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Tattoos and Tangles
After years of heartache, Cass is ready to begin a new life. She’s free of the man who brought her financial and emotional ruin, and she’s healing from the loss of her sister. But she never thought her new life would begin with a tattooed stranger who turns her world upside down.
For six months, John’s been living only to find his brother’s murderer, and he’s getting close. He won’t let anything or anyone get in his way. Until a beautiful woman walks out of a tattoo parlor and straight into the sights of his most-hated rival.
When John rescues Cass from a near kidnapping, the attraction between them is as immediate as it is surprising. John will do anything to keep Cass safe, but as they run for their lives, they discover that what’s in their past connects them as surely as the danger closing in on them.
For six months, John’s been living only to find his brother’s murderer, and he’s getting close. He won’t let anything or anyone get in his way. Until a beautiful woman walks out of a tattoo parlor and straight into the sights of his most-hated rival.
When John rescues Cass from a near kidnapping, the attraction between them is as immediate as it is surprising. John will do anything to keep Cass safe, but as they run for their lives, they discover that what’s in their past connects them as surely as the danger closing in on them.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2013
34 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 12, 2013
Story Rating ~ 3 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 3.5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 3.5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 3 Stars
Heat Level ~ 1.5 Stars
Ending ~ 3.5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 3 Stars
I really wanted to love this book. The writing style was not bad, but I felt the story could have been so much more. For a suspense thriller I felt some of it was hit or miss for me. This was a book about young desperate women being tricked into prostitution. They were given drugs to help get them through the nasty things they had to do, and they end up hooked on harder drugs the longer they took them. This is where I felt the author could have added more detail. I know not everyone enjoys reading violence in their books, but for the subject matter I felt that this part of the story needed to be more fleshed out and realistic as to what happens in these circumstances in real life. Although I do think the action scenes where the bad guys were dealt with was very good.
I liked both the hero John and the heroine Cass, but for me there was not enough romance to truly get attached to these characters, and I wish there would have been more between them. I could feel the attraction, but they never really acted on it, besides a kiss or two. I love my romances to have some heat to them, it's a personal preference, and I was disappointed that there was not a one love scene described in detail throughout the book. For those readers who don’t mind not having a descriptive love scenes , they will more than likely enjoy this book more than I did.
Overall this was not a bad read, I did like it and it kept my attention. I felt the author writing style was good and it flowed well, but for me, I need a little bit more detail and more heat!
*A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
November 4, 2013
After years of heartache, Cass is ready to begin her new life, free from her ex who brought her emotional and financial ruin and healing from the loss of her sister, she went out to celebrate with her BFF Clair and got herself a tattoo to remember her sister and then get themselves drunk after. After having way too much shots later, got too drunk, got drugged, kidnapped and saved by a tattooed stranger.
John is on a trail looking for his brothers killer when he saw this beautiful woman (Cass) walk out with her friend from the tattoo parlour and she walks straight into the sights of his most-hated rival. Then he rescued Cass and will do anything to keep her safe. And Cass will do anything to help save him.
I love Cass, she's none of those irritating female that runs and bitches. Instead she is willing to help do whatever John asks to help him. But jeez, how many times does this girl gets kidnapped!!!!
Then John. He would do anything to save Cass... I would have liked him to kick ass more but I love him, he is one hot alpha male.
It's hot, suspenseful, action-packed and heart-warming. I definitely enjoyed reading.
Review also posted here :
Page/Blog : https://www.facebook.com/SLiTsReaD
Booklikes: http://casperfitz.booklikes.com/post/...
John is on a trail looking for his brothers killer when he saw this beautiful woman (Cass) walk out with her friend from the tattoo parlour and she walks straight into the sights of his most-hated rival. Then he rescued Cass and will do anything to keep her safe. And Cass will do anything to help save him.
I love Cass, she's none of those irritating female that runs and bitches. Instead she is willing to help do whatever John asks to help him. But jeez, how many times does this girl gets kidnapped!!!!
