Secrets from his past have scarred his heart. Can he trust her enough to learn to love again? In the eyes of the law, I’d atoned for the secrets of my past, but in my heart, I knew the debt I owed was too big to ever be repaid. I didn’t ask for forgiveness, because I knew I wasn’t worthy of it. Guilt weighed me down and scarred my heart.If it wasn’t for my art, I’d probably be dead. The truth … I’d probably be dead. The truth was, I had nothing else to live for. Or so I thought until Octavia Douglas came breezing unexpectedly into the picture.
Sexy, stubborn, and smart enough to know better than to throw her future away on a guy like me, Vivi made me question everything I thought I already knew. I suddenly craved the happy ever after I’d never dared dream of, and knew I didn’t deserve.
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From the first moment I met Zed, his sexy, tattoo artist personality captivated me. As he tackles whatever life throws his way, there are times when you can tell he is hiding a pain that almost consumes him. When a drunk teenager ends up in his shop, he never expects the call he makes to have someone claim him to land a sexy lawyer right in his lap. Vivi can’t believe she has to babysit one a client’s teenage son but if she doesn’t, well, her law career could end pretty fast. As she goes to ‘rescue’ the kid, we get to see how talented she is while she faces off with Zed. As these two find a way to work together for Xavier, the teen in trouble, they both struggle to hide the sparks they feel. When they do give in, their chemistry is combustible but Zed isn’t willing to let something more than one night happen. Will Vivi find a way past all the walls Zed has built? This story surprised me with the many layers to each character’s journey. Zed has secrets and a past that he hasn’t truly faced. Vivi is caught in the trap of pleasing her father and not following her heart for her true passion. Xavier, well, he seems to be that entitled teenager that has been given everything but even he shocks me. Definitely a journey to embrace your true self and find love that is all-consuming. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
First of all let me say this is the first book by MV Ellis I have ever read. And what an introduction to a new to me author. I was so immersed in the story of Zed and Octavia (aka Vivi those closest to her).
Zed, a tattoo artist with a trouble soul, has vowed her would never be in a relationship. He can’t let go of the past and feels that a woman would only judge him by the mistake he made years ago even though he paid his dues. In addition to his mistakes, he has no relationship with his own family. The man has a heart of gold but masks it from most people. Most people cannot break through the walls he has built around himself, that is until Octavia Douglas comes into his life.
Octavia is a tenacious corporate lawyer who is in charge of Xavier Cross, the son of rich client Xander Cross. This is not what she signed up for in life. She’s now an overpaid babysitter to an ungrateful rich spoiled brat. Her personality is not exactly what she appears to be. Cool and collective at work but more of a free spirit when given the chance.
There is an instant attraction between Zed and Octavia at first glance. His shielded exterior meets her conservative yet spunky corporate side. Neither of them understand it but can’t seem to fight it. I also laughed at some of the banter between them especially after she starts tearing some his walls brick by brick. Their steamy chemistry heats up their attraction even more as the story progresses.
Both Zed and Octavia are well developed and well written characters. This is also the case for the supporting characters within their story. They say opposites attract and in Zed and Octavia’s story, this is so true. I highly recommend Zed and look forward to reading the upcoming books in the series.
I received an advance copy of Zed from Hot Tree Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this story. Zed was an enigma from the start and I enjoyed finding out his story. Octavia was so opposite to start, which made this a fun read. The SK:eTCH staff were also interesting, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
A new series by Ms. Ellis?!? Sign me up please!
This is the story of Zed and Octavia or by her better name Vivi.
Two people who at first glance seem to be polar opposites of each other. But when you get to know them both, you see how alike they really are.
I admired Vivi’s tenacity. I loved how her outer shell, her persona was nothing like the “real” her inside. She is fearless and unapologetic and sassy, so, so sassy! I also admired how she could really cover up her true feelings when needed and let everything out when warranted. She is a spitfire and so amazing!
Zed, oh my me, this man has had the worst of situations heaped upon his shoulders at a young age and it shaped him into the man he has become! He too has an outer shell that no one has been able to break through, until Vivi.
There are surprises aplenty in this story! I was gasping at some points and shaking my head in disbelief at others!
Ms. Ellis has really found her stride in her writing, each book getting better and better! I cannot wait to see which character she writes about next! You can believe I will be following her closely!
OMG!! WOW!! M.V. Ellis is a New Author for me and She Had me Intrigued from the Very Beginning of ZED and never a Dull moment page after page!!
Never Judge A Book By Its Cover and The Main Character Zed in this Stunning Storytelling of this tortured tattoo artist struggling to run from his past. Then comes in a high school student drunk and throwing money at Zed’s feet for a tattoo during school hours. All of sudden, comes a waterfall of events involving a corporate lawyer Octavia aka ViVi, a damage control deal to work at the parlor shop and Sexual chemistry Off the wall Hot between two characters keeps you on your toes!!
I am not going to Spoil anything for you since there is So much Different Unique TWISTS and TURNS INTO the UNKNOWN that Have your Jaw Dropping several times!
Definitely Must Read Book with its Dark and Entertaining secrets and CANNOT WAIT TO read more from this Author!!
Fantastic Love Story!
This was a fantastic (sometimes sweet) love story. The main characters are well written and their interactions are funny, intense and sometimes very hot and steamy. It is definitely an intense page turner, which will keep you on your seat and guessing. Each chapter brought new and interesting elements into the story. I had so many ideas in my mind of how the story would turn out but with each turn of the page I was proven wrong! This made for a very interesting read.
Love Zed and Octavia. They are feisty and lovable but very strong characters. Definitely made for each other.
Great story. Can’t wait to read more books by this amazing author.
WOWZA! This was my first read from M.V. Ellis and I am officially hooked #fangirldown! I will definitely be reading more from this author for sure Zed & Octavia were complicated combination of all the sass, stubbornness and some seriously chemistry. As the layers of this story unraveled I was consumed with all things Rough Ink and I definitely recommend this read to any and everyone.
Zed is book 1 in the Rough Ink series . They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover Zed and Octavia really should remember that as these two throw off enough electricity that could light up New York City. When a ridiculously rich 16 year old decides that he was going to cause havoc it leaves Zed and Octavia in each other’s company more that each would like, this book had me wanting to get a sledge hammer and hit each of them in the head as they are both so set in their ways but once they have some interference they are able to find their way. Absolutely loved this book and it had some wonderful side characters that I hope get their story, can’t wait to read book 2 and hopefully see more of Zed and Octavia aka Corporate Barbie.
Zed is a standalone and a standout for this extremely creative and witty author. A story about a broody, ripped Tattoo Artist and a stunning, zealous Lawyer it was a perfect opposites attract scenario.
I love the way MV writes from the start to the finish it’s a page-turner for me. This has a great story line told in a dual POV. They really know how to push each other’s buttons but when they are on fire they ignite, talk about hot AF, Zed’s got it all happening.
This was a fantastic story centered around a privileged teenager called Xavier who started off a right little shit but Zed knew exactly how to deal with that; however, that meant taking on “weekend Barbie” as well.
“An underage, under-the-influence kid who should have been at school and under house arrest, on the loose in Brooklyn with a grumpy tattoo guy? What could possibly go wrong? As I paid the cab driver and approached the door of the place, I had a feeling I was about to find out.”
We met some amazing side characters that you really want to learn more about. I also felt an element of mystery throughout the book as Vivi was trying to uncover the truth about Zed’s past. Not one to back off she is one determined kickass babe.
“You’re not as humorless as I first thought, so I guess we’re each learning new things about the other person.” Why the fuck she had ever thought I was humorless was anyone’s guess.
“Awesome. Right now I’m learning that you still have way too many clothes on, and that you don’t have the ability to freeze time. So….”
Once again an MV book filled with lots of sarcastic banter, brilliant company names, and shattered broken relationships with all the feels, this is another five star for me. So happy this is Book One, bring on more Rough Ink.
4*
Zed isn’t impressed when a minor calls in his tattoo shop drunk and out of it to then make matters worse he vomits all over Zed.
Furious he dials the last number on the lads phone barking instructions to Octavia giving her 30 mins to collect him. Zed doesn’t want money as compensation he demands payment in manual labour and Octavia to supervise him. The sparks fly with the strong personalities , which of his work colleagues win the bet?
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Zed is the manager of a tattoo parlor, who is carrying around a lot of baggage, and instead of facing head on he is burying his head in the sand hoping they will just disappear, which is a tad frustrating at times. This is a good story and the only downside in my opinion, is that the story is a tad long winded in places. I look forward to reading more from this talented author and recommend for all.
How does Xavier, an underage teenager end up doing a community type service for a tattooist with a lawyer as a babysitter? Well that’s what the reader needs to find out!
But there’s more to it than that, as it brings together Zed & Octavia, who have an initial attraction turning it into a slow burn & totally hot romance. There’s quite a lot going on at times I did get a bit lost in the dialogue as Vivi uses her lawyer ways to interrogate a very unwilling Zed as to his background. Whilst she has been quite forthcoming with hers he’s quite the enigma. Little by little she wears him down but like most romances it’s not an easy ride. Of course there’s still heaps of drama going on with Xavier & his dad.
Arlo Jones, a rock star, from a previous series gets a mention so it’s not necessary to read that. It is also told in dual POV’s, which I also enjoy.
Overall if you like a sassy h & a very broody H, who have sizzling chemistry, then this is the perfect choice for you.
I received a complimentary copy for an honest review from the author. 4.5*
This is a new to me author and one I can’t wait to read more of.
This book will send you on a rollercoaster of emotions, one minute you’ll be laughing hard, the next you’ll be wondering if you just read that right.
The two main characters were perfect for each other in ways that they refused to acknowledge so the journey is bumpy but well worth the ride.
Definitely a must read.
A new to me author and I’ll definitely be reading more of her books. I fell in love with the characters varied personalities. Zed’s stubbornness was frustrating , I applauded the brash honesty of Kota, was disappointed with Xavier at times and loved Vivi’s thought processes. At times the storyline was a bit slow, but would pick up and kept me engaged.
This story is based around Zed, the manager of a tattoo parlour. He has a lot of baggage and it’s weighing him down. In typical male behaviour he buries his head in the sand and continues on as if he isn’t bearing a heavy load.
Xavier is the privileged, troubled, teenage son of a wealthy absent father. He tends to have no filters, say whatever he wants without consideration of the consequences. Xavier is manipulative and can talk his way around anything until he meets Zed.
Octavia is trying to climb the corporate ladder in a law firm. When she basically becomes a overpaid nanny, due to the partners wanting their high profile client Mr Cross to retain their services. Xavier is a pain in her butt and giving up her free time was not on her agenda. The pull she feels towards Zed is incredible and she finds his brash behaviour intriguing.