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Ink #1
Ink
She doesn't know why bad feels so good...
What seems like out of nowhere, Hope Zigler’s life has transformed: the normal Georgia life of an aspiring singer and student is now turned upside down when she moves away with her dad to Cherry California, and California is truly bizarre. Her heart tells her she can adjust, while her head begs for her old life back.
Suddenly she's a misfit in a town of rich snobs and cruel teens. After almost being killed at a rock concert, she's dying to find out more about the guy who saved her...is he trouble? Is Hope in over her head?
Slade Andrews, the tattooed bad boy and lead singer of the Evil Kings of Ink, is haunted by his past. When Hope moves to town, Slade is strangely drawn to her and determined to prove he is not the guy the town paints him to be.
In a town full of lies, one secret could change everything.
Not suitable for eighteen and under.
What seems like out of nowhere, Hope Zigler’s life has transformed: the normal Georgia life of an aspiring singer and student is now turned upside down when she moves away with her dad to Cherry California, and California is truly bizarre. Her heart tells her she can adjust, while her head begs for her old life back.
Suddenly she's a misfit in a town of rich snobs and cruel teens. After almost being killed at a rock concert, she's dying to find out more about the guy who saved her...is he trouble? Is Hope in over her head?
Slade Andrews, the tattooed bad boy and lead singer of the Evil Kings of Ink, is haunted by his past. When Hope moves to town, Slade is strangely drawn to her and determined to prove he is not the guy the town paints him to be.
In a town full of lies, one secret could change everything.
Not suitable for eighteen and under.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2011
45 people are currently reading
1848 people want to read
About the author
Holly Hood
47 books360 followersHolly Hood is a prolific romance author who specializes in crafting stories filled with dysfunctional characters, layered drama, and small-town secrets. From paranormal romance to dark mystery suspense, her work fearlessly explores love triangles, supernatural connections, and the complex dynamics of family drama.
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, and now residing in Sylvania, Holly began writing as a child to navigate a difficult home life. What started as an emotional outlet through diaries, journals, and play scripts evolved into a passion for storytelling that allows readers to experience raw emotions that might make them "want to punch someone in the face or cry."
With nearly 30 published books to her name, Holly has captivated readers with popular titles including The Ink series, Run, Anonymous, Perfectly Hopeless, Sad Pancakes, Castles, Neighbor, and Even Wilder. Her writing stands out for its unexpected twists, touches of humor and sarcasm, and refreshingly non-traditional endings—she's not afraid to kill a character when the story demands it.
When not writing, Holly embraces her creative spirit through various art forms including drawing, clay work, crochet, painting, and 3D printing. She also enjoys cooking, baking, reality television, and music.
Holly's newest project, The Serpent Series, launches with "When Serpent Sleeps," available on Amazon. Connect with her on TikTok @readhollyhood or Facebook @authorhollyhood to follow her writing journey.
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, and now residing in Sylvania, Holly began writing as a child to navigate a difficult home life. What started as an emotional outlet through diaries, journals, and play scripts evolved into a passion for storytelling that allows readers to experience raw emotions that might make them "want to punch someone in the face or cry."
With nearly 30 published books to her name, Holly has captivated readers with popular titles including The Ink series, Run, Anonymous, Perfectly Hopeless, Sad Pancakes, Castles, Neighbor, and Even Wilder. Her writing stands out for its unexpected twists, touches of humor and sarcasm, and refreshingly non-traditional endings—she's not afraid to kill a character when the story demands it.
When not writing, Holly embraces her creative spirit through various art forms including drawing, clay work, crochet, painting, and 3D printing. She also enjoys cooking, baking, reality television, and music.
Holly's newest project, The Serpent Series, launches with "When Serpent Sleeps," available on Amazon. Connect with her on TikTok @readhollyhood or Facebook @authorhollyhood to follow her writing journey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
May 3, 2012
Let me just say: Hot, Hot, Hot. Innocent, virginal YA this is not!
I give it 4½♥'s... I'm showing a full 5, but I'm a little particular about giving 5 stars- it was close. Emotionally, it's a YA story (and also technically since the main female protagonist is in high school) but from the steam factor- my, oh, my! It's racier than many adult books.
"You're just a regular Wikipedia aren't you,"
"I nearly died when I saw the periodic table sitting in front of me. It was my arch enemy."
Love me some tattooed, pierced hot male eye candy. Go on there, Slade, play with that lip ring!
"I was about to show him bite."
"I know a lot of things you could explore."
I'll go exploring... I'll create a map as I go along! Oh, my computer screen just steamed over again. Be careful with your eReader while succumbing to this hot book.
"I stared down at my wrist, his touch still lingering on my skin. Along with the ink."
Slade was one of those look like a bad boy but act like a gentleman (more or less.) He was right up my alley. I am still getting shivers from the hotness that is Slade.
"Orgasms are like a scared puppies. If you just relax and act like you're not looking for it, then it just come on its own."
If you're looking for a hot, tattooed (yummy) paranormal read that will crawl down your pants and set up a tent... look no further. If you want to stick with the straight and narrow YA vanilla paranormal romance, then put down the book and leave Slade to me and nobody looses a lip ring.
I give it 4½♥'s... I'm showing a full 5, but I'm a little particular about giving 5 stars- it was close. Emotionally, it's a YA story (and also technically since the main female protagonist is in high school) but from the steam factor- my, oh, my! It's racier than many adult books.
"You're just a regular Wikipedia aren't you,"
"I nearly died when I saw the periodic table sitting in front of me. It was my arch enemy."
Love me some tattooed, pierced hot male eye candy. Go on there, Slade, play with that lip ring!
"I was about to show him bite."
"I know a lot of things you could explore."
I'll go exploring... I'll create a map as I go along! Oh, my computer screen just steamed over again. Be careful with your eReader while succumbing to this hot book.
"I stared down at my wrist, his touch still lingering on my skin. Along with the ink."
Slade was one of those look like a bad boy but act like a gentleman (more or less.) He was right up my alley. I am still getting shivers from the hotness that is Slade.
"Orgasms are like a scared puppies. If you just relax and act like you're not looking for it, then it just come on its own."
If you're looking for a hot, tattooed (yummy) paranormal read that will crawl down your pants and set up a tent... look no further. If you want to stick with the straight and narrow YA vanilla paranormal romance, then put down the book and leave Slade to me and nobody looses a lip ring.
May 6, 2012
Quick review
Cover: It’s okay
Rating NC-17 for the sexiness of it all.
Thumbs Up 5
Overall: This book may feel YA, but it's not.
Characters: Well done.
Plot: An interesting twist on an old tale. It’s not vampires though.
Page Turner: Yes.
Series Cont.? Yes.
Recommend Yes
Book Boyfriend: Slade
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
First off, this YA book rivals content description of some adult books so be warned. This book is not for the faint of heart. With that said, I still think for the most part what happens is a part of the story. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
To see my full review and yummy pic, check out my blog post below. I UPDATED MY REVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR'S CHOICE FOR SLADE. MUCH BETTER OPTION YUM!
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
Cover: It’s okay
Rating NC-17 for the sexiness of it all.
Thumbs Up 5
Overall: This book may feel YA, but it's not.
Characters: Well done.
Plot: An interesting twist on an old tale. It’s not vampires though.
Page Turner: Yes.
Series Cont.? Yes.
Recommend Yes
Book Boyfriend: Slade
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
First off, this YA book rivals content description of some adult books so be warned. This book is not for the faint of heart. With that said, I still think for the most part what happens is a part of the story. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
To see my full review and yummy pic, check out my blog post below. I UPDATED MY REVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR'S CHOICE FOR SLADE. MUCH BETTER OPTION YUM!
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
April 21, 2012
Hope moves out to California with her father and brothers after her parents' divorce. Having a hard time making friends and fitting into the rich and snooty town, Hope meets Slade and Tucker, two guys from completely different worlds. After she starts spending time with both Slade and Tucker, Hope's life takes a dangerous turn, and she has to decide which one of them she can trust…possibly with her life.
I loved the characters in this story. They were very well written, and you felt like you got to know each one personally. Hope is an overall likeable person. I thought the author did an excellent job getting inside her head and describing her hopes, feelings, desires, and reasonings for doing the things she did. Slade was dark, mysterious, and sexy…an excellent combination. I would have loved to have his tats described in detail so I could imagine better what he looks like. Tucker is…well confusing. Throughout the whole book you are not sure if you are supposed to love him or hate him. Obviously, Hope felt the same way. I like how the author was able to make him so open and friendly and yet so mysterious at the same time.
I really loved the storyline. It was very different from the usual boy meets girl sort of thing. I really hope in the second book we get to see more of Oz, Kidd, and the rest of Slade's family. They seemed really interesting. The only thing that really disappointed me about this book was the ending. While I enjoyed how the story played out, I thought it was wrapped up maybe a little too nicely. I know the next book in the series is coming out in a few months (and I can't wait!), but really the way this book ended it could be a stand-alone. It would have been nice to have a bit more of a cliffhanger to keep the reader on the edge.
Ink is the second book I've read written by Holly Hood, and she has quickly made it to my favorite authors list. I love her writing style and the stories she brings to life.
