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It’s everything but business as usual.
Emmie Elliot hadn’t expected to come back to Metlin, California. She definitely didn’t expect to stay. She returned to her childhood home with a mission: Sell the building that housed her grandmother’s book store and move on with her life.
But life doesn’t always go according to plan.
To reopen her grandmother’s book shop, Emmie will need a hook. She’ll need a strategy. She’ll need an… Ox?
Miles Oxford doesn’t have much interest in quiet bookstore owners. He’s a tattoo artist without a space to work, and the last thing he wants is to get involved with anyone after his last disaster of a relationship. Work and pleasure don’t mix for Ox, but since he doesn’t have any interest in the cute girl with the bold business proposal, he should be safe from any awkward complications, right?
She sells ink. He tattoos it. Unusual? Yes. But a book shop/tattoo studio might be the ticket for both Emmie and Ox to find success on their own terms. As long as they keep their attention focused on business.
Just on business.
Emmie Elliot hadn’t expected to come back to Metlin, California. She definitely didn’t expect to stay. She returned to her childhood home with a mission: Sell the building that housed her grandmother’s book store and move on with her life.
But life doesn’t always go according to plan.
To reopen her grandmother’s book shop, Emmie will need a hook. She’ll need a strategy. She’ll need an… Ox?
Miles Oxford doesn’t have much interest in quiet bookstore owners. He’s a tattoo artist without a space to work, and the last thing he wants is to get involved with anyone after his last disaster of a relationship. Work and pleasure don’t mix for Ox, but since he doesn’t have any interest in the cute girl with the bold business proposal, he should be safe from any awkward complications, right?
She sells ink. He tattoos it. Unusual? Yes. But a book shop/tattoo studio might be the ticket for both Emmie and Ox to find success on their own terms. As long as they keep their attention focused on business.
Just on business.
288 pages, ebook
First published March 13, 2018
2469 people are currently reading
5718 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hunter
83 books6,277 followersELIZABETH HUNTER is an eleven-time USA Today bestselling author of romance, contemporary fantasy, and paranormal mystery. Based in Central California and Addis Ababa, she travels extensively to write fantasy fiction exploring world mythologies, history, and the universal bonds of love, friendship, and family.
She has published over fifty works of fiction and sold over two million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
She has published over fifty works of fiction and sold over two million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
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December 16, 2021
IT'S HERE!
I can't wait for you to read INK, my new contemporary romance. Grab it wherever you buy your e-books or paperbacks!
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Check out my Pinterest board to see more of my inspiration for the story:
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February 25, 2018
~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~While I enjoyed this one a lot, and it was a sweet romantic read, It didn't blow me away. The writing was very good. The pace, unfortunately, was a bit too slow for me. I am just not a fan of slow burn romances and the romance in this one was super S-L-O-W and although Ox and Emmie were cute together I just never felt a burning passion between them. So, unfortunately, my mind did start to wander halfway through and I found myself a tiny bit bored and impatient for things to get moving. That said, the plot was engaging enough that I stuck with it and never thought about tossing in the towel. I will say that I loved the small town feel of Metlin, and I loved the side characters. That is what kept me reading. Last, it was all wrapped up in a sweet HFN ending.
~HERO~
OX...He was OK. There wasn't really anything about him that I didn't like. He was sweet. He was smart. Well read. Not a manwhore. Loved his family. Seemed like a decent guy. He was just maybe a tad on the boring side. I expected more "umph" from a sexy built like an ox tattoo artist.
~HEROINE~
Emmie...I really liked her. She was sweet. She was smart. She seemed like a genuine person. Had a good head on her shoulders. Didn't seem to have too many hangups. Again, like OX, I don't really have anything negative to say about her. She was a good heroine.
~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
Honestly, the best part of this book was the secondary characters. I loved all them (some more than others). Even Ginger the nasty ex seemed decent by the end of the book (lol). I can't wait to see who will be up next to get their HEA. And I would LOVE to see a book about Daisy and Spider.
~HEAT LEVEL~
Low. Like I mentioned this was a super slow burn romance. The first kiss doesn't even happen until 63% into the book. Sex not until 80% and then the scenes are just mildly spicey. I think because of how slow moving the romance was I just never felt a strong passionate connection between Ox and Emmie. Oh, they were sweet together and seemed like great friends, but "hot out of control I want to climb you like a tree" passion, unfortunately...not so much.
~ANGST LEVEL~
Low. This was a pretty low angst read. There were a couple of bumps in the road but they were cleared up quickly and without a lot of fanfare. There was a tiny bit of OW drama in the form of Ox's ex Ginger. But it didn't really bother me. And we have a tiny bit of OM drama in the form of a high school friend interested in Emmie. Again, it wasn't over the top and didn't bother me.
~IN THE END~
I liked it. It was a solidly written book with a charming small town feel to it. The secondary characters were interesting and intriguing enough that I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. Unfortunately, the romance aspect was way too slow for me and the main couple lacked spark. So a bit of a mixed bag with this one. That said, yours truly is still giving this one a solid thumbs up.
