Reece Hatfield has just one rule when it comes to falling in love: don’t fucking do it. There’s no room in his life for another person. He can barely keep a handle on things as it is. A shadow of the man he used to be, Reece spends his days tattooing, the artist inside of him longing for the chance to do something different.
Avery Moore is all dance, all the time. Ballet is all she’s ever … she’s ever known, and she’s damn good at it. Her body is her art, a living canvas that captivates Reece the first time he lays his eyes on her.
He yearns to leave his mark on her body… in more ways than one.
The tattooed degenerate with a shady past. The beautiful ballerina with a bright future. They live in different worlds, yet somehow, they fit. But just because they fit doesn’t mean they belong together. Cracks sometimes form. Two pieces don’t always make a whole. The course of love never did run smoothly. Things get messy.
And Reece doesn’t do messy.
Not anymore.
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Reece is a struggling tattoo artist, struggling to make ends meet in an expensive city, struggling to find his peace in life knowing that it only comes when he spends time with his daughter – which is not enough in his eyes. Along comes Avery and she brings him another kind of peace he never wanted, wasn’t looking for but couldn’t resist.
I am obsessed with the male POV of books, I live for them so when I get a F/M book that is strictly from the male POV, I am in love. I loved being in Recce’s head throughout this book. He was definitely a complex and troubled soul. But I felt like we never knew who Avery was – I felt like her character wasn’t developed at all. I have been struggling with this ever since I finished the book. I know that this book is Reece’s story, his journey, his growth and self discovery but it would have been nice to get some insight into the woman that stole his heart and helped him grow. I am a sucker for a single dad with a daughter. Gets me every time and this was no exception. Loved this book and would definitely recommend it.
Hero, Reece = 5/5
Heroine, Avery = 5/5
Secondary Characters = 4/5
Chemistry = 4/5
Sex = 5/5
Plot = 5/5
Mystery = 2/5
Action = 1/5
Darkness = 1/5
Humor = 1/5
POV = Hero’s POV
Ending = HEA, No cliffhanger
Stars = 5
Author = JM Darhower
Would I recommend this book = yes
Would I re-read this book = yes
Would I read future books by this author = yes
Blurb:
Tattoo artist, Reece got into lots of trouble with the law for graffiti. He’s trying to make ends meet when he meets Avery. Avery came into the tattoo parlor with her friend while she got a tattoo. Something connected with the two. Since that point Avery can’t stay away from Reece. Avery is a ballerina getting ready to graduate from Juilliard so her being with a tattoo artist covered in tattoos and piercings is not part of her life plan according to her parents. Avery also gets to meet Reece’s daughter, Lexie. She and Lexie get along perfectly and everything seems to go smoothly. That is until Reece runs into Avery and her parents. Her parents have no clue they were even an item. Will their relationship make it? Or will Avery give up love to please her parents?
I love this story. Lost, troubled, man from the wrong side of the city falls in love with the rich girl from the Upper West Side. I love that love does not discriminate and sometimes you can’t help who you fall for. This is a reread for me and now that I’m getting a 2nd look on this novel I really wish for a 2nd one for it. I’d love to see how Reece and a Avery are doing, their art, and lives together.
The Mad Tatter serves as first J.M. Darhower book and it will not be my last. I had no idea what to expect from the writing or the story I honestly just fell for the cover and the sale price and I’m so glad I did.
This story, told completely from the hero’s point of view, gives the reader a look into a tortured artist who’s past mistakes haunt him every day. Reece Hatfield, tattoo artist, lives a lonely life. One bright spot of his world is his daughter, who was an awesome part of this story. She showed Reece’s vulnerability better than any heroine could have done because the little girl was the first girl to steal his heart.
Avery, our heroine, is a ballet dancer working to prove to her parents she’s the best while trying to maintain a sense of self in her dancing for her future. She’s intrigued by the brooding artist and her fierceness allows her to start a friendship with him.
Reece and Avery become flirty friends turned lovers. Their chemistry is palpable during scenes of passion and just talking alike. They have a connection that’s easy to feel for the reader. And as the story the progresses there’s a culminating point in which you realize they were destined to be together even given their circumstances and differences.
J.M. Darhower wrote an intriguing, fast paced, easy-to-read stand alone in The Mad Tatter and I’m quite glad I read it.
This is a sweet story with a good cadence and a big heart. The story is told in first person, by Reece, and while I would have liked to have Avery’s side as well, the story feels full and colorful and not lacking. Reece has a daughter, Lexie, who does her best to steal every scene she’s in. *grin* kind of a little hellion, but adorably so… Avery is a dancer, currently ballet, and she comes to Reece’s shop with a friend. Avery & Reece have an INSTANT connection, but they don’t instantly fall into bed. They form a flirty friendship, a true friendship, and when their romance begins, you feel fully invested in their relationship.
I loved this story a lot! Definite keeper & re-read! : )
You know…There may have not been hot gangsters killing dudes, bad ass alpha hit men seducing someone, mobsters running amok….but there was this dude who made mistakes in his youth and he is trying to turn his life around and raise his daughter the best he can. This isn’t her normal type of books but she still nailed it. She always does.
I loved this book. Reece Hatfield (Rhys) is a tattoo artist and meets Avery one day when she comes into his shop with her friend. Avery doesn’t know what it is about Reece that makes her come back to see him. But she keeps showing up and hanging out with him.
“You walked in and every rule I ever had was instantly broken because of it.”
JM Darhower has become an instant one click-no synopsis needed Author to me. It doesn’t matter what she writes I enjoy it. The characters are well developed, the storyline flows perfectly, she makes me fall in love with her men, the ending always wraps up nicely.
“I want to know everything there is to know about her, see everything there is to see, dig deep down into her soul and understand what makes her tick..tick..tick. Because, I think, it might just be the same damn thing that claws around inside of me.”
I highly recommend this book as well as any other JM Darhower book.
I’ve really, really liked everything I’ve ever read by JM Darhower, and The Mad Tatter is no exception. Well-developed characters, interesting story line, good pacing. The only thing I felt was lacking was a bit more about Reece’s background and family.