I loved the characters in this story. They were very well written, and you felt like you got to know each one personally. Hope is an overall likeable person. I thought the author did an excellent job getting inside her head and describing her hopes, feelings, desires, and reasonings for doing the things she did. Slade was dark, mysterious, and sexy…an excellent combination. I would have loved to have his tats described in detail so I could imagine better what he looks like. Tucker is…well confusing. Throughout the whole book you are not sure if you are supposed to love him or hate him. Obviously, Hope felt the same way. I like how the author was able to make him so open and friendly and yet so mysterious at the same time.
I really loved the storyline. It was very different from the usual boy meets girl sort of thing. I really hope in the second book we get to see more of Oz, Kidd, and the rest of Slade's family. They seemed really interesting. The only thing that really disappointed me about this book was the ending. While I enjoyed how the story played out, I thought it was wrapped up maybe a little too nicely. I know the next book in the series is coming out in a few months (and I can't wait!), but really the way this book ended it could be a stand-alone. It would have been nice to have a bit more of a cliffhanger to keep the reader on the edge.
Ink is the second book I've read written by Holly Hood, and she has quickly made it to my favorite authors list. I love her writing style and the stories she brings to life.
March 19, 2012
Hope's Mom and Dad get a divorce. Hope and her twin brothers decide to take off from Georgia and move to Cherry, California with their Dad. They are going to stay in her nutty Grandmother's house on the beach. Her Dad will work at a company of said Grandmother's husband.
Lucy meets two boys. Tucker: The mayor's son, the boy her Grandmother wants to set her up with, and the hottie player. Slade: Member of a band, bad boy image, tattoo's and a pierced lip. Yum! Hope is attracted to both boys and warned by both boys to stay away from the other one.
Both boys are hiding something. Both seem to be something dark. Which one will she pick? And in the end where will that lead her?
I adored this book. Two yummy guys fighting over the same girl. Slade of course was my little lusty...Hot! Several chapters that had me squirming and reading faster to see what the hell was going on and how it was gonna play out. I would suggest this book to everyone I know. It was just that good. Now go forth and buy your own copy and enjoy!
Lucy meets two boys. Tucker: The mayor's son, the boy her Grandmother wants to set her up with, and the hottie player. Slade: Member of a band, bad boy image, tattoo's and a pierced lip. Yum! Hope is attracted to both boys and warned by both boys to stay away from the other one.
Both boys are hiding something. Both seem to be something dark. Which one will she pick? And in the end where will that lead her?
I adored this book. Two yummy guys fighting over the same girl. Slade of course was my little lusty...Hot! Several chapters that had me squirming and reading faster to see what the hell was going on and how it was gonna play out. I would suggest this book to everyone I know. It was just that good. Now go forth and buy your own copy and enjoy!
May 7, 2012
Once I started reading Ink, I didn't want to stop reading!! It's that good!!
After her mom and dad get a divorce, Hope decides she's going to move with her dad and twin brothers to Cherry, California. Soon after she arrives she goes to a concert in the park and meets Hottie McHottertan, Slade. He has piercings and tattoos, which I love! Anyway, he saves her from getting trampled and walks her home. Things in Cherry should be great-Hope lives right on the beach, she's goes to a performing arts school where she's able to sing and dance, there's a guy at school who's in to her...but Hope doesn't really like Cherry or it's residents.
Ink is much more than your typical YA! Actually I don't know if it's really YA, I wouldn't recommend it for anyone under the age of sixteen. I really enjoyed the paranormal part of the book. The characters are awesome-I loved her dad, Nona, and Karsen. I would easily rate this a 4.5, highly recommended!!
After her mom and dad get a divorce, Hope decides she's going to move with her dad and twin brothers to Cherry, California. Soon after she arrives she goes to a concert in the park and meets Hottie McHottertan, Slade. He has piercings and tattoos, which I love! Anyway, he saves her from getting trampled and walks her home. Things in Cherry should be great-Hope lives right on the beach, she's goes to a performing arts school where she's able to sing and dance, there's a guy at school who's in to her...but Hope doesn't really like Cherry or it's residents.
Ink is much more than your typical YA! Actually I don't know if it's really YA, I wouldn't recommend it for anyone under the age of sixteen. I really enjoyed the paranormal part of the book. The characters are awesome-I loved her dad, Nona, and Karsen. I would easily rate this a 4.5, highly recommended!!
May 30, 2012
Four and a half star to be precise !!!!
“I want you, too,” Slade whispered in my ear, holding my thighs tightly in his grip. His intensity took my breath away as he drove himself deep inside of me, the motion of his body against mine bringing me to climax in seconds. I squeezed my thighs together, pinning him in place, bringing him to a halt.
Holy moly thats hot !!! Actually theres so much more thats hot !!! *cant think straight *
Mumbles "God I need to stop acting like this ....
*clears throat*
Hmmmm okay lets see what we've got here :
- An awesome cover with my favourite colours and a very intriguing name .... (check)
- A YA also marked as an Adult read to spike your interest .... (check)
- A teenage angst queen moving out of her home in Georgia to Cherry , California just because her parents got divorced and she doesn't want to leave her dad so she decides to move with him and her twin brothers and a dog to their Nona .. I mean granny's beach house .... (check)
- A very awkward and a grumpy little town where everybody probably hates the MC just because she decides to hang out with certain 'outcasts' .... (check)
- A band with a really dark name and some really dark members ... (check)
- A 'holy mother of hotness' tattooed and Pierced hot mess who can sing like a Rockstar and make yout feets and knees go all Jell-O just by his .... well a lot of things (check)
- A complete Douche who gives you the idea that this could be a probable love triangle but then clearly makes you think 'may not 'by his ultimate douchery ... (check)
- A BFF from hell who loves being called a Sex Kitten but also understands a lot things way more clearly than the FMC herself .... (check)
- People who always think that they are right and all the others are wrong ... (check)
- Sex in ... on ..... well lets just say a couple of places and I'm talking about some really hot , steamy sex for a YA here people .... (double check)
- Lots and lots of Ink .... (check)
- Not your average tale of magic and wizardry (check)
Seeing all those points right there , I'd say this book was completely not what I expected it to be . You might be getting some ideas reading what I've mentioned but let me deal those have got nothing on what this book can make you feel . Its got all these clichè elements in them but good lord the heavy dosage of hotness that this book gives you is definitely something to look out for .
Hope is a cranky little girl that loves to sing and dance . Not only that but she had this rebellious nature to her character that really made her pretty likeable . Slade on the other hand , well what can I say about him . He is definitely hotness personified
. I also loved the supernatural element of this book . It was a very interesting twist to an age old story .. not really sure if its an actual story or theory , but I'm certain that I've heard/read it somewhere
On the whole this was a very exciting read and I recommend it to readers who love their YA a tad bit mature , and totally think guys with tats and piercings are a definite turn on !!!
“I want you, too,” Slade whispered in my ear, holding my thighs tightly in his grip. His intensity took my breath away as he drove himself deep inside of me, the motion of his body against mine bringing me to climax in seconds. I squeezed my thighs together, pinning him in place, bringing him to a halt.
Holy moly thats hot !!! Actually theres so much more thats hot !!! *cant think straight *
Mumbles "God I need to stop acting like this ....
*clears throat*
Hmmmm okay lets see what we've got here :
- An awesome cover with my favourite colours and a very intriguing name .... (check)
- A YA also marked as an Adult read to spike your interest .... (check)
- A teenage angst queen moving out of her home in Georgia to Cherry , California just because her parents got divorced and she doesn't want to leave her dad so she decides to move with him and her twin brothers and a dog to their Nona .. I mean granny's beach house .... (check)
- A very awkward and a grumpy little town where everybody probably hates the MC just because she decides to hang out with certain 'outcasts' .... (check)
- A band with a really dark name and some really dark members ... (check)
- A 'holy mother of hotness' tattooed and Pierced hot mess who can sing like a Rockstar and make yout feets and knees go all Jell-O just by his .... well a lot of things (check)
- A complete Douche who gives you the idea that this could be a probable love triangle but then clearly makes you think 'may not 'by his ultimate douchery ... (check)
- A BFF from hell who loves being called a Sex Kitten but also understands a lot things way more clearly than the FMC herself .... (check)
- People who always think that they are right and all the others are wrong ... (check)
- Sex in ... on ..... well lets just say a couple of places and I'm talking about some really hot , steamy sex for a YA here people .... (double check)
- Lots and lots of Ink .... (check)
- Not your average tale of magic and wizardry (check)
Seeing all those points right there , I'd say this book was completely not what I expected it to be . You might be getting some ideas reading what I've mentioned but let me deal those have got nothing on what this book can make you feel . Its got all these clichè elements in them but good lord the heavy dosage of hotness that this book gives you is definitely something to look out for .
Hope is a cranky little girl that loves to sing and dance . Not only that but she had this rebellious nature to her character that really made her pretty likeable . Slade on the other hand , well what can I say about him . He is definitely hotness personified
. I also loved the supernatural element of this book . It was a very interesting twist to an age old story .. not really sure if its an actual story or theory , but I'm certain that I've heard/read it somewhere
On the whole this was a very exciting read and I recommend it to readers who love their YA a tad bit mature , and totally think guys with tats and piercings are a definite turn on !!!
December 23, 2011
This really was a fantastic read. I was captured right from the beginning, and found myself staying up late and getting up early so I could read more.
The book starts off with Hope and some of her family moving out to Cherry, CA. They are a family divided, and her paternal grandmother lives out west, so they decide to leave GA. They aren’t rich, but they are definitely moving to a wealthy area. Hope, her dad, and two of her brothers (Eliot and Easton – twins) pack up the van and are on their way.
