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Love & Ink #2

Scratches Down My Back

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**Not for readers under the age of 18+. Contains language, explicit sex, and adult situations.**

Liam Donovan can’t connect with women. The only woman he thought he had something with was his best friend Shayne, but she chose his younger brother over him. Single, bitter, and with a non-existent sex life, he’s accepted the only good things he’s got going in his life are his tattoo shop and fighting in the cage.

When Lucy Stevens walks into his shop for a tattoo, he dismisses her like so many of the beautiful but vapid girls he’s met over and over. Unfortunately for him, this five foot blonde bombshell is more than capable of going a few rounds, easily putting Liam in his place. He finds her ability to keep him on his toes both intriguing and annoying. But he isn’t just afraid of being able to keep up with her verbal jests. Despite nothing being medically wrong with him, Liam hasn’t been able to “perform” on that front in years…

But Lucy isn’t one to back down from a challenge. When she gets this man in a compromising position and it seems once again his body won’t cooperate, Lucy takes control of the situation. A little tough love never hurt anybody, and it seems with Liam, that’s just what he needed.

For someone that’s spent the last decade having to be in charge, Liam finds complete release in handing it over to her. But Lucy is keeping a few secrets from Liam. Secrets that have previously destroyed her life and her past relationships. As she falls for Liam, she knows she needs to tell him. But will he still want to submit to her once he finds out the truth? Or will this be the one fight he walks away from?

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2014

2 people are currently reading
74 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Howell

16 books148 followers
J.A Howell is an office drone by day, and a writer by night. Her love of writing took off when she was eleven years old and decided to fill a composition notebook with stories to read to her friends. Many years (and notebooks) later, not much has changed. She still loves writing and sharing her works with others. When she isn’t writing, she can often be found trying her hand at whatever artistic pursuit strikes her fancy.

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,842 reviews38 followers
January 2, 2015
Book provided in exchange for honest review.

Well, I thought Kieran and Shayne were one of my favorite couples, but they just got bumped by Liam and Lucy.

Liam is one giant mess of a man. Yeah he's Irish and a tat-shop owner/MMA fighter, but he hasn't scored with the ladies in a while. Like a long while. Unfortunately for Liam, he doesn't need a little blue pill to help him, since his problem is more of a mental issue. Seeing that Liam is a little...backed up shall we say? He's not exactly the easiest person to be around. Just imagine if Oscar the Grouch was an MMA fighter with an Irish accent.

Lucy is a study in contrasts: by day a throwback to the 60s, complete with fringe boots and those bright colors that never look good on anyone. By night she becomes La Bella Dame, complete with crops and floggers.

Both Liam and Lucy have their past issues to contend with, and their first few meetings are not made of unicorns and glittery rainbows; they initially mix about as well as oil and water. Of course, all of that pent-up frustration is the foreplay for hot, smexy times. But that's not the end of their issues, because as their relationship develops, a whole new set of fears will take up residence that could be the ending of them as a couple before they really figure everything out.

Another stellar book from Ms. Howell, I can only imagine how awesome the third book in this series is going to be.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews489 followers
December 31, 2014
This is the second book in the Love & Ink series and I think it was even better than the first one.

This book focused on Liam, the oldest brother, MMA fighter, and owner of The Knotted Needle tattoo shop. Liam had a ridiculously hard life and was forced to grow up early on. Due to his past, he had trouble letting things go, which led to other kinds of trouble as well.

Lucy knows a thing or two about secrets. She lives a secret life as a dominatrix model and only a handful of people know who is behind the mask. She also had a troubled past, which is one of the main reasons she hid behind the mask. She is tiny, feisty, and calls Liam on his bullshit.

When the two of them get together it is explosive! Their relationship started out as hate.

“Liam really was an a--hole. But he was an a--hole that just soaked my panties.”

But it didn’t take long to see that the hate was actually lust.

“Hi Lucy, how’s yer evenin'? Would ya please shove my face in yerpussy again because that really seemed ta help things for me.”

With Lucy, Liam was finally help to open up and let go.

“Use me. I’m yours.”

This story included the dominant/submissive relationship, but it was with the woman, Lucy, being the dominate while Liam, the big, sexy blue-eyed Irishman was the submissive.

