hits one’s inner self just perfectly right at that moment.
THIS….. “Not an ending” I say, feeling a rush of powerful determination fill my veins. “Just the end of a chapter. It’s not over yet.”
Here’s the thing you need to know about a Hawkin’s book, he does the research and can write a women’s POV just as strong as the males. If you’re reading about the tattoo shop, well you feel like your inside that shop looking around because of the details he describes.
The main characters Teo and Ash’s ‘second chance’ is unique and executed with the right amount of angst, smart dialogue, laughter, the push and pull. Delicious sexy scenes. Friends and family that help or are set on keeping them apart. It gives you the whole kit and caboodle (showing my age here). There is a past of the whys? A future you look forward to discovering for both of them to fix the mistakes and the love and their determination to move forward.
You know that moment that every girl wants where the guy rides up on a horse or comes with the glass slipper to be your prince? Well, there’s a moment in this book that the hero in this story captures something similar.
It’s so different and so creative but with the same essence that I wrote above. A dark knight on a shiny ride giving the princess an unexpected moment. A perfect moment!
So, without further ado I just would like to say thank you Mr. Hawkins for a few hours to escape. Cheers to a HEA and a beautiful epilogue.
Amazing story about second chances. It will capture your heart as it takes you through an emotional ride. It’s beautifully written with characters you will love. I enjoyed reading their journey as they overcome obstacles and insecurities to their HEA. A must read! I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Amazing! I absolutely could not put Love & Ink down! The title is perfect, the cover is hot and the words oh those words! From the first page Hawkins holds you hostage and doesn’t release until the very last page of awesomeness! Ash is an independent woman that knows what she wants! She’s a go getter until she can’t hold on any tighter. Teo is a tad lost trying to find his way and a little rough around the edges. Just the right amount of that along with all of his tattoos makes him super hot! These 2 have a past full of secrets and mistakes that may hinder their future! One-Click this awesome must read!
My favorite line in the book – “Always a little pain at the start of something beautiful”. That fairly sums up the book.
If you’ve found my review, you have already read the blurb and a whole host of other reviews before mine, I won’t bore you with yet another synopsis of the story. I will tell you it’s a thoroughly engaging read and I highly recommend it.
With a lot of books I pop in my earbuds and get on with chores or some task that doesn’t require me to be fully engaged. I always enjoy a Hawkins book because I have to be sharp to catch all that he packs into a sentence. There is no fluff paragraphs or wasted words, I’m constantly thinking and that makes me happy! That’s what I hope to get from all my books, but all too often don’t.
I’ve read this story a couple of times now and I liked it better the second time. First time around I was left feeling that Teo and Ash just picked up where they left off seven years before and Ash was being a doormat by not requiring his reasons for leaving. The more I think about the story after a second read, I know I was wrong, the pair are both struggling with the past and learning to be with each other again. His keeping a secret was partly his shame and protection of her ideals of her family, as awful as it was. He’s also an artist and an alpha male who was in emotional lock down, imagine the turmoil in that head of his!
Hawkins is clever in his world building with mentions of Frankie’s yoga studio, TrendBlend and Knife restaurant. It’s a fun Easter egg for longtime fans. I hope to see more of Jenny and Eli as well as Ginger and Kayla and Isabel. The secondary characters are every bit as interesting with potential as the main ones.