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Black Rabbit #1
Of Ink and Alchemy
All’s fair in love and war at a tattoo parlor―until a stalker enters the picture―in this deliciously dark romance from the author of the Lakes Hockey series.
Even before her father’s death, Kelly Everhart always knew Logan Teller was someone she could rely on. Now he’s taken over the Black Rabbit tattoo shop and brought her along with him. And while Kelly still finds her former crush and current mentor hot as hell, they’re firmly in the friendzone. Or so she thinks . . .
Logan’s been biding his time, but he’s no longer leaving anything to chance―not since Kelly started getting serious with her boring boyfriend. And as Logan manipulates the situation and sabotages the couple every chance he gets, Kelly starts to notice all the ways her Jason doesn’t quite measure up to the man who’s always been such a huge part of her life.
When her relationship with Logan suddenly goes from playful and platonic to strictly sinful, Kelly can’t stop herself from falling head over heels. But just as things are heating up between them, she starts receiving anonymous messages with information only a few―including Logan―could possibly know about her. Can she trust him after all?
Of Ink and Alchemy is a dark romance with a morally gray MMC and mature content featuring explicit scenes.
Even before her father’s death, Kelly Everhart always knew Logan Teller was someone she could rely on. Now he’s taken over the Black Rabbit tattoo shop and brought her along with him. And while Kelly still finds her former crush and current mentor hot as hell, they’re firmly in the friendzone. Or so she thinks . . .
Logan’s been biding his time, but he’s no longer leaving anything to chance―not since Kelly started getting serious with her boring boyfriend. And as Logan manipulates the situation and sabotages the couple every chance he gets, Kelly starts to notice all the ways her Jason doesn’t quite measure up to the man who’s always been such a huge part of her life.
When her relationship with Logan suddenly goes from playful and platonic to strictly sinful, Kelly can’t stop herself from falling head over heels. But just as things are heating up between them, she starts receiving anonymous messages with information only a few―including Logan―could possibly know about her. Can she trust him after all?
Of Ink and Alchemy is a dark romance with a morally gray MMC and mature content featuring explicit scenes.
344 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2026
89 people are currently reading
3835 people want to read
About the author
Sloane St. James
7 books3,768 followersSloane St. James began writing in 2022, it combines two of her favorite things, books and getting plowed. She enjoys writing strong, witty females and the dirty-talking men that love them--with a little suspense tossed in wherever she can. As an avid hockey fan, her Lakes Hockey series was a natural place to start and debuted in March 2023.
When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and, of course, reading romance.
When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and, of course, reading romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 445 reviews
Currently reading
February 3, 2026₊˚⊹ ᰔ pre-read:
⤿ i have been salivating for logan teller since cam's book over a year ago. this tattooed menace has been living in my head rent-free, squishing my last brain cell, and now his book is finally in my selfish, greedy little hands. pray for my sanity.
⌗ started: feb. 3rd, 2026. ✦
⤿ i have been salivating for logan teller since cam's book over a year ago. this tattooed menace has been living in my head rent-free, squishing my last brain cell, and now his book is finally in my selfish, greedy little hands. pray for my sanity.
⌗ started: feb. 3rd, 2026. ✦
January 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
okay WOW! I mean, I know we all love Sloane (how could you not?!) but is this her best book yet?! THE PLOT HAD ME SCREAMING!!! FULL RTC when I get my shit together after LOSING IT over this book!
——————————————
If you know anything about me, you know I’m a HUGE Sloane St.James fan. Like, obsessed. I mean, the woman created Camden freakin Teller?! Hello!? Well, as expected then you know I was going to LOVE and DEVOUR a new series, that happens to start with Logan Teller.. Camdens stepbrother. COME TO MAMA 🥵
For the first half of this book, I really was just vibing.. like yeah. Okay. This guy is OBSESSED with this best friend. Like possessive / obsessive obsessed.. everything’s fine. He’s biding his time, he’s wanting to take it slow.. what a sweetie. 🥹
AHAHHA JUST KIDDING THO, because things started happening, weird things. Things that had me questioning everything I thought I knew about Logan & Kelly.. in the BEST way.
This book has a great amount of suspense, secrets, and the spice?! Girl, don’t even get me started on the f*cking spice. I can’t even talk about it. I can’t even DEAL with the spice in this book. We’re talking EYE CONTACT, full on LOVE MAKING, POETRY SPICE. Like hot as hell, one handed spice scenes.. but make it powerful. Make it beautiful. Make it FILTHY. YUMMYYYY!
Also, just for my own notes.. a hate sex scene that will literally live RENT FREE for the rest of time.. I don’t think I’ve read something THAT good in a LONGGGGG time.
Anyways, just read this book. It is phenomenal, and everything I didn’t know I needed. I’m a mess. It doesn’t come out until February, but it quickly became one of my top reads of 2025. I’m still not over them. GIMME MORE!!
💛 Slutty Glasses
🖤 She’s Pierced
💛 Obsessive / Possessive MC
🖤 Touch Her & 💀
💛 T*tty F*cking
🖤 Suspense
💛 Hot As F Hate Sex
🖤 Lakes Cameos
💛 Tattoo Artists
🖤 He Gets Her Tattooed On Him
🌶️🌶️🌶️
okay WOW! I mean, I know we all love Sloane (how could you not?!) but is this her best book yet?! THE PLOT HAD ME SCREAMING!!! FULL RTC when I get my shit together after LOSING IT over this book!
——————————————
If you know anything about me, you know I’m a HUGE Sloane St.James fan. Like, obsessed. I mean, the woman created Camden freakin Teller?! Hello!? Well, as expected then you know I was going to LOVE and DEVOUR a new series, that happens to start with Logan Teller.. Camdens stepbrother. COME TO MAMA 🥵
For the first half of this book, I really was just vibing.. like yeah. Okay. This guy is OBSESSED with this best friend. Like possessive / obsessive obsessed.. everything’s fine. He’s biding his time, he’s wanting to take it slow.. what a sweetie. 🥹
AHAHHA JUST KIDDING THO, because things started happening, weird things. Things that had me questioning everything I thought I knew about Logan & Kelly.. in the BEST way.