Like the first book, this one was HOT as HELL! But again, it wasn’t just about sex. It was about two people finally allowing themselves to be who they are and not to hide; to fully trust another person and allow love in. It was also hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud a lot! It was an emotional, panty-melting read and I can’t wait for the third book! ~ Tiffany, 4.5 stars

~~~

What do you do when you think you are all broody alpha male, but find out you are better suited as a sub? Well, that is a tough question to answer without giving things away, but trust me, you want to know the answer!

Liam is an Irish man living in Rhode Island and co-owner of a tattoo shop. He has an obsession with images of La Belle Dame. He even has a tattoo of her in his arm. He is also holding the weight of the world with the guilt of his parent’s fate, and a head full of what-ifs.

Lucy is La Belle Dame, and is doing a photo shoot in town with Liam’s brother, Niall. Niall is the only one who knows Lucy’s secret and she wants to keep it that way. If anyone found out, what would they think? Would they use her like people in her past have?

To say Lucy and Liam don’t see eye to eye right off the bat is the understatement of the year. They can’t stand each other, yet there seems to be a connection that keeps pulling them together. Call it curiosity, call it sexual tension, or call it masochism, but it makes for a great story.

When Lucy and Liam get together, she exerts her dominance over him and they have a very explosive relationship both in and out of the bedroom. But with both of them holding on to secrets that could kill any possibility of a relationship, what will happen if they get out?

I loved this book. I can’t wait for the next one and would love to see more of Lucy and Liam too.
The end of this book was kind of a shocker to me. I never expected the sacrifices they both make to let the other know just how much they want the other person in their life.

Keep writing, J.A. and I will keep reading! Your writing style is one that most people will get sucked into and feel although they are a part of the story and want more and more! ~ Devlynn, 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Ange from Cover to Cover Book Blog.
212 reviews12 followers
November 13, 2014
This is the second book in the Love & Ink Series. The first book dealt with Kieran and Shayne. This book is about Kieran’s older brother, Liam and a newcomer to town, Lucy.

Liam is a tall drink of water for a woman who has been stranded in the desert for months. He’s Irish (hot). He co-owns a tattoo shop (hot). He’s a MMA style fighter (hot). He drives a Charger (hot!!). So what’s not to love? Well, he’s a bit of a grouch. Ok maybe way more than a bit. Sounds like a dream “come” true. Ha! You forget that he is one of J.A. Howell’s characters. She loves to torture and torment her people and Liam is nowhere near safe in her hands. J.A. decided that our slice of sexy Irishman needed an erectile disorder. Yup, Liam has issues popping a tent when it’s time to go camping. I guess I’d be a tad grouchy too if that was an issue for me! It’s not a physical issue, but a mental one. He’s had a bad run at life. You’ll learn all about it in the book (sorry no spoilers here).

Now let’s meet Lucy. In everyday life, she looks like a flower child aka Malibu Barbie. Fringe boots, colorful clothes, loose fitting dresses, but behind closed doors, she is a completely different person! A total opposite of who she is in day to day life, I’d like you to meet La Belle Dame. The other Lucy aka Mistress wears dark tight clothes. She wields floggers and crops. Two completely different people merged into one sweet short body. She comes to town to work on a project with Liam’s little brother, Niall and friend Grant. Lucy has her own past that she is trying hard to forget and move away from.

Liam and Lucy’s first few interactions do not go so well. Liam is in true form, grouchy and ill. Lucy’s alter ego is scratching at the surface to come out and flog the attitude right out of Liam. These two are at complete odds with one another. They fight and bicker until it turns explosive. Feelings of bitterness turn quickly into lust and J.A. has these two pawing at one another and breaking furniture (literally…there’s a table that gets sacrificed to the sex gods).

Liam learns that by submitting to Lucy he can temporarily clear the demons in his head, but fears that he’ll never be enough for Lucy outside of the bedroom. Lucy finally gets the opportunity to spank the attitude out of Liam, but fears that he only wants that side of her and not who she really is. Will they be able to overcome their fears or will the insecurities be too much for either of them to handle?

