I don’t believe in religion but I do believe in fate, Karma but most importantly, I believe in soulmates and I know I have met mine. I can feel it in my bones. Roman Hilson is the other half of my soul.
He hasn’t had real love in his life, but I'm prepared to go big or go bigger to show him we belong together.
Roman
I just got out of prison after serving a fifteen-year sentence for a crime I didn’t even commit.
I’m determined to get my life back, so when my brother's best friend offers me a place to stay in exchange for some handiwork, I jump on it. I’m not sure how to respond when Carter explains he believes I’m his soulmate.
Some might call it toxic but I call it my love language and Carter speaks it fluently. When the past crashes into my present and threatens my future, I have to learn to trust my family - blood and found - to help me clear my name once and for all.
Tattooed Soul is the third book in the Tattooed series. It can be read as a standalone but you should totally read the first two books to meet the Savage Ink family. Tattooed Soul is an MM romance, featuring a himbo tattoo artist who believes in soulmates and the ex-con who is desperate to clear his name.
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
I don’t think these authors are for me unfortunately, although I liked the concept for this and the characters were sweet. It’s all very much surface level and nothing feels serious, even when it should be. I don’t know how to explain that.
There’s also a lot of telling instead of showing, including some scenes that I really would’ve loved to see on page, which also would’ve helped me emotionally connect with the story and characters.
I thought the idea of alpha/omega role-play was really cool and something I’ve never seen before, but they did it in every sex scene, which was unfortunate. I wanted to see *them* together as themselves too, and the point of role-play is often to spice things up by doing something different, so when it happens every time it loses its effect a bit. It was hot though.
But yeah, cute moments and an easy read so if you’re looking for that it’s not a bad choice. Just not my jam.
I generally always remove a whole-ass star if a book doesn’t have an epilogue, but this book had such a long one that I wish there wasn’t any at all, lol.
2.8 ⭐️
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️ Big boys Tattooed MCs Brother’s best friend Forced proximity Roommates Second chance at life Size difference Role-play First times Himbo MC Dick tattoo
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️ Details of MC being groomed by teacher while underage (past, details in prologue) Mentions of having sex with groomer while underage (off page, past) Wrongfully accused and imprisoned (MC, off page) Alcohol consumption Alpha/omega role-play Face-fucking Explicit sexual content Hand-collaring/breath play Mentions of SC being drugged (off page) Brief mentions of SC struggling with alcohol and drugs (off page) Physical violence (MC attacking SC) MC detained by police PTSD symptoms (nightmares, mild anxiety) Branding (tattoo)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️ Cheating: No Other person drama: No Breakup: No POV: 1st person, dual Genre: Contemporary romance Pairing: M/M Strict roles or versatile: Versatile Main characters’ age: 34 and not specified Series: Interconnected series Kindle Unlimited: Yes Pages: 214 Happy ending: Yes
I try not to eavesdrop on their conversation but my brain doesn’t have the same morals as I do. That bitch is all up in their business.
I toy with the idea of getting out of bed and making us breakfast, but that would require actually getting out of bed and I’m not really about that life, so I just roll to my side and creepily watch him sleep.
I’ve thought so much about the guy I've practically planned out our entire future together. Mark my words, I am going to marry that man. I will have that man's babies and he can breed me like a prized mare.
This is the third and final book in this series. I’m so sad to say goodbye to the Savage Ink boys but so glad we might still get to see them as side characters in this authors next spinoff series! This could be read as a standalone but highly recommend reading the first two books cause they are great and you’ll appreciate the side characters more I’m sure!
I love how all the books in this series have a different feel to them. This one was probably the most serious but I loved the relief that Carter brought to the story! He was so much fun and I absolutely loved his character! He was unapologetically himself and I loved how he never wavered once on being with Roman.
I felt so much for Roman. I couldn’t imagine going through what he did and still being an amazing person on the other side. I’m so happy with how everything worked out for him and that he found the wonderful family he was looking for!
Their HEA was so perfect for them! I highly recommend this story and can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next!
Tattooed Soul is the thrid and last book of the Tattooed series.
Every book in the series is better than the last.
