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The Tattoo Artist :
My whole life has been a lie.
I was sheltered and raised in a Catholic household. I was taught to dress a certain way.
Behave a certain way. Never having any free will of my own.
But all my Catholic beliefs went out the window when I met him.
I was only sixteen at the time.
Deimos…his name sounded so good coming out of my mouth.
Rumors were spread that Demios was just a myth that parents told their daughters to scare them into being obedient or else they would meet Deimos, the GOD of Terror and Dread.
I was determined to prove his existence, but I never imagined that the truth would be even more dangerous than lies.
As I dove deeper into the mystery, things got more complicated when I met Alexander, the handsome tattoo artist. My feelings for him became more apparent.
I never imagined I could love two people simultaneously.
Could I trust my heart? Or would it lead me down a path of destruction?
As the stakes increased and the dangers intensified, I had to make a choice: continue my search and risk everything to be with Deimos or lose my chance with Alexander.
I was sheltered and raised in a Catholic household. I was taught to dress a certain way.
Behave a certain way. Never having any free will of my own.
But all my Catholic beliefs went out the window when I met him.
I was only sixteen at the time.
Deimos…his name sounded so good coming out of my mouth.
Rumors were spread that Demios was just a myth that parents told their daughters to scare them into being obedient or else they would meet Deimos, the GOD of Terror and Dread.
I was determined to prove his existence, but I never imagined that the truth would be even more dangerous than lies.
As I dove deeper into the mystery, things got more complicated when I met Alexander, the handsome tattoo artist. My feelings for him became more apparent.
I never imagined I could love two people simultaneously.
Could I trust my heart? Or would it lead me down a path of destruction?
As the stakes increased and the dangers intensified, I had to make a choice: continue my search and risk everything to be with Deimos or lose my chance with Alexander.
576 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2024
201 people are currently reading
2353 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
October 2, 2024
I appreciate the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book, but it is definitely not for me.
The writing is stiff and the dialogue is awkward.
There are SO many repetitive lines in this book, making quite a bit of it redundant. The past and present-tense verbiage was so inconsistent that I was annoyed by it the entire time and could not overlook it.
* -“The balcony was next to Sophie's balcony, where she stood by the railing. I leaned against the railing with my phone held tightly.”
* -“My book bag was now on the ground, and some of my belongings had also fallen out onto the ground.”
* -“I mumbled, and he nodded. He then extends his hands…”
I didn’t care about the characters at all and for an MMC that was presented as swoon-worthy and irresistible, I felt literally nothing for him.
* “The walls were white, Exactly what you would see if you googled ‘Greece cave pools’. This house was gorgeous, and the cave pool was beautiful.”
The lack of description and telling the reader to google it is so wild to me. I do not want to google it. I feel like the writer should be able to convey these details in a way that makes me envision it without a picture or google image search. I mean, I know EXACTLY what several completely fictional places look like. So an existing place should be easily described in words.
Once the characters had sex, it was “spice” in every chapter and whatever plot was there before essentially became nonexistent.
Plus, the blasphemy scene just gave me the ick.
* “Alexander was no boy. No, he was all man. Alexander exuded masculinity with his commanding presence, characterized by his broad shoulders, towering stature, and sharply defined jawline.”
This whole paragraph was giving ‘person who has never heard a man described by a woman, writing things they *think* a woman would say’ vibes lol.
All in all, I do not think this story was well written by any means. There is a lot of room for improvement. I don’t think I’ll be reading anything else by this author.
The writing is stiff and the dialogue is awkward.
There are SO many repetitive lines in this book, making quite a bit of it redundant. The past and present-tense verbiage was so inconsistent that I was annoyed by it the entire time and could not overlook it.
* -“The balcony was next to Sophie's balcony, where she stood by the railing. I leaned against the railing with my phone held tightly.”
* -“My book bag was now on the ground, and some of my belongings had also fallen out onto the ground.”
* -“I mumbled, and he nodded. He then extends his hands…”
I didn’t care about the characters at all and for an MMC that was presented as swoon-worthy and irresistible, I felt literally nothing for him.
* “The walls were white, Exactly what you would see if you googled ‘Greece cave pools’. This house was gorgeous, and the cave pool was beautiful.”
The lack of description and telling the reader to google it is so wild to me. I do not want to google it. I feel like the writer should be able to convey these details in a way that makes me envision it without a picture or google image search. I mean, I know EXACTLY what several completely fictional places look like. So an existing place should be easily described in words.
Once the characters had sex, it was “spice” in every chapter and whatever plot was there before essentially became nonexistent.
Plus, the blasphemy scene just gave me the ick.
* “Alexander was no boy. No, he was all man. Alexander exuded masculinity with his commanding presence, characterized by his broad shoulders, towering stature, and sharply defined jawline.”
This whole paragraph was giving ‘person who has never heard a man described by a woman, writing things they *think* a woman would say’ vibes lol.