I loved this book! I met Liam in the first book of the series and enjoyed watching him meet his match with Lucy. She didn’t stand down to the tall sexy Irishman. Shayne in this book was hilarious along with Niall and Grant (but they’ve always been the funny duo). If you’ve read anything else by J.A. Howell, you know that she slams you in the chest with lots of feels and she does it with this one too. I laughed, I fanned myself, I was on the brink of tears, and as always, screamed at J.A. for what she was doing to my beloved Midtown residents. I am addicted to her style of writing. Go 1-click today and discover the world of Midtown (it stretches over two series!!). Now, bring on book 3 and let’s watch J.A. tear apart our sweet and lovable Niall!
Profile Image for Brittany Alexander.
577 reviews21 followers
August 2, 2014
Liam Donovan lost his parents when he was in college, leaving his two younger brothers at the possibility of being taken by his abusive biological father. Stepping up, he decides to fight for custody, winning, and leaving Ireland to make a home in the States.
After losing his fiancé, he struggles to live a happy life. He is raising his brothers, Niall and Kieran, who are both fine gentlemen today. He opens up a tattoo shop with a friend of his, and he’s somewhat happy. He’d be even happier if he could get it up, you know what I mean?
Niall is a photographer and has brought in La Belle Dame, a famous dominatrix/model, to shoot for a project. Liam loves La Belle Dame, even has a tattoo of her on his arm. Niall thinks it’s funny not to tell Liam who Lucy (La Belle Dame) really is; he won’t figure it out, without the hair and makeup, Lucy looks nothing like La Belle Dame.
Liam slowly discovers he might actually like Lucy. But there’s a catch. He likes her, for her, but also likes the way she dominates him in the bedroom. With her, he can forget everything, he can be happy.
When the truth comes out, does it break these two apart?
Let me just say, this book is full of everything. There’s humor, hot, hot sex, angst, and love. It’s perfect! You have everything you want in one book.
The humor. Oh my I couldn’t wait to write this review so I could tell you how hard I laughed at this book. JA Howell is hysterical. Really. Imagine this. A penis, a hard penis, with a little top hat, and a Sharpied mustache and monocle. And then it nods! I lost it. I was rolling at that part. And then you have Niall, the youngest brother, who I think is the funniest of them all. Check out this text conversation between him and Liam.

:DRINK! FINLEY’S!:
:WHERE R U, U BLOODY ARSE? BEER! NOW!:
:SHITHEAD..:
:DRINKIES!:
:GET UR ARSE 2 FINLEYS!!!!!!!:
I sighed and texted him back.
:No. Going home.:
My phone buzzed again before I could even start the engine.
:FECK U:
:BEWBS! FINLEYS!:
:BEWBIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:
:HOT ARSE!:
:Now you’re just texting me body parts...:
:AND UR A DICK!:

I mean come on. That’s hilarious.
Moving on, the sex, was pretty freaking hot. I mean, there were many scenes where I was throbbing. I won’t say more. Just know that a Domme and her sub, phew. You might need a fan, or a B.O.B.
I loved the relationship between all the characters. They were all so close, but they all interacted with each other differently somehow, it was refreshing.
The only thing that bothered me, and this bothered me in the first book (Marks on my Skin) is the dialect. I know, you can’t not have it, because they’re Irish, but the way the accents are written out sometimes distracted me from the story, because I’d go back and say it again in my mind. Don’t get me wrong, you can always understand what they’re saying, I think I was just trying to read it in my mind with the accent.
Five stars for this spectacular novel by JA Howell! I loved it! Book one, Marks on my Skin, is a lot like this book, not in plot, but in the humor, angst, love, and such. I really recommend this to those that like the BDSM novels, and with the humor thrown in, you can’t go wrong. Check out this series! You’ll love it!
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,134 reviews
March 27, 2015
That header is a quote from this book that made me think a bit; the protagonists in this book were, at times their own worst enemies and I just loved to root for them and also become disappointed in them all at once. Their trials and tribulations do show the ways a couple can change one another - for the better in some ways. Each of them gains some more self awareness as they are sort of forced to stop and take a look at themselves and it was fascinating to accompany them on their respective journeys.

Upon initiating this review, Amazon asked me which word I would use to describe this book:
Thoughtful.

While this book keeps me on the edge of my seat, unable to put it down, sleep, or go about my daily life until I've absorbed it all, it certainly makes me think as well. Some very serious issues come to mind, such as this country's rape culture. One of the protagonists sort of leads a double life, meaning that she works as a dominatrix model and is sort of a poster child / famous pin up for this lifestyle - a good portion of her life was actually dictated by people's snap judgements of her career choice and whenever issues surrounding this came up, I couldn't help but be infuriated for her because it is very true to life, unfortunately. She of course also suffers some abuse as a result of these stupid snap judgements that people can make and as I read I cannot help but become painfully aware of some of the issues that need a serious attitude in real life.