Roman is released from prison after fifteen years for a crime he did not commit. The only thing prison has done is change his body because he is still a good man, who only seeks to reconcile with his brother and move on with his life.
Carter is a force of nature, full of positivity, confidence and joy, who notices Roman, deciding that he is his soul mate and future husband.
The chemistry between the two MC ´s is spectacular, in and out of the bedroom.
It is sad to say goodbye to these characters, but there is a spinoff in which they will be secondary characters.
I highly recommend the trilogy, you get attached to all the boys very quickly.
I am sooooo in love with these two men, and absolutely in love with Elamy Pride!
This is my third read of Elamy Pride’s, with each book just getting better and better. The tattooed series is phenomenal
Roman, having served time for a crime he did not commit, is released with absolutely no clue what to do with his life or indeed what his future holds for him.
Enter Carter, the best friend of Roman’s brother! He knows Roman is the other half of his would the moment meets him, he just needs to show Roman that. The story line is beautiful, the banter is on point! We also get to see more of Ryan and Drew from Tattooed Heart and Pete and Gavin from Tattooed Mind!
I want to shout about Elamy Pride from the rooftops! This author is definitely one to watch and I know we will see big things from them in the future 🥰
Tattooed Soul is the third book in the Tattooed series. It can be read as a standalone. I am so glad that I read the first two books to meet the Savage Ink family first. My heart broke for Roman when we learnt his story and I was rooting for him and Carter.
Things I loved 🖤 MM Romance 🖤 Dual POV 🖤 Tattoo aritist 🖤 Volunteering rep 🖤 Justice! 🖤 Epilogue
This story is the sweetest and most wonderfully written by the authors. I fell in love with Carter just as hard as Roman fell for him. Carter is my favorite in this story, and Pete is going to be my forever favorite in this series.
Carter is instantly attracted to Roman from the first time he meets him. He believes in fate, so he knows Roman is his soulmate and that they will have babies together. On the other hand, Roman has recently been released from prison for a crime he didn't commit. After spending fifteen years in prison and distancing himself from his brother to spare him from suffering, he plans to make everything right and repair all the broken relationships. After Roman mends his relationship with his brother, Ryan, he is looking to start his life anew by finding a job and moving out of his brother's place, which leads to him moving in with Carter.
Carter is a very positive person. I loved how he never sugarcoated things and always spoke his mind. I enjoyed their chemistry and how much they cared for each other. Their spicy moments were enjoyable, but I loved their heartwarming moments even more. The happy ending was satisfying, and I liked how everything turned in their favor. The epilogue was the cutest and made me want more of their story.
The authors did an incredible job with the story, and I especially enjoyed reading Carter's point of view, his thoughts about Roman being his soulmate, husband, and many other things, while thinking of naughty stuff.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, and this series is amazing. I highly recommend checking it out. I am hoping for Jordy and Eric's story. I hope we get to see them, and also James and Asher, individually or together, as James needs his happy ending as well.
* I received an ARC copy from the authors and this is my honest review *
I made the mistake of starting this book before heading to work, and I may or may not have been daydreaming about it the whole time. Oops! 😅
Firstly, Roman really got to me. Honestly, he's a better human being than I'll ever be. Despite being wrongly accused, he didn't let it poison his soul, and kept his kind heart intact. Even after enduring so much trauma, he's caring, gentle, just a genuinely good person. He's got a heart of gold, and you can't help but fall in love with him.
And then there is carter. My guy is absolutely delusional and I'm here for it. He's all positivity and sass, the perfect match for Roman. His antics had me in stitches, and I loved every minute of it. His unwavering love and support for Roman really touched me. Everyone needs a Carter in their life, in my opinion.
This story has everything I love—lots of emotions, great humor, and a fantastic cast of characters. The balance between humor and heartfelt moments is also spot on. And the way everything wrapped up was absolutely perfect.
This is my first time reading this author, but it definitely won't be the last.