Then John. He would do anything to save Cass... I would have liked him to kick ass more but I love him, he is one hot alpha male.
It's hot, suspenseful, action-packed and heart-warming. I definitely enjoyed reading.
Review also posted here :
Page/Blog : https://www.facebook.com/SLiTsReaD
Booklikes: http://casperfitz.booklikes.com/post/...
October 9, 2013
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am the owner/editor of NYAM Magazine. Tattoos and Tangles had me leaving my dishes and laundry for hours of endless nail biting moments and wide eyes...physically feeling the suspense. The main characters suddenly became almost real. I would wake up early and go to bed late just to get through to another chapter. Melinda A. Di Lorenzo just has a way of making the reader feel like they are a part of the story. I HIGHLY and STRONGLY recommend reading this book.
October 28, 2013
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Cass and John have much in common. They've both suffered devastating losses, and each is trying to heal from the past. Mystery man John rescues Cass from the scumbag he believes killed his brother. To Cass it feels a little more like being kidnapped until the sparks between them start flying. Then John sees Cass's tattoo, and he makes an assumption that drives them apart, maybe forever. This fast-paced gritty story kept me reading right until the end.
October 22, 2013
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book before it came out in exchange for an honest review. All I can say is buckle up for this ride. This is a fast-paced thriller with enough chemistry to make the pages sizzle in all the right places. The descriptions are down right gorgeous and the story was written with fantastic detail. Throw in a creepy bad guy, lots of twists and turns, and this is a story that's sure to keep you turning the pages long past bedtime.
January 9, 2014
Cass walks out of the tattoo parlor and stumbles into a different world, a seedy world for which she is not prepared but it's there that she meets John, tall, handsome and tattooed, he's so unlike anyone she's met before.
When I started this book I expected it to be the usual romantic read, how wrong was I it's so much more, it's exciting, different and fast paced. Once you start reading it's difficult to put it down.
When I started this book I expected it to be the usual romantic read, how wrong was I it's so much more, it's exciting, different and fast paced. Once you start reading it's difficult to put it down.
October 13, 2013
review will ve posted on dirtyhoesbookblog soon.
January 1, 2015
Tattoos and Tangles by Melinda A. Di Lorenzo, , was a book with a lot of promise. The overall story line concept was good, the follow through was lacking.
I found the characters to be partially fleshed out, not totally lacking in back story, motivation, or purpose, but just missing the part that gives the character life on the page, and believability - maybe it was emotion, I’m not sure. I was missing the connection or chemistry between John and Cass as the story developed, it was alluded to, but wasn't convincing for me. Other than a kiss or two, the story was devoid of any romantic or sexual element, extremely bland. The book didn't feel like a romantic suspense to me - the romance was missing! There was expressed longing and desire ( kinda like ordering food at the drive through) from John and Cass’ character’s, as their lives were single focused, needing a more personal connection to fill in the empty part of their lives, but it just didn't happen like it could have. The secondary characters (other than Billy), weren't written in a convincing fashion and it was hard throughout the story to figure out whose side of the business they were actually on. The secondary characters needed work in my opinion; it was almost like they had cameo appearances, and once their line was delivered off they went.
The alternating POV between John and Cass worked in as much as info didn’t become redundant as the chapters changed, but it could have flowed better; sometimes it almost seemed to get in the way of the overall story line. There was a mystery, suspense angle to the story, but it felt more like a who-dun-it to me, and I was surprised that most of the important story info all magically appeared at the end of the book, tying all the readers’ questions up in one nice package
The book needs to have the editing revisited - as incorrect words, spelling, or missing words were noticeable throughout the book.