Right away Hope meets a few people, and they are all kind of haughty. She manages to make a couple friends right away, but no one like her bestie back home, Karsen.
And then one night she sees a bunch of people walking down the beach, and they are all heading the same direction. She decides to investigate and comes upon a rock concert! The crowd is enthralled, and soon starts to get wild. But someone is coming to Hope’s rescue, a guy full of tattoos, mystery, and carrying a baseball bat! His name is Slade, and he saves her from the rock hungry crowd.
And then Hope meets Tucker. He’s the classic all American boy type: fantastically good looking, charming. And he’s giving Hope lots of attention. What girl wouldn’t be flattered and excited?
Boy, these two guys, Slade and Tucker, really had me in a tug of war for the first half of the book. I could easily see how Hope was having trouble picking just one. But luckily that difficulty doesn’t last. She goes on dates with each of them.
Slade and Hope’s first date is the perfect teen dream. Two young people learning about each other, fanning that spark. The undertow of excitement, curiosity and fascination took me back in time and made me want more, more, more! I thought right there I had made my mind up, regardless of the story I was picking Slade.
But then Tucker picks Hope up for the first day of school and he seems so sweet and genuine. Could it be true? I was wrestling with myself mentally here. He seems so intent on getting to know her better and definitely on a flirtier level. I must admit, if it was me I would have totally fallen for his tactics. Flirty, fun, carefree. Then I made my mind up again, I wanted Tucker.
And then I flip flopped around, every new fact giving you more information. Do you go with the mainstream and play it “safe” or do you go outside your boundaries where there is passion and danger?
So which does she pick? Who steals her heart? And whose mystery is more dangerous than fun? This book was really good at keeping you guessing. The author gives you a little hint, then steers you in a new direction. But either way, you are glued to the page, waiting to see where the path goes. You get to see the characters really develop and grow all while going on a great trip. I got mad, I got happy, and I was anxious and scared. It was a lengthy book, but for me it went superfast and would be positively happy if it were even longer – or a series!
I agree with Holly Hood, this book doesn’t exactly fit into a YA category. There are some mature scenes. It is probably best left for eyes 16 and over. And with that said, I think that the paranormal fans will be happy, along with love story fans, and even some mystery fans.
The book starts off with Hope and some of her family moving out to Cherry, CA. They are a family divided, and her paternal grandmother lives out west, so they decide to leave GA. They aren’t rich, but they are definitely moving to a wealthy area. Hope, her dad, and two of her brothers (Eliot and Easton – twins) pack up the van and are on their way.
Right away Hope meets a few people, and they are all kind of haughty. She manages to make a couple friends right away, but no one like her bestie back home, Karsen.
And then one night she sees a bunch of people walking down the beach, and they are all heading the same direction. She decides to investigate and comes upon a rock concert! The crowd is enthralled, and soon starts to get wild. But someone is coming to Hope’s rescue, a guy full of tattoos, mystery, and carrying a baseball bat! His name is Slade, and he saves her from the rock hungry crowd.
And then Hope meets Tucker. He’s the classic all American boy type: fantastically good looking, charming. And he’s giving Hope lots of attention. What girl wouldn’t be flattered and excited?
Boy, these two guys, Slade and Tucker, really had me in a tug of war for the first half of the book. I could easily see how Hope was having trouble picking just one. But luckily that difficulty doesn’t last. She goes on dates with each of them.
Slade and Hope’s first date is the perfect teen dream. Two young people learning about each other, fanning that spark. The undertow of excitement, curiosity and fascination took me back in time and made me want more, more, more! I thought right there I had made my mind up, regardless of the story I was picking Slade.
But then Tucker picks Hope up for the first day of school and he seems so sweet and genuine. Could it be true? I was wrestling with myself mentally here. He seems so intent on getting to know her better and definitely on a flirtier level. I must admit, if it was me I would have totally fallen for his tactics. Flirty, fun, carefree. Then I made my mind up again, I wanted Tucker.
And then I flip flopped around, every new fact giving you more information. Do you go with the mainstream and play it “safe” or do you go outside your boundaries where there is passion and danger?
So which does she pick? Who steals her heart? And whose mystery is more dangerous than fun? This book was really good at keeping you guessing. The author gives you a little hint, then steers you in a new direction. But either way, you are glued to the page, waiting to see where the path goes. You get to see the characters really develop and grow all while going on a great trip. I got mad, I got happy, and I was anxious and scared. It was a lengthy book, but for me it went superfast and would be positively happy if it were even longer – or a series!
I agree with Holly Hood, this book doesn’t exactly fit into a YA category. There are some mature scenes. It is probably best left for eyes 16 and over. And with that said, I think that the paranormal fans will be happy, along with love story fans, and even some mystery fans.
January 18, 2012
I apologise to the author as it took me much longer than anticipated to review this book. I think one of the main reasons for this is that despite compelling writing, try as I might I just couldn't like the main characters.
First of all, this is 18+ mature YA. There is plenty of sex and violence. I was taken aback by it, although the author did give a fair warning about the contents of the book.
Hope moves into Cherry, CA with her alcoholic father and younger twin-brothers leaving her friends and dreams behind. Straight away she becomes involved into the strange dynamics of this town. One group organising rock concerts in the park and participating in them is being vilified by the whole town, accused of witchcraft and murder.
Her first day in town, Hope meets Slade, who is a part of this group and an amazing singer, and they feel instant attraction. He is a classic bad-ass - tattoos, black leather, etc.
Hope also meets Tucker, a hunky son of a Mayor of Cherry. Tucker goes to the same Art School as Hope who is a very talented singer. Her grandmother and Tucker's mom actively try playing matchmaking with them.
Despite the predictable popular love triangle, magic, sex and violence the whole book is pretty bizarre, because both Slade and Tucker are dicks (sorry, there is no polite way of saying that). They might say the right things but their actions are so self-centered, so sickeningly negligent of Hope's well-being, I'm frankly at loss why would anyone like them?
Tucker is a spoiled rotten rich teenager with a bitchy stepmother and a psychotic dad. Slade might be poor and rebellious but at heart he is a manipulative little bastard.
I think my problem is that I felt bad for Hope whose naivete made her fall for a guy like these two. The girl is courageous and is not afraid to stand up for herself, but she made stupid stupid choices and I couldn't bring myself to like her for that. I know I'm supposed to suspend my disbelief and just enjoy the story, and I know for a fact that a lot of people did.
However, I've seen too many men like that in real life. It's not funny and it's not attractive.
Also Karsen, hell of a best friend... Too much sex, just too much.
I'd better stop ranting.
I think at seventeen I would have found this book daring and exciting, but now? I'm too old to fall for it, peeps :)
Don't let my rant discourage you. Decide for yourself what you like.
First of all, this is 18+ mature YA. There is plenty of sex and violence. I was taken aback by it, although the author did give a fair warning about the contents of the book.
Hope moves into Cherry, CA with her alcoholic father and younger twin-brothers leaving her friends and dreams behind. Straight away she becomes involved into the strange dynamics of this town. One group organising rock concerts in the park and participating in them is being vilified by the whole town, accused of witchcraft and murder.
Her first day in town, Hope meets Slade, who is a part of this group and an amazing singer, and they feel instant attraction. He is a classic bad-ass - tattoos, black leather, etc.
Hope also meets Tucker, a hunky son of a Mayor of Cherry. Tucker goes to the same Art School as Hope who is a very talented singer. Her grandmother and Tucker's mom actively try playing matchmaking with them.
Despite the predictable popular love triangle, magic, sex and violence the whole book is pretty bizarre, because both Slade and Tucker are dicks (sorry, there is no polite way of saying that). They might say the right things but their actions are so self-centered, so sickeningly negligent of Hope's well-being, I'm frankly at loss why would anyone like them?
Tucker is a spoiled rotten rich teenager with a bitchy stepmother and a psychotic dad. Slade might be poor and rebellious but at heart he is a manipulative little bastard.
I think my problem is that I felt bad for Hope whose naivete made her fall for a guy like these two. The girl is courageous and is not afraid to stand up for herself, but she made stupid stupid choices and I couldn't bring myself to like her for that. I know I'm supposed to suspend my disbelief and just enjoy the story, and I know for a fact that a lot of people did.
However, I've seen too many men like that in real life. It's not funny and it's not attractive.
Also Karsen, hell of a best friend... Too much sex, just too much.
I'd better stop ranting.
I think at seventeen I would have found this book daring and exciting, but now? I'm too old to fall for it, peeps :)
Don't let my rant discourage you. Decide for yourself what you like.
July 24, 2016
This book at first was quite good.
It drew me in nicely and was going ok.
But then as it went on everything seemed to drag on and I grew bored and tired with it.
It didn't really begin to pick up again until right at the end.
It took a great effort to not just stop reading it, I wouldn't recommend it being completely honest because I did find it uninteresting and a waste of time. It was good at the start and end but it just took yo long to get there. The whole entire middle part of this book seemed insignificant.
Plus I didn't really crush on or feel an attraction to any of the lead guys:/
And Hope went from being this prude naive frigid girl who had never been kissed to kinda a player who kissed two boys, lost her virginity and fooled around a lot in a matter of weeks.
It honestly made me laugh at her charachter change.
It drew me in nicely and was going ok.
But then as it went on everything seemed to drag on and I grew bored and tired with it.
