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Inked in the Steel City #1-3
Inked in the Steel City Series Box Set #1
Ink is forever. So is love.
This box set includes Books 1-3 of the best-selling Inked in the Steel City Series. Follow the artists and staff of Pittsburgh's Hot Ink Tattoo Studio as they find true love and scorching passion.
HOT INK (Book 1)
Mina never meant to fall for her sexy tattoo artist, Eric, or to become a model. But when she's asked to pose in a photo shoot for the Hot Ink tattoo studio, she can't say no. She finally gets a look at Eric's tattoos when they're cajoled into posing together, and in a few breathtaking moments, an on-camera kiss turns the passion they're asked to fake into something very real, leaving them both wanting more. The only problem is that Mina's not the glamour girl she looks like on the Hot Ink posters, or even in a tattoo magazine. She's only twenty-four, but being the sole guardian of her disabled younger sister has left her feeling much older. Will Eric still be interested when he gets to know the girl behind the ink and the make-up and finds out that she and her little sister are a package deal?
INNOCENT INK (Book 2)
Photographing exceptional tattoos for the Hot Ink Tattoo Studio turns into much more than just a job when Karen meets Jed, the sexy-as-sin owner. With attraction sizzling between them, each photo shoot is a labor of love ... and a chance to get closer to the man of her increasingly naughty dreams.
Curvy, vivacious Karen is everything Jed would want in a woman, if he wanted one at all. But a relationship seems like too dangerous a gamble for someone who's loved before and suffered the ultimate loss. So why can't he resist when he discovers the attraction is mutual? Even if he were willing to risk everything again, Karen's too young, too full of life to be burdened with someone whose heart bears scars as permanent as the ink in his skin.
When the two finally face what lies between them, the passion is undeniably real, but will the unexpected extinguish the spark of their love, or fan the flames?
DEDICATED INK (Book 3)
A one night stand has never gone so wrong ... or so right. Two months after one scorchingly hot July night, tattoo artist Abby is pregnant and the man who showed her everything she'd been missing is nowhere in sight. When he walks into the Hot Ink Tattoo Studio looking for much more than some new ink, she risks their rekindled connection by confessing that she's pregnant ... with his twins.
Sworn to serve and protect, Pittsburgh police officer Sam isn't one to back down from responsibility, and he's definitely not going to let the woman who's been haunting his dreams all summer get away again. But two babies on the way means a reunion that's anything but what he imagined. Can unforgettable chemistry evolve into real love before her due date arrives?
This box set includes Books 1-3 of the best-selling Inked in the Steel City Series. Follow the artists and staff of Pittsburgh's Hot Ink Tattoo Studio as they find true love and scorching passion.
HOT INK (Book 1)
Mina never meant to fall for her sexy tattoo artist, Eric, or to become a model. But when she's asked to pose in a photo shoot for the Hot Ink tattoo studio, she can't say no. She finally gets a look at Eric's tattoos when they're cajoled into posing together, and in a few breathtaking moments, an on-camera kiss turns the passion they're asked to fake into something very real, leaving them both wanting more. The only problem is that Mina's not the glamour girl she looks like on the Hot Ink posters, or even in a tattoo magazine. She's only twenty-four, but being the sole guardian of her disabled younger sister has left her feeling much older. Will Eric still be interested when he gets to know the girl behind the ink and the make-up and finds out that she and her little sister are a package deal?
INNOCENT INK (Book 2)
Photographing exceptional tattoos for the Hot Ink Tattoo Studio turns into much more than just a job when Karen meets Jed, the sexy-as-sin owner. With attraction sizzling between them, each photo shoot is a labor of love ... and a chance to get closer to the man of her increasingly naughty dreams.
Curvy, vivacious Karen is everything Jed would want in a woman, if he wanted one at all. But a relationship seems like too dangerous a gamble for someone who's loved before and suffered the ultimate loss. So why can't he resist when he discovers the attraction is mutual? Even if he were willing to risk everything again, Karen's too young, too full of life to be burdened with someone whose heart bears scars as permanent as the ink in his skin.