This book has a great amount of suspense, secrets, and the spice?! Girl, don’t even get me started on the f*cking spice. I can’t even talk about it. I can’t even DEAL with the spice in this book. We’re talking EYE CONTACT, full on LOVE MAKING, POETRY SPICE. Like hot as hell, one handed spice scenes.. but make it powerful. Make it beautiful. Make it FILTHY. YUMMYYYY!
Also, just for my own notes.. a hate sex scene that will literally live RENT FREE for the rest of time.. I don’t think I’ve read something THAT good in a LONGGGGG time.
Anyways, just read this book. It is phenomenal, and everything I didn’t know I needed. I’m a mess. It doesn’t come out until February, but it quickly became one of my top reads of 2025. I’m still not over them. GIMME MORE!!
💛 Slutty Glasses
🖤 She’s Pierced
💛 Obsessive / Possessive MC
🖤 Touch Her & 💀
💛 T*tty F*cking
🖤 Suspense
💛 Hot As F Hate Sex
🖤 Lakes Cameos
💛 Tattoo Artists
🖤 He Gets Her Tattooed On Him
Want to read
December 27, 2025Got the ARC 💕
Thanks to Netgalley, Podium Publishing and Sloane St. James for the free copy.
Thanks to Netgalley, Podium Publishing and Sloane St. James for the free copy.
February 3, 2026
If you are looking for a sinister and suspenseful blend of dark romance and equal parts psychological thriller, you'll love the vibes Of Ink and Alchemy by Sloane St. James. While it is marketed as a dark romance, I found it also leaned heavily into romantic suspense and thriller territory—think Freida McFadden vibes but with significantly more explicit spice. The story follows Kelly Everhart, the daughter of an esteemed tattoo artist, who is working as an apprentice and trying to live up to his legacy. If you love retro pin-up girls, like Amy Winehouse or RAYE, you will absolutely love the nostalgic vintage aesthetic of her character. She navigates her apprenticeship while dealing with a long-standing crush on her mentor, Logan, who takes the definition of obsessed to another level. The atmosphere is gritty and thick with uneasiness, tension, and heat.
The audiobook experience, produced by Podium Entertainment, is an absolute standout. The true duet narration is incredibly immersive, with the actors alternating lines rather than just chapters. The male narrator, James Cassidy, gives off Batman vibes in the best way possible, as Logan. Both he and Chloe Ryan deliver performances so clear that I was able to listen between 1.7x and 2.5x speed and still perfectly understand every word. I also really appreciated the representation of American Sign Language (ASL) woven into the story.
I haven’t read many dark romances, but this was an utterly suspenseful psychological story. This is not a cutesy romantic comedy. Since this book contains dark themes and thriller elements, please check the trigger warnings for sensitive content before diving in.
Perfect if you love:
❤️ Tattoo artists
✨️ A FMC with a retro pin-up girl style (think Amy Winehouse/RAYE vibes)
❤️ A MMC that’s obsessed beyond belief
👀 Gritty, unsettling thrillers
🔥 Spice, spice (and more spice)
😱 Psychological, "what's going to happen next" mystery
🖤 Dark and unhinged romantic suspense
✨️ American Sign Language (ASL) representation
Thank you to Podium Entertainment for an advanced listener copy of this book for review consideration. This review is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
The audiobook experience, produced by Podium Entertainment, is an absolute standout. The true duet narration is incredibly immersive, with the actors alternating lines rather than just chapters. The male narrator, James Cassidy, gives off Batman vibes in the best way possible, as Logan. Both he and Chloe Ryan deliver performances so clear that I was able to listen between 1.7x and 2.5x speed and still perfectly understand every word. I also really appreciated the representation of American Sign Language (ASL) woven into the story.
I haven’t read many dark romances, but this was an utterly suspenseful psychological story. This is not a cutesy romantic comedy. Since this book contains dark themes and thriller elements, please check the trigger warnings for sensitive content before diving in.
Perfect if you love:
❤️ Tattoo artists
✨️ A FMC with a retro pin-up girl style (think Amy Winehouse/RAYE vibes)
❤️ A MMC that’s obsessed beyond belief
👀 Gritty, unsettling thrillers
🔥 Spice, spice (and more spice)
😱 Psychological, "what's going to happen next" mystery
🖤 Dark and unhinged romantic suspense
✨️ American Sign Language (ASL) representation
Thank you to Podium Entertainment for an advanced listener copy of this book for review consideration. This review is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
December 13, 2025
i wasn’t hating this until the random exhibitionism bit with a coworker, no warning nothing 😐 i hate being taken off guard with something like that
December 7, 2025
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: steals her from OM, mutual pining
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
RTC
Trope: steals her from OM, mutual pining
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
RTC
January 19, 2026
Sometimes you don’t pick the book, the book picks you. And then you get you a Teller.
6 freaking well earned stars.
Full review:
Slone absolutely ate with this book and truly left no crumbs behind. Every piece of the story felt intentional and so well executed. The plot was tightly woven, engaging from start to finish, and completely impossible to put down.
The spice? Spiccccccccing. Perfectly placed, perfectly paced, and it added so much depth to the characters’ connection without ever overpowering the story. And the way she seamlessly wove in characters from her other books? It genuinely felt like coming home, the kind of full-circle moment that longtime readers live for.
This was an easy six-star read for me. One of those books you start “just one chapter” of and suddenly it’s hours later and you’re staring at the wall, processing everything you just read. A truly unique storyline that’s meant to be devoured and remembered long after the last page. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6 freaking well earned stars.
Full review:
Slone absolutely ate with this book and truly left no crumbs behind. Every piece of the story felt intentional and so well executed. The plot was tightly woven, engaging from start to finish, and completely impossible to put down.