It didn't really begin to pick up again until right at the end.
It took a great effort to not just stop reading it, I wouldn't recommend it being completely honest because I did find it uninteresting and a waste of time. It was good at the start and end but it just took yo long to get there. The whole entire middle part of this book seemed insignificant.
Plus I didn't really crush on or feel an attraction to any of the lead guys:/
And Hope went from being this prude naive frigid girl who had never been kissed to kinda a player who kissed two boys, lost her virginity and fooled around a lot in a matter of weeks.
It honestly made me laugh at her charachter change.
December 29, 2011
The Good
Once I started reading this book I could barely put it down. It has romance, heartbreak, nail-biting moments, and mystery. Every character had their own personalities and own agendas. Hood has created a world that's both magical and nerve wracking, for evil is lurking in Cherry and Hope can't always come out unscathed. But it's the continuous guessing game on who Hope can trust that really thrilled me. Can she trust Slade, the guy with a bad reputation, who sings in a band, who has tattoos and a dark secret, but is the only one who is truly nice to Hope. Or can she trust Tucker, the mayor's son. The popular guy with outrageous good looks and wandering hands. Of course Tucker and Slade are enemies and the fact that they both want Hope just adds fuel to the fire.
Hope was smart, loving, and all-around interesting. You easily feel and care for her character from the get go. She takes care of her father and twin brothers while trying to make friends in a town full of rich snobs.
Slade took a little more time to get use to. He's more cutting in his comments but usually means well. He has had a bad life and only wants to be happy. When he finally reveals his secret I was so excited. I thought his background was very well thought out and gave a nice dash of paranormal to the story.
Reading about Tucker is like taking a shower while the washing machine is going: hot and cold. You get all hot and bothered by his self-confident demeanor and flirtatious nature, then you get smacked with cold water as he reveals a more sinister side of himself. But which is the true Tucker? That's something you will keep wondering till the end. But his father just straight creeped me out from the start. Wouldn't want to be trapped in a room with him.
The mystery in this book was amazing. I was always surprised by the turn of events and could never guess what was going to happen next. The premise was unique and made me want to read more. There were parts that terrified me, made me laugh out loud, and made me scream in frustration. The book overall was well written and the dialogue was very realistic.
The Bad
Hope's best friend Karsen frustrated me. I felt like she was unsympathetic to Hope when it came to the many terrifying situations Hope was put in. She easily brushed away reasonable fears Hope had, and I just didn't understand why. Some things about Karsen really put me off to her, though she did have some funny moments.
I wish some things were explained more. I still had questions in the end. Some people's actions were very odd throughout the book and I wish the reasons behind their behavior were explained more thoroughly.
The Snuggly
Hey, it's a paranormal romance, what do you think? Of course we get sex. Three sex scenes, a lot of heavy petting, and a little peep show (OMG, I am still laughing about what Hope walked in on). But these are very mild scenes. They are actually really cute and well written.
Overall
Hope is only seventeen so you would think the book was young adult. But I would not categorize Ink as young adult. This book is full of adult situations. This is what actually intrigued me the most: getting to read about a younger set of characters that face real life scenarios like sex and alcohol. My complaints are pretty minor and in no way took away from the book's overall awesomeness (hey, it's my blog and I can create words all I like). I thought the whole story was very endearing and it held my interest the whole time. Highly recommended.
http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
Once I started reading this book I could barely put it down. It has romance, heartbreak, nail-biting moments, and mystery. Every character had their own personalities and own agendas. Hood has created a world that's both magical and nerve wracking, for evil is lurking in Cherry and Hope can't always come out unscathed. But it's the continuous guessing game on who Hope can trust that really thrilled me. Can she trust Slade, the guy with a bad reputation, who sings in a band, who has tattoos and a dark secret, but is the only one who is truly nice to Hope. Or can she trust Tucker, the mayor's son. The popular guy with outrageous good looks and wandering hands. Of course Tucker and Slade are enemies and the fact that they both want Hope just adds fuel to the fire.
Hope was smart, loving, and all-around interesting. You easily feel and care for her character from the get go. She takes care of her father and twin brothers while trying to make friends in a town full of rich snobs.
Slade took a little more time to get use to. He's more cutting in his comments but usually means well. He has had a bad life and only wants to be happy. When he finally reveals his secret I was so excited. I thought his background was very well thought out and gave a nice dash of paranormal to the story.
Reading about Tucker is like taking a shower while the washing machine is going: hot and cold. You get all hot and bothered by his self-confident demeanor and flirtatious nature, then you get smacked with cold water as he reveals a more sinister side of himself. But which is the true Tucker? That's something you will keep wondering till the end. But his father just straight creeped me out from the start. Wouldn't want to be trapped in a room with him.
The mystery in this book was amazing. I was always surprised by the turn of events and could never guess what was going to happen next. The premise was unique and made me want to read more. There were parts that terrified me, made me laugh out loud, and made me scream in frustration. The book overall was well written and the dialogue was very realistic.
The Bad
Hope's best friend Karsen frustrated me. I felt like she was unsympathetic to Hope when it came to the many terrifying situations Hope was put in. She easily brushed away reasonable fears Hope had, and I just didn't understand why. Some things about Karsen really put me off to her, though she did have some funny moments.
I wish some things were explained more. I still had questions in the end. Some people's actions were very odd throughout the book and I wish the reasons behind their behavior were explained more thoroughly.
The Snuggly
Hey, it's a paranormal romance, what do you think? Of course we get sex. Three sex scenes, a lot of heavy petting, and a little peep show (OMG, I am still laughing about what Hope walked in on). But these are very mild scenes. They are actually really cute and well written.
Overall
Hope is only seventeen so you would think the book was young adult. But I would not categorize Ink as young adult. This book is full of adult situations. This is what actually intrigued me the most: getting to read about a younger set of characters that face real life scenarios like sex and alcohol. My complaints are pretty minor and in no way took away from the book's overall awesomeness (hey, it's my blog and I can create words all I like). I thought the whole story was very endearing and it held my interest the whole time. Highly recommended.
http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
March 21, 2012
Where do I begin? Ink is the first book I have read by Holly Hood and now I must read all her other books. Ink has it all suspense,romance, mystery and paranormal aspects.Hope was a normal teenager moving to a new area and she meets Slade. Where do I begin with Slade? He is the exact image in my head of a bad boy. I don't think there would have been anyway for Hope to not have fallen under Slade's spell. Slade was such a bad boy but still so sweet to Hope. It was no surprise to learn there was something different about him. Holly Hood pulled off the character of Hope so well. I felt like I was back to my teenage years reliving them with Hope. Hope also had another love interest in Tucker but there wasn't anything I liked about him. He was the normal rich boy that thought everything should go his way. This book kept me up at night because I just had to keep reading to see what would happen next. I loved the vivid descriptions and the way the author captured Hope and Slade's young love. I would recommend this book to others looking for a great book with heart bounding action, romance and suspense mixed in.
Thanks to Making Connections group and the author for a chance to read this.
Thanks to Making Connections group and the author for a chance to read this.
August 20, 2011
This book was so much fun to write, and to read. I am totally happy with the turn out. Hope everyone else enjoys it just as much!
January 6, 2018
Why do all the books I've been reading lately ferking suq
August 20, 2012
Review posted at Sinfully Delicious Book Reviews
I have mixed feelings about this book. It's a pretty sexy YA with some very dark themes included. That isn't my reservation though.
We have Hope, who along with her dad and twin brothers, has moved to a town called Cherry, CA. She's 17 and starting school soon at an academy for the arts. She loves music: dancing, singing. So what does she do on her first night in town? Follows the group of people she sees on the beach going to a rock concert in the park. The rock concert proves to be rambunctious and she is constantly being thrown about and almost trampled. Enter Slade who comes to her rescue.
Slade is 19, covered in tattoos, has a lip ring, wears the standard black. He's a mysterious character and remains mysterious and aloof most of the book.
Holly is trying to make it work at this new school but she's kind of an outcast already just for having hung out with Slade. The town is very judgmental. Extremely so.
The plot is great. I like the idea of what's happening and how it's solved. My reservations come with the writing. The chapters end so abruptly. It feels like they just end in the middle of something and I was left wanting more. When the next chapter picks up, time has passed and it's moved on and I'm left wanting to know what has happened in the meantime. I feel that we miss out on some important information.
A few things are left unexplained, or unbelievable to me. So the Evil Kings of Ink live in a tour bus that's parked at the park they perform at. They have shows practically night after night and they are constantly packed. How does a band have that much material to play in the same place probably to the same crowd all the time? I love music and all but I would probably get sick of seeing a favorite band performing the same songs night after night. But this is really just a personal opinion.
The character developments are good enough with a few exceptions. My problem is with Holly. She comes to Cherry young and naive in the ways of boys. Wow. She moves pretty fast and juggles a couple of boys for a short time. I was kind of surprised by that. The beginning mentions she has never found anyone worthy of her affections to all of a sudden being attracted to two different guys and getting a little bit of action. I'm not talking about having sex right away with either but still. Also, I had a big problem with how she just forgives Tucker after he was a huge dickhead. Really, he demeans her, humiliates her, has shady hidden agendas and a skeezy dad and she just forgives him?
Those reasons above prevent me from giving it more than 3 stars. Overall I did enjoy it and really like Slade and his misfit family. Slade and Holly have great page time and some pretty steamy moments. The book kind of ends abruptly with vague answers as to what just happened at the end involving the villains.