All in all, I do not think this story was well written by any means. There is a lot of room for improvement. I don’t think I’ll be reading anything else by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
Okay I just finished this book and let me tell you right now I can’t wait for the next book in this series just off of the preview that was at the end of the book. But let get to this book first off I had no clue what this book was going to be about at all and that is what i love about reading books going into them blind. So at first I thought the guy that was hurting people was just a random dude then as I got into the book and learn more about the characters I finally figure out that he was hurting the people that almost killed the girl he love and I love that so much. I hate her fake parents like why would you do something like that to a kid. I was shocked to heard about her real parents I did not see that one coming out at. I love how he helps get her memory back in different ways, I love her best friend and I can’t wait to read her story in the next book. I love the mafia storyline. I’m glad that her real parents got to be together in love with each other. I love that after everything they finally got back together after they took time apart so she get figure everything out that had happen though out her whole life. I’m glad they are starting a family together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2024
“I wasn’t supposed to fall in love with her but goddamn it, I did.”
“She was the only person who could get the king of the underworld on his knees.”
“I was going to hell, but at least I’d be the queen of the underworld with Deimos by my side.”
TROPES:
• dark, mafia romance
• stalker romance
• plot twists & secrets
• age gap
• touch her & die vibes
• secret/forbidden romance
• found family
I went into this ARC semi blind minus reading the blurb. I made theories along the way but none of mine matched up once the secrets & plot twists were revealed! Some of the time jumps didn’t make sense but I still enjoyed reading it. This book was fast-paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat. My jaw dropped in multiple chapters.
Thank you, Kassandra Marie Lopez for the ARC 🤍
“She was the only person who could get the king of the underworld on his knees.”
“I was going to hell, but at least I’d be the queen of the underworld with Deimos by my side.”
TROPES:
• dark, mafia romance
• stalker romance
• plot twists & secrets
• age gap
• touch her & die vibes
• secret/forbidden romance
• found family
I went into this ARC semi blind minus reading the blurb. I made theories along the way but none of mine matched up once the secrets & plot twists were revealed! Some of the time jumps didn’t make sense but I still enjoyed reading it. This book was fast-paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat. My jaw dropped in multiple chapters.
Thank you, Kassandra Marie Lopez for the ARC 🤍
September 25, 2024
The way that Kassandra Marie Lopez wrote about the tattoo artist was amazing. The twists and turns in this book had me not wanting to put it down and reading most of the night until I finished it. It is a dark romance with a whole lot of smut.
I was trying to figure out who Deimos is.
Quinn Connor is the main female character. She is very infatuated with Deimos in the first of the story and throughout the story, her parents are very strict and Catholic. They don't let her out to have fun; she's not allowed to do anything but go to school and to work. Her friend, who is the priest's daughter, decides she wants to get a tattoo and asks her to come with her. That is where she meets this hot tattoo artist named Alexander Hades. A 6-ft four hot Greek man. Who you can tell has only eyes for Quinn.
some of the Trigger warnings included.
detailed and expected sex scenes
Gaslighting
human trafficking
Spanking
Stalking
Torture
Violence
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5/5 on the spice level
I was trying to figure out who Deimos is.
Quinn Connor is the main female character. She is very infatuated with Deimos in the first of the story and throughout the story, her parents are very strict and Catholic. They don't let her out to have fun; she's not allowed to do anything but go to school and to work. Her friend, who is the priest's daughter, decides she wants to get a tattoo and asks her to come with her. That is where she meets this hot tattoo artist named Alexander Hades. A 6-ft four hot Greek man. Who you can tell has only eyes for Quinn.
some of the Trigger warnings included.
detailed and expected sex scenes
Gaslighting
human trafficking
Spanking
Stalking
Torture
Violence
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5/5 on the spice level
September 13, 2024
I personally LOVED this book.
It keeps you guessing and keeps you engaged in my opinion, there’s soooo many secrets and the plot twist? ✨chefs kiss✨ like when I say I couldn’t put it down I mean I was up at 3am trying to get answers 🤣
I loved the plot and I loved the spice. This isn’t a book, it’s an obsession. I hope you all take the chance to meet Alexander: you seriously won’t regret it.
It keeps you guessing and keeps you engaged in my opinion, there’s soooo many secrets and the plot twist? ✨chefs kiss✨ like when I say I couldn’t put it down I mean I was up at 3am trying to get answers 🤣
I loved the plot and I loved the spice. This isn’t a book, it’s an obsession. I hope you all take the chance to meet Alexander: you seriously won’t regret it.
October 2, 2024
This book will keep you on your toes all the way till the end! There were times where I thought I had it all figured out only to be thrown for a loop, but the plot twist!! I can honestly say I didn’t see it coming! The author gave us characters we can love and one we love to hat, a storyline that keeps you hooked until the very end, all the spice you could want and an ending that will leave your jaw on the floor! This was the first book that I have read by Kassandra and I am already a fan. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!
September 28, 2024
Quotes
“She was mine and the devil himself wouldn’t dare take her from me”
What a bizarre little book of lust. A game of chess if you will!
FMC artistic ability landed her a job at a tattoo shop. She’s 18yrs old but under the thumb of her parents whom they want to marry a young man but his father would love to devour her. All while she has a lust for the MMC who is of the Jeckl/Hyde kind.