📃Tropes/Triggers📃 Ex-convict x Tattoo artist Best friend's brother Found family Lots of banter PTSD
*I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review*
This is definitely my favorite book of the series. I enjoyed the first two for sure, but Carter and Roman stole the show. Carter is an absolute joy and Roman is a literal saint. I’m so glad he got his hea with his perfect match. I did not anticipate such a heavy topic, but it was so well done. I look forward to anymore books in this series!
**Please read trigger warnings before reading due to the content (past events but still described)** This is a really great read that bring two very different men together; one sunshine and positivity, one just released from prison after fifteen years for something he didn't do. Roman is justified in being angry, full of revenge and hate but he is none of those things. He wants to be able to move forward with his life, reconnect with his family and be able to live in peace. Carter has other ideas in mind as soon as he sees his best friend's brother, namely that he will be marrying Roman. Roman is in no way against the attention but it's revealing what actually happened that has him worrying about how Carter will see him. He doesn't want that constant sunshine look sent his way to change. What neither can anticipate is how everything from Roman's past is going to push its way into their new normal anyway. This was quite an intense story in moments, especially when Roman has to recount things from his past. I loved his reunion with his mum, that was so sweet how her love and belief in him had never wavered. His brother needed a little bit more conversation. What was necessary for him, I think, is the found family that comes along with everyone from the tattoo shop that Carter works at. It's a have one, get ten more free kind of a deal. There are a couple of tough topics discussed and recounted but if you are ok with reading those, it's a very worthwhile story to read. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This is the book 3 of the Tattooed series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone. Obviously, you will understand the secondary characters better if you read the series in order. This is the story of Carter and Roman. Carter works at the Savage Ink Tattoo shop and is friends with Ryan, Roman's brother. He knows that Roman is his soulmate when they first meet. And while Carter has no filter for his mouth, he is a cheerful and friendly guy. Roman has just been released from prison after serving 15 years for a crime that he didn't commit. He cut off all ties with his mom and brother in an effort to protect them. Now that he is out, he wants to reconnect and build a new future with them. But he doesn't want to do that on is brother's sofa. Carter comes up with the plan that Roman stay with him and be his handyman helper/roommate. This is their story. Even though Carter is completely ridiculous, I very much enjoyed his character. There is a fair amount of angst as Roman sets about clearing his name and putting the past behind him. This is a very well written book and is easy to read. I enjoyed it.
I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sweet baby Jesus at a Pride parade, where did @elamyprideauthor come from?!😳😳
I signed up for an ARC of the 3rd book in the Tattooed Series because my lovely PA @mariansenloverofbooks wouldn’t shut up about them! 😜😜
And there’s only one thing I wanna know (Well, a few actually but let’s start with one):
Where did Elamy Pride come from?!
This book was so good, ya’ll. It had everything that I love in books and since I was headed into a full on slump, I went for a new-to-me author. And Bye Bye, Mr. Slump! 👋🏻👋🏻
The humor combined with the sweetness of the characters and the sad underlying story was the perfect combination. Roman stole my heart from the very beginning as he struggled to reclaim a life that was stolen from him 15 years earlier.
And then Carter comes along. A heart of gold and a libido that just wants one thing: an Alpha for his needy omega! 🔥🔥 the sexual role play was top tier. I loved it and it’s not often that you hear me praise smut in books. I’m so fed up with the same hate f#cking or “who has the biggest d!ck in town” lingo. This was so refreshing, fun, and just over the top sexy! ❤️🔥❤️🔥 and I’ve never seen this dynamic outside of omegaverse, so kudos!
The side-characters were amazing too and not just one-dimensional stereotypes. They added color and helped drive the plot forward. 🧡🧡
So, I have to ask again, where the fluff did Elamy Pride come from?
The style of writing was well-paced and just smooth. It was so fun and engaging and I couldn’t put it down. Seriously, if you are a fan of @saxonjameswrites which I am, then you are gonna swoon over this book! 🥹🥹❤️❤️😮💨😮💨
So, questions! ❤️ How much does it actually hurt to have your d!ck tattooed because that was 🔥🔥 ❤️ How many shower heads are too many? ❤️ When is the next book coming? ❤️ Will James be getting a book?!!!! ❤️ Why are overly tattooed beefy dudes so hot? ❤️ Where did the fedora come from? ❤️ When is the next book coming? ❤️ If Jesus was alive would he go to a pride parade or to the sex shop like he does in my books? ❤️ When is the next book coming and is it James’ book?!