Of course as always with Howell, the characters are very well developed and some of them I was already familiar with from her Possess Saga series. The writing is pretty flawless, as is the editing and the cover and formatting are gorgeous.

The book has some action, plenty of sex, lots
Profile Image for Sandra Dailey.
Author 6 books36 followers
August 2, 2014
Liam is a talented tattoo artists, half owner of a popular tattoo shop, and he’s returning to fighting MMA. For seventeen years he’s been driven by overwhelming guilt and responsibility. He needs a way to relinquish control and he just may have found it when a sexy blonde lies on his table. The trouble is he can’t stand her.
Lucy has come to Midtown to model for an old friend. She’d like to spend time being herself rather than her secret and very public alter ego. Two things threaten to rip off her mask: a dangerous threat from her past and new enemy turned lover who needs both her personalities. Either has the ability to destroy her.
If you’ve read book one in the Love & Ink series, Marks On My Skin, you’ll already know most of the characters in this book, but they can be read alone, (I just don’t know why you’d want to). However, Scratches Down My Back is much more intense as you find out the reason behind big brother Liam’s bad attitude.
The heat level of this story is five alarms, only for adults with open minds, with a sexual saturation of 75%. The author delivers a different type of sexual content in a sensitive and responsible way. J.A. Howell has done her research.
You’ll get more than a few giggles from this story, but keep the tissues close at hand.
I’m waiting with raw nerves to read little brother, Niall’s, story. Nothing else will make my life complete.
What I came away with from this story: It takes all kinds of people and they have toys for them all. A gentleman can still wear a top hat. Before you make fun of a man for his problems, make sure you’re not the problem. Sometimes a person has to be completely broken before they can be fixed.
Profile Image for Brittani - Midtown Underground.
40 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2014
This book has officially been renamed the REALLY Big Book of Feels.
I experienced a wide range of emotions throughout the book. Anger, tears, laughter, and others.

Liam Donovan is a bitter jerk that has issues with women (physically and emotionally) and doesn't feel needed anymore.

Lucy is the woman he needs in order to fix him. Lucy is in town for a few months doing a photo shoot with Liam's little brother Niall. Little does Liam know, she's actually the fetish model La Dame Belle, his fantasy.

First meetings between the two don't go over well, but the dynamic slowly begins to change.

While trying to work through their own individual issues, will Liam and Lucy be able to help each other? Or will heartbreak and past issues ruin any chance of happiness they have?

This is a very emotional book that will send you on the biggest emotional roller coaster you have encountered.
Not only does J.A. do an amazing job of playing with emotions, she also dominates (excuse the pun) at writing steamy scenes that will have you fanning yourself!

Highly recommend this book!!!
Profile Image for Lucii Dixon.
1,104 reviews54 followers
August 3, 2014
I did really enjoy once I got into it about half way through. And for a Change it was nice seeing the roles reversed. I love liam....he's like some big cuddly softy. I wasn't particularly impressed with the character of Lucy. I rated this 4 stars solely based on her character, and the fact I really couldn't understand Grant when he was talking, had to read it a few times just to sort of get it. I understand he was Scottish, but it was really hard and frustrating reading when he talked...I'm used to the Irish dialogue now though.
this story was great in ways that build up the suspense and anticipation. it had plenty of humour that made me LOL, there was one bit that almost made cry as well.
but this book does have everything needed for a story, but the nickname 'pet' grates on my nerves. he's not a pet he's a person, whether it's play or not.
but I am looking forward to reading book 3 of the series, as I love J. A. Howell's writ just my style.
Profile Image for CMarie.
232 reviews
July 25, 2017
J.A. Howell did it again! I've only read two of her books (both of the Love and Ink series), and I am in love.
I actually woke up early this morning so I could finish the book before work. It was a great weekend read. I laughed, I cried and I totally loved everything Liam and Lucy! I can't wait until book 3 comes out later this year. Thank's J.A.!
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,389 reviews58 followers
February 14, 2019
Lucy is in town to work on a photo shoot with Niall and Grant. Niall's brother, Liam, meets her but they don't get on. Liam has a sleeve of La Belle Dame which is Lucy's alter ego which he does not know. Spending more time together Lucy hopes Liam is falling for her not La Belle Dame. When the truth comes out, all hell breaks loose.