This is a lot of material to take in. It’s a long book. Each chapter brings someone and something different to the table. If you like dark this us for you but as always read the TW. If you are anyone is a victim of SA please seek help.
“She was mine and the devil himself wouldn’t dare take her from me”
What a bizarre little book of lust. A game of chess if you will!
FMC artistic ability landed her a job at a tattoo shop. She’s 18yrs old but under the thumb of her parents whom they want to marry a young man but his father would love to devour her. All while she has a lust for the MMC who is of the Jeckl/Hyde kind.
This is a lot of material to take in. It’s a long book. Each chapter brings someone and something different to the table. If you like dark this us for you but as always read the TW. If you are anyone is a victim of SA please seek help.
October 2, 2024
You will not expect what comes…
**spoilers**
First…I hate how her family twists religion. Most annoying thing in the whole story…but it is a reality for many. I just wanted to jump through the page and punch them at times.
Oh! I needed to know who the mystery man was! Her obsession is mine too! Love a good bad boy! Who is Demios…or what is he?
Art speaks to me…so I get Quinn. I also love tattoos and Alexander…ooh yes.
Takes some time to get to the mafia part…but it’s fierce. I love a good mafia story! Touch her and die…so true and they did.
Oh that twist!!! I was plotting and trying to guess the end…that twist hurt! I had a TBI and lost my memory and never got it back still. Ouch the feels!!
Then, twist again! Who’s the momma? Oh wow not ready for that one. And then she leaves! Oh my heart hurt so much!
And they make it back to each other! Thank goodness.
This story gripped me and held my heart. I loved it and would love more of them or the other brothers!
**spoilers**
First…I hate how her family twists religion. Most annoying thing in the whole story…but it is a reality for many. I just wanted to jump through the page and punch them at times.
Oh! I needed to know who the mystery man was! Her obsession is mine too! Love a good bad boy! Who is Demios…or what is he?
Art speaks to me…so I get Quinn. I also love tattoos and Alexander…ooh yes.
Takes some time to get to the mafia part…but it’s fierce. I love a good mafia story! Touch her and die…so true and they did.
Oh that twist!!! I was plotting and trying to guess the end…that twist hurt! I had a TBI and lost my memory and never got it back still. Ouch the feels!!
Then, twist again! Who’s the momma? Oh wow not ready for that one. And then she leaves! Oh my heart hurt so much!
And they make it back to each other! Thank goodness.
This story gripped me and held my heart. I loved it and would love more of them or the other brothers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2024
Wow! 🥵 Quinn is raised in a strict catholic household by very controlling parents. She becomes obsessed with what some may call a myth, Deimos and swears she’s had encounters with him. Alexander is book boyfriend goals, dark, handsome, tattoos and mysterious 🙌🏽 and he loves like no other. This story is soooo good, there is suspense and mystery. The story keeps you guessing trying to figure out who Deimos is and what’s really going on with all these characters. The spice, even though it takes a bit to hit, is good as well 😉
September 25, 2024
Wow talk about a twist after twist. I seen some of them, but definitely not all of them. Some things don't make perfect sense in my over thinking mind. But none the less, this story was great!!! I'm definitely looking forward to the other books of this series 💚🥰
September 19, 2024
I went into this one semi blind, I did read the tw and went on my happy way. This is a fantastic book and not what I had expected at all. I loved the plot twists. They really come out of nowhere and I was left sitting with my mouth open like WHAT!
Alexander is just yum, 6’4 Greek tattooed man. Yes please 🙏
Quinn really surprised me her character has some big changes and I loved that for her.
Their chemistry is off the charts 10/10
I would recommend this book to a friend, so good ahead and add this to your tbr.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫦🫦🫦
September 19, 2024
The Tattoo Artist : (La Petite Mort Book 1)
Kassandra Marie Lopez
Quinn's parents were very strict about how she dressed, who she could hang around with.
Quinn saw Deimos kill someone.
Instead of being terrified, she was intrigued by the man in the mask with tattoos on his hand.
Then she meets Alexander, and everything changes, and the storyline takes you on a journey that makes you feel what Quinn is going through.
Highly recommend this book.
If you don't have triggers and like a storyline that gives you story and juicy scenes, then you should dive right into this book.
Kassandra Marie Lopez
Quinn's parents were very strict about how she dressed, who she could hang around with.
Quinn saw Deimos kill someone.
Instead of being terrified, she was intrigued by the man in the mask with tattoos on his hand.
Then she meets Alexander, and everything changes, and the storyline takes you on a journey that makes you feel what Quinn is going through.
Highly recommend this book.
If you don't have triggers and like a storyline that gives you story and juicy scenes, then you should dive right into this book.
September 23, 2024
This book was so good! It kept me entertained from the very beginning and the spice was there too. I cannot wait to read the next book of the series.
September 27, 2024
It was great! I think my favorite character was Quinn. The plot twist near the end had me. Really enjoyed these characters. I'm interested to see where the rest of this series goes, especially with the brothers.
September 13, 2024
⭐️4🌶️3💧0
Alexander freaking Hades!!!! Where can I get me one of him!? Because oooooooffff! This man!!!