When the two finally face what lies between them, the passion is undeniably real, but will the unexpected extinguish the spark of their love, or fan the flames?
DEDICATED INK (Book 3)
A one night stand has never gone so wrong ... or so right. Two months after one scorchingly hot July night, tattoo artist Abby is pregnant and the man who showed her everything she'd been missing is nowhere in sight. When he walks into the Hot Ink Tattoo Studio looking for much more than some new ink, she risks their rekindled connection by confessing that she's pregnant ... with his twins.
Sworn to serve and protect, Pittsburgh police officer Sam isn't one to back down from responsibility, and he's definitely not going to let the woman who's been haunting his dreams all summer get away again. But two babies on the way means a reunion that's anything but what he imagined. Can unforgettable chemistry evolve into real love before her due date arrives?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2014
20 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Ranae Rose
46 books717 followersI write what I know and love: adult romance with blue-collar heroes and real-life flavor. Tattoos, handcuffs and men in uniform are a few of my favorite things, and it shows in my thirty+ published books.
I live in the South with my man in uniform, who I married for the entertainment value. Just kidding - it was the handcuffs, err, true love. ;)
So far, our happily ever after includes a couple kids, German Shepherd dogs and a mutual appreciation of timely 'that's what she said' jokes.
When I'm not writing, I love reading, good coffee, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and whatever outdoor adventures I can find.
I also love hearing from readers, so don't be shy! If you've enjoyed something I've written, hearing from you would make my day.
I live in the South with my man in uniform, who I married for the entertainment value. Just kidding - it was the handcuffs, err, true love. ;)
So far, our happily ever after includes a couple kids, German Shepherd dogs and a mutual appreciation of timely 'that's what she said' jokes.
When I'm not writing, I love reading, good coffee, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and whatever outdoor adventures I can find.
I also love hearing from readers, so don't be shy! If you've enjoyed something I've written, hearing from you would make my day.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 5, 2015
4 Stars
I have been wanting to read this author for sometime but I haven't been able to for personal reasons, so when I saw that the author was willing to spare a few copies of the first three books of the series I couldn't resist to apply for one. I am SO glad I did.
We have in this first book Mina a bank teller who is secretly crushing for her tattoo artist. She doesn't think any man will when something long term with her because she isn't able to give the relationship the time it needs. But then Eric shows her that he doesn't care if she has other responsibilities as long as she can spare some time for him and that he really understands where she's coming from.
This is a very touching story. The characters are in sync and have spark when they're together and I liked that Eric gives Mina his understanding and support when dealing with Jess, Mina's sister.
The only thing I didn't like was that everything was close (time wise) and that it jumped to a couple month later on the epilogue. I would have like to read a bit more in the interim before that last scene. But overall I loved the book.
4 Stars
This second book is about Karen, Mina's BFF, and Jed, Eric's boss and Hot Ink's owner. Karen started taking pictures for Hot Ink (that's how Mina and Eric finally got together) and since the first time she saw Jed she's had a crush on him. Jed for his part is attracted to Karen also but he doesn't want to make a move on her because he thinks it will hold her back with her photography business.
When they finally come together they are explosive but still the fear is there in Jed's heart that Karen will leave to pursue a better path to her career. But when the time comes for her to make it big she realizes that what she really wants is to capture the special moments in peoples lives and/or things people will admire for years (like the tattoos).
There was a little more intimacy in this story (I guess there is no teenager to schedule around) but still there are all the things I look for in a story. I liked this one a litter better because the timeline was about evenly distributed (not like in the first book where it ended and then it was a couple months later) and it was a bit longer (although I would have liked it to be longer).
5 Stars
Okay, I don't know why but I like stories where the MC finds herself pregnant. Here Abby got pregnant after a one-night stand (even though she was on the pill (yes those things fail too)) and she doesn't know what to do. But what she isn't expecting is for the father of her baby to walk into Hot Ink with an appointment with her.