With all that said, I WILL be picking up the sequel Ink: Twisted Magic at some point to continue on with the story arc now that my curiosity is piqued.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It's a pretty sexy YA with some very dark themes included. That isn't my reservation though.
We have Hope, who along with her dad and twin brothers, has moved to a town called Cherry, CA. She's 17 and starting school soon at an academy for the arts. She loves music: dancing, singing. So what does she do on her first night in town? Follows the group of people she sees on the beach going to a rock concert in the park. The rock concert proves to be rambunctious and she is constantly being thrown about and almost trampled. Enter Slade who comes to her rescue.
Slade is 19, covered in tattoos, has a lip ring, wears the standard black. He's a mysterious character and remains mysterious and aloof most of the book.
Holly is trying to make it work at this new school but she's kind of an outcast already just for having hung out with Slade. The town is very judgmental. Extremely so.
The plot is great. I like the idea of what's happening and how it's solved. My reservations come with the writing. The chapters end so abruptly. It feels like they just end in the middle of something and I was left wanting more. When the next chapter picks up, time has passed and it's moved on and I'm left wanting to know what has happened in the meantime. I feel that we miss out on some important information.
A few things are left unexplained, or unbelievable to me. So the Evil Kings of Ink live in a tour bus that's parked at the park they perform at. They have shows practically night after night and they are constantly packed. How does a band have that much material to play in the same place probably to the same crowd all the time? I love music and all but I would probably get sick of seeing a favorite band performing the same songs night after night. But this is really just a personal opinion.
The character developments are good enough with a few exceptions. My problem is with Holly. She comes to Cherry young and naive in the ways of boys. Wow. She moves pretty fast and juggles a couple of boys for a short time. I was kind of surprised by that. The beginning mentions she has never found anyone worthy of her affections to all of a sudden being attracted to two different guys and getting a little bit of action. I'm not talking about having sex right away with either but still. Also, I had a big problem with how she just forgives Tucker after he was a huge dickhead. Really, he demeans her, humiliates her, has shady hidden agendas and a skeezy dad and she just forgives him?
Those reasons above prevent me from giving it more than 3 stars. Overall I did enjoy it and really like Slade and his misfit family. Slade and Holly have great page time and some pretty steamy moments. The book kind of ends abruptly with vague answers as to what just happened at the end involving the villains.
With all that said, I WILL be picking up the sequel Ink: Twisted Magic at some point to continue on with the story arc now that my curiosity is piqued.
June 26, 2012
Loved him, Loved him, I Loved him! (Slade)
Another original plot and story, great characters, crazy characters, and I don't know what to think characters, with a little bit of witches, It was amazing!
Can never have too much of a bad boy and Slade is the man. When Hope’s parents hit Splits Ville, she decides to follow her dad and they ended up in Cherry California. Away from her BFF she is new to this town with only her eccentric cougar grandmother to help her settle in and introduce her around but not to Slade. Almost trampled in a mosh pit Slade comes to her rescue and her adventure begins. Slade is a rock star small potatoes but that is how they like it, covered in tattoos with a lip ring he is finger licking good!
I was frustrated at Hope when she could not make up her mind when dealing with the boys. It made her look like….now how did her father put it…..promiscuous, yea that was the word he used and he put it lightly I would have said tramp. Not really a YA novel due to the intimacy scene and the one with Tucker, yuck! Saying that as a mother of a teenage daughter (mature YA) I would be ok for her to read this story. The ending was not what I expected, you are just going to have to trust me “do you trust me”. A small cliff hanger not to bad but still looking forward to the next one.
I hope I didn’t give too much away, thanks to the author for providing the book in exchange for an honest review.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005...
Another original plot and story, great characters, crazy characters, and I don't know what to think characters, with a little bit of witches, It was amazing!
Can never have too much of a bad boy and Slade is the man. When Hope’s parents hit Splits Ville, she decides to follow her dad and they ended up in Cherry California. Away from her BFF she is new to this town with only her eccentric cougar grandmother to help her settle in and introduce her around but not to Slade. Almost trampled in a mosh pit Slade comes to her rescue and her adventure begins. Slade is a rock star small potatoes but that is how they like it, covered in tattoos with a lip ring he is finger licking good!
I was frustrated at Hope when she could not make up her mind when dealing with the boys. It made her look like….now how did her father put it…..promiscuous, yea that was the word he used and he put it lightly I would have said tramp. Not really a YA novel due to the intimacy scene and the one with Tucker, yuck! Saying that as a mother of a teenage daughter (mature YA) I would be ok for her to read this story. The ending was not what I expected, you are just going to have to trust me “do you trust me”. A small cliff hanger not to bad but still looking forward to the next one.
I hope I didn’t give too much away, thanks to the author for providing the book in exchange for an honest review.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005...
May 20, 2012
To be honest, I do not really like reading books that are classified as YA. I am already 21 years and I pride myself in reading adult books. I though Ink would be just another YA novel but then, I was so wrong. I started this book yesterday afternoon and by now I am finished with it and I am excited to wrote a review about it.
I love it! I really enjoyed the book. The characters are very interesting and Slade is one hot guy I would want to play with. Hahaha! The lip ring! This book reminded me a lot of Hitomi Kanehara's Snakes and Earrings, a short and wonderful read but awfully too short. The first part, especially the moving stuff sounds a little Bella-ish from the Twilight saga but this is much different.
Some scenes are not suitable for minors for my opinion but they are definitely classy. My adult and perverted mind was satisfied, not because the scenes are perverted, but because they are well-written and erotically-charged without being explicit. I can definitely relate to the characters and the mystery of the whole book will definitely make you want to read the book all over again as soon as you finish it. I cannot wait to read the next ones because I am sure I will definitely follow this writer. I love my YA to be sweet and also titillating and this book definitely made my day!
I love it! I really enjoyed the book. The characters are very interesting and Slade is one hot guy I would want to play with. Hahaha! The lip ring! This book reminded me a lot of Hitomi Kanehara's Snakes and Earrings, a short and wonderful read but awfully too short. The first part, especially the moving stuff sounds a little Bella-ish from the Twilight saga but this is much different.
Some scenes are not suitable for minors for my opinion but they are definitely classy. My adult and perverted mind was satisfied, not because the scenes are perverted, but because they are well-written and erotically-charged without being explicit. I can definitely relate to the characters and the mystery of the whole book will definitely make you want to read the book all over again as soon as you finish it. I cannot wait to read the next ones because I am sure I will definitely follow this writer. I love my YA to be sweet and also titillating and this book definitely made my day!
April 11, 2012
*deep breaths*..... *sigh* & wooooow! This book was so.... WOOOOOW! I'm actually still breathing heavy...lol. Ok, so this book is so amazing. So, where to begin....
Ok. Hope is a sweet southern girl from Georgia who moves with her father and twin brother to Cherry, CA. She meets a hottie, bad boy...tattoos & lip piercing (yummy)... her 1st night at her new home. Slade is SUPER SEXY!!! A bad boy in a Rock Band who not only can sing but play guitar. YUMMY!!! But Hope is also associated with Tucker, who isnt just the cute, charming, all american guy next door, he is also the Mayor of Cherry, CA's son. But as it turns out, not only is the Mayor a complete sleeze ball.... Tucker is too. & even though it's pretty obvious the Mayor is a creepy, jerk who has a VERY DARK SECRET, I gotta say I was surprised that Tucker was involved as well....
But even though this book is sexy & exciting, it also has a happy ending. I cannot wait to read more of Holly Hood's books.... She's like my HERO....lol.
This book is a MUST READ!
Ok. Hope is a sweet southern girl from Georgia who moves with her father and twin brother to Cherry, CA. She meets a hottie, bad boy...tattoos & lip piercing (yummy)... her 1st night at her new home. Slade is SUPER SEXY!!! A bad boy in a Rock Band who not only can sing but play guitar. YUMMY!!! But Hope is also associated with Tucker, who isnt just the cute, charming, all american guy next door, he is also the Mayor of Cherry, CA's son. But as it turns out, not only is the Mayor a complete sleeze ball.... Tucker is too. & even though it's pretty obvious the Mayor is a creepy, jerk who has a VERY DARK SECRET, I gotta say I was surprised that Tucker was involved as well....
But even though this book is sexy & exciting, it also has a happy ending. I cannot wait to read more of Holly Hood's books.... She's like my HERO....lol.
This book is a MUST READ!
February 23, 2012
Hope makes the decision of moving to California to take care of her father.
Soon after, she realizes that the only friend she has made isn't exactly the most popular guy in town. People start telling her that she needs to pick better friends and after a life threatening event she starts to uncover the truth about her new friends and why no one likes them.
This was a great book It took a while for me to finish it but I enjoyed it very much. I really liked the whole story. And Slade oh goodness if only he wasn't just a character in a book. He sounded really amazing, mysterious and so wonderful. Even though he thought he was so hot. And I really liked that there was a love triangle there. I loved this book thank you so much Holly for sharing it with me!
Soon after, she realizes that the only friend she has made isn't exactly the most popular guy in town. People start telling her that she needs to pick better friends and after a life threatening event she starts to uncover the truth about her new friends and why no one likes them.
This was a great book It took a while for me to finish it but I enjoyed it very much. I really liked the whole story. And Slade oh goodness if only he wasn't just a character in a book. He sounded really amazing, mysterious and so wonderful. Even though he thought he was so hot. And I really liked that there was a love triangle there. I loved this book thank you so much Holly for sharing it with me!
