Inked by the Dad Bod

by Reina Torres

It's hard to predict what brings two people together. Layla and Vincent are two who find themselves drawn together with the inevitable pull of magnetism. Are they a pair of opposites drawn together in a perfect match, or are they too much alike to be together?
Vincent Kane never really considered himself a tattoo artist. He found himself drawn to the craft for its own merits. The artistry was a product of his mind, his building business to his hard work and determination.
After a few years as a partner in their current shop, Vincent finds himself disillusioned by his partner and inextricably drawn to his partner's apprentice. How will he straighten the tangle he's made of his life? Especially when he can't seem to keep his thoughts off of his partner's gorgeous apprentice.
Layla Webber found a position as an apprentice at Ink Envy, but she's worried that she'd out of her element. Artist 'Hannibal' Baldwin is talented, but he also makes her skin crawl.
He doesn't seem to be as interested in helping her develop the skills of her hands as he wants to get his hands on her. If only he was like this partner, Vincent. Layla can't keep her mind off of the other artist who headlines the shop. He features in her dreams both night and day.
Life seems to throw them together over and over, but there's a tall and oh-so-handsy obstacle between them. What will it take for Vincent and Layla to find that they can create more than art? They could create a lifetime of beauty... together?
Layla may find herself Inked by the Dad Bod.

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2023

Reviews

[BlueBug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vincent is an older man, but Layla finds him attractive anyway, not only because he can teach her so much more about designing tattoos and the actual art of tattooing itself but also because he's handsome, sexy, and muscular. It doesn't hurt that he's covered in some pretty amazing ink himself. His partner, on the other hand, gives her the creeps and does some more than questionable things in the workplace. When an injury pushes them together, they discover a connection between them that heats up the more they get to know each other. With danger lurking around the corner, Vincent will do anything to keep Layla safe, though claiming her as his own is something he is more than willing to do.

I love this author's stories for the simple reason that they always make me feel good. Her heroes always save the day, and her heroines always have an innate intelligence and a strength all their own. I think of her novels as my feel-good fix, and this one fits right in that book pile.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

'I'm a big guy. Tightropes aren't my thing'

Ha! Lily and Vincent awkwardly trying to flirt is hilarious and so very, very sweet! We get this fantastic, very naughty, internal commentary running through the book as they stumble through exploring their relationship. Vincent is usually a quiet, serious guy who gets straight to the point and only ever says what he means, he knows his size can be intimidating and so tries to counter that with his other mannerisms. But with Lily he is constantly fighting his need to grab her and claim her, to take her away from the rest of the world and protect her, leaving him stupid and awkward whenever she is near...so sweet.
Lily is awesome, the way she nimbly manages to avoid Billy's sickening advances and his clients rude attitude whilst staying professional and polite is brilliant, she is an adorable mix of shy and awkward until she is mad or worried, when a sassy, bossy Lily emerges. Once Vincent finally makes his move the chemistry takes over and all awkwardness is replaced with steamy, sexy action.
A great addition to the series and a lovely novella which I read on Kindle Unlimited.

[Elinda Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read. Reina Torres does not disappoint. She is a wonderful story teller and this book proves it. Lily works at Ink Envy. She is the "apprentice" for "Hannibal". However, the only thing he is interested in is being a handsy creep. Lily puts up with it, until she can't. Vincent is Hannibal's partner in the tattoo shop. He is nothing like Hannibal. He is nice and respectful of Lily. Vincent has been thinking about Lily since she stepped into the shop. He wants to get to know her better but is not sure how to approach her. Things come to a head with Hannibal when he gets disrespectful and dares to put his hands on Lily. Vincent has had enough and puts a stop to it, hurting his hand in the process. Lily stays with Vincent to help him get around. Hidden desires soon make themselves known. Will they succeed in making a relationship work? Get this book ASAP and find out. Sorry, no spoilers. I received this ARC and here is my honest review.

[Princess Thuy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely loving these Big 'n Burly series by Reina Torres. In Inked by the Dad Bod we meet Vincent, a well-known tattoo artist and Lily, an aspiring tattoo artist. She is his business partner's apprentice so she was kinda forbidden to him but then when he gets hurt defending her she ends up nursing him back to health. And you know that's gonna lead to some get-to-know time and their feelings for one another are revealed and the rest is HEA history with some bad stuff they have to deal with thrown in. I don't want to spoil the story but just know this is kind of a slow burn but it still had some sexy moments. Really an overall great story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Big 'N Burly series by Reina Torres. I'm just sad it's taken me so long to read the books but life gets in the way sometimes. In this book we get Vincent and Lily's story. She is working as an apprentice but her mentor only seems interested in her body and not her talent. When Vincent and Lily get hurt things take a steamy turn as they spend more time together healing. Inked By The Dad Bod is a slow burn romance and a great addition to the series. I look forward to reading the rest of this fabulous series and I recommend this book, this series, and this author to everyone who loves reading. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily Weber is a tattoo artist apprentice
Bill and Vincent are co partners in Ink Envy Studio.

Vincent and Lily meet , when she becomes an apprentice tattoo artist with Bill at Ink Envy Studio.
Bill is not a nice person and treats Lily ( like property).
Vincent steps up and shields Lily as best he could. The chemistry between them is off the charts explosive.
Can things get resolved, so they can live a Happily Ever After. You will have to read the book to see
what happens.

This book has intrigue, action, wonderful characters and romance.

Great Job Reina Torres !!!!!

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read

Lily works as an apprentice at a tattoo shop but isn't getting the time from her mentor as he wants to sleep with her as part of his conquests. Vincent has liked Lily for a while but doesn't like his partner Bob anymore. One thing leads to another and Vincent injures his hand but things go wrong when lily is rendered unconscious. Loved the book and all the characters. It was a great read all round.

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and sweet read with lots of romantic moments between the two characters, Vincent and Lily. Finally taking his chance after circumstances open up for Vin, he's not going to waste his chance. Loved their connection and how they worked together, with everything. Ginger's a hoot! I enjoyed this book.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always so blown away by the ability of this author to weave a story and to tell it so completely in so few pages. I guess you would call this a workplace trope (the workplace is a tattoo parlor). The main characters are likeable, the romance believable and the story steamy. What more could you want?

Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vincent is attracted to Lily but feels that he can't act on it as she is an employee. Circumstances throw them together which causes Vincent to shoot his shot. A sweet story of two people attracted to one another while trying to navigate the boundaries. Vincent has a great support system of friends that will have you smiling and rooting for him. An enjoyable read.

[Monique Westwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick sweet and steamy read. Vincent is the stuff dreams/ fantasies are made of and Lily is amazing. Just a touch of drama to make the story perfect. Enjoyed seeing Poppy again. This is part of a series but can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

[Courtney Kinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and delightful! I read this book in one aftenoon. Vincent Kane and Layla Webber work together and have been secretly longing for each other. Vincent's protective instincts come out when Layla gets hurt. I highly recommend! I loved this addition to the Big 'N Burly series!

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay read

An okay short read that pulls you in. Liked the couple and their friends but feel somethings needed to be completed. Like if they set up the new build or keep the old and what happens to bill.

[KDLediting · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Don't underestimate the power of a great happy ending! Or the appeal of a dad bod 😉 This series gives you both and it's amazing!

[Jane Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥💜🔥💜🔥

This is another good short story in the Big'N Burly series. So far, I have enjoyed reading each of them.