I loved this book. It is as good as the first in the series. Lucy and Liam are a good fit. Both have pasts that come back to harm them. They needed to communicate better but love wins out. I liked knowing what was happening with the brothers. I also appreciated the story of the brothers' past.

I hope there is a book for Niall. I hate for this series to end.
Profile Image for Amie Morgado- We Stole Your Book Boyfriend.
1,664 reviews81 followers
January 1, 2015
MY FIRST READ OF 2015 AND IT'S A GREAT ONE !!
5 STARS FOR THIS BOOK AND 5++ STARS FOR THE SERIES SO FAR !!!!!
It is so hard to do vague reviews but as much as I want to just yell from the rooftops about everything I just read....I WON'T !!

I have to say Liam has been an enigma since book 1 and I am excited to get to know him better in this story !! Of course his backstory is heartbreaking and his now story is pretty crappy as well. Liam has issues making things happen , if you know what I mean , is this the reason he never has girls around ?? Is this why his mood sucks ?? What the heck happened to him to cause this ?? There is only one thing that gets his dick hard and it is a Domme by the name of La Belle Dame , his brother gave him a pin up of her and since then he has collected more , tattooed her on his arm and he frequents her website for spank material !! Everyone likes to raz Liam and he makes it so easy with his sour personality. Right from the start of this story we see his struggles and if you are not intrigued to get into his head then this book won't be for you !! I of course was thrilled to find out what makes him tick , or not !!

Lucy is a friend of Nialls and is spending a few months in their town for a project she is doing with Niall and Grant , painting , posing and pictures !! Sounds like fun !! Lucy spends some time meeting Nialls brothers and friends and of course she enjoys all their company except Liam !! He rubs her the wrong way with his nasty attitude so she gives it right back !! Lucy is very interested in Liam's tattoo and even more so in his issue once she finally breaks the wall down and finds out about it. Lucy has some mad skills in the bedroom and believe or not she may be just what Liam needs !!

Follow their super hot journey and you will find out all the ins and outs of their personalities , pasts and future hopes. Their chemistry is electric and once Liam gives in a expresses his desires you better believe Lucy is all over that !! I love all the Scottish and Irish dialect in the story , I am getting used to reading it and so at times it was funny and others it was enlightening !! Grant and Niall are funny and even Shayne makes me laugh. There may be some twists and turns , will there be a big reveal ?? I am not in the market for spoiling so I am being a jerk and leaving this vague review !!

I have enjoyed this series and I look forward to more. This book has it all !! I mean really Liam is a moody tattoo artist that loves to be dominated despite always being the one in control !! What is not to love about that !! Lucy the lil spitfire and we even get a taste of Lucy the Mistress !! We cannot forget about La Belle Dame !! Don't give up on Liam , he really has been through the ringer and he is such a great guy and fantastic brother !!
Profile Image for Devlynn.
259 reviews5 followers
February 4, 2015
Reviewed on Behalf of Give Me Books

What do you do when you think you are all broody alpha male, but find out you are better suited as a sub? Well, that is a tough question to answer without giving things away, but trust me, you want to know the answer!

Liam is an Irish man living in Rhode Island and co-owner of a tattoo shop. He has an obsession with images of La Belle Dame. He even has a tattoo of her in his arm. He is also holding the weight of the world with the guilt of his parent’s fate, and a head full of what-ifs.

Lucy is La Belle Dame, and is doing a photo shoot in town with Liam’s brother, Niall. Niall is the only one who knows Lucy’s secret and she wants to keep it that way. If anyone found out, what would they think? Would they use her like people in her past have?

To say Lucy and Liam don’t see eye to eye right off the bat is the understatement of the year. They can’t stand each other, yet there seems to be a connection that keeps pulling them together. Call it curiosity, call it sexual tension, or call it masochism, but it makes for a great story.

When Lucy and Liam get together, she exerts her dominance over him and they have a very explosive relationship both in and out of the bedroom. But with both of them holding on to secrets that could kill any possibility of a relationship, what will happen if they get out?

I loved this book. I can’t wait for the next one and would love to see more of Lucy and Liam too.
The end of this book was kind of a shocker to me. I never expected the sacrifices they both make to let the other know just how much they want the other person in their life.