Tattooed Soul is the third in a series that just keeps getting better and better! This is the story of Roman (Ryan’s older brother) and Carter (Ryan’s friend and fellow Savage Ink tattoo artist). Roman is fresh out of prison for a crime he didn’t commit, ready to reconnect with his brother Ryan and get busy living. He may have entered prison as a gangly 19 year old, but now he’s a hulking, tattooed giant who somehow, amazingly, kept his humanity. I loved this gentle soul who just wants to do right. After all he’s been through, you’d understand anger and bitterness. But this story goes in a different direction, and Roman’s path is heartfelt and perfect. Carter is immediately attracted to Roman. Having no filter, he lets it be know: he’s going to marry that man and have his babies! He goes for it, offering inappropriately iced baked goods to get Ryan to help in his quest, and offers his spare bedroom when he finds out 6’5” Roman has been sleeping on Ryan and Drew’s couch. Roman may have wanted a peaceful life, but he got chaotic force of nature Carter instead. Yin Yang. Win-win. Tatts and Muscles are so much fun. You believe Carter when he says they’re meant to be. Their banter is on point, and as good as the sexy times are (and the are!) I liked the little moments between them. And how protective Carter was. He was so amazing. Supportive, but not one to sugarcoat things. He was a revelation in the lengths he’s go to help Roman. The resolution to Roman’s case is well done. Carter was right with his belief in fate. The whole crew is amazing. Ryan and Drew. Pete and Gavin. Fingers crossed James gets his story soon! There is some overlap of previous books, like the art show held at the studio. It’s not necessary to read them, but you absolutely should. Drew and Ryan are a great couple and their story, which started the series, is a must read. A surprisingly sweet story about two muscled, tattooed men getting a great HEA? You bet - and I loved it!
Roman Hilson has spent the last 15 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. After being released he needs to re-gain his life.
Roman was seventeen when he was having an affair with his high school teacher for 2 years, he believed that Terry Hobbs loved him too. Terry was in the closet and was worried about being exposed. He lures Roman to his house every Friday night, but one Friday night turns out to be the night Roman gets arrested for the brutal attack on Terry, but Roman didn't do it, so who did. Terry blames Roman, and gets prison time.
Carter Banks is an absolute sweetheart, he is hysterical, flirty, wears his heart on his sleeve along with all the tattoos he has. Once he sees Roman for the first time, that is it for him and wants to marry him straight away. “Mark my words, I am going to marry that man. I will have that man’s babies and he can breed me like a prized mare”.
Roman is so positive about starting his life over. He finds some great friends and family who love him regardless of what he has been through.
Terry is a vile piece of work and needs to get his comeuppance. Fingers crossed he does or I will happily punch him.
This is my first Elamy Pride novel, and even though it can be read as a standalone, there are two books previous to this, which i now need to go back and read as i loved this one so much. They have made me fall in love with the main characters and I think everyone needs a Carter in their lives. The writing flows super easily. The descriptions are spot on, I can imagine what ‘Tatts’ and ‘Muscles’ look like. I wouldn't hesitate in telling people to read this book.
“I love you Tatts, f*ck I love you so much, I was so scared”. His grip tightens around me and he kisses my hair. “I told you, Muscles, you are my soulmate. Falling in love with you was inevitable”.
I was captured by this book from start to finish, while it has some heavy themes it also has plenty of humour and all the hurt/comfort feels to match. Roman & Carter are charming together, I adored their dynamic and the instant connection between them.
Roman's story is heartbreaking and his recovery, building a life for himself after being in prison for over 10 years. Rebuilding relationships with his family and trying to move forward, his work for the volunteer centre and wanting to help people.
I had a feeling about how things went down in the past and seeing revealed was tragic, the pain for Roman and James guilt. How they'd both been victims, I'm glad they were finally able to tell their side and Terry got what he deserved.
Anyway onto the sweet and spicy romance between Carter & Roman, it's pretty fast paced but honestly they're so fitting. The way they support one another, the banter and falling into one another.
Carter is hilarious with his thoughts and pov throughout, he adds some much needed light among the dark and his so wonderful. His adoration for Roman, the protectiveness and claiming.
These two are just so easy to fall in love with and I adored their romance. Alongside the various friendships in the tale, I'm excited to read more by this author.
Overall I enjoyed this book and the ending is beautiful, the photos, tattoos and little details that is very much their story. Roman & Carter 💛
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4.5 stars Carter is a wonderful character: honest, spontaneous, funny, easygoing, talented and also a very good friend. He and Roman are soulmate at first sight and, despite it's not clear how such thing works, they really are soulmates. Carter could appear as superficial because he's got no filter, but actually he fully accepted Roman without judging him, not even once. He didn't push him to talk about what happened to him, he just provided a safe place and a lot of love. Roman could only surrender to that hurricane who hit him right in the chest.
Roman's story is painful and frustrating, knowing that he cut ties to protect his baby brother was devastating but it also shows how much he loves his family. And I was so glad he had his mom and brother's support. I also adored his decision to volunteer: Roman is such a good guy, he was more worried about ths young boys than about himself.
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars: About Roman's trial, it semed unlikely that no one asked for phone records (it would have been clear that he was always the "victim" who contacted him first) and the age of the eye witness should have raised more questions.
All the side characters were great and I really really liked Eric. I hope he will be the MC of the authors' next book, Lawful.
It's not necessary to have read the previous books before reading this one, but I think it would be better in order to understand the characters' dynamics and relationships. Moreover, this story's timeline interwines with Tattooed Mind.
I received an ARC from the authors and this is my honest review
I love Carter, he loves and loves and his brand of crazy, I am all here for it. It could be counted as borderline toxic possessiveness, except Carter is just too cute and kind for it to be any kind of a threat. Like why wouldn’t you want a big puppy licking your face by showing how happy he is to see you???
This story goes through Roman trying to get his life back in order after being in prison. He first reconnects with his brother, and that’s how he meets Carter, Carter makes it his life’s mission to make Roman his. And while I wouldn’t categorize Roman as necessarily a grump, anyone compared to Carter is sure to be somewhat grumpy.
I laughed outloud in many of the parts, when Carter just starts daydreaming about their life together, or thinks to himself he has a marker k1nk.
Because of how perfect their relationship was, and how well they worked together, there had to be another element that stood in their way, external factors like why Roman went to prison provided the perfect conflict for the third act drama, since there was no breakup.
I think I enjoyed this book the most out of the three books.
After spending fifteen years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Roman is finally out. All he wants is a fresh start and a job. This is where his brother's best friend Carter comes in. Carter is fun, outgoing, and he fell head over heels for Roman from the minute he laid eyes on him. When Carter learned Roman needed a place to stay, he offered him his spare room in exchange for handiwork. It's not long before Roman's past comes on a collision course with his present. Now, it's up to his friends and family to help him clear his name.
There's nothing better than a book about soulmates. Carter and Roman were truly soulmates. Roman was dealt a crap hand. He was imprisoned as a teen for a crime he didn't commit, yet somehow he still was able to come out the other side a kind, caring, forgiving person. Carter had a wildchild, outgoing personality, and he just knew that Roman was his person the minute he laid eyes on him. These two were just so sweet together. I love that Roman found someone who could make him smile, laugh, and be happy again. He deserved a HEA after everything he had been through.
This was always going to be a fun read with Carter, he is incorrigible. However, it has a really serious story running alongside. Roman has been incarcerated for 15 years, and that story alone is heartbreaking. Carter openly claims him the moment they meet and even has his desire written in frosting on a cake. There is absolutely no mixed messages between these two, they both like each other and the relationship starts early on. The story navigates Roman's road moving forward, he is eager to get a job, get support to help his trauma and live happily with Carter. I did see the curveball coming, but it was still angsty with raw emotion. I loved how Carter's love and support never wavered. I loved their story and it has such a satisfying ending and was so swoony. I'm really hoping Eric and Jordan get a story someday. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was an interesting balance of the silliest characters mixed with heavy topics. I really liked Roman's character. I thought he was well written. Carter was a total goof with zero filter. From face licking to pondering if he should piss on a person to mark his territory, you cannot take him seriously. I appreciated how the authors handled the timeline of this book, as it involves things from the past. There were no time jumps back and forth- those are my biggest pet peeves. I am in support of any book that has a bulldog. If you give me four bulldogs, you get at least a four star rating. :) This book is best read after the first two, for better context of characters.