The entire book had me questioning “who is Deimos!?” I never would have guessed exactly who it is!! The plot twist was definitely twisted!!!! I devoured this book in one sitting! I couldn’t put it down.
#thetattooartist #kassandramarielopez #authorkml #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife #spicybooklover
Alexander freaking Hades!!!! Where can I get me one of him!? Because oooooooffff! This man!!!
The entire book had me questioning “who is Deimos!?” I never would have guessed exactly who it is!! The plot twist was definitely twisted!!!! I devoured this book in one sitting! I couldn’t put it down.
#thetattooartist #kassandramarielopez #authorkml #audiobook #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #booksarelife #spicybooklover
September 15, 2024
Where do I even begin with this book, it was amazing and had so much going on. The suspense,heartbreak,death, and finding oneself, and finding love had me loving this book all the way through. There were parts were I went ahha I knew that’s what was going on but the questions still kept coming as I read. I loved Alexander and Quinn the most out of everyone and I was so surprised by the ending and the big reveals we kept getting. This is definitely worth the read I would just read the triggers ahead of time before reading. This is so good I couldn’t stop reading and guessing the whole time.
October 2, 2024
This book was very suspenseful not knowing what would come next!! It kept me on my toes but I loved it! Quinn loves her mask man so the first time she saw Demios she fell hard knowing that he was off limits but not caring and wanting him! Then she meets Alexander the tattoo artist and falls for him as well definitely a twist of love in her life! A girl who went to church and her parents were very strict never stopped her from going after what she wanted even if her parents would be against it!
September 15, 2024
Wow...This book was AWESOME!! Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. The twists and turns of the book were so unexpected that I never saw them coming. Alexander and Quinn are two halves of one whole. And don't get me started on how smutty and sexy this book was. I absolutely can't wait for the next book in the series!!!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 14, 2024
I loved the story in this book. Alexander took on the weight of the world for Quinn. He never asked for anything in return. The twists you think you figure out but trust me you don't. Once you finish the book you realize how complex the story is because while reading it it doesn't feel like it. The only thing I hated was the author plugged her own books in this book.
September 16, 2024
Nice book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2024
Omg this book was amazing. I love what Kassandra did with the storyline. I couldn’t put the book down.
October 12, 2024
Anything with devout Catholic's, Greek mythology, and philosophical names immediately pike my interest. This book grabbed me immediately, and I couldn't put it down. And bravo to the FMC for diving straight in for a mental first tattoo. The story was gripping and then slowly things started to get confusing, this was planting seeds of the twists and turns the book was about to take me on. There was a lot of predictability, and I had hoped I was wrong. That wasn't the case, and this book really lost steam quickly for me. I managed to limp my way to the ending. Its such a shame because this book had the premise to be really good but didn't quite pack the punch.
December 26, 2024
Holy freaking crap this book had me shook it was so dang good. Just when I thought I knew what was happening boom it would change and it would be completely different than I ever imagined! The twist and turns this story takes you through had me craving more. I could NOT put it down!! Quinn is such an amazing strong badass woman! The spice was spicy Kassandra definitely knows how to keep you engaged and entertained. I can’t wait to read Sophia’s story!
Please make sure to check the trigger warnings this book has some dark topics. Your mental health matters!
Please make sure to check the trigger warnings this book has some dark topics. Your mental health matters!
May 5, 2025
Horribly repetitive, very pedestrian writing. It literally felt like a teenager wrote this. Way too much hooking up, and the plot had some many holes. If I could give this zero stars I would.
December 19, 2025
The Tattoo Artist: (La Petite Mort Book 1) Paperback Released – October 2, 2024
by Kassandra Marie Lopez Audiobook Review - Releases December 19, 2025
Quinn Connor just turned 18, but you wouldn't know it from the way her parents treat her. They are strict Catholics; she isn't allowed to wear any clothes that are revealing, and her skirts have to be long enough to hit her ankles. She isn't allowed to date, go out anywhere except for school (all girls) and work, and she is expected to help her parents with bills because it costs a lot of money to keep her older sister Athena in a mental institution over in the US. The sister who has been gone so long, Quinn doesn't remember her, and the only photo of her in the house is when she was 10 years old.
One night, while doing a nightly routine of painting in front of her bedroom window, Quinn saw a man covered head to toe in darkness with a mask hiding his face, and he murdered a man. Rather than being frightened by him, she was enthralled. No fear at all, just amazed. She was obsessed with an urban legend that parents told the kids about to scare them into staying home. A local boogyman named Deimos. He was known to murder people and was ruthless, dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. After seeing him that night, she looked up everything she could find about him and every night painted at her window, hoping for the day she would finally see him again. And she does...
Quinn's best friend, Sophie, lives next door and is the priest's daughter at the church where they go regularly. The only reason Quinn is allowed to be friends with her is due to her father. Yes, the priest has a daughter (that is a different story). Sophie isn't innocent and the opposite of Quinn. Her father doesn't dictate what she does, what she wears, where she goes, or who she sees. So she decides to get a tattoo and asks Quinn to come with her for company, and also to get her out of the house for something other than school or work, since Quinn's parents never allow her to do anything. That is where they meet a hot tattoo artist named Alexander, covered in tattoos, with unforgettable gorgeous green eyes, a sexy accent, and a man of few words. As an artist herself, planning to attend art school once she graduates, she sketches Alexander as he tattoos Sophie to keep her occupied. He made for a beautiful subject.
Alexander Hades is a dangerous man. He owns the tattoo studio and is infamous for being a prized fighter at an illegal fighting ring where the winner was paid well and paid better if the man died in the fight. Alexander never lost. After seeing him again at the tattoo studio for her friends' additional tattoos, she's been planning chance meetings outside the studio, which drew her curiosity. He was equally interested, and she noticed, but she was so innocent, and her parents made it difficult for her to get away. But she is his princess, his beautiful butterfly, and he will do anything to keep her in his life. He will not lose her. Not again...
Quinn is torn between her obsession with her dark, morally grey vigilante, Deimos, whom she sees only in the middle of nights while the city and her parents sleep, and the man she can see by day or by night: Alexander. Both men are captivating and dangerous, and she wants them both. What she doesn't know is that she has both Deimos and Alexander in the palm of her hand. Even though Alexander knows how she feels about Deimos, he will not stop caring for her, wanting her. Always has, and always will, but maybe the secret he is keeping from her could make her hate him before their life can truly begin. He cannot take the chance; he will not.
TROPES:
• Multiple POV • Adult Open Door Spice- Lots • Dark Mafia Romance • Protector Stalker Romance • Reverse Stalker (She's Obsessed)
• Plot Twists • Age Gap • Touch Her & Die • Secret/Forbidden Romance • Literal Found Family • Unreliable Narrator • HUGE Secrets
• Forced Institution • Masked Man • Danger • Trauma • Lost Love
Amazing Duet Narration performed by voice actors Lucy Rivers & Richard Sawyer
I received an ALC from Bluenose Audio in exchange for an honest review. I must say, many times I would scratch my head as Quinn talked about an experience, only to be suddenly brought back to her current situation. It seemed like it was happening in real-time, but then it was like she snapped out of a daydream. It was wild and sometimes dangerous situations that occurred more frequently as the story progressed. The plot twists in this book surprised me, which was a nice change of pace from most stories lately. This book contains various trigger warnings, so if you are interested in reading/listening, please review them. Also, there is a lot of open door, very descriptive spice. Some situations may bother people. Not much bothers me anymore so I roll with anything that isn't my cuppa.
The audiobook comes out on December 19th, so if the above interests you, go to Audible and check it out!
by Kassandra Marie Lopez Audiobook Review - Releases December 19, 2025
Quinn Connor just turned 18, but you wouldn't know it from the way her parents treat her. They are strict Catholics; she isn't allowed to wear any clothes that are revealing, and her skirts have to be long enough to hit her ankles. She isn't allowed to date, go out anywhere except for school (all girls) and work, and she is expected to help her parents with bills because it costs a lot of money to keep her older sister Athena in a mental institution over in the US. The sister who has been gone so long, Quinn doesn't remember her, and the only photo of her in the house is when she was 10 years old.
One night, while doing a nightly routine of painting in front of her bedroom window, Quinn saw a man covered head to toe in darkness with a mask hiding his face, and he murdered a man. Rather than being frightened by him, she was enthralled. No fear at all, just amazed. She was obsessed with an urban legend that parents told the kids about to scare them into staying home. A local boogyman named Deimos. He was known to murder people and was ruthless, dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. After seeing him that night, she looked up everything she could find about him and every night painted at her window, hoping for the day she would finally see him again. And she does...
Quinn's best friend, Sophie, lives next door and is the priest's daughter at the church where they go regularly. The only reason Quinn is allowed to be friends with her is due to her father. Yes, the priest has a daughter (that is a different story). Sophie isn't innocent and the opposite of Quinn. Her father doesn't dictate what she does, what she wears, where she goes, or who she sees. So she decides to get a tattoo and asks Quinn to come with her for company, and also to get her out of the house for something other than school or work, since Quinn's parents never allow her to do anything. That is where they meet a hot tattoo artist named Alexander, covered in tattoos, with unforgettable gorgeous green eyes, a sexy accent, and a man of few words. As an artist herself, planning to attend art school once she graduates, she sketches Alexander as he tattoos Sophie to keep her occupied. He made for a beautiful subject.
Alexander Hades is a dangerous man. He owns the tattoo studio and is infamous for being a prized fighter at an illegal fighting ring where the winner was paid well and paid better if the man died in the fight. Alexander never lost. After seeing him again at the tattoo studio for her friends' additional tattoos, she's been planning chance meetings outside the studio, which drew her curiosity. He was equally interested, and she noticed, but she was so innocent, and her parents made it difficult for her to get away. But she is his princess, his beautiful butterfly, and he will do anything to keep her in his life. He will not lose her. Not again...
Quinn is torn between her obsession with her dark, morally grey vigilante, Deimos, whom she sees only in the middle of nights while the city and her parents sleep, and the man she can see by day or by night: Alexander. Both men are captivating and dangerous, and she wants them both. What she doesn't know is that she has both Deimos and Alexander in the palm of her hand. Even though Alexander knows how she feels about Deimos, he will not stop caring for her, wanting her. Always has, and always will, but maybe the secret he is keeping from her could make her hate him before their life can truly begin. He cannot take the chance; he will not.
TROPES:
• Multiple POV • Adult Open Door Spice- Lots • Dark Mafia Romance • Protector Stalker Romance • Reverse Stalker (She's Obsessed)
• Plot Twists • Age Gap • Touch Her & Die • Secret/Forbidden Romance • Literal Found Family • Unreliable Narrator • HUGE Secrets
• Forced Institution • Masked Man • Danger • Trauma • Lost Love
Amazing Duet Narration performed by voice actors Lucy Rivers & Richard Sawyer
I received an ALC from Bluenose Audio in exchange for an honest review. I must say, many times I would scratch my head as Quinn talked about an experience, only to be suddenly brought back to her current situation. It seemed like it was happening in real-time, but then it was like she snapped out of a daydream. It was wild and sometimes dangerous situations that occurred more frequently as the story progressed. The plot twists in this book surprised me, which was a nice change of pace from most stories lately. This book contains various trigger warnings, so if you are interested in reading/listening, please review them. Also, there is a lot of open door, very descriptive spice. Some situations may bother people. Not much bothers me anymore so I roll with anything that isn't my cuppa.
The audiobook comes out on December 19th, so if the above interests you, go to Audible and check it out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2024
THE TATTOO ARTIST is the first instalment in Kassandra Marie Lopez’ contemporary, adult LA PETITE MORT dark, erotic, Mafia, romance series. This is twenty-four year old, tattoo artist Alexander Hades, Deimos and eighteen year old, artist and student Quinn Connor’s story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from three first person perspectives (Alexander, Deimos, Quinn) using present day and memories from the past, THE TATTOO ARTIST follows the building relationship between Alexander and Quinn. Approximately two years earlier, sixteen year old, Catholic school girl, Quinn Connor witnessed the beat down and murder of man outside of her bedroom window. Believing the perpetrator Is the killer known as Deimos, our heroine begins to fantasize about the ‘God of Terror’, a man she would not see for close to another two years. Bored and struggling with a direction in life, Quinn would accompany her best friend Sophia to a tattoo appointment where she will come face to face with her future in the guise of Alexander Hades but all is not as it appears to be, as Alexander’s slow seduction of Quinn is offset by Quinn’s fantasies involving the myth, the killer, known as Deimos.
The world building is complex and multi-layered. Alexander Hades is an enigma; a tattoo artist, an MMA fighter, a killer and a member of the Greek Mafia controlled by the Hades family. Quinn Connor is a naïve, Catholic school girl; a part time librarian with aspirations to be an artist, a young woman whose entire life is predicated on a series of secrets and lies. Protected by Alexander, lusting after Deimos, Quinn finds herself spiralling as the truth is slowly revealed.
The relationship between Quinn and Alexander is a slow building romance as Alexander tenderly seduces the woman with whom he has fallen in love but Alexander has secrets, deep, dark and dangerous secrets that once revealed may destroy his relationship with our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.
We are introduced to Alexander’s brother: Aristotle and Sebastian: Quinn’s best friend Sophia Sutton; library employee Isaac; as well as Quinn’s ultra religious parents; her friend Owen Walsh, and several members of the Russian, Irish and Greek Mafia. The requisite evil has many familiar faces. There is some history between Sophia and Aristotle.
THE TATTOO ARTIST is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and madness, forgiveness, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, dramatic, twisty and intriguing; the romance is passionate and intoxicating; the characters are broken, disturbing, desperate and determined
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from three first person perspectives (Alexander, Deimos, Quinn) using present day and memories from the past, THE TATTOO ARTIST follows the building relationship between Alexander and Quinn. Approximately two years earlier, sixteen year old, Catholic school girl, Quinn Connor witnessed the beat down and murder of man outside of her bedroom window. Believing the perpetrator Is the killer known as Deimos, our heroine begins to fantasize about the ‘God of Terror’, a man she would not see for close to another two years. Bored and struggling with a direction in life, Quinn would accompany her best friend Sophia to a tattoo appointment where she will come face to face with her future in the guise of Alexander Hades but all is not as it appears to be, as Alexander’s slow seduction of Quinn is offset by Quinn’s fantasies involving the myth, the killer, known as Deimos.
The world building is complex and multi-layered. Alexander Hades is an enigma; a tattoo artist, an MMA fighter, a killer and a member of the Greek Mafia controlled by the Hades family. Quinn Connor is a naïve, Catholic school girl; a part time librarian with aspirations to be an artist, a young woman whose entire life is predicated on a series of secrets and lies. Protected by Alexander, lusting after Deimos, Quinn finds herself spiralling as the truth is slowly revealed.
The relationship between Quinn and Alexander is a slow building romance as Alexander tenderly seduces the woman with whom he has fallen in love but Alexander has secrets, deep, dark and dangerous secrets that once revealed may destroy his relationship with our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense.