I found the characters to be partially fleshed out, not totally lacking in back story, motivation, or purpose, but just missing the part that gives the character life on the page, and believability - maybe it was emotion, I’m not sure. I was missing the connection or chemistry between John and Cass as the story developed, it was alluded to, but wasn't convincing for me. Other than a kiss or two, the story was devoid of any romantic or sexual element, extremely bland. The book didn't feel like a romantic suspense to me - the romance was missing! There was expressed longing and desire ( kinda like ordering food at the drive through) from John and Cass’ character’s, as their lives were single focused, needing a more personal connection to fill in the empty part of their lives, but it just didn't happen like it could have. The secondary characters (other than Billy), weren't written in a convincing fashion and it was hard throughout the story to figure out whose side of the business they were actually on. The secondary characters needed work in my opinion; it was almost like they had cameo appearances, and once their line was delivered off they went.
The alternating POV between John and Cass worked in as much as info didn’t become redundant as the chapters changed, but it could have flowed better; sometimes it almost seemed to get in the way of the overall story line. There was a mystery, suspense angle to the story, but it felt more like a who-dun-it to me, and I was surprised that most of the important story info all magically appeared at the end of the book, tying all the readers’ questions up in one nice package
The book needs to have the editing revisited - as incorrect words, spelling, or missing words were noticeable throughout the book.
January 27, 2014
Cass wants to forget her ex-husband, the death of her sister and start a new chapter in her life, so she decides to go and get a tattoo. The tattoo is a replica of the one her sister had on her back. When she and her best friend Blair are leaving the tattoo parlor, a dark stranger notices them leaving. John has been searching for his brother's killer for several years. He's received a tip to check out this tattoo parlor. Later that night, he sees the girls again at the nightclub he owns. He also notices that Monato, a known pimp and drug dealer is messing with Cass and won't let her go. He moves without thinking and goes to them pretending to be her date. John warns her to stay away from Monato and leaves. He later learns Monato has kidnapped her and goes to save her. Cass ends up staying with John to protect her, but there's so much more going on. A couple more kidnappings, some mercenaries, murder and deaths, more Monato and a significance to the tattoo. John fights through all this to protect Cass, then there's a misunderstanding, and more kidnapping. This book will keep you on your toes throughout. There's several twists and turns which keeps you reading to see what happens. I read it straight through without stopping.
I liked Billy and Blair, the main character's best friends. The story reads easily, a couple of typos but nothing major. It's told from both John and Cass' POVs and has a good ending.
I liked Billy and Blair, the main character's best friends. The story reads easily, a couple of typos but nothing major. It's told from both John and Cass' POVs and has a good ending.
January 16, 2014
After years of heartache Cass is ready to start a new life. She's healing from the loss of her sister and is free of the man that caused her financial and emotional ruin. In celebration of her freedom, Cass and her best friend, Blair plan to have a night out of what's supposed to be fun. But when Cass is drugged and nearly kidnapped an unlikely hero comes to her rescue.
John's only purpose in life: Find the man that murdered his brother. When he rescues Cass from the one man he hates most his world is turned upside down and starts questioning everything he thought he ever wanted. He makes a deal with Cass to keep her safe but when all is said and done, will he be able to let her go?
I really didn't know what to expect when I picked this up. Cass is this quiet girl that avoids the spotlight. And with a friend like Blair, it's not hard to do. She's on the insecure side and she's a little shy. I didn't hate her but I didn't love her. She was alright. I mean she pulled off the snobby dumb girl pretty well.
John was alright. Swoon worthy? Yes. Afraid to go after what he wants? Hell no. Covered in tattoos and dangerous? Fuck yes! Need I say say more??
I really enjoyed this book. If you haven't read this it's worth a try. Seriously, pick it up and give it a go. Enjoy. :)
John's only purpose in life: Find the man that murdered his brother. When he rescues Cass from the one man he hates most his world is turned upside down and starts questioning everything he thought he ever wanted. He makes a deal with Cass to keep her safe but when all is said and done, will he be able to let her go?