The spice? Spiccccccccing. Perfectly placed, perfectly paced, and it added so much depth to the characters’ connection without ever overpowering the story. And the way she seamlessly wove in characters from her other books? It genuinely felt like coming home, the kind of full-circle moment that longtime readers live for.
This was an easy six-star read for me. One of those books you start “just one chapter” of and suddenly it’s hours later and you’re staring at the wall, processing everything you just read. A truly unique storyline that’s meant to be devoured and remembered long after the last page. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
remind-me-once-out
July 11, 2025You don't even know how loud I squealed when I found out about this. Words are just not enough.
February 1, 2026
Beta read. DEVOURED.
Full RTC closer to release day.
Full RTC closer to release day.
December 14, 2025
Logan + Kelly
-friends to lovers
-grumpy/sunshine
-workplace romance
-boss’ daughter
-“it’s always been you”
ohhh i'm so happy to be back in another sloane world! her yearning & angst is soooo good!! & the way logan was DOWN BAD & would orchestrate the most elaborate situations to make certain things happen to pull kelly in his direction was amazing!! haha
-friends to lovers
-grumpy/sunshine
-workplace romance
-boss’ daughter
-“it’s always been you”
ohhh i'm so happy to be back in another sloane world! her yearning & angst is soooo good!! & the way logan was DOWN BAD & would orchestrate the most elaborate situations to make certain things happen to pull kelly in his direction was amazing!! haha
February 4, 2026
4.5 stars
this was a wild ride 😅🥰
this was a wild ride 😅🥰
December 6, 2025
*NetGalley ARC review*
Thanks to Netgalley, Podium Publishing and Sloane St. James for the free copy.
"Sweetheart, we're alchemy"
Where do I even start?! I guess the best place would be to announce that this is my favorite book in this genre of all of 2025, and I have read 530 books this year.
MMC, Logan Teller, is basically a 6'4 Jax Teller from Son's of Anarchy with glasses (Swoon!). Silent in the streets and feral in the sheets. This man is delicious. Pulse raced and thighs clenched throughout every spicy scene. They were top-notch and will live rent free in my head for eternity. Is he a walking red flag? 🚩 Absolutely. And I am 100% here for it. There are red flags we ignore, and red flags we barrel into like a bull lips first and Logan is the latter.
FMC Kelly Everhart is the tattooed girl next door who has a dark side underneath her smiley exterior. As far as FMCs go, LOVE her!! She is absolutely someone I would have in my corner. I couldn't imagine having the strength she possesses to get through losing her father and receiving Logan's "gifts" through big events. Those gifts by the way, LOVED that being woven into the storyline. The author made Clyde a present character with that one simple addition.
To the plot! Solid. Freaking. Gold. I loved every bit of the friends to lovers. The yearning from Logan. The sneaking. The plotting behind the scenes. ALL OF IT!! There's mystery, suspense, romance, spice. Have I mentioned I highly recommend it enough yet? 🥵🤣
I dont want to spoil anything, so I'll just encourage you (again) to read this by saying I immediately went and purchase the deluxe edition of this book because it HAS to live on my shelf. I would absolutely read it again even knowing what happens. If this gets an audiobook, I will buy that too. And probably replay certain parts an ungodly amount of times.
If I had to pick a negative thing to say, the use of the term "inked" or "tatts." As someone who has about 80% of her body tattooed, majority of modified people CRINGE at those words. It didnt start until about 50% in, but if I could change a single thing it would be that. Edit all"inked" and "tatts" references to just good ol TATTOOS.
NOTE WORTHY QUOTES
"The things I imagine doing with you are so fucking unfriendly" - SCREAMS!!! 🥵🥵
"This is my dog" my heart melted!!! 🥹🖤
**I could read their "first fight" over and over!!!** - MATRIMONY
I cannot wait for Casper's book. All signs point to his book being up next. Also hoping for a Thor book and a Frankie book!!
Thanks to Netgalley, Podium Publishing and Sloane St. James for the free copy.
"Sweetheart, we're alchemy"
Where do I even start?! I guess the best place would be to announce that this is my favorite book in this genre of all of 2025, and I have read 530 books this year.
MMC, Logan Teller, is basically a 6'4 Jax Teller from Son's of Anarchy with glasses (Swoon!). Silent in the streets and feral in the sheets. This man is delicious. Pulse raced and thighs clenched throughout every spicy scene. They were top-notch and will live rent free in my head for eternity. Is he a walking red flag? 🚩 Absolutely. And I am 100% here for it. There are red flags we ignore, and red flags we barrel into like a bull lips first and Logan is the latter.
FMC Kelly Everhart is the tattooed girl next door who has a dark side underneath her smiley exterior. As far as FMCs go, LOVE her!! She is absolutely someone I would have in my corner. I couldn't imagine having the strength she possesses to get through losing her father and receiving Logan's "gifts" through big events. Those gifts by the way, LOVED that being woven into the storyline. The author made Clyde a present character with that one simple addition.
To the plot! Solid. Freaking. Gold. I loved every bit of the friends to lovers. The yearning from Logan. The sneaking. The plotting behind the scenes. ALL OF IT!! There's mystery, suspense, romance, spice. Have I mentioned I highly recommend it enough yet? 🥵🤣
I dont want to spoil anything, so I'll just encourage you (again) to read this by saying I immediately went and purchase the deluxe edition of this book because it HAS to live on my shelf. I would absolutely read it again even knowing what happens. If this gets an audiobook, I will buy that too. And probably replay certain parts an ungodly amount of times.
If I had to pick a negative thing to say, the use of the term "inked" or "tatts." As someone who has about 80% of her body tattooed, majority of modified people CRINGE at those words. It didnt start until about 50% in, but if I could change a single thing it would be that. Edit all
NOTE WORTHY QUOTES
"The things I imagine doing with you are so fucking unfriendly" - SCREAMS!!! 🥵🥵
"This is my dog" my heart melted!!! 🥹🖤
**I could read their "first fight" over and over!!!** - MATRIMONY
I cannot wait for Casper's book. All signs point to his book being up next. Also hoping for a Thor book and a Frankie book!!