We are introduced to Alexander’s brother: Aristotle and Sebastian: Quinn’s best friend Sophia Sutton; library employee Isaac; as well as Quinn’s ultra religious parents; her friend Owen Walsh, and several members of the Russian, Irish and Greek Mafia. The requisite evil has many familiar faces. There is some history between Sophia and Aristotle.
THE TATTOO ARTIST is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and madness, forgiveness, acceptance and love. The premise is dark, dramatic, twisty and intriguing; the romance is passionate and intoxicating; the characters are broken, disturbing, desperate and determined
copy supplied for review
September 28, 2024
Kassandra Lopez did an amazing job with writing this book. She was very detailed and she certainly had us hanging from our chairs with the twists and turns this story had us on.
Quinn lives a very sheltered life. Her parents rarely let her out of their sights, unless it's for school and work and she occasionally gets to hang out with her next door neighbor, Sophie. But otherwise she can't be out, especially with any boys. She has been obsessed over a guy she would see through her window or randomly and her friend keeps telling her that he's just a myth, a legend but Quinn is determined that she is not hallucinating and/or making it up. She knows deep down that he exists.
She meets a guys named Alexander and he's a tattoo artist. Quinn is also very talented when it comes to drawing and painting so when Alexander see's what she can do, he offers her a job at his tattoo parlor. At first, she declines but then thinks better of it and accepts. She also becomes very well acquainted with Alexander and they start courting each other. Alexander seems to be fixated on her and is with her like a hawk. He's very possessive and jealous when it comes to her.
As we get further into the story, we find out many things about Deimos, Alexander and Quinn. There will be twists and turns like there's no tomorrow and certainly some surprises throughout the book.
For Quinn being so sheltered, she certainly had quite some steamy scenes in this book that will have you fanning your face and blushing if reading out in public!
I was amazed with how well this book was written and I can tell you that I devoured this book while on vacation at DisneyLand :)
Well done Kassandra Lopez!!
Quinn lives a very sheltered life. Her parents rarely let her out of their sights, unless it's for school and work and she occasionally gets to hang out with her next door neighbor, Sophie. But otherwise she can't be out, especially with any boys. She has been obsessed over a guy she would see through her window or randomly and her friend keeps telling her that he's just a myth, a legend but Quinn is determined that she is not hallucinating and/or making it up. She knows deep down that he exists.
She meets a guys named Alexander and he's a tattoo artist. Quinn is also very talented when it comes to drawing and painting so when Alexander see's what she can do, he offers her a job at his tattoo parlor. At first, she declines but then thinks better of it and accepts. She also becomes very well acquainted with Alexander and they start courting each other. Alexander seems to be fixated on her and is with her like a hawk. He's very possessive and jealous when it comes to her.
As we get further into the story, we find out many things about Deimos, Alexander and Quinn. There will be twists and turns like there's no tomorrow and certainly some surprises throughout the book.
For Quinn being so sheltered, she certainly had quite some steamy scenes in this book that will have you fanning your face and blushing if reading out in public!
I was amazed with how well this book was written and I can tell you that I devoured this book while on vacation at DisneyLand :)
Well done Kassandra Lopez!!
October 10, 2024
4.25 Stars
This book is definitely one that will keep you on your toes and at the end I just felt like I wanted to read more. It is a decent length book, but a book that has you guessing does not get boring. It kept me entertained throughout. It is dark and talks on a lot of dark themes, so make sure to read the trigger warnings before you dive in. I am also always here for someone who has had to deal with strict religious parents their whole life breaking into the darkness. It brings me such joy. I love that Quinn’s obsession commands her life and we get to witness that descent. This book is dark and spicy and the twists and turns kept me engaged through the end.
The story is told from the points of view of Quinn, Alexander, and Deimos. I loved Quinn. She is so sheltered. She appears to be your typical good Catholic girl. But she has darkness, including her obsession with Deimos. Her chemistry with Alexander, the dark tattoo artist, is definitely off the charts. When they finally get together, the spiciness is explosive. The common ground of art blooming into a fantastic relationship.
The most exciting part of this book is the constant question of “Who is Deimos?” I tried to make so many guesses and I kept reading because I wanted to know. The twists and turns in this book made me not want to put it down. That and the transformation of Quinn from good girl to darkness is what hooked me and pulled me in. There is a mafia aspect to this story but it just felt a little different to me from the typical mafia romance. As I said above the spice is top level and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. There was some points where it took me a little bit to really get into it, but once I did, I just wanted more.
This book is definitely one that will keep you on your toes and at the end I just felt like I wanted to read more. It is a decent length book, but a book that has you guessing does not get boring. It kept me entertained throughout. It is dark and talks on a lot of dark themes, so make sure to read the trigger warnings before you dive in. I am also always here for someone who has had to deal with strict religious parents their whole life breaking into the darkness. It brings me such joy. I love that Quinn’s obsession commands her life and we get to witness that descent. This book is dark and spicy and the twists and turns kept me engaged through the end.
The story is told from the points of view of Quinn, Alexander, and Deimos. I loved Quinn. She is so sheltered. She appears to be your typical good Catholic girl. But she has darkness, including her obsession with Deimos. Her chemistry with Alexander, the dark tattoo artist, is definitely off the charts. When they finally get together, the spiciness is explosive. The common ground of art blooming into a fantastic relationship.