I really didn't know what to expect when I picked this up. Cass is this quiet girl that avoids the spotlight. And with a friend like Blair, it's not hard to do. She's on the insecure side and she's a little shy. I didn't hate her but I didn't love her. She was alright. I mean she pulled off the snobby dumb girl pretty well.
John was alright. Swoon worthy? Yes. Afraid to go after what he wants? Hell no. Covered in tattoos and dangerous? Fuck yes! Need I say say more??
I really enjoyed this book. If you haven't read this it's worth a try. Seriously, pick it up and give it a go. Enjoy. :)
January 10, 2014
Looking for a change from a cutesy hearts and flowers romance? Then this book is definitely worth a read. It is so well written and perfectly balanced with some action, intrigue, romance and an unexpected twist to finish it off. It was fast paced and the words and scenes flow well.
Cass and John have both had their share of loss to deal with. Cass is awesome. She is quiet but willing to summon her inner sass when needed. I liked how her character changed with each situation and the inner strength she maintained through the story.
John is the sexy tattooed bad guy of the story, determined to get revenge for his brothers death. He has a hard ass way about him but he has a soft spot for Cass that develops well through the story.
And the little twists and turns throughout the story is what keeps you turning the pages as much as the growing attraction between the two characters.
It is such a great read that i know that lovers of romance will love this book.
Cass and John have both had their share of loss to deal with. Cass is awesome. She is quiet but willing to summon her inner sass when needed. I liked how her character changed with each situation and the inner strength she maintained through the story.
John is the sexy tattooed bad guy of the story, determined to get revenge for his brothers death. He has a hard ass way about him but he has a soft spot for Cass that develops well through the story.
And the little twists and turns throughout the story is what keeps you turning the pages as much as the growing attraction between the two characters.
It is such a great read that i know that lovers of romance will love this book.
January 19, 2014
4.5 Stars
I loved this book. Cass is a girl who lost her sister and had a tough adolescence. When some random guy aggressively comes on to her at a club, a dangerous looking stranger comes to her rescue. John is a big, muscled man covered in tattoos who simply looks dangerous. This starts a week-long run from shady characters and a ton of dangerous situations. This book is fast-paced and never the action never slows down. Everytime it seemed as though Cass was in the clear, BOOM, something new would happen or be discovered. I loved both the characters and it was great to read the story from both points of view (each character would narrate a chapter). The dual POV is refreshing. We get to understand their motivations and their pasts before the rest of the characters know it because we can read their thoughts. The twists, especially the large one, are incredible!
If you like your romance with action and suspense, then this is definitely the book for you!
I loved this book. Cass is a girl who lost her sister and had a tough adolescence. When some random guy aggressively comes on to her at a club, a dangerous looking stranger comes to her rescue. John is a big, muscled man covered in tattoos who simply looks dangerous. This starts a week-long run from shady characters and a ton of dangerous situations. This book is fast-paced and never the action never slows down. Everytime it seemed as though Cass was in the clear, BOOM, something new would happen or be discovered. I loved both the characters and it was great to read the story from both points of view (each character would narrate a chapter). The dual POV is refreshing. We get to understand their motivations and their pasts before the rest of the characters know it because we can read their thoughts. The twists, especially the large one, are incredible!
If you like your romance with action and suspense, then this is definitely the book for you!
January 22, 2014
This book was a freebie one click that caught my eye.
I read it thinking it wasn't going to amount to much because I have no clue who the author is but I decided to give it a shot... and I'm totally glad that I did.
It was a great story that pulls you in. It captivates you. It makes you want to know what's going to happen next and this author has a way about writing that makes you jump in anticipation with whats to come. Theres a lot of twist and turns in the plot and a lot of things that come out of left field that normally don't work out in a book but the author made it work. And when I say she made it work, I mean she really made it work. The twists and turns and left field enterings were done well and jived with the story.
So what's this book about? It's about a guy and a girl who know nothing of each other but their presents end up colliding. Secrets. Mystery. Tattoos. And Big reveals.