February 4, 2026
4.25⭐️
Having gone into this story blind, I had no idea what to expect and was so pleasantly surprised with what this book delivered!
We get a morally grey, wildly obsessed MMC in Logan, a strong, feisty and badass FMC in Kelly, a kind of longing that stretches years and makes your heart swoon, plus a suspense thread that keeps you guessing. Exactly the kind of book I gobble right up. And I did.
Narration by Chloe Ryan and James Cassidy was captivating, hot as hell, so emotional and so incredibly well-executed. I was immersed in the story and that had so much to do with their performances.
Thanks so much to Sloan and Podium Entertainment for this arc and alc!
Having gone into this story blind, I had no idea what to expect and was so pleasantly surprised with what this book delivered!
We get a morally grey, wildly obsessed MMC in Logan, a strong, feisty and badass FMC in Kelly, a kind of longing that stretches years and makes your heart swoon, plus a suspense thread that keeps you guessing. Exactly the kind of book I gobble right up. And I did.
Narration by Chloe Ryan and James Cassidy was captivating, hot as hell, so emotional and so incredibly well-executed. I was immersed in the story and that had so much to do with their performances.
Thanks so much to Sloan and Podium Entertainment for this arc and alc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️
4🌶
Yessss. YES. YES! What a way to start my new year. I would expect nothing less from Sloane but this was actual perfection. I loved EVERY single second. This was a dark romantic suspense on steroids and I ate it up.
Logan FREAKING Teller, are you kidding me?! He he is a MAJOR red flag, but you can't help but be obsessed with him. Everything he did, he did because of his obsession with Kelly. These Teller men are such dirtyyy dawgs and the spice is so damn hott. 🥵🥵🥵 I love how he was so unapologetic about the things he did too. He was like yeah, I did that and I'm not sorry about it.
Kelly was a freaking badass FMC. She didn’t always make it easy for Logan and her fire came out a few times that gave him a run for his money.
I can not WAIT for Casper & Thor's books. 🙌🫶
4🌶
Yessss. YES. YES! What a way to start my new year. I would expect nothing less from Sloane but this was actual perfection. I loved EVERY single second. This was a dark romantic suspense on steroids and I ate it up.
Logan FREAKING Teller, are you kidding me?! He he is a MAJOR red flag, but you can't help but be obsessed with him. Everything he did, he did because of his obsession with Kelly. These Teller men are such dirtyyy dawgs and the spice is so damn hott. 🥵🥵🥵 I love how he was so unapologetic about the things he did too. He was like yeah, I did that and I'm not sorry about it.
Kelly was a freaking badass FMC. She didn’t always make it easy for Logan and her fire came out a few times that gave him a run for his money.
I can not WAIT for Casper & Thor's books. 🙌🫶
February 3, 2026
Tropes:
Workplace
Friends to Lovers
Tattoo Artists
Boss X Apprentice
Boss' Daughter
Grumpy X Sunshine
Pierced & Tattooed FMC
Morally Grey MMC
Heroine in Peril
Camden Teller....MOVE OVER. Logan is the new love of my life.
I LOVE the tattoo shop concept, I love the obsession, and then add in a dash of suspense I just gobbled this audio/immersive read up. This new world Sloane has built is ABSOLUTELY IT. Now the audiobook 100x over I recommend. @jamescassidyromance and @chloeryanreads were chefs fucking kiss. No notes just perfection. I just couldn't stop listening.
Good lord this one was fun! Boss, apprentice & she is actually the OG boss' daughter. Definitely an element of the right person, waiting for the right time vibe. It was obvious from the hop Logan was a man down obsessed, but the depths he went to for Kelly was next level. If you love a man who very much makes morally grey choices, but is ultimately a green flagged man overall, Logan Teller is it.
And Sloane never misses with the spice...so if you haven't...swipe for a tease 🫠🫢
Workplace
Friends to Lovers
Tattoo Artists
Boss X Apprentice
Boss' Daughter
Grumpy X Sunshine
Pierced & Tattooed FMC
Morally Grey MMC
Heroine in Peril
Camden Teller....MOVE OVER. Logan is the new love of my life.
I LOVE the tattoo shop concept, I love the obsession, and then add in a dash of suspense I just gobbled this audio/immersive read up. This new world Sloane has built is ABSOLUTELY IT. Now the audiobook 100x over I recommend. @jamescassidyromance and @chloeryanreads were chefs fucking kiss. No notes just perfection. I just couldn't stop listening.
Good lord this one was fun! Boss, apprentice & she is actually the OG boss' daughter. Definitely an element of the right person, waiting for the right time vibe. It was obvious from the hop Logan was a man down obsessed, but the depths he went to for Kelly was next level. If you love a man who very much makes morally grey choices, but is ultimately a green flagged man overall, Logan Teller is it.
And Sloane never misses with the spice...so if you haven't...swipe for a tease 🫠🫢
February 3, 2026
Of Ink and Alchemy is book 1 in Sloane’s newest series!
Logan & Kelly were fated, no doubt about that. I loved how he fell first & had zero regrets over any of the completely UNHINGED sh*t he did to win her over. But I love a man who dabbles in the grey sooo…..
Kelly is all fire. She’s not afraid to go after what she wants and she’s not one to be taken advantage of. Logan finds that out & the hate s*x that comes after is explosive.
The last 30% of this book was my favorite. The twists, the honesty and the emotional breakthroughs between them blew me away.
I’m so dang excited for Casper’s story!!
Thank you Sloane for the arc! I adore you and I’m so grateful.
Logan & Kelly were fated, no doubt about that. I loved how he fell first & had zero regrets over any of the completely UNHINGED sh*t he did to win her over. But I love a man who dabbles in the grey sooo…..
Kelly is all fire. She’s not afraid to go after what she wants and she’s not one to be taken advantage of. Logan finds that out & the hate s*x that comes after is explosive.
The last 30% of this book was my favorite. The twists, the honesty and the emotional breakthroughs between them blew me away.
I’m so dang excited for Casper’s story!!
Thank you Sloane for the arc! I adore you and I’m so grateful.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I need the rest of this series immediately!
Logan and Kelly's story had me hooked from the second I hit play on the audio! James Cassidy did such an amazing job bringing Logan to life and I loved hearing Chloe Ryan's take on Kelly!
full review to come!
Logan and Kelly's story had me hooked from the second I hit play on the audio! James Cassidy did such an amazing job bringing Logan to life and I loved hearing Chloe Ryan's take on Kelly!
full review to come!
January 27, 2026
Wow. Absolutely not.
Look, we all love a morally grey MMC but oh my word this absolutely is NOT it. He is easily the more abhorrent male I’ve ever read.
All this book talks about is soulmates and how natural it is except he LITERALLY manipulates her at every turn to fall for him. To be together.
He literally causes her trauma, forges her decisions, gaslights her, lies to her, degrades her. From cheating, framing, stalking, tracking, controlling. But all of those in the worst, most disgusting ways.
So why did I finish this book? I really wanted to see how they would work it out because I knew his lies and manipulations would have to come to light and her reason for forgiving him?! OH MY WORD. Girl you have MORE VALUE THAN THAT.
So why 1 star? I liked the narrators.
Thank you Podium Entertainment for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Look, we all love a morally grey MMC but oh my word this absolutely is NOT it. He is easily the more abhorrent male I’ve ever read.
All this book talks about is soulmates and how natural it is except he LITERALLY manipulates her at every turn to fall for him. To be together.
He literally causes her trauma, forges her decisions, gaslights her, lies to her, degrades her. From cheating, framing, stalking, tracking, controlling. But all of those in the worst, most disgusting ways.
So why did I finish this book? I really wanted to see how they would work it out because I knew his lies and manipulations would have to come to light and her reason for forgiving him?! OH MY WORD. Girl you have MORE VALUE THAN THAT.
So why 1 star? I liked the narrators.
Thank you Podium Entertainment for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2026
If you don’t like unhinged slightly toxic men then this book isn’t for you and that’s ok!! But if there’s one thing I know for certain is that this book was DEFINITELY for me and I loved every crazy morally grey action with my whole heart 💛
December 5, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley, Podium Entertainment and Sloane St. James for the ARC copy!
I will admit I've never actually picked up anything from this author before and was highly influenced by the cover. I'll definitely need to pick up more from this author because I devoured this book and could not get enough of the banter and interactions between the MMC Logan and the FMC Kelly.
Logan has known Kelly for years but has pushed his feelings to the side due to her being younger at first and then his promise to her father. Kelly has ALWAYS had feelings for Logan but after a previous interaction she put those feelings to the side.
But now she's back and Logan cannot let those feeling slide anymore. He's been hopelessly in love with her for years so there's some of that painful pining- and he will do anything to resolve it. Sloane St. James absolutely knows how to write a sinful, dirty talking man, I'm kind of feral for Logan to be honest. The chemistry between the two MCs are absolutely off the charts.
This story absolutely edges into darker territory but I'm living for it. Choices were made by some of the characters that people will not agree with but it definitely added a layer to the story. I loved just about every character and the banter and humour between them all. The setting of the tattoo parlour business fit in perfectly with this series!
I'm honestly so excited to see what comes next in the Black Rabbit series!
I will admit I've never actually picked up anything from this author before and was highly influenced by the cover. I'll definitely need to pick up more from this author because I devoured this book and could not get enough of the banter and interactions between the MMC Logan and the FMC Kelly.
Logan has known Kelly for years but has pushed his feelings to the side due to her being younger at first and then his promise to her father. Kelly has ALWAYS had feelings for Logan but after a previous interaction she put those feelings to the side.
But now she's back and Logan cannot let those feeling slide anymore. He's been hopelessly in love with her for years so there's some of that painful pining- and he will do anything to resolve it. Sloane St. James absolutely knows how to write a sinful, dirty talking man, I'm kind of feral for Logan to be honest. The chemistry between the two MCs are absolutely off the charts.
This story absolutely edges into darker territory but I'm living for it. Choices were made by some of the characters that people will not agree with but it definitely added a layer to the story. I loved just about every character and the banter and humour between them all. The setting of the tattoo parlour business fit in perfectly with this series!
I'm honestly so excited to see what comes next in the Black Rabbit series!
January 29, 2026
Podium #partner - thank you for entrusting me with an early copy!
Of Ink and Alchemy by Sloane St. James
Black Rabbit book 1
Releases 2/3
Duet narration by Chloe Ryan and James Cassidy
Holy smokes James' voice is decadent. Being a mood reader is hard and I wasn't sure what I wanted to listen to next, but one line from James had me all in on this one! Both Chloe and James did a fantastic job bringing this story to life and the duet was divine! Audio note: My brain needs faster speeds for audio and this narration/recording sounded great at higher speeds.
Dark romance interconnected standalones
Dual POV, found family, morally grey possessive MMC, they are both artists and do body art, friends to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, it's always been you, small age gap, FMC in peril, good girl, touch her and find out, posing for photo shoot and painting, rescue dog
Logan has been waiting for Kelly to realize they are meant to be. But it's time to move things along a little. Armed with her father's (who was also his mentor) blessing before he passed, Logan sets his plan in motion. Kelly has always liked Logan, but when he shut her down years ago she firmly has been (trying) to think of him as her brother. The steadfast, always there for her, amazing hot… dang it. But lately she feels like things may be changing and she is scared to hope for anything. But a sť@lker is after Kelly and is escalating. Can they sort themselves out and keep Kelly safe?
I really enjoyed this one! I may not want a real life red flag man, but ohhhh they sometimes steal my heart in books! Logan takes steps to win and protect Kelly and her investment into the tattoo shop her dad passed down, and she justifiably gets mad at him and they fight it out. Y'all. He's definitely got some manipulation and possessiveness going on, so if that will make you hate a book this one may not be for you. But they are just so hot together and I loved Logan just being like it's time, you're mine. Oh and Logan's inner monologue is so freaking hilarious. I also enjoyed the tattoo shop's found family! The end led into (I think) who will be in the next book and I'm looking forward to continuing with this crew!
Of Ink and Alchemy by Sloane St. James
Black Rabbit book 1
Releases 2/3
Duet narration by Chloe Ryan and James Cassidy
Holy smokes James' voice is decadent. Being a mood reader is hard and I wasn't sure what I wanted to listen to next, but one line from James had me all in on this one! Both Chloe and James did a fantastic job bringing this story to life and the duet was divine! Audio note: My brain needs faster speeds for audio and this narration/recording sounded great at higher speeds.
Dark romance interconnected standalones
Dual POV, found family, morally grey possessive MMC, they are both artists and do body art, friends to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, it's always been you, small age gap, FMC in peril, good girl, touch her and find out, posing for photo shoot and painting, rescue dog
Logan has been waiting for Kelly to realize they are meant to be. But it's time to move things along a little. Armed with her father's (who was also his mentor) blessing before he passed, Logan sets his plan in motion. Kelly has always liked Logan, but when he shut her down years ago she firmly has been (trying) to think of him as her brother. The steadfast, always there for her, amazing hot… dang it. But lately she feels like things may be changing and she is scared to hope for anything. But a sť@lker is after Kelly and is escalating. Can they sort themselves out and keep Kelly safe?
I really enjoyed this one! I may not want a real life red flag man, but ohhhh they sometimes steal my heart in books! Logan takes steps to win and protect Kelly and her investment into the tattoo shop her dad passed down, and she justifiably gets mad at him and they fight it out. Y'all. He's definitely got some manipulation and possessiveness going on, so if that will make you hate a book this one may not be for you. But they are just so hot together and I loved Logan just being like it's time, you're mine. Oh and Logan's inner monologue is so freaking hilarious. I also enjoyed the tattoo shop's found family! The end led into (I think) who will be in the next book and I'm looking forward to continuing with this crew!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨️ Thanks @sloanestjames @podiumentertainment and @netgalley for the ARC
🔥 “I’ve been your friend out of respect for Clyde, but the things I imagine doing with you are so fucking unfriendly.
🔥 “Logan, be unfriendly with me.”
Kelly Everhart and Logan Teller have quite a history. After the death of her father, Logan has taken over his tattoo shop, the Black Rabbit, and has become her tattooing mentor. Although she has been secretly crushing on him for years, she has come to accept they will never be more than just friends. However, Logan has been waiting for the perfect opportunity to take his relationship with Kelly further but her new boyfriend is getting in the way. He decides to sabotage the budding relationship to push Kelly back into his arms. As their relationship heats up, Kelly starts receiving threatening messages from a mysterious stalker that has her questioning everything - including her trust in Logan.
I completely devoured this book and could not put it down! Logan and Kelly secretly pining for each other and their sassy banter made for the perfect pairing. The spice was absolutely off the charts and was well balanced with the darker, suspenseful storyline and the grief experienced by the characters - I absolutely loved the letters from Clyde. Now I know at first glance Logan may have some red flags, but who doesn’t love an obsessive man who knows what he wants? And the mouth on him literally had me in a puddle 🥵. While I haven’t picked up the Lakes Hockey series yet, the cameos have me very excited to pick up those books. The scene with the Chinese take out had me crying laughing - I swear I have had that same conversation with my own dad - and it really highlights the fun family dynamic between these characters. I can not wait to see what the rest of this series has in store.
🔥 Grumpy x Sunshine
🔥 Friends to Lovers
🔥 Workplace Romance
🔥 Boss’ Daughter
🔥 Morally Gray MMC
🔥 🌶🌶🌶🌶
🔥 “I’ve been your friend out of respect for Clyde, but the things I imagine doing with you are so fucking unfriendly.
🔥 “Logan, be unfriendly with me.”
Kelly Everhart and Logan Teller have quite a history. After the death of her father, Logan has taken over his tattoo shop, the Black Rabbit, and has become her tattooing mentor. Although she has been secretly crushing on him for years, she has come to accept they will never be more than just friends. However, Logan has been waiting for the perfect opportunity to take his relationship with Kelly further but her new boyfriend is getting in the way. He decides to sabotage the budding relationship to push Kelly back into his arms. As their relationship heats up, Kelly starts receiving threatening messages from a mysterious stalker that has her questioning everything - including her trust in Logan.
I completely devoured this book and could not put it down! Logan and Kelly secretly pining for each other and their sassy banter made for the perfect pairing. The spice was absolutely off the charts and was well balanced with the darker, suspenseful storyline and the grief experienced by the characters - I absolutely loved the letters from Clyde. Now I know at first glance Logan may have some red flags, but who doesn’t love an obsessive man who knows what he wants? And the mouth on him literally had me in a puddle 🥵. While I haven’t picked up the Lakes Hockey series yet, the cameos have me very excited to pick up those books. The scene with the Chinese take out had me crying laughing - I swear I have had that same conversation with my own dad - and it really highlights the fun family dynamic between these characters. I can not wait to see what the rest of this series has in store.
🔥 Grumpy x Sunshine
🔥 Friends to Lovers
🔥 Workplace Romance
🔥 Boss’ Daughter
🔥 Morally Gray MMC
🔥 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stars- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Spice- 🌶🌶🌶
Camden Teller is one of my top book boyfriends (MMC from book #4 in Sloane's Lakes Hockey Series), so when Sloane announced that his brother Logan was getting a book and a spin off series for his Tattoo shop, Black Rabbit? Sign me tf up!!!!