Keep writing, J.A. and I will keep reading! Your writing style is one that most people will get sucked into and feel although they are a part of the story and want more and more!
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,134 reviews
March 27, 2015
"...but I couldn't get her out of my mind. She'd changed me."

That header is a quote from this book that made me think a bit; the protagonists in this book were, at times their own worst enemies and I just loved to root for them and also become disappointed in them all at once. Their trials and tribulations do show the ways a couple can change one another - for the better in some ways. Each of them gains some more self awareness as they are sort of forced to stop and take a look at themselves and it was fascinating to accompany them on their respective journeys.

Upon initiating this review, Amazon asked me which word I would use to describe this book:
Thoughtful.

While this book keeps me on the edge of my seat, unable to put it down, sleep, or go about my daily life until I've absorbed it all, it certainly makes me think as well. Some very serious issues come to mind, such as this country's rape culture. One of the protagonists sort of leads a double life, meaning that she works as a dominatrix model and is sort of a poster child / famous pin up for this lifestyle - a good portion of her life was actually dictated by people's snap judgements of her career choice and whenever issues surrounding this came up, I couldn't help but be infuriated for her because it is very true to life, unfortunately. She of course also suffers some abuse as a result of these stupid snap judgements that people can make and as I read I cannot help but become painfully aware of some of the issues that need a serious attitude in real life.

Of course as always with Howell, the characters are very well developed and some of them I was already familiar with from her Possess Saga series. The writing is pretty flawless, as is the editing and the cover and formatting are gorgeous.

The book has some action, plenty of sex, lots
Profile Image for Tiffany.
659 reviews16 followers
January 2, 2015
Reviewed on Behalf of Give Me Books

This is the second book in the Love & Ink series and I think it was even better than the first one. This book focused on Liam, the oldest brother, MMA fighter, and owner of The Knotted Needle tattoo shop. Liam had a ridiculously hard life and was forced to grow up early on. Due to his past, he had trouble letting things go, which led to other kinds of trouble as well.

Lucy knows a thing or two about secrets. She lives a secret life as a dominatrix model and only a handful of people know who is behind the mask. She also had a troubled past, which is one of the main reasons she hid behind the mask. She is tiny, feisty, and calls Liam on his bullshit.

When the two of them get together it is explosive! Their relationship started out as hate. “Liam really was an asshole. But he was an asshole that just soaked my panties.” But it didn’t take long to see that the hate was actually lust. “Hi Lucy, how’s yer evenin;? Would ya please shove my face in yer pussy again because that really seemed ta help things for me.” With Lucy, Liam was finally help to open up and let go. “Use me. I’m yours.” This story included the dominant/submissive relationship, but it was with the woman, Lucy, being the dominate while Liam, the big, sexy blue-eyed Irishman was the submissive.

Like the first book, this one was HOT as HELL! But again, it wasn’t just about sex. It was about two people finally allowing themselves to be who they are and not to hide; to fully trust another person and allow love in. It was also hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud a lot! It was an emotional, panty-melting read and I can’t wait for the third book! (4.5 stars)
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
448 reviews9 followers
October 6, 2015
Scratches Down My Back is the second book in the Love & Ink series, but it can be read as a standalone. I absolutely loved the first book, so I didn't think that this one would live up to my high expectations - but I was definitely wrong! J A Howell has delivered another five star book that sucks you in right from the first page. This is a real emotional roller coaster that had me laughing and had me crying. I felt a strong connection with both main characters, and the author really succeeded in making me care about them and their relationship.

Liam is a sexy Irish tattoo artist and MMA fighter who has a bit of a chip on his shoulder. He is a grumpy git at times, but believe me he has his reasons to be grumpy. Lucy is a fabulous character who is secretly a dominatrix. When these two first meet its kind of hate at first sight, but the chemistry between them is obvious. When we first met Liam in book one he came across as an alpha male, so I was surprised to discover that he's actually submissive. As the pair get close we are treated to some fantastically smexy scenes that will catch your kindle on fire. But there is much more to their relationship, and this book, than just sex.