I read it thinking it wasn't going to amount to much because I have no clue who the author is but I decided to give it a shot... and I'm totally glad that I did.
It was a great story that pulls you in. It captivates you. It makes you want to know what's going to happen next and this author has a way about writing that makes you jump in anticipation with whats to come. Theres a lot of twist and turns in the plot and a lot of things that come out of left field that normally don't work out in a book but the author made it work. And when I say she made it work, I mean she really made it work. The twists and turns and left field enterings were done well and jived with the story.
So what's this book about? It's about a guy and a girl who know nothing of each other but their presents end up colliding. Secrets. Mystery. Tattoos. And Big reveals.
February 11, 2014
I loved this great little mystery / thriller, although it was short, it was very informative, one I thought brought some awareness of human trafficking that is still happening everywhere. Loved how this author warns us of the danger of nightclubs, strangers, and what spiked drinks can cause.
Cass is still grieving over a tragic loss as well as a heartache of a breakup and decides to get a commemorative tattoo to remember her beloved sister and move on with her life.
John is still reeling over his own heartbreaking loss and is tracking a lead to solve his own brothers murder. He sees Cass coming out of the tattoo parlor and is instantly smitten. They meet up at his nightclub and becomes Cass's hero, but John has secrets, big secrets.
Will these secrets save the day and ignite a passionate romance flaring between them, or will it a come crashing down upon them.
Thanks for the great read Melinda A. Di Lorenzo
Cass is still grieving over a tragic loss as well as a heartache of a breakup and decides to get a commemorative tattoo to remember her beloved sister and move on with her life.
John is still reeling over his own heartbreaking loss and is tracking a lead to solve his own brothers murder. He sees Cass coming out of the tattoo parlor and is instantly smitten. They meet up at his nightclub and becomes Cass's hero, but John has secrets, big secrets.
Will these secrets save the day and ignite a passionate romance flaring between them, or will it a come crashing down upon them.
Thanks for the great read Melinda A. Di Lorenzo
February 10, 2014
I was very caught up in this story right from the start. The voice of the heroine is young and edgy, yet vulnerable. The hero is very strong. And even though I was right in his head, the twist at the end came as a surprise.
The characters’ life stories were painful and realistic, making for well-motivated actions. This is a romance, and follows the story arcs expected in the genre, but does so in a convincing and natural way. Such organic arcs flow from strong, realistic character motivations.
Along with the characters, the suspense, and the mystery, I enjoyed the author’s light touch with the romance. Feelings grow naturally and realistically while intimate moments are written sparingly. Actually, all the writing is quite spare, making for a strong contemporary fiction feel and fast romantic-suspense pace.
The characters’ life stories were painful and realistic, making for well-motivated actions. This is a romance, and follows the story arcs expected in the genre, but does so in a convincing and natural way. Such organic arcs flow from strong, realistic character motivations.
Along with the characters, the suspense, and the mystery, I enjoyed the author’s light touch with the romance. Feelings grow naturally and realistically while intimate moments are written sparingly. Actually, all the writing is quite spare, making for a strong contemporary fiction feel and fast romantic-suspense pace.
October 16, 2013
I've read all of Melinda's books and this one is my favorite. I love how she writes all her books; the writing pulls you in and hooks you right away. Her style is developing rapidly and I think she has found her voice - and what a voice it is! Her writing style compares to best selling authors - it's a very rare talent that she possesses. Tattoos and Tangles manages to be original in a genre that rarely is, and makes you really care about her characters. I read romantic suspense all the time, and I can already tell that Melinda A. Di Lorenzo is one of my new favourite authors and will make it all the way to bestseller lists...
October 29, 2013
Received an ARC of this from author in return for an honest review...... And I am so happy she asked me.
I'm not going to say much about what happens in this story except to say there is way more to the storyline than what the description says!!
Just when I thought I knew where the story was going another twist was thrown at me. This story had me literally glued to my seat until I finished it.