⬇️ Tropes ⬇️
🎨 It's always been You
🎨 Tattoo Artists
🎨 "My Wife"
🎨 She tattoos him
🎨 Spicy time with Paint
🎨 Suspense
🎨 Stalking
🎨 Pierced 🍒
🎨 Found Family
I absolutely loved this book! Logan was OTT obsessed with Kelly. There wasn't a line he wouldnt cross for her. And I literally mean that. I questioned him on a few of his decisions 🤣 I connected with Kelly, especially through the grief of her dad. I loved how much Logan was there for her through that loss.
There is a whole suspense/stalker storyline. I'm not going into details, because I don't want to spoil it, but it kept me guessing!
I love Found Family and we get that from Casper and Thor. It was great seeing a familiar face with Anna and I'm really excited to see Anna and Casper together for book #2! Thor is a mystery and I can't wait to unwrap all his layers.
Sloane writes amazing spice and she delivered in this one! The paint scene will live rent free in my head for the rest of my life!
If you love OTT possessive men who will do anything for their lady, and sassy fmc's who give said men a run for their money, then Of Ink and Alchemy will definitely check that box!
🎨 Of Inc and Alchemy releases February 3, 2026.
***Thank you Sloane St James and her team for giving me an ARC. This review is my honest opinion.***
Spice- 🌶🌶🌶
Camden Teller is one of my top book boyfriends (MMC from book #4 in Sloane's Lakes Hockey Series), so when Sloane announced that his brother Logan was getting a book and a spin off series for his Tattoo shop, Black Rabbit? Sign me tf up!!!!
⬇️ Tropes ⬇️
🎨 It's always been You
🎨 Tattoo Artists
🎨 "My Wife"
🎨 She tattoos him
🎨 Spicy time with Paint
🎨 Suspense
🎨 Stalking
🎨 Pierced 🍒
🎨 Found Family
I absolutely loved this book! Logan was OTT obsessed with Kelly. There wasn't a line he wouldnt cross for her. And I literally mean that. I questioned him on a few of his decisions 🤣 I connected with Kelly, especially through the grief of her dad. I loved how much Logan was there for her through that loss.
There is a whole suspense/stalker storyline. I'm not going into details, because I don't want to spoil it, but it kept me guessing!
I love Found Family and we get that from Casper and Thor. It was great seeing a familiar face with Anna and I'm really excited to see Anna and Casper together for book #2! Thor is a mystery and I can't wait to unwrap all his layers.
Sloane writes amazing spice and she delivered in this one! The paint scene will live rent free in my head for the rest of my life!
If you love OTT possessive men who will do anything for their lady, and sassy fmc's who give said men a run for their money, then Of Ink and Alchemy will definitely check that box!
🎨 Of Inc and Alchemy releases February 3, 2026.
***Thank you Sloane St James and her team for giving me an ARC. This review is my honest opinion.***
February 3, 2026
This book had serious 5-star potential and that honestly makes my final rating a little sad.
The blurb sold me immediately: tattoos, longtime crush, mentor-to-lovers tension, spice, morally gray MMC. On paper? A perfect recipe. And it kinda worked... ofc, until it didn't.
Logan… whew...
I love a morally gray man done well. I embrace manipulation, possessiveness and questionable choices when they make sense for the story. Here though, the level of scheming, lying and emotional manipulation Logan pulled, supposedly to “protect” Kelly, felt unnecessary and wildly over the top. Instead of coming across as darkly protective, it just made me frustrated. A lot of the chaos felt self-created, and by the end (after he revealed everything), I honestly wished Kelly would’ve just given him the boot.
Kelly herself wasn't bad and the setup had all the right elements, but the execution lost me. I kept asking why: why all the lies, why this level of control, why not just… talk? ( I mean lol... even Kelly asked herself the same questions :D)
This could’ve been a standout dark romance, but the imbalance between “morally gray” and “needlessly manipulative” knocked it down hard.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 stars)
Thank you NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for the ARC.
The blurb sold me immediately: tattoos, longtime crush, mentor-to-lovers tension, spice, morally gray MMC. On paper? A perfect recipe. And it kinda worked... ofc, until it didn't.
Logan… whew...
I love a morally gray man done well. I embrace manipulation, possessiveness and questionable choices when they make sense for the story. Here though, the level of scheming, lying and emotional manipulation Logan pulled, supposedly to “protect” Kelly, felt unnecessary and wildly over the top. Instead of coming across as darkly protective, it just made me frustrated. A lot of the chaos felt self-created, and by the end (after he revealed everything), I honestly wished Kelly would’ve just given him the boot.
Kelly herself wasn't bad and the setup had all the right elements, but the execution lost me. I kept asking why: why all the lies, why this level of control, why not just… talk? ( I mean lol... even Kelly asked herself the same questions :D)
This could’ve been a standout dark romance, but the imbalance between “morally gray” and “needlessly manipulative” knocked it down hard.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 stars)
Thank you NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for the ARC.
December 29, 2025
Logan Teller (yes, brother to Camden) owns the Black Rabbit, a very famous tattoo shop in Minnesota? Anyways, he’s seriously in love with his dead mentor’s daughter, Kelly, who is also his employee! Logan also has a serious lack of boundaries, installing censors in houses and secretly binding people to permanent contracts. Kelly has always had a thing for Logan too but has more or less given up, seeing him as merely a best friend but Logan has been biding his time (he promised her dad after all!). The novel kicks into action once Kelly decides to get serious with her lame boyfriend and Logan decides to tap into his manipulative side!