April 1, 2013
Young adult. I think not.
The sex factor is smoking hot!
I love bad boys. I love piercings and tattoos on bad boys. I love supernatural, so with Ink... what's NOT to love!?!?
Slade... bad boy name. Super sexy, "good*ish" bad boy. It's very hard not to get a little hot and bothered. Slade in a word... HOT.
Hope... sweet name, but kind of bad ass girl, so you have to love her.
I loved this book and the only reason it took me 2 days to finish is because we were wedding shopping and it was Easter.
Book 2 just downloaded and I am itching to start it!
The sex factor is smoking hot!
I love bad boys. I love piercings and tattoos on bad boys. I love supernatural, so with Ink... what's NOT to love!?!?
Slade... bad boy name. Super sexy, "good*ish" bad boy. It's very hard not to get a little hot and bothered. Slade in a word... HOT.
Hope... sweet name, but kind of bad ass girl, so you have to love her.
I loved this book and the only reason it took me 2 days to finish is because we were wedding shopping and it was Easter.
Book 2 just downloaded and I am itching to start it!
May 21, 2013
I picked this book up on Amazon for free and about half way through, I bought book 2 because I was so drawn into this story. I loved it and it was definitely something different! Hope and Slade are awesome characters, and I especially love Karsen! She made me laugh when she was visiting Hope! I know I am going to love this series and can't wait to get through #2!
July 22, 2013
Hope is a 17 year old who is displaced after her parents split up and she moves with her father and two of her brothers to California. She leaved behind in Georgia a school, friends, and a life she loved to make sure her alcoholic father isn't alone as they move into a beach house owned by her grandmother. Hope struggles to adjust to what feels like a completely different world. People in this story aren't what they seem, and it is a challenge for Hope to learn who to trust, who to love, and who to run from.
This is a YA paranormal with an amped up steam factor, and a lot of interesting twists. The reader is left wondering who and what to believe and it is exciting to experience everything with Hope. It took me a little while to get into this story, mostly because I suspected that it might be a predictable YA romance at first. I was quickly and pleasantly surprised when this was not the case. There was not a lot of typical anything going on here, and it kept me engaged and reading straight through. The mysterious elements kept me on edge, and I had a lot of opinions about what I wanted Hope to do and who I wanted her to spend time with.
Slade is an interesting character and just keeps getting more intriguing as the story goes on. And hotter. He just keeps getting hotter too. I enjoyed all of the Slade's "family" too. I hope that we get to know them better as the series continues. There were times when I really didn't know if I could trust him, but I always wanted to.
Hope is a strong person who has been taking care of her father and brothers for a long time, and it is nice seeing her start to take care of herself as the story develops. She gives up a lot to make sure her father isn't alone, but really tries to make the best of her new situation despite almost constant challenges. I love her friendship with Karsen and hope we see more of her in future books in the series too.
The "bad" characters in this story are completely infuriating, and I found myself often pleased with the rational and patient way Hope and Slade were responding to some of the awful things they were subjected to.
The story ends leaving some things resolved, and others made more complex. I can't wait to find out where things go from here and spend more time with Hope as she continues to experience life in a way she never could have predicted. I recommend this, and will definitely be continuing on with the series.
*a copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
This is a YA paranormal with an amped up steam factor, and a lot of interesting twists. The reader is left wondering who and what to believe and it is exciting to experience everything with Hope. It took me a little while to get into this story, mostly because I suspected that it might be a predictable YA romance at first. I was quickly and pleasantly surprised when this was not the case. There was not a lot of typical anything going on here, and it kept me engaged and reading straight through. The mysterious elements kept me on edge, and I had a lot of opinions about what I wanted Hope to do and who I wanted her to spend time with.
Slade is an interesting character and just keeps getting more intriguing as the story goes on. And hotter. He just keeps getting hotter too. I enjoyed all of the Slade's "family" too. I hope that we get to know them better as the series continues. There were times when I really didn't know if I could trust him, but I always wanted to.
Hope is a strong person who has been taking care of her father and brothers for a long time, and it is nice seeing her start to take care of herself as the story develops. She gives up a lot to make sure her father isn't alone, but really tries to make the best of her new situation despite almost constant challenges. I love her friendship with Karsen and hope we see more of her in future books in the series too.
The "bad" characters in this story are completely infuriating, and I found myself often pleased with the rational and patient way Hope and Slade were responding to some of the awful things they were subjected to.
The story ends leaving some things resolved, and others made more complex. I can't wait to find out where things go from here and spend more time with Hope as she continues to experience life in a way she never could have predicted. I recommend this, and will definitely be continuing on with the series.
*a copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
February 12, 2012
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Ink from the author through the group, Making Connections on Goodreads.
Holly Hood has an aptitude in creating original, thrilling worlds with well-developed, unique characters. She puts real life situations into her stories that make them, well, real! Ink is intense, emotional and raw(like many of Hood's books).
Ink is a parable about never judging a person by their appearance. Hope meets Slade who is covered in tattoos, has a lip piercing, constantly wears black and lives in a tour bus. Then she meets Tucker who is undeniably gorgeous, confident, a well-standing student and the Mayor's son. They are polar opposites and both take an interest in Hope as she slowly gets acclimated to her new surroundings, but who can she trust? Hope is a strong female protagonist. She's seventeen years old, but she's independent and smart(most of the time). As the story unfolds we are constantly shrouded in mystery regarding the characters, Henry Park(where Slade lives), and the town Cherry. Every character(small and big) have defining personalities that make them their own character instead of just there to fill in space, they add to the story in many different ways.
Ink is a long story, but in my opinion, it was the perfect length. It moves along at an even pace, never dragging with enough twists to keep readers interested. The paranormal aspect is unique and mystical, the reader will get an inkling of what that aspect is, but won't know for sure until we are told. The story will conjure up many emotions from heart-warming, gut-wrenching to sometimes even fear. There are sometimes even hilarious moments. The real life situations, sex, alcohol and some violence, make Ink raw, intense and meaty. Hope may only be seventeen, but all teenagers aren't virgin's and these situations arise all around us. Some readers(and reviewers) may try to uncategorize this as young-adult, but I think it can still qualify(obviously not for the younger YA readers), but for the slightly more mature(16 or 17+). Unfortunately, the ending was not good enough for me. I still had a few questions that I wanted answered and things were tied up a little too nicely for such an intense read. But, all in all, this was a fantastic, gripping read that many readers will enjoy!
Holly Hood has an aptitude in creating original, thrilling worlds with well-developed, unique characters. She puts real life situations into her stories that make them, well, real! Ink is intense, emotional and raw(like many of Hood's books).
Ink is a parable about never judging a person by their appearance. Hope meets Slade who is covered in tattoos, has a lip piercing, constantly wears black and lives in a tour bus. Then she meets Tucker who is undeniably gorgeous, confident, a well-standing student and the Mayor's son. They are polar opposites and both take an interest in Hope as she slowly gets acclimated to her new surroundings, but who can she trust? Hope is a strong female protagonist. She's seventeen years old, but she's independent and smart(most of the time). As the story unfolds we are constantly shrouded in mystery regarding the characters, Henry Park(where Slade lives), and the town Cherry. Every character(small and big) have defining personalities that make them their own character instead of just there to fill in space, they add to the story in many different ways.
Ink is a long story, but in my opinion, it was the perfect length. It moves along at an even pace, never dragging with enough twists to keep readers interested. The paranormal aspect is unique and mystical, the reader will get an inkling of what that aspect is, but won't know for sure until we are told. The story will conjure up many emotions from heart-warming, gut-wrenching to sometimes even fear. There are sometimes even hilarious moments. The real life situations, sex, alcohol and some violence, make Ink raw, intense and meaty. Hope may only be seventeen, but all teenagers aren't virgin's and these situations arise all around us. Some readers(and reviewers) may try to uncategorize this as young-adult, but I think it can still qualify(obviously not for the younger YA readers), but for the slightly more mature(16 or 17+). Unfortunately, the ending was not good enough for me. I still had a few questions that I wanted answered and things were tied up a little too nicely for such an intense read. But, all in all, this was a fantastic, gripping read that many readers will enjoy!
June 3, 2012
I cannot believe this book has even 1 negative review. I could not put the book down for a minute! (To each is own I guess). It's my first time reading any of Holly Hood's works and I absolutely love her writing! She is another author out there that has an addictive quality to her writing. She created amazing characters with such a realistic feel that snatches you from the start. It's an exciting, emotional, magical, fun and suspenseful read that keeps you hooked and wanting more!
Hope has moved to Cherry California with her dad and twin brothers because her parents have separated. She could have stayed behind with her mother. But being the warm hearted, kind, caring person she is. She decided to go with her dad to take care of him and help in whatever ways she can. She is not that happy at first when she sees her new home and thinks about the new start, new school and all new people. She quickly makes a few friends, but just as quickly makes a few enemies. Some people are just evil through and through and feel the need to do harm to others. Hope is determined to weed them out and make sure to stay as far away as possible. Hope's hope is sparked when she meets the hot, tattooed rebel Slade. He is the only person that treats her like... A person. But he runs hot and cold with her and she knows there's something hidden deep within that he's yet to reveal to her and she wants to find out.