After she confesses of been his twins they start a relationship but Sam doesn't want to be intimate with Abby for fear she might think he wants her for only a good time, meanwhile Abby feels like Sam doesn't want to touch her because she is getting big. When they talk it out there is nothing that can keep them apart from each other, specially with Abby's hormones all over the place.
I like the timeline to this story. It was in a span of a couple months and when it ended I didn't feel like it needed more (not that I would have minded). There where parts of the story that had me misty eyed and that is huge plus in my book.
I was afraid to start this author (I have bought some books that haven't been that good and wasted my money) but thanks to Ranae for this free copy I'll definitively be buying the next three, hopping for more and trying more of her books (the Lock and Key series looks amazing too ;P)
November 17, 2014
The place to go in Pittsburgh to get your ink done is at the Hot Ink Studio. The men and women of Hot Ink are so much more than their art. Read these fast hot sweet reads and you will see what I mean.
HOT INK (Book 1)
Bank teller Mina feels 24 going on 40. As guardian for her wheelchair bound 14 year old sister she doesn't get out much and can’t identify with her peers. She meets sexy tattoo artist Eric when she decides to get a rather intricate tattoo. He is nothing but professional while giving her the tattoo but when Mina's best friend rising photographer offers to take pictures of some of the ink work as advertisement for the shop Mina and Eric end up in close quarters and the chemistry between them is obvious. With some pushing from her bff Mina agrees to a date with Eric. But will he still want to go out with her when he finds out that he can't be her first priority?
I love that these characters are so real. Mina is so strong but riddled with insecurity. Eric is strong and sexy but not perfect either. They are perfect for each other. Hot Ink is a short book but it is filled with a terrific story with multiple sub plots. It is well worth the read. I do have one problem with it though. The plot device to introduce the two is improbable given Mina’s character. She wouldn’t spend the money necessary for a tattoo especially one that involved. But once you get past that…
INNOCENT INK (Book 2)
Karen has a gift. Her photography is art. The photograph she took of her friend Mina’s tattoo got her noticed and Karen is now a full time photographer. She is still doing tattoo shots for the clientele of the Hot Ink tattoo studio where Mina and her fiancé work. Ever since she met Jed, the owner of Hot Ink, she has had a mad crush. Jed and Karen share a birthday and their friends throw them a joint party. When Jed drives her home the kiss they share has Karen thinking they could share more than a birthday.
You know you are invested in the characters when you want to reach out and smack them on the back of the head as I was want to do to Jed on several occasions. I really liked Karen when we met her in Hot Ink and was thrilled that she was going to get a story. Oh what a story. Jed is hot but he has issues. Karen is the best thing that could have happened to him. She drags him kicking and screaming back to life and love.
DEDICATED INK (Book 3)
Two months after a one night stand Abby discovers she is pregnant. She doesn't expect to ever see the guy again. When he shows up in Hot Ink for a tattoo it isn't by accident. He can’t stop thinking about the night they shared. But is he ready to be a father?
This story was by turns sweet, scary, funny, sad and oh so sexy. These two veritable strangers brought together by a night of passion and its consequence working together to make the best of things.
HOT INK (Book 1)
Bank teller Mina feels 24 going on 40. As guardian for her wheelchair bound 14 year old sister she doesn't get out much and can’t identify with her peers. She meets sexy tattoo artist Eric when she decides to get a rather intricate tattoo. He is nothing but professional while giving her the tattoo but when Mina's best friend rising photographer offers to take pictures of some of the ink work as advertisement for the shop Mina and Eric end up in close quarters and the chemistry between them is obvious. With some pushing from her bff Mina agrees to a date with Eric. But will he still want to go out with her when he finds out that he can't be her first priority?
I love that these characters are so real. Mina is so strong but riddled with insecurity. Eric is strong and sexy but not perfect either. They are perfect for each other. Hot Ink is a short book but it is filled with a terrific story with multiple sub plots. It is well worth the read. I do have one problem with it though. The plot device to introduce the two is improbable given Mina’s character. She wouldn’t spend the money necessary for a tattoo especially one that involved. But once you get past that…
INNOCENT INK (Book 2)
Karen has a gift. Her photography is art. The photograph she took of her friend Mina’s tattoo got her noticed and Karen is now a full time photographer. She is still doing tattoo shots for the clientele of the Hot Ink tattoo studio where Mina and her fiancé work. Ever since she met Jed, the owner of Hot Ink, she has had a mad crush. Jed and Karen share a birthday and their friends throw them a joint party. When Jed drives her home the kiss they share has Karen thinking they could share more than a birthday.