This was a super fun and very spicy read! Logan was extremely possessive but that also made him extremely charming too? I felt like he become much more unhinged at the end which mirrored how Kelly also become much more possessive and unhinged. The suspense was a fun element and while it was a bit obvious, I had fun with the ending! I like how it sets up future books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
December 7, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
Logan Teller you dirty dog!! And I mean this in a “holy shit the mouth on this man” way, but also in a “I’m sorry you did what?!” way… 👀🤣
I’ve been so excited for Logan and Kelly’s story since Stand and Defend and they absolutely did not disappoint. This was definitely different than what Sloane has written before, but my god it was amazing!! I need all the morally grey mmcs from Sloane. Please and thank you 🙏🏼
When I tell you this man is obsessed with her and does anything to make her his 🤭
“I’m a man who knows what he wants. For years I’ve stood in the background, biding my time while you chased flings. It wasn’t patience, it was discipline. The way I wanted you never grew stronger—it grew darker. There’s no one else for me. You’re it.”
Kelly is an absolute firecracker and I love her!! They both complimented each other so well. And the banter that’s more like foreplay was chefs kiss.
The spice do be spicing because it’s Sloane of course 🥵 it’s always the quiet ones that have the filthiest mouths 😏
“I wanted everyone to see Black Rabbit’s legacy turn into my needy little slut who cries and begs.”
And you’re done. 🥵🥵🥵
I loved the suspense part of this storyline and I feel so proud of myself that I picked up on who the stalker was 🤣
All of the Lakes Hockey cameos made my life 😭 and I’m excited for more of them hopefully in book 2 🤭
Thank you so much Sloane for this ARC!! 🫶🏼
Logan Teller you dirty dog!! And I mean this in a “holy shit the mouth on this man” way, but also in a “I’m sorry you did what?!” way… 👀🤣
I’ve been so excited for Logan and Kelly’s story since Stand and Defend and they absolutely did not disappoint. This was definitely different than what Sloane has written before, but my god it was amazing!! I need all the morally grey mmcs from Sloane. Please and thank you 🙏🏼
When I tell you this man is obsessed with her and does anything to make her his 🤭
“I’m a man who knows what he wants. For years I’ve stood in the background, biding my time while you chased flings. It wasn’t patience, it was discipline. The way I wanted you never grew stronger—it grew darker. There’s no one else for me. You’re it.”
Kelly is an absolute firecracker and I love her!! They both complimented each other so well. And the banter that’s more like foreplay was chefs kiss.
The spice do be spicing because it’s Sloane of course 🥵 it’s always the quiet ones that have the filthiest mouths 😏
“I wanted everyone to see Black Rabbit’s legacy turn into my needy little slut who cries and begs.”
And you’re done. 🥵🥵🥵
I loved the suspense part of this storyline and I feel so proud of myself that I picked up on who the stalker was 🤣
All of the Lakes Hockey cameos made my life 😭 and I’m excited for more of them hopefully in book 2 🤭
Thank you so much Sloane for this ARC!! 🫶🏼
Read
February 3, 2026ALPHA and ARC re-read! I was a very lucky duck and got to read this book in June last year as an alpha read. It's always so cool to see ideas put into action and the final product come to fruition!
Logan and Kelly were so amazing together. I was so excited for their story after meeting them in Stand and Defend (book 4 of the Lakes Hockey series which is like Roman Empire territory). Logan took obsession to the next level. Like... OBSESSED. The reality was, he was biding his time, taking advice from Kelly's late father and was really a sweetheart (lol) waving that red flag. Let's be honest, Logan just did whatever the fuck he wanted, sometimes with no regard or thought to Kelly's feelings. I really liked Kelly and the way she handled herself.
Logan and Kelly had such an intimate kind of chemistry and once the spice hit, MY LANTA. It was the signature Sloane St. James spice but turned WAY THE FUCK UP!
I really enjoyed the suspense aspect of this, the plot twist was done well (even reading it the second time around) and I love how that all tied together.
Read if you like:
- dark(ish) romance
- workplace
- mentor x apprentice
- small age gap (6 years)
- boss’ daughter
- grumpy x sunshine
- morally grey MMC
Logan and Kelly were so amazing together. I was so excited for their story after meeting them in Stand and Defend (book 4 of the Lakes Hockey series which is like Roman Empire territory). Logan took obsession to the next level. Like... OBSESSED. The reality was, he was biding his time, taking advice from Kelly's late father and was really a sweetheart (lol) waving that red flag. Let's be honest, Logan just did whatever the fuck he wanted, sometimes with no regard or thought to Kelly's feelings. I really liked Kelly and the way she handled herself.
Logan and Kelly had such an intimate kind of chemistry and once the spice hit, MY LANTA. It was the signature Sloane St. James spice but turned WAY THE FUCK UP!
I really enjoyed the suspense aspect of this, the plot twist was done well (even reading it the second time around) and I love how that all tied together.
Read if you like:
- dark(ish) romance
- workplace
- mentor x apprentice
- small age gap (6 years)
- boss’ daughter
- grumpy x sunshine
- morally grey MMC
February 3, 2026
My Man Logan TELLER! If you were obsessed with Camden teller let me tell you, Logan’s gonna have you in a chokehold as well. THIS Man know ASL 🤤 just to add alittle razzle to his dazzle.
Kelly, this BA, dog lover, knowing ASL woman is perfect! My dream BFF.
Logan is let’s say more morally gray than Camden and holy moly did Sloane give us SPICE my girl I was SWEATING 🔥 and talk about plot twist! 🤯
Now your brain can have two teller men stuck in it.
Kelly, this BA, dog lover, knowing ASL woman is perfect! My dream BFF.
Logan is let’s say more morally gray than Camden and holy moly did Sloane give us SPICE my girl I was SWEATING 🔥 and talk about plot twist! 🤯
Now your brain can have two teller men stuck in it.
February 4, 2026
Logan Teller. Suspense. Fire. Tattoos
February 2, 2026
forgot to mark that i finished this because i was struck dumb.
idek how to explain to you how unhinged, spicy, romantic, sad, and funny this was??? i had a blast and i think everyone should support sloane st james!!!
anyway! logan teller, love you, mean it 🫶🏼
idek how to explain to you how unhinged, spicy, romantic, sad, and funny this was??? i had a blast and i think everyone should support sloane st james!!!
anyway! logan teller, love you, mean it 🫶🏼
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