Slade is not the rebel people see him as. There are reasons behind his looks and attitude. He's sacrificed a lot for his family and close friends and is scarred because of it. When he meets Hope, she sparks something within him that he never thought he would feel. He is constantly judged and does not think it's right to bring her into his life because of that and other reasons that could bring her danger. But it is difficult for him to stay away from her for she now has a place in his heart.
Hope and Slade are amazing together and have a very rough road ahead of them. They are both very talented, kind people that have a sort of magnet for unwanted trouble. But they are each determined in their own way to see it through and go through a roller coaster of events to get to where they want to be.
I CANNOT WAIT to read book 2 and see how Hope and Slade have made out after some of the trash has been taken out.
Hope has moved to Cherry California with her dad and twin brothers because her parents have separated. She could have stayed behind with her mother. But being the warm hearted, kind, caring person she is. She decided to go with her dad to take care of him and help in whatever ways she can. She is not that happy at first when she sees her new home and thinks about the new start, new school and all new people. She quickly makes a few friends, but just as quickly makes a few enemies. Some people are just evil through and through and feel the need to do harm to others. Hope is determined to weed them out and make sure to stay as far away as possible. Hope's hope is sparked when she meets the hot, tattooed rebel Slade. He is the only person that treats her like... A person. But he runs hot and cold with her and she knows there's something hidden deep within that he's yet to reveal to her and she wants to find out.
Slade is not the rebel people see him as. There are reasons behind his looks and attitude. He's sacrificed a lot for his family and close friends and is scarred because of it. When he meets Hope, she sparks something within him that he never thought he would feel. He is constantly judged and does not think it's right to bring her into his life because of that and other reasons that could bring her danger. But it is difficult for him to stay away from her for she now has a place in his heart.
Hope and Slade are amazing together and have a very rough road ahead of them. They are both very talented, kind people that have a sort of magnet for unwanted trouble. But they are each determined in their own way to see it through and go through a roller coaster of events to get to where they want to be.
I CANNOT WAIT to read book 2 and see how Hope and Slade have made out after some of the trash has been taken out.
November 7, 2011
There are some books you read that make you remember your teen years fondly. Though mine was never covered with the outstanding magical fantasy that didn’t mean that the moments of some teenage rebellion or what my father thought was didn’t compare. It made me smile and gave me fond memories of times past to pop to the imagination which only helped the story it’s self unfurl and make me turn the pages even so I stayed up all night just to finish it. Though some of the scenes are meant more for the Younger Adult I still say that this book was one that definitely goes on my save to read shelf .
Hope is dealing with the divorce and change to her lives that her parents have thrown them all into. Missing her life and friends in Georgia is one thing. Doing it because she feels her father couldn’t live without her is another. His drinking problem only seems to pull her more into an adult life than she really needs to be basically mothering not only her father and her twin brothers that came with them to California Hope has lost herself into that roll of teenage parent almost. Covering all things for her father when he’s to busy being drunk in his room and being lost in the loss of his wife.
Finding herself on meeting few people one that she meets first is Slade, The quiet brooding , tattooed and pierced young man from down at Henry Park. One of the band members of the mysterious band Evil Kings of Ink. She is drawn to him. But the fun doesn’t stop there . She meets Tucker as well one of the popular handsome boys of Ashwilder School of the Arts which is where Hope is going to school as well and is warned to stay away from Slade. The question is which is more dangerous Tucker or Slade? If you want to know I HIGHLY suggest you pull out this wonderful work from Holly Hood. I know I hope that perhaps there will be more on the whole story of Hope and the mystical life she comes to lead.
Hope is dealing with the divorce and change to her lives that her parents have thrown them all into. Missing her life and friends in Georgia is one thing. Doing it because she feels her father couldn’t live without her is another. His drinking problem only seems to pull her more into an adult life than she really needs to be basically mothering not only her father and her twin brothers that came with them to California Hope has lost herself into that roll of teenage parent almost. Covering all things for her father when he’s to busy being drunk in his room and being lost in the loss of his wife.
Finding herself on meeting few people one that she meets first is Slade, The quiet brooding , tattooed and pierced young man from down at Henry Park. One of the band members of the mysterious band Evil Kings of Ink. She is drawn to him. But the fun doesn’t stop there . She meets Tucker as well one of the popular handsome boys of Ashwilder School of the Arts which is where Hope is going to school as well and is warned to stay away from Slade. The question is which is more dangerous Tucker or Slade? If you want to know I HIGHLY suggest you pull out this wonderful work from Holly Hood. I know I hope that perhaps there will be more on the whole story of Hope and the mystical life she comes to lead.
May 22, 2012
3.5 Stars
After reading the synopsis to this book I figured I would give it a try and I have to say that i enjoyed the book.
Hope Zigler is about to experience a whole new side to the world. Born and raised in Georgia, Hope is used to nice and caring people. When her mother and father split up, Hope is California bound with her dad and twin brothers. The people of Cherry CA aren't like the southern sweethearts. They are mean, cruel and have secrets. When the only person that doesn't make Cali so terrible is the towns "trouble" guy what is a girl to do?
Slade is a rock band "bad" boy. With his lip ring, black hair, blue eyes and tattooed body, Hope at first can't stay far enough from him. When he starts showing a very subtle amount of his good side Hope can't seem to stay way. Slade, is grouchy, cold at times, and emotionally disconnected. But when he lets his guard down Hope see's the good in him. He turns out to be much more then Hope could handle and as the story progresses you learn about his secrets.
On another hand there is Tucker. "The player that doesn't want to be portrayed that way". But we quickly learn that if it barks like a dog and acts like a dog then it is a dog. No matter how many times he tries to be the nice guy there is something so off about him. When Hope does find out the truth, after a terrible incident at his house, she tries to stay far away from him. Nonetheless she fails.
To learn more about Cherry and its residents pick up Ink and check it out. I will not spoil the book for you.
The only reason this book was only 3.5 stars is because I was tired of Hope's back and forth between two guys. When she wasn't happy with one she would quickly jump to the next. Also, there wasn't as much character depth as I would have liked.We barely get to know much about characters before Hope either made out with them or slept with them. I just wished there was more.
Overall, a good and light read.
After reading the synopsis to this book I figured I would give it a try and I have to say that i enjoyed the book.
Hope Zigler is about to experience a whole new side to the world. Born and raised in Georgia, Hope is used to nice and caring people. When her mother and father split up, Hope is California bound with her dad and twin brothers. The people of Cherry CA aren't like the southern sweethearts. They are mean, cruel and have secrets. When the only person that doesn't make Cali so terrible is the towns "trouble" guy what is a girl to do?
Slade is a rock band "bad" boy. With his lip ring, black hair, blue eyes and tattooed body, Hope at first can't stay far enough from him. When he starts showing a very subtle amount of his good side Hope can't seem to stay way. Slade, is grouchy, cold at times, and emotionally disconnected. But when he lets his guard down Hope see's the good in him. He turns out to be much more then Hope could handle and as the story progresses you learn about his secrets.
On another hand there is Tucker. "The player that doesn't want to be portrayed that way". But we quickly learn that if it barks like a dog and acts like a dog then it is a dog. No matter how many times he tries to be the nice guy there is something so off about him. When Hope does find out the truth, after a terrible incident at his house, she tries to stay far away from him. Nonetheless she fails.
To learn more about Cherry and its residents pick up Ink and check it out. I will not spoil the book for you.
The only reason this book was only 3.5 stars is because I was tired of Hope's back and forth between two guys. When she wasn't happy with one she would quickly jump to the next. Also, there wasn't as much character depth as I would have liked.We barely get to know much about characters before Hope either made out with them or slept with them. I just wished there was more.
Overall, a good and light read.
September 7, 2011
I finished!
Ink was a fast paced story about a girl named Hope, she moves from Georgia to California with her dad and twin brothers. From the first couple pages I was wondering what was going to happen. I liked Hope she was a well rounded character. I also have read this authors other series and Hope is a different person compared to Eve. Hope was sweet but had a toughness about her, she was stubborn too. This made the story more interesting.
Hopes dad is always drinking and she is dealing with her parents breakup. Her mother never even calls her. poor girl what mother does that?
Where Hope moves is horrible. I wouldnt want to move there. Everyone is really upperclass and look down on Hope and her family. I want to say that Nona was so funny in this story that is Hope's Grandma. And Karsen her bestie she was off the wall and made the story even better once she came to visit. Also the relationship that Hope had with her Dad was one that was sweet and made me smile quite a few times. She loved her dad and that was very apparent for all she put up with to be with him when she could have stayed with her mom in Georgia.
Hope meets Slade the local musician. ANd from the beginning you can't help but be attracted to his character. And so is Hope. But he has a lot of issues going on that would make any normal girl run for the hills. And like most young girls Hope sticks around to find out more about Slade. I was shocked when I learne what he was. I was thinking of a vampire or something so this was a cool surprise.
I like books that have great relationships in them. And Ink has a great one, Hope and Slade were steamy! Ink was the kind of book that made me wish I was Hope.
There were a lot of characters in Ink that added to the story. All very well written the end was really good. I hope to see more of Hope and Slade.
Ink was a fast paced story about a girl named Hope, she moves from Georgia to California with her dad and twin brothers. From the first couple pages I was wondering what was going to happen. I liked Hope she was a well rounded character. I also have read this authors other series and Hope is a different person compared to Eve. Hope was sweet but had a toughness about her, she was stubborn too. This made the story more interesting.