November 26, 2020
3.5-4 stars
The first thing that attracted me to this book was the cover- it's frickin' great.
This was a good book- light and sweet. It was fairly realistic but also brought out the idea of selling ink on paper and skin together. I mean if there was a combined tattoo and bookshop? You bet your ass I am the first one in. I would say that the idea was the only ingenious thing about the book and the rest of it was mostly your plain old friends to lovers/office romance kind of story. I am not saying this to diminish it's worth because it was nice- but nothing that blew me away. Though, whatever it was, the author worked pretty good to bring those things into fruition.
The humor was spot on but I felt a little detached at some points, maybe because it was in 3rd POV. This was a slow burn and a really good one at that. The author didn't fill out pages and pages worth of sexual tension- you say it a few times, we get it. And I liked that. The shop was as much of a focus as their story. In fact most of their story stemmed out from their relationship on the work front.
I liked Emmie. I felt that she was a little boring initially but by the end we know that she's just reserved and puts her trust in those who are dependable because she has been abandoned by almost everyone she loves. She isn't a risk taker but for once she takes it- both with her shop and Ox. The only one who stayed with her till the end was her brother (not blood related) Spider. I loved him and his wife, who was Emmie's best friend. That's one more thing I loved about the book- the secondary characters. They were supportive and amazing people. And they added more fun to the story!
Ox was a great guy, tough on the outside but a total softie on the inside. He loved hard and was loyal to a fault. He was the only remaining man in his family and so felt that the responsibility of his family fell on him. He wasn't wrong in trying to help his family but he took too much burden on himself. I loved his dedication but this did create problems for him in professional and personal matters. I loved the way he broke down Emmie's walls and showed her that he was worth the trust she had put in him.
The banter between the characters was funny and practical. This book was a break from the ones that deal with too heavy or too light topics. Not everyone has a really privileged or abusive past and it was nice to read a book that actually focused on the problems of daily life of an average person rather than a mafia boss or a rich businessman with shady pasts. I'm not complaining about the latter but sometimes we just need a break, and if I say so, this one fulfilled that job pretty damn well.
The first thing that attracted me to this book was the cover- it's frickin' great.
This was a good book- light and sweet. It was fairly realistic but also brought out the idea of selling ink on paper and skin together. I mean if there was a combined tattoo and bookshop? You bet your ass I am the first one in. I would say that the idea was the only ingenious thing about the book and the rest of it was mostly your plain old friends to lovers/office romance kind of story. I am not saying this to diminish it's worth because it was nice- but nothing that blew me away. Though, whatever it was, the author worked pretty good to bring those things into fruition.
The humor was spot on but I felt a little detached at some points, maybe because it was in 3rd POV. This was a slow burn and a really good one at that. The author didn't fill out pages and pages worth of sexual tension- you say it a few times, we get it. And I liked that. The shop was as much of a focus as their story. In fact most of their story stemmed out from their relationship on the work front.
I liked Emmie. I felt that she was a little boring initially but by the end we know that she's just reserved and puts her trust in those who are dependable because she has been abandoned by almost everyone she loves. She isn't a risk taker but for once she takes it- both with her shop and Ox. The only one who stayed with her till the end was her brother (not blood related) Spider. I loved him and his wife, who was Emmie's best friend. That's one more thing I loved about the book- the secondary characters. They were supportive and amazing people. And they added more fun to the story!
Ox was a great guy, tough on the outside but a total softie on the inside. He loved hard and was loyal to a fault. He was the only remaining man in his family and so felt that the responsibility of his family fell on him. He wasn't wrong in trying to help his family but he took too much burden on himself. I loved his dedication but this did create problems for him in professional and personal matters. I loved the way he broke down Emmie's walls and showed her that he was worth the trust she had put in him.
The banter between the characters was funny and practical. This book was a break from the ones that deal with too heavy or too light topics. Not everyone has a really privileged or abusive past and it was nice to read a book that actually focused on the problems of daily life of an average person rather than a mafia boss or a rich businessman with shady pasts. I'm not complaining about the latter but sometimes we just need a break, and if I say so, this one fulfilled that job pretty damn well.
September 9, 2022
Ink by Elizabeth Hunter
7th and Main series book 1. Contemporary romance.
Emmie returns home after inheriting her grandmother’s bookstore. Her intention was to sell the building and get out of town. But memories and the love of the written word has Emmie deciding to reorganize, remodel, and revamp the bookstore for reopening. Her plans include an updated small coffee and seating section as well as a place to get a tattoo. Artist Miles Oxford rents a portion of the book store’s floor plan to set up his chair and tattoo needles.
I loved the premise of this. An independent bookstore and a tattoo parlor together in one space. Many readers are avid fans of a particular author or series and getting a tattoo is a great way to proclaim the love to the world. I have to wonder if a place like this actually exists. If it does, I hope they are wildly successful.
The romance between Ox and Emmie is filled with conflicts including a vocal old girlfriend and his sister’s ranch that demands a lot of his time, taking him away from the shop.