This is a fantastic book that I highly recommend. The hero and heroine are wonderful, complex characters who truly go on a journey together. This is a must read for me - five stars!


I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Mary Forster.
738 reviews16 followers
August 10, 2014
*Gift from author for an honest review*

Oh my and I thought the first book was good. The second book is just as good. I had a hard time putting this book down too. This book is BDSM and a woman who is in charge (Domme). I won't give out the spoilers. You have all kinds of emotions in this book - I laughed in a few spots and cried in others - panties might have been wet too :)

This book is Liam & Lucy story. Liam is Kier & Naill older brother. Liam has been taking care of his brothers since his parents passed away. He had to start at a young age and work his butt off to support two kids while keeping a roof over their heads. He is part owner of the tattoo shop and a fighter. He also believes he will be alone for the rest of his life. All his feelings and emotions change once he meets Lucy.

Lucy is friends with Naill and comes to visit and help with a photo shoot. She is a model and also a Domme. Lucy has secrets and only a few know her secret but they don't give it away. She meets Liam at his tattoo shop and they don't hit it off real well, but Lucy will change that.

Liam & Lucy both have battles to overcome and work on their future. Liam & Lucy give it a try and holy hotness - have some extra panties and you need to have an open mind.

I enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to more from the author.
Profile Image for Roxanne Kade.
Author 2 books68 followers
January 5, 2015
I have read many BDSM books and all of them have had a male Dom, so it was intriguing and a great change to read a book with a female Dom, especially when her Sub was a gorgeous Irishman with a broken soul.




A strong, inked fighter, Liam did not seem to be the submissive type, but I enjoyed seeing his walls breakdown the more and more he gave himself over to Lucy. My heart broke for him as the truth behind his pain and anguish came to light. And with Lucy’s own demons coming back to haunt her, I could only hope that they’d be able to heal each other.




This book was a sexy, sensual ride, with smoking hot scenes that lit up my Kindle. With a great mix of mystery suspense, romance and passion, this book drew me in and had me falling for the MCs. Another great addition to this series, and I cannot wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for LeeAnne.
491 reviews6 followers
December 13, 2016
I loved this book! I love how much detail is given for each character, you can really relate to them – plus the accents were fantastically written. The drama, twists, emotion, and hot, hot sex… it just made the book a joy to read. I didn’t read book one first so I wasn’t as up to date on Kiernan, the main characters, past (it’s able to be read as a standalone, I’ve now read book one however and understand his background a bit more.) Kiernan has gone through a lot and is a stubborn cranky man. He and his friend and past love Shayne own a tattoo parlor. Kiernan is hung up on Shayne (who is now dating his brother.) In comes Lucy – Dominatrix extraordinaire. I love that Kiernan is new to the sub world – it makes the book that much better. The banter between him and Lucy is phenomenally written. If you’re looking for a good erotica with a bit of BDSM this is definitely the book for you!
Profile Image for Charlene Williams reiser.
291 reviews4 followers
December 29, 2014
I love the story of Liam and Lucy there is so much between the two of them. They both have a bad history and really need each other they just don't know how to do relationships.

Liam is the oldest of the 3 boys and had to raise his brothers but doesn't know how to let the past not dictate his life.

Lucy trying to work and put herself thru school gets humiliated and thrown away by family, friends and the only boy she ever loved.

Both Lucy and Liam have lived behind a mask for a long time and neither knows how to live without it. Will they figure it out or will they continue to hurt the other??????
2 reviews
February 21, 2016
Completely fell in love with Marks on My Skin and couldnt wait to read Scratches Down My Back. Another huge success in my eyes and I absolutely adored Liam and Lucy. This book completely sucked me in from the start and made me think the entire time of how sexy it is that Liam finally let go enough for his needs and sanity! Lucy is fabulous and they made me do alot of thinking about how "interesting" it would be to have their relationship. I am now a HUGE fan of J.A. Howell and cannot wait to read anything I can by her. She is amazing at pulling you right in and keeping you there til the end and wanting more!
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,429 reviews80 followers
January 9, 2016
This 2nd book in the Love & Ink series is even better than the first. A guilty pleasure of a read with good belly laughs thrown in.
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