You know you are invested in the characters when you want to reach out and smack them on the back of the head as I was want to do to Jed on several occasions. I really liked Karen when we met her in Hot Ink and was thrilled that she was going to get a story. Oh what a story. Jed is hot but he has issues. Karen is the best thing that could have happened to him. She drags him kicking and screaming back to life and love.
DEDICATED INK (Book 3)
Two months after a one night stand Abby discovers she is pregnant. She doesn't expect to ever see the guy again. When he shows up in Hot Ink for a tattoo it isn't by accident. He can’t stop thinking about the night they shared. But is he ready to be a father?
This story was by turns sweet, scary, funny, sad and oh so sexy. These two veritable strangers brought together by a night of passion and its consequence working together to make the best of things.
January 24, 2016
I received a copy from the author.
Book 1: Hot Ink
3 stars
The first book in this series is about Mina, a 24 year old bank teller who is also the guardian of her 16 year old, wheel chair-bound sister. She decides to get a tattoo from Eric at the Hot Ink tattoo studio. She likes Eric, but finds she doesn't have time for a relationship and can't imagine that a guy would not understand her devotion to her sister. After posing for pictures of her tattoo with Eric, they start to date. Will Mina and Eric work out? I liked this first book, although I wish there was a little more conversation between the main characters. There seemed to be a lot of inner dialogue and I felt like it could be a lot better if a little more was added to it.
Book 2: Innocent Ink
3 stars
Book 2 is about Karen, Mina's friend and photographer, and Jed, the owner of Hot Ink. Karen has had a crush on Jed for months, but he is still grieving for his wife who passed away five years before hand. Jed also thinks Karen is too young for him, as he is 10 years old than she. Will these two work out their issues and try to make their relationship work? I liked how Karen and Jed were perfect for each other, despite their difference in age. Although there was more dialogue between the two characters, I do wish we learned more about their histories.
Book 3: Dedicated Ink
4 stars
The third book in this series is about tattoo artist Abby and Pittsburgh police officer Sam. After a one night stand between the two a couple of months before the book starts leaves Abby pregnant and not knowing how to contact Sam. They meet again when Sam comes in to have a tattoo done by Abby. When Sam finds out Abby is pregnant, will they be able to make a relationship work? This is actually my favorite story out of the three. I had previously read it when it first came out. I liked how involved in each other's lives both characters were. They talked about everything, and seemed liked they wanted the same things in life.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the first three books in this series. I could definitely see a growth in writing from the first book to the third. I think the hero and heroine in Dedicated Ink had more depth to their characters and their story was a lot more interesting to me. I can't wait to read the other books in the Hot Ink series.
Book 1: Hot Ink
3 stars
The first book in this series is about Mina, a 24 year old bank teller who is also the guardian of her 16 year old, wheel chair-bound sister. She decides to get a tattoo from Eric at the Hot Ink tattoo studio. She likes Eric, but finds she doesn't have time for a relationship and can't imagine that a guy would not understand her devotion to her sister. After posing for pictures of her tattoo with Eric, they start to date. Will Mina and Eric work out? I liked this first book, although I wish there was a little more conversation between the main characters. There seemed to be a lot of inner dialogue and I felt like it could be a lot better if a little more was added to it.
Book 2: Innocent Ink
3 stars
Book 2 is about Karen, Mina's friend and photographer, and Jed, the owner of Hot Ink. Karen has had a crush on Jed for months, but he is still grieving for his wife who passed away five years before hand. Jed also thinks Karen is too young for him, as he is 10 years old than she. Will these two work out their issues and try to make their relationship work? I liked how Karen and Jed were perfect for each other, despite their difference in age. Although there was more dialogue between the two characters, I do wish we learned more about their histories.
