A thirty-six year old mother of two finds out life isn’t over after divorce when a sexy as hell twenty-four year old tattoo artist kisses her senseless under a shooting star.Ivy thought she had it all–married to her high school sweetheart, two great kids, and a beautiful house. But her world comes crashing down when she catches her husband with another woman.When her best friend gives her a gift … friend gives her a gift certificate to a local tattoo parlor to cheer her up, Ivy gets a helluva lot more when inked-up Lukas Valentine–renowned tattoo artist, violin player extraordinaire, and extreme hopeless romantic–captures her heart.
Lukas is an old soul with a heart of gold. When Ivy walks into his shop, he’s instantly drawn to her shy smile and down to earth personality. Tired of the dating scene, Lukas is ready to settle down, and he’s hell-bent on making Ivy believe they can have the happily ever after they both dream about – with each other.
Despite their age difference, the chemistry and love they share is undeniable. Lukas is everything Ivy never knew she wanted in a man, but can she trust her heart with a much younger man, and can they overcome the hurdles that life keeps throwing in their way?
** Lukas can be read stand-alone
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I feel like I’m a worshipper of the Valentine family because I love them so much. This is Lukas who is the younger brother of Vandal and he couldn’t be more different, he is the light to his dark.
Carian has delved into the older woman/ younger man genre and she nailed it. There was a real depth to the story. The struggles of juggling a new relationship with the demands of children felt so real. I was happy they weren’t glossed over and we didn’t go straight to happy families as some do. I loved the dynamics between Ivy and Lukas. Thet balanced each other out and worked through any problems together ( eventually).
The story took a surprising turn that I’m anxious to see how will it will play out in future books.
Reviewed by United Indie Book Blog
3.5 stars
Lukas is book 3 in the Ashes & Embers series and this time we see how Lukas and Ivy became a couple. While I didn’t love it as much as other books by this author overall it was an enjoyable read. I love age gap books but I prefer them with the man being older. Here we have Ivy 36 separated with two kids and Lukas 24 tattoo artist, musician, business owner. First let me start with Lukas, I loved him. He is sweet, sexy, thoughtful, mature, and I loved his up front nature. He keeps nothing hidden and I loved how he shared his inner hopes and dreams so easily. Now Ivy was my issue, I found her blah. There was nothing thrilling about her and the first half of this book had me bored. Now the second half was better and I did start to like Ivy. My heart broke for her and what Macy did. While I was upset I understood her confusion and conflict because no mother wants to ever choose between her child and her man. I’m glad it all worked out in the end. Now what I’m not liking is yet again we have more secrets being kept from Vandal. I understand every ones desire to keep him sane but I worry he’s not going to handle the truth very well, especially this latest one. Also when the truth is revealed it’s going to affect Lukas and Ivy dearly. I can’t wait to start Talon’s book.
As I prepare to delve deep into a heavy metal band for my next book, it is great to know that there is someone else out there who loves rock Gods as much as I do. And who has raised the bar so high it’s going to be hard to write a story with so much depth! Carian Cole adds emotion and tension without making it too dramatic or too soap opera-y. She somehow manages to make her stories real without removing the whimsey of a regular girl falling for a rock star. I highly recommend!
Every girl needs a guy like Lukas, he’s mature for his age, considerate, romantic, thoughtful he is a pure dream guy! Lukas is the quieter member of Ashes & Embers, playing on some of their songs and occasionally joining them for a few shows
I am falling in love with this authors writing the more of her books I read, her characters are diverse and appealing and each has a very different story to tell. Each also has a harrowing past for one reason or another that just makes your heart break for them and their chosen partner doesn’t come without baggage either. The ups and downs kept me awake at night turning the pages until the situation was resolved enough for me to grab some sleep.
This one is such an emotional ride and every woman’s worst nightmare. Still everything happens for a reason and this reason was for Lukas to find his sole mate. Such a beautiful story!
I love all of Carian Cole’s books!
My other favorite next to Torn. The characters are so real and beautifully flawed. Their relationship is so gentle and delicate. The other side of heartbreak for both of them. Truly lovely read/audio. I’ve been later to work then I planned to because I’m in the parking lot listening to this. Enjoy.
Lukas is a book about artist, tattoo artist, and musician Lukas Valentine and HR manager Ivy. Lukas is super sweet and mature beyond his years. Ivy is a fresh divorcee and unsure about herself and dating. I love these two together. I hated the drama that ensued however am happy for their ending. Lukas is definitely a favorite of the series. Great book!
This was the easiest book and character for me to love. Lukas stole my heart from the beginning. His was so sensitive, caring, kind, and always looking out for others. The obstacles he had to overcome through his childhood, his uniqueness and it didn’t hurt that he was hot as Hades…all things I loved. He was an old soul trapped in a modern world, dreaming of a life of love, a wife and children to care for and cherish. Don’t EVEN get me started on that church scene..whoa baby! Journey through the ups and downs, the heartbreaks and celebrations of both Lukas, Ivy, her children and the entire Valentine Family. Take a chance and fall in love with the Valentine men and Carian Cole. She is a true storyteller that does not disappoint
Loved it and started the first in the series, Storm
Another brilliant instalment from the ashes and embers series. Book 3 of 4 so far.
It’s brilliant how the books interlink with each other and I cannot wait for more from this author who has vastly become one of my all time favourites.
You can read this as stand alone… but seriously DONT! You will miss out on two other brilliantly written emotive worthwhile stories.
As always…start at the beginning.