Hopes dad is always drinking and she is dealing with her parents breakup. Her mother never even calls her. poor girl what mother does that?
Where Hope moves is horrible. I wouldnt want to move there. Everyone is really upperclass and look down on Hope and her family. I want to say that Nona was so funny in this story that is Hope's Grandma. And Karsen her bestie she was off the wall and made the story even better once she came to visit. Also the relationship that Hope had with her Dad was one that was sweet and made me smile quite a few times. She loved her dad and that was very apparent for all she put up with to be with him when she could have stayed with her mom in Georgia.
Hope meets Slade the local musician. ANd from the beginning you can't help but be attracted to his character. And so is Hope. But he has a lot of issues going on that would make any normal girl run for the hills. And like most young girls Hope sticks around to find out more about Slade. I was shocked when I learne what he was. I was thinking of a vampire or something so this was a cool surprise.
I like books that have great relationships in them. And Ink has a great one, Hope and Slade were steamy! Ink was the kind of book that made me wish I was Hope.
There were a lot of characters in Ink that added to the story. All very well written the end was really good. I hope to see more of Hope and Slade.
February 29, 2012
Ink was one of those books that I just didn't want to walk away from! Hope is 17 years old and her parents are getting a divorce. She decides that someone needs to take care of her father. So, she with him and her twin brothers from Georgia to Cherry California. She leaves behind her home and everything she has ever know...including her best friend.
Most of the people in Cherry California lead a privileged lifestyle. And as she soon finds out, she just doesn't fit in.
As she wanders around her new home, she discovers an outside concert going on at the beach nearby. So, she goes to investigate. This is where she meets Slade. He looks like trouble with all his tatoos and piercings. Not to mention his dark personality, his tough demeanor, and his mysterious nature.
Hope is also introduced to some other kids at her school. She made a few friends but nothing takes away the sting of being so far away from her best friend. She also meets Tucker. He is charming and handsome and seems to be an all around good guy. A guy that any parent would be happy to see dating their daughter.
There are SO many things that happen in this book! The story kept me on the edge of my seat! I would say it is a captivating love triangle. I was torn for a while on who I thought Hope should be with and who she should stay away from. Holly Hood truly fed me the emotions and the angst that Hope was feeling! I kept wanting her to make up her mind....but then again, I couldn't make up MY mind! My head was whirling while I was trying to figure things out! And each time I thought I was heading in the right direction, I was yanked into another direction. There are SO many twists and turns, you'll feel like you've been on a spellbinding, magical and amazing adventure!
Reviewed for WearVampsRomance. http://werevampsromance.blogspot.com/
Most of the people in Cherry California lead a privileged lifestyle. And as she soon finds out, she just doesn't fit in.
As she wanders around her new home, she discovers an outside concert going on at the beach nearby. So, she goes to investigate. This is where she meets Slade. He looks like trouble with all his tatoos and piercings. Not to mention his dark personality, his tough demeanor, and his mysterious nature.
Hope is also introduced to some other kids at her school. She made a few friends but nothing takes away the sting of being so far away from her best friend. She also meets Tucker. He is charming and handsome and seems to be an all around good guy. A guy that any parent would be happy to see dating their daughter.
There are SO many things that happen in this book! The story kept me on the edge of my seat! I would say it is a captivating love triangle. I was torn for a while on who I thought Hope should be with and who she should stay away from. Holly Hood truly fed me the emotions and the angst that Hope was feeling! I kept wanting her to make up her mind....but then again, I couldn't make up MY mind! My head was whirling while I was trying to figure things out! And each time I thought I was heading in the right direction, I was yanked into another direction. There are SO many twists and turns, you'll feel like you've been on a spellbinding, magical and amazing adventure!
Reviewed for WearVampsRomance. http://werevampsromance.blogspot.com/
February 15, 2012
What's not to like about a man with a lip piercing and tons of tattoos? There's nothing about Slade that isn't likable. He may have deep dark secrets but none of them are terrifying. He falls madly in love with Hope, the new girl in town. Hope has moved to California from Georgia with her father and younger twin brothers. What I liked most about Hope is how real she is. She has some honest to goodness issues and problems which she handles as any teenage girl would. And at 17 going on 18, she handles some of these well, and some of them not so well. Tucker was written so well that you honestly despised him! As the surfer type guy, he was portrayed as a do-gooder and was loved by most adults. But there was something ultimately creepy about him that instantly turned me off. I think I had that in common with Hope. I also would have loved to hear a snippet of the music that was played at the concerts by the Evil Kings of Ink. I bet their type of music is right down my alley.
The magical moments in this novel left me with lasting memories. Hope's ever-changing heart tattoo made me long for some new ink. If only I could have one like hers, that changed and morphed! The panty and bikini materialization was fantastic! I could just imagine the look on Hope's face when she discovered this magical trick must have been classic!
I am looking forward to reading a second part to this novel as I'd love to see what Hope does with her new found powers and to what level her relationship will soar to.
The magical moments in this novel left me with lasting memories. Hope's ever-changing heart tattoo made me long for some new ink. If only I could have one like hers, that changed and morphed! The panty and bikini materialization was fantastic! I could just imagine the look on Hope's face when she discovered this magical trick must have been classic!
I am looking forward to reading a second part to this novel as I'd love to see what Hope does with her new found powers and to what level her relationship will soar to.
May 13, 2013
ARR- I received this book in exchange for a review.
First let me tell you that for the first couple of chapters I wasn't sure what I was reading however once I understand the story line I fell in love with this story. You are introduced to Hope who has just moved from Georgia to Cherry California with her dad and her twin brothers they left behind their mom and her youngest brother because her mom fell in love and moved in with her brother's Tae Kwan DO instructor(that sucks for the dad because he cant beat up the man who stole his woman because he know Tae Kwan Do LOL) Anyway they live in a beach house owned by her grandmother who they call Nona (now Nona is around 70 yrs old but her boyfriend who happens to be rich is in his 50yrs YOU GO NONA LOL) Nona is a little strange but she is cool. Hope is going to attend a school for those who are interested in the arts. One day she happens to stumble upon a rock concert at the end of the beach by her house and meets a young man named Slade but earlier that day she meet a young man named Tucker. You might be thinking o boy your standard love triangle o no you are wrong, this book is filled with twists, turns, and an occasional alley op.
I loved this story and I would most certainly recommend this to all my fellow paranormal/paranormal romance lovers it will keep you guessing I swear.
I LOVED IT I wonder if there is a second installment in this story I hope there is...
First let me tell you that for the first couple of chapters I wasn't sure what I was reading however once I understand the story line I fell in love with this story. You are introduced to Hope who has just moved from Georgia to Cherry California with her dad and her twin brothers they left behind their mom and her youngest brother because her mom fell in love and moved in with her brother's Tae Kwan DO instructor(that sucks for the dad because he cant beat up the man who stole his woman because he know Tae Kwan Do LOL) Anyway they live in a beach house owned by her grandmother who they call Nona (now Nona is around 70 yrs old but her boyfriend who happens to be rich is in his 50yrs YOU GO NONA LOL) Nona is a little strange but she is cool. Hope is going to attend a school for those who are interested in the arts. One day she happens to stumble upon a rock concert at the end of the beach by her house and meets a young man named Slade but earlier that day she meet a young man named Tucker. You might be thinking o boy your standard love triangle o no you are wrong, this book is filled with twists, turns, and an occasional alley op.
I loved this story and I would most certainly recommend this to all my fellow paranormal/paranormal romance lovers it will keep you guessing I swear.
I LOVED IT I wonder if there is a second installment in this story I hope there is...
October 24, 2012
When I read the description I knew i was going to love this book and I was right! So when I contacted the author for a Nook version she was nice enough to give me one. I hope to repay her by giving a review about her AMAZING book.
This book is SO different from everything else I've read and I've read a lot of books. So many books have the same plot line now but this book has originality. With a mix of reality and supernatural it blends together nicely. The characters were amusing and adorable. When it came to the bad guy this book kept you guessing and rethinking who you originally thought it was going to be. The male lead, Slade, is H.O.T, kind and of course tortured. After making a decision that altered not only his life but the life of his family, he has been tortured by it. When our heroine, Hope, comes to town she changes him. Starting from there first meeting there has been a connection that neither of them can ignore, even if they want to. While they did move super fast, it was still enjoyable. Now the town is very snotty and looks down on everyone, so when Hope doesn't fit the normal mold they torture her endlessly about it. With the action, steamy scenes and constant questioning, you can't help but love it!
The only thing I didn't like was how they all slept with the first people they meet, even the adults!
This book is SO different from everything else I've read and I've read a lot of books. So many books have the same plot line now but this book has originality. With a mix of reality and supernatural it blends together nicely. The characters were amusing and adorable. When it came to the bad guy this book kept you guessing and rethinking who you originally thought it was going to be. The male lead, Slade, is H.O.T, kind and of course tortured. After making a decision that altered not only his life but the life of his family, he has been tortured by it. When our heroine, Hope, comes to town she changes him. Starting from there first meeting there has been a connection that neither of them can ignore, even if they want to. While they did move super fast, it was still enjoyable. Now the town is very snotty and looks down on everyone, so when Hope doesn't fit the normal mold they torture her endlessly about it. With the action, steamy scenes and constant questioning, you can't help but love it!
The only thing I didn't like was how they all slept with the first people they meet, even the adults!
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