Small town vibe with plenty of secondary characters plus an opposite attracts steamy romance format make this a truly enjoyable read.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Melissa Moran. The performance very well done. Voices were varied and clear on emotions and cadence and I enjoyed the tempo. I found the best sped was 1.4 which is about my average preference these days to match a conversational speed.
7th and Main series book 1. Contemporary romance.
Emmie returns home after inheriting her grandmother’s bookstore. Her intention was to sell the building and get out of town. But memories and the love of the written word has Emmie deciding to reorganize, remodel, and revamp the bookstore for reopening. Her plans include an updated small coffee and seating section as well as a place to get a tattoo. Artist Miles Oxford rents a portion of the book store’s floor plan to set up his chair and tattoo needles.
I loved the premise of this. An independent bookstore and a tattoo parlor together in one space. Many readers are avid fans of a particular author or series and getting a tattoo is a great way to proclaim the love to the world. I have to wonder if a place like this actually exists. If it does, I hope they are wildly successful.
The romance between Ox and Emmie is filled with conflicts including a vocal old girlfriend and his sister’s ranch that demands a lot of his time, taking him away from the shop.
Small town vibe with plenty of secondary characters plus an opposite attracts steamy romance format make this a truly enjoyable read.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Melissa Moran. The performance very well done. Voices were varied and clear on emotions and cadence and I enjoyed the tempo. I found the best sped was 1.4 which is about my average preference these days to match a conversational speed.
November 5, 2020
3,5 stars
The story was set in a fantastic idea of a shop: books and tattoos put together under the name INK - in the books and on the skin?! How brilliant is that?!
I liked the main characters and their friends. The heroine was this great combination of shy and strongly fierce, the hero was a mix of talent and hotness. What's not to like?
Well, the first part pulled me right in and I couldn't stop!
But then something changed, I can't even put my finger on it properly... It became... A cliché? A drama? A mess? Maybe a combination of those. Miscommunications, trust issues, family bonds...
Oh, and toward the end - BAM! - the author decided to throw some abandonment issues into the mix! It was used as a plot device and felt completely out of character.
Don't get me wrong, the language was pretty good, and I did enjoy the book... But somehow I felt like the first and the second parts were written by two different authors. The whole wonderful build up just fizzled out, the banter was replaced by sweetness that almost made me want to check for cavities. It dragged and dragged... And then I started enjoying it again at the very end! Bizarre.
Anyway, there are two more books in the series and I was excited about them in the beginning, but I'm not so sure now.
The story was set in a fantastic idea of a shop: books and tattoos put together under the name INK - in the books and on the skin?! How brilliant is that?!
I liked the main characters and their friends. The heroine was this great combination of shy and strongly fierce, the hero was a mix of talent and hotness. What's not to like?
Well, the first part pulled me right in and I couldn't stop!
But then something changed, I can't even put my finger on it properly... It became... A cliché? A drama? A mess? Maybe a combination of those. Miscommunications, trust issues, family bonds...
Oh, and toward the end - BAM! - the author decided to throw some abandonment issues into the mix! It was used as a plot device and felt completely out of character.
Don't get me wrong, the language was pretty good, and I did enjoy the book... But somehow I felt like the first and the second parts were written by two different authors. The whole wonderful build up just fizzled out, the banter was replaced by sweetness that almost made me want to check for cavities. It dragged and dragged... And then I started enjoying it again at the very end! Bizarre.
Anyway, there are two more books in the series and I was excited about them in the beginning, but I'm not so sure now.
May 3, 2018
I think I expected INK to be a bit more of a hate-to-love instead of sorta-opposites attract but this was cute. I would definitely pick up any companion that comes along, and I'm pretty sure there's going to be one. If you like somewhat shy bookish girls, with a bit of an edge, and big burly sweet dudes covered in tattoos who have a bit of a hero complex, I think you'll like this. And I did. I just wasn't blown away.
March 13, 2018
Emmie Elliot, 27, can’t resist the opportunity to open her own bookstore so she takes a chance on her grandmother’s old shop after she passes. She also can’t resist the hot tattoo artist who’d make a pleasing addition to the work space. Miles Oxford, 28, otherwise known as Ox, is out of a relationship and out of a work space. When the cute book girl makes him an attractive offer, he hopes he doesn’t repeat his mistakes.
“‘Thanks for dreaming big enough for both of us.’”
This story is written in 3rd person, which I generally have huge problems connecting with in romance so major points for keeping me engaged. I still would have preferred a dual first person, but the writing was smooth and it flowed well.
I also liked the premise—books and tattoos; yeah I could get lost in that shop for several hours. I seriously think the real world should emulate fiction on this concept.
Both main characters and the side characters were likable. Ox was a sweet, good guy. Swooned a little over his interest in books. Wanted to shake him a little over his work ethics. Emmie was a down-to-earth, responsible heroine. Liked her tattoos and collection of book t-shirts. Wished she would have quit stressing that she was inferior to other females at times. She otherwise had a solid head on her shoulders and was a sweet person. This is a slow burn romance, but the chemistry between