The most exciting part of this book is the constant question of “Who is Deimos?” I tried to make so many guesses and I kept reading because I wanted to know. The twists and turns in this book made me not want to put it down. That and the transformation of Quinn from good girl to darkness is what hooked me and pulled me in. There is a mafia aspect to this story but it just felt a little different to me from the typical mafia romance. As I said above the spice is top level and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. There was some points where it took me a little bit to really get into it, but once I did, I just wanted more.
December 28, 2025
2/5 - Audiobook
I was looking forward to this audio after reading the blurb, but unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me. Since finishing the book, I understand the direction the author was going for when it came to the storyline, but the delivery was messy. While listening, I had to rewind the audio several times to make sure I wasn’t missing any details because things weren’t lining up. Everything “comes together” in the end if you can make it there, but I found that the storyline was quite difficult to follow and enjoy.
The character development was so slow until three quarters of the way through the book and then the FMC almost transforms into a completely different character - without spoilers, I feel like there was no real “awakening” for her to completely change course the way that she did; therefore, I felt like it happened too fast and that I was listening to an entirely different book by the time I finished.
Usually, I feel that narrators can transform a mediocre book into a masterpiece! Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for this one. Both narrators were good, but the back and forth between accents ruined it for me. I didn’t understand why the character’s inner monologue had an American accent, but when they “spoke aloud” they had Irish/Greek accents - I noticed a few times that the inner monologue would be in those accents as well, which made it even more confusing to determine what was said out loud and what wasn’t.
I know there’s going to be some listeners out there that love this book, but it just wasn’t for me. This review feels so harsh that I almost hate to post it, but it’s an honest one!
- Characters: ⭐️⭐️
- Storyline: ⭐️
- Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I was looking forward to this audio after reading the blurb, but unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me. Since finishing the book, I understand the direction the author was going for when it came to the storyline, but the delivery was messy. While listening, I had to rewind the audio several times to make sure I wasn’t missing any details because things weren’t lining up. Everything “comes together” in the end if you can make it there, but I found that the storyline was quite difficult to follow and enjoy.
The character development was so slow until three quarters of the way through the book and then the FMC almost transforms into a completely different character - without spoilers, I feel like there was no real “awakening” for her to completely change course the way that she did; therefore, I felt like it happened too fast and that I was listening to an entirely different book by the time I finished.
Usually, I feel that narrators can transform a mediocre book into a masterpiece! Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for this one. Both narrators were good, but the back and forth between accents ruined it for me. I didn’t understand why the character’s inner monologue had an American accent, but when they “spoke aloud” they had Irish/Greek accents - I noticed a few times that the inner monologue would be in those accents as well, which made it even more confusing to determine what was said out loud and what wasn’t.
I know there’s going to be some listeners out there that love this book, but it just wasn’t for me. This review feels so harsh that I almost hate to post it, but it’s an honest one!
- Characters: ⭐️⭐️
- Storyline: ⭐️
- Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Spice: 🌶️🌶️
October 12, 2024
Are you ready for Alexander Hades? Will you look away when you become the fixation of serial killer Deimos? Can you to take the shadown that stands in the darkness watching your every move?
The first instinct it to stay away. Call the police...or even tell your parents.
That is what many would expectr from good little Catholic girl, Quinn doesn't do. She is obsessed with the GOD of Terror and Dread. From painting him in her birthday suit to searching for him in the darkness. He haunts he waking moment.
And then there is the Hades brother, Alexander. There is something about him. Dark. Beautiful, yet understanding. Quinn begins the twist journey that entails everything from self discovery to the beauty in letting go.
Through out the novel I could not fathom the intense ride that Kassandra Marie Lopez would lead me on. And even when the last page was turned and I closed the book I did not want to get off.
This is a warning to all you good little girls, Tattoo Artist and the men this novel is centered around it not for the faint of heart. This is a dark romance book in every step of the way. I warn you to read the warnings because your mental health matters. Discretion is advised.
But I promise you once you flip the page you'll be begging for more.
PSA: I loved wanted to give you girlies the original work of art!!! LOVED IT!
The first instinct it to stay away. Call the police...or even tell your parents.
That is what many would expectr from good little Catholic girl, Quinn doesn't do. She is obsessed with the GOD of Terror and Dread. From painting him in her birthday suit to searching for him in the darkness. He haunts he waking moment.
And then there is the Hades brother, Alexander. There is something about him. Dark. Beautiful, yet understanding. Quinn begins the twist journey that entails everything from self discovery to the beauty in letting go.
Through out the novel I could not fathom the intense ride that Kassandra Marie Lopez would lead me on. And even when the last page was turned and I closed the book I did not want to get off.
This is a warning to all you good little girls, Tattoo Artist and the men this novel is centered around it not for the faint of heart. This is a dark romance book in every step of the way. I warn you to read the warnings because your mental health matters. Discretion is advised.
But I promise you once you flip the page you'll be begging for more.
PSA: I loved wanted to give you girlies the original work of art!!! LOVED IT!
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