Book 3: Dedicated Ink
4 stars
The third book in this series is about tattoo artist Abby and Pittsburgh police officer Sam. After a one night stand between the two a couple of months before the book starts leaves Abby pregnant and not knowing how to contact Sam. They meet again when Sam comes in to have a tattoo done by Abby. When Sam finds out Abby is pregnant, will they be able to make a relationship work? This is actually my favorite story out of the three. I had previously read it when it first came out. I liked how involved in each other's lives both characters were. They talked about everything, and seemed liked they wanted the same things in life.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the first three books in this series. I could definitely see a growth in writing from the first book to the third. I think the hero and heroine in Dedicated Ink had more depth to their characters and their story was a lot more interesting to me. I can't wait to read the other books in the Hot Ink series.
May 30, 2016
Hot Ink
4 stars
Mina is falling for her sexy tattoo artist Eric. Unfortunately, she's also convinced she has too much baggage and a relationship won't work out. Thankfully, Eric disagrees.
A sweet and sexy read, Hot Ink can be read as a standalone and does have an HEA.
Innocent Ink
4.5 stars
Having loved and lost before, Jed is leery of getting involved with someone again, especially the exuberant redhead he finds he simply can't resist.
Karen doesn't have a shy bone in her body. She's straight forward and doesn't hesitate to go after what she wants..and Jed tops her list.
Karen and Jed's chemistry sizzles off the pages but it's their unexpected emotional connection that really makes the relationship stand out.
Dedicated Ink
4 stars
Abby and Sam started their relationship completely backwards. They had to overcome a few speed bumps-crazy ex!- but I loved how they tried to be as open as possible with each other and work through issues and doubts.
4 stars
Mina is falling for her sexy tattoo artist Eric. Unfortunately, she's also convinced she has too much baggage and a relationship won't work out. Thankfully, Eric disagrees.
A sweet and sexy read, Hot Ink can be read as a standalone and does have an HEA.
Innocent Ink
4.5 stars
Having loved and lost before, Jed is leery of getting involved with someone again, especially the exuberant redhead he finds he simply can't resist.
Karen doesn't have a shy bone in her body. She's straight forward and doesn't hesitate to go after what she wants..and Jed tops her list.
Karen and Jed's chemistry sizzles off the pages but it's their unexpected emotional connection that really makes the relationship stand out.
Dedicated Ink
4 stars
Abby and Sam started their relationship completely backwards. They had to overcome a few speed bumps-crazy ex!- but I loved how they tried to be as open as possible with each other and work through issues and doubts.
December 19, 2014
The first book started great hen just bombed with the lame ending that was way to rushed. The second book was so much better more ironed out to make a complete and believable story. The third was so so. I liked the story but some of it was a little corney. I'm not sure if I will get the second set since these had great sex scenes but the "love" stories were a bit unbelievable.
December 21, 2014
3 sweet romances
This box set was 3 sweet romances that were modern day stories. Three tattoo artists and the people who they fall for. Each one is unique and expands family obligations, grief, unplanned pregnancy, and a vengeful ex. Nice rainy day weekend read.
This box set was 3 sweet romances that were modern day stories. Three tattoo artists and the people who they fall for. Each one is unique and expands family obligations, grief, unplanned pregnancy, and a vengeful ex. Nice rainy day weekend read.
November 19, 2014
excellent series I'm reading the next series now. The stories were real life you felt like you with them
January 6, 2015
I just couldn't get into this book. Can't seem to figure out why, but it was a struggle all the way. Think I'll set it aside for a bit, then come back and see if it was just me.
December 16, 2014
love! I really enjoyed reading these books. can't wait to continue the series!
May 18, 2015
3.5 stars
February 3, 2015
Love all of them
February 26, 2015
Hot, sexy alpha males. Tall, tatted and toned just the way we like them....all find that one they have to have and won't come easily....
March 4, 2015
I read mainly for the descriptions of tattoos! The rest was okay - story #3 was the slowest and most draggy but okay.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews