Berls @Fantasy is More Fun and Michelle @Because Reading hosted this challenge and it was fun! I'll participate again next year. :)
AND it turns out maybe I can't quite finish a series in a month. While I finished 3 novels and 3 novellas, I didn't make it to the cross-over book, Get Inked. I'm calling it a win though since Get Inked is a Pucked and Clipped Wings story and I haven't read the Pucked series yet. I will though. Hunting is going on my favorite author list! :D
***
Cracks in the Armor by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #2.5
Release Date: June 23, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #COYER, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads
Synopsis
Chris, a sexy tattoo artist, tries to win the heart of Sarah, a grad student with little interest in him, in this second e-short and follow-up to Helena Hunting's gripping love story, Clipped Wings -- "twisted, dark, incredibly erotic...a love story like no other" (USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton).
Part owner of the Chicago tattoo shop Inked Armor, Chris Zelter is a talented artist who decorates skin with gorgeous designs. He might look the part of the typical jacked-up, inked-up bad-boy, but underneath is a fiercely loyal, complicated man. Kicked out at sixteen, Chris has had to fend for himself for the last twelve years, making his Inked Armor crew as much family as they are business partners. For him, it's enough--until he meets Sarah Adamson.
A grad student waitressing at the local strip club, Sarah is used to propositions and crude comments. The job is a means to an end--finish her MBA, pay off the tuition loans, and get a good job. Then she won't have to rely on anyone to take care of her. So when brawny, tatted up Chris begins hanging out at the club, she rebuffs his advances. At first. But Chris isn't like her usual clientele: despite his hard exterior, he's almost...sweet.
Sometimes, the people with the roughest edges have the biggest hearts.
Cracks in the Armor was another little glimpse into Chris and Sarah's relationship - the perfect setup for Fractures in Ink, which focuses on them. Since it's dual POV (the entire series is) I got to see where they both stand. Seeing the insecurities and vulnerabilities was captivating. Getting updates on Hayden and Tenley, and Jamie and Lisa was an added treat!
Onto Fractures in Ink...
Fractures in Ink by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #3
Release Date: November 14, 2016
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #COYER, #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads
Synopsis
Sometimes the things we shouldn't want become exactly what we need...
Waitressing at a seedy strip club isn't ideal, but it pays Sarah Adamson's tuition. Her goal is to finish her master's program and get a job that doesn't involve tight skirts and groping hands. She doesn't need distractions. Especially not the one that comes in the form of a hot-as-sin tattoo artist who works across the street from her apartment.
Kicked out at sixteen, and a high school dropout, Chris Zelter is familiar with wanting things he can't have. His fractured life has never been easy. As the product of someone else's bad decisions, he knows exactly what happens when the wrong person controls your marionette strings. Now an accomplished tattoo artist in a renowned studio in Chicago, Chris has it together.
Mostly.
Apart from his infatuation with Sarah. She's way out of his league, and Chris knows it. But he's willing to be her bad decision. At least for now.
Fractures in Ink was a nice way to wrap up the Clipped Wings series. It fit nicely with Hayden and Tenley's story since Chris and Sarah had pasts that hindered them in romantic relationships as well. Hunting's use of "clipped wings" was apropos.
We'd seen glimpses into Chris and Sarah's romance in the novellas so I was more than read to get better acquainted with these two. Chris had a rough childhood, first being the result of a teen pregnancy were is father was MIA and then enduring a step-father who was less than fatherly. He carried so much guilt over his perceived flaws and the mistakes he made - guilt that kept hi bound to a mother that preyed upon that guilt. No matter how successful he became, he didn't see a way out and it broke my heart that he saw himself as a choice Sarah would eventually regret.
Sarah had her own share of childhood woes having a serial mistress for a mother. She had high aspirations and worked hard to achieve them and along with them, her independence. Her choice in jobs to supplement her scholarship was questionable but also understandable too. That she made Chris work for the date that eventually led to their romance made me smile. She gave herself the time to look beyond what was on his outside to see the gem Chris was hiding on the inside.
There was a subplot involving Sarah's place of employment that added a layer of suspense and tied into Hayden and Tenley's story. There was also the subplot involving Chris' family which added depth to the story. One thread was left dangling though and although it didn't impact the story, I was disappointed it was left unresolved.
Overall, Fractures in Ink was an enjoyable read. It kept me engaged ad I was thrilled with where Chris and Sarah ended up. I also liked catching up with Hayden, Tenley, Jamie, and Lisa.
Berls @Fantasy is More Fun and Michelle @Because Reading hosted this challenge last year and I really wanted to participate but just couldn't do it. THIS YEAR, I'm in! For all the details on the challenge, click the graphic above.
***
Between the Cracks by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #1.5
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Kindle Freebie
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #ShelfLove
Goodreads
Synopsis
Tattooiest Chris Zelter doesn't always make the best decisions when it comes to the people he cares about, or the women he gets involved with. Things have changed recently, though. Chris has lost interest in casual flings as he finds himself wrapped up in Sarah Adamson, a waitress at the local strip club he frequents. It takes months of persistent attention before she finally agrees to date him, and he's determined not to mess it up.
Just as things are finally going his way, Chris receives a troubled phone call in the middle of the night from Hayden Stryker, his best friend and business partner. Unexpected revelations and the sudden departure of his girlfriend, Tenley, has nearly sent Hayden over the edge. Add in a speeding ticket and an impounded car and Hayden is balanced on the precipice of a total meltdown. Worried about his friend, Chris sets out on a rescue road trip, first to get Heyden, and then to bring back Tenley. The two men run into unforeseen roadblocks, proving even the best intentions don't guarantee results.
Chris and Hayden return to Chicago empty handed, and Chris is left feeling as if he's let down all the people who matter, especially Sarah. But Chris discovers that sometimes the best way to deal with failure is to find a way to forget about it. And losing himself in Sarah is the perfect way to do just that.
Between the Cracks is a little glimpse into Chris' world/head in the few days following the incident with Tenley and her subsequent return "home". It was a short, quick read, but I enjoyed seeing this part of Chris - his loyalty and love for Hayden - as well as his obvious deeper feelings for Sarah.
Onto Inked Armor...
Inked Armor by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #2
Release Date: May 13, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I won a paperback copy in a giveaway hosted by the blog formerly known as The Bookish Babe
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #ShelfLove
Goodreads
Synopsis
In this follow-up to Clipped Wings, the emotional love story continues between Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.
In the wake of losing Tenley Page, tattooist Hayden Stryker's tumultuous past is haunting him. Plagued by nightmares about the murder of his parents, Hayden reaches out again to Tenley. Having run from the man she doesn't believe she deserves, Tenley finally lays her guilt to rest. Despite their intense physical attraction, Hayden and Tenley struggle to repair their fragile emotional connection. As Hayden gets closer to the truth, he must find a way to reconcile his guilt over his parents' death in order to keep the woman who finally cracked his armor, and found her way into his heart.
Inked Armor picks up essentially where Clipped Wings ended. Things between Hayden and Tenley are even more tenuous and strained. It seems they aren't done battling their pasts - question is...do they do it together?
Clearly if things are to work out between these two, their pasts have to be dealt with. However, Hayden doesn't know how to deal with Tenley's and he's not so interested in sharing his past with her. These two can't stay apart though and it broke my heart watching them try to find the right path - the one leading them to each other.
I didn't find Inked Armor to be as emotionally gripped as Clipped Wings. There were things that were glossed over, predictable, or too cleanly resolved. But at its heart, this is a love story where love proves its strength and tenacity when it's the real deal.
The way Hunting used tattoos in Hayden and Tenley's healing process was fascinating. It's made me consider tattoos more carefully and wonder about the stories behind them. The character growth in both Hayden and Tenley demonstrated was admirable. They both figured out ways to deal with things on their own so they could be better in ways that made for a more solid foundation for their relationship. I also delighted in the stellar secondary cast members. They were a tight-knit group and gave Tenley and Hayden the family and stability they needed.
Inked Armor is the end of Hayden and Tenley's part of the story. The final novel is Chris and Sarah's story, and I'm eager for it.
Berls @Fantasy is More Fun and Michelle @Because Reading hosted this challenge last year and I really wanted to participate but just couldn't do it. THIS YEAR, I'm in! For all the details on the challenge, click the graphic above.
***
The first book in the Clipped Wings series is a novella, Cupcakes and Ink. For my review, click here. I re-read it this month but didn't re-review it. ;) While it isn't absolutely necessary to read Cupcakes and Ink, it really does set the stage well for Hayden and Tenley's story.
Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #1
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Gallery Books via Netgalley. I also won a signed copy in a giveaway. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, Can You Read a Series in a Month?, #ShelfLove
Goodreads
Synopsis
An emotional love story that follows the touch-and-go relationship of Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.
As Hayden and Tenley navigate their newfound but slightly unstable relationship, they want to trust each other, but Hayden is hiding a dark and shameful past that he doesn't ever want Tenley to find out about. And Tenley has secrets of her own that could make Hayden run away forever. When Tenley asks Hayden to put a beautifully elaborate tattoo across her back, the two form what they thought was an unshakeable bond. But when Tenley's past shows up on her doorstep, will Hayden stand by her side...or run?
"Everyone has scars, Tenley. If we're lucky, they're only on the outside." -Hayden
After reading Cupcakes and Ink, I knew I was invested in Tenley and Hayden. I adored them, empathized with them each individually and I was so very anxious over what they were each dealing with - the scars they both carried on the outside and the inside. As they became better acquainted and I, therefore, got to know them better, my heart broke for them both.
"I hadn't considered the possibility that I might find someone who would understand what I had endured and want me anyway, even though I wasn't whole." -Tenley
I think these two are soul mates because it felt like their souls must have recognized in the other the mutual pain and guilt they each were burdened with. It bought them into each others' orbit and both were loathe to let the other go. But they were both hiding things from the other. Despite them both having reason for it, the secrets threatened their bond. They did bring out the best in each other though. It was juts difficult to decide whether they could risk their hearts again.
You know the saying about how you'll never have more heaped on your plate than you can handle? Well, these two have had quite the heaping but they've proven their strength by surviving. And it seems they have a bit more to deal with before they can have some happy.
I hate that I've let such an incredibly written and emotionally draining book languish on my shelf. I've already started book #1.5 though. I still *have* to know where Tenley and Hayden go from here.
Cupcakes and Ink by Helena Hunting
Clipped Wings #0.5
Release Date: February 3, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley. This did not affect my rating and my review is voluntarily provided.
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #BloggerShame, #ShelfLove
Goodreads
Synopsis
Tenley Page is looking for a new start: a new city, a new apartment, a new life. Her plan is to keep to herself and stay focused. But leaving her past behind and starting over isn't as easy as she thought. And neither is maintaining her solitude. As Tenley settles into her new surroundings, she finds herself drawn to Inked Armor, the tattoo studio across the street. But it's the gorgeous, dark-haird tattoo artist who captures her interest. There's something about his severe beauty that captivates her - and not just in her waking hours.
Covered in the ink he inscribes on other people's skin, Hayden Stryker has made a career out of being a tattooist. He's got his own business and a tight circle of friends. As far as he's concerned, that's all he needs. At least until his aunt, who owns the antiques and used book store across from his tattoo studio, hires a new employee. At first his intrigue is based on physical appeal; hot chick equals something nice to look at. But as he begins to catch glimpses of the fiery personality under the fragile, feminine exterior, his fascination with Tenley grows. Annoyed by his inability to control his fixation, Hayden decides the best way to cure him of the new obsession is to get to now the girl under her skittish facade.
But like the ink he wears as armor, Tenley has the ability to get under his skin and stay there.
Novellas are always hit or miss but I'm happy to report Cupcakes and Ink was a hit. It's partly because it's well written and partly because this is a prelude of sorts - a little glimpse into the lives of the characters of this series. And I'm intrigued, y'all. Intrigued.
Hayden is this big guy - tall, wide, and built - who has a thing for tattoos - as in he's got quite a few - and metal. I mean piercings and he has quite a few of those as well. He's the owner of a tattoo shop as well as a tattoo artist and he gives a certain vibe. But he's also this kind and caring guy.
Tenley is on the run, from what we don't yet know. She's beginning work on her Masters and it seems tattoos might figure into her thesis. She's smart, attractive, and lonely. Oh, and she can't speak coherently to save her life when she's around Hayden.
These two have chemistry galore but they're both dealing with some apparently heavy things. Things we're left to speculate on for now.
As for the writing, Hunting provided just enough detail in this novella to hook me, make me anxious in my need to know more. She's obviously created characters that are complex and compelling and the story was dual POV - which I love.
Cupcakes and Ink hit the mark for me despite being a mere 60 pages. Lucky for me, I have Clipped Wings in my possession already. :)
The Strongest Steel by Scarlett Cole
Second Circle Tattoos #1
Release Date: July 7, 2015
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Source: Gift (kindle) from Lexxie <3
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads
Synopsis
Harper Connelly never expected to find herself outside of a tattoo parlor at one in the morning, summoning the nerve to take back her past. She's determined to forget her old life and is looking for an artist who can tattoo over the scars on her back.
Trent Andrews, local legend and owner of the Second Circle tattoo studio, has his own reasons for specializing in inking over scars. And in spite of her mysterious past and the difficult road ahead, he quickly realizes that Harper is funny, smart, and--under her ridiculously oversized clothing and SPF 100 sunscreen--totally hot. He's happy to take on the challenge of designing a meaningful and deadly full-back tattoo for her.
But when cryptic messages start appearing on Harper's phone, strange deliveries arrive at her door, and Second Circle is vandalized, Harper is convinced that her ex-boyfriend has tracked her down, and worse, that he knows about Trent. Running was the only thing that saved her last time, but now that she's started to put down roots in Miami, she'll have to decide if she can finally fight back instead.
"I love words. I love the structure of language and I love awe-inspiring writing." -Harper, pg 150
A girl after my own heart, I couldn't help but adore Harper!
Thank you, Lexxie, for the gift of this amazing book!! I didn't re-read the synopsis or Lexxie's review before diving in, so I went in only expecting a great read. It was a great read but it was so much more than I could have hoped. Seriously, if you have read this yet, hop to it! *wink*
Harper, as I stated, was a girl after my own heart. I'm not sure I could be as strong as she's been in the face of all she's endured though. And she'd argue the point of her being strong but she so is. Watching as she emerges from her self-imposed cocoon was beautiful. She didn't - couldn't - trust many. But there was something about Trent that spoke to her soul. And her spirit truly seems to have been forged in steel. Seeing her realize she was worth fighting for and stand on her own - *sigh* - it was something to behold.
Trent is one of the most appealing heroes I've had the pleasure to read. He's muscle-bound, tattooed, and all-man but he's soft-hearted, compassionate, and knows his Dante. *wink* He saw something in Harper, something besides the need to protect her, and he worked at getting what he wanted. He grew emotionally as well and although he'd experienced nothing as harrowing as what Harper had, he learned to let go and move past things that were putting an obstacle between them.
I can't not mention my extreme appreciation for Ms. Cole's nod to great literature. That she uses Dante as such an integral part of the series (Second Circle) and in Harper and Trent's story thrilled me...so much symbolism. And it added that much more depth and pleasure to an already incredible story.
Character development, strong plot, and an element of suspense all melded together for an excellent read. I'm beyond eager to jump into the next installment!
True
True Believers #1
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Checked out from library
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads
Synopsis
When Rory Macintosh's roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they'll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job...unbeknownst to Rory.
Tyler knows he's not good enough for Rory. She's smart, doctor smart, while he's barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can't resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There's something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn't...
Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler's broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost...
Oh, the emotions this story evoked! Watching Rory evolve from this awkward, closed-off young woman into a vibrant, more self-assured one - all while staying true to herself - was wonderful.
Rory is a girl I immediately connected with. I, too, was always the girl on the outside, watching everyone around me. I have trouble letting people in as well. Witnessing Rory go through this transformation - seeing her great epiphanies about human nature and relationships - well, it touched me in a significant way.I did not identify with Rory's logical side, however. Math and I are not good friends. :) But I appreciated how McCarthy used it in developing Rory and explaining how she approached life.
Tyler - of my goodness. Now only is he a tattooed bad boy, but he knows his literature equally as well as he knows his way around the family body. ;) He had me mooning over him just as much as Rory. And when he said:
"It was never about sex for me, it was always about me wanting to be with you, getting to know you."
I was a goner! He's absolutely right and being a part of he and Rory getting to know one another - showing parts of themselves they've never shown anyone - EVER - made the foundation they were building all the stronger. The odds were definitely against these tow making it. They are very different, from two different worlds. But they seemed made for one another.
"Because we both see beyond what other people see about us. We both know that sometimes the best things are below the surface. When I look at you, I see this amazingly smart, funny, generous, and beautiful girl. Did you know that?"
Rory learned some lessons about living that even in my 40's, I need to heed, like:
"Being a loner was ultimately selfish, and if you never gave of yourself, you never got in return."
True also introduced us to the characters we'll be learning more about in the series. I'm not sure what I think of Rory's roommates Kylie and Jessica. In so many ways, I see the do care about Rory and were acting in her best interests. But the ways they behaved were befuddling - especially the vulnerable/confident flip-flop. I'm eager to see them grow.
On a personal, and geeky, note, I was delighted in how McCarthy used literature to teach Rory. For instance, this epiphany occurred while she and Tyler were discussing A Streetcar Named Desire...
"All their relationships are delusional, from what I can tell. Blanche hides in the dark so men don't guess her real age, she and her sister pretend that nothing bad has ever happened, Stanley doesn't do anything but play poker and boss Stella around. If they would just like communicate with each other, they could resolve all their issues in ten minutes."
"That's what makes the book so realistic," he told me dryly.
"Real people don't discuss shit with each other."
He had a point. I didn't really discuss my emotions with anyone, either. I had spent most of my life being a silent observer. "Oh."
In one fell swoop, I got it. Literature wasn't intended to be about perfect people, it was about flaws, very real and very deep human flaws.