I read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Carter believes in soulmates and can feel it in his bones as Roman Hilson is the other half of his soul. Roman just got out of prison after serving a fifteen-year sentence for a crime he didn’t even commit. When the past crashes into his present and threatens his future, he has to learn to trust his family - blood and found - to help him clear his name once and for all.
I enjoyed this story but it was a bit strange that they were together on a feeling and kindness. The camaraderie between the team/friends around the tattoo parlour was heartening. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
This was my first book by Elamy! It was amazing. Looking forward to going back and reading the others.
Carter is a golden retriever of a man. While Roman is a bit more reserved. But they have an instant attraction.
Carter decided the first time he saw Roman they were Soulmates and he never kept that a secret. Despite some of Roman's secrets and his past, Carter still wanted him.
They were so sweet together. They deserved all the happiness in the world. I loved that it wasn't all that angsty either. It was perfect.
This is such a great series of found family and such great caring, loving guys and gals. This third book I loved even more as Roman deserved so much love after having spent 15 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. It’s amazing he’s such a great humble guy and not tarnished after being in prison. Carter just puts a smile on your face, he’s so cuddly and no filter but such the perfect fit for Roman. I enjoyed the story, couldn’t put it down and thought it was great how everything turned out in the end.
I just read this beautiful ARC and although there were heavy themes mentioned in this book (in the past), the dynamic of Roman and Carter is absolutely adorable.
Carter‘s golden retriever behavior is so cute and yes! they are definitely soulmates. Add a couple of dogs and an amazing chosen family… 🫶🏻🫶🏻
I really enjoyed this book and although not necessary, I will go back and read the first two books in the series 😍
DNF @ 18%. It became clear pretty early on that this was going to be more of a surface-level story of topics that are pretty serious. I was intrigued at first, but I just wasn’t connecting. There is also a lot of improvement needed in the writing: lots of run-on sentences and missing/misused commas. Also, purely a personal preference, but the formatting also made it harder to read. There are no double returns used to separate paragraphs, so it’s just full pages of text crammed on each page.
Tattooed Soul is the third book in the Tattooed series, it's the first one I've read but I will be going back to read the others. This is a best friends brother, opposites attract book about golden retriever Carter and Ex-con Roman. This was such a great book and they really seem to be soul mates.
This is the third book of the series and true to form I haven’t read the others in the series but it didn’t matter, I followed along fine and this book was fantastic! I love the writing style and the characters, and the rest of the series will be added to my tbr pile!
Roman is a kid who has an affair with his teacher, who is then assaulted and Roman cops the blame and ends up in prison. 15 years later Roman is out of prison and trying to make it up to his family that he cut out of his life. Meet Carter, Roman’s brothers best friend and a ball of energy and fun, I swear we all need a friend like this guy he is the best, his character made me laugh out loud so much, I hope he is like that in all the other books. From the first words out of his mouth this character was a delight. Yes there are your typical tropes and HEA but it’s a great read. A bit if smut but not excessive. A great read!
The alpha/omega dirty talk was not it for me. Many like it, but it made me nauseous. I tried to love the book anyway, but the alpha/omega dirty talk just grossed me out. It really takes a lot to do that to me. The story itself was good, and I did like the characters. I wish I could get past the rest.
Toman is trying to get his life back together. Carter is convinced they're soul mates. He's everything Roman never knew he needed. His unwavering faith in Roman and their love was beautiful.
This was a great book to end on if indeed this is the end? The characters are woven together that makes for excellent storytelling. They are very human and handle this with the assistance of family. Hope Jordy and James get their HEA too.