This is certainly a book I'll be re-reading & I'll definetly be recommending it to friends. This is a MUST READ :)
I'm not going to say much about what happens in this story except to say there is way more to the storyline than what the description says!!
Just when I thought I knew where the story was going another twist was thrown at me. This story had me literally glued to my seat until I finished it.
This is certainly a book I'll be re-reading & I'll definetly be recommending it to friends. This is a MUST READ :)
January 12, 2014
A hero who doesn't always save the day
Enjoyable story, sensual without being explicit, violent without being graphic. There's enough detail to let the reader's imagination fill in the rest. The heroine isn't one whom the author calls intelligent and then consistently acts like a blathering idiot; this one shows some acuity and her actions can be understood. The hero flubs up and is saved by his older sidekick. It's nice to come across a hero who isn't infallible and omnipotent. All said, it's a light and enjoyable read.
Enjoyable story, sensual without being explicit, violent without being graphic. There's enough detail to let the reader's imagination fill in the rest. The heroine isn't one whom the author calls intelligent and then consistently acts like a blathering idiot; this one shows some acuity and her actions can be understood. The hero flubs up and is saved by his older sidekick. It's nice to come across a hero who isn't infallible and omnipotent. All said, it's a light and enjoyable read.
October 15, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It left me on the edge of my seat. With each page, I needed to know what happened next, and every twist and turn was unexpected. I liked how much the characters came alive, and how real they became. There was just enough heat and passion without going overboard. I really felt like I was inside their lives and inside the plot. The ending was great with no loose ends.
November 10, 2013
This sounded like a really interesting story. There were kidnapping, tattoo, and mob. Some of it were even told from a guy POV, my fav. However, somehow it just didn't do it for me. I didn't understand the attraction at all. Cass seemed flat and boring. She's so low key and just didn't stand out at all.
The high point for me was when John came clean to Cass. That, I did not see coming.
The high point for me was when John came clean to Cass. That, I did not see coming.
October 31, 2013
Wow!! Amazingly written!!
I fell in love with these characters and loved the humor!! One minute I was laughing it up and the next I was feeling heartache. Hook, line and sinker from page one!! It's a fast pace novel with suspense that has you guessing thru the whole book!
Happy Reading:)
I fell in love with these characters and loved the humor!! One minute I was laughing it up and the next I was feeling heartache. Hook, line and sinker from page one!! It's a fast pace novel with suspense that has you guessing thru the whole book!
Happy Reading:)
July 30, 2016
This is a great story. It captured my attention from the beginning and wouldn't let it go. I really loved the characters and didn't want to put the book down until I found out what happened to them. I look forward to reading more from this great author.
January 9, 2014
I started this book not sure what to think. but I liked it the pages kept flying. I liked the story line the people you were hoping to make it together. you think the bad guys are one and then they turn out to be different
January 17, 2014
I really enjoyed! I was surprised by the ending, which is very difficult to do! Not at all what I was expecting with regards to John's job! It was a really great read with lots of twists and turns in the plot that worked!
February 18, 2014
I was captured by this story. It was more a suspense thriller than a love story. I thought John was hot but he did not come off as the strong alpha male. Bailey was funny and entertaining. Overall I thought it was a great story!
January 8, 2014
Good book
I can't wait to read more from this author she has a way of writing I enjoy and it is filled with aww and hello yay moments
I can't wait to read more from this author she has a way of writing I enjoy and it is filled with aww and hello yay moments
January 12, 2014
very good lots of unexpected twists throughout the entire book
January 15, 2014
I found this novel very enjoyable. The characters are strong and the heroine isn't overly needy. The hero was easy to like even with his bad boy façade. The story was revealed at a great pace also.
January 13, 2014
Great storyline brilliant twists yip would recommend :)
January 20, 2014
Thrilling lighter captive story. I was surprised by the way the story unfolded. I did not find Tattoos and Tangles predictable. Secondary characters were as enjoyable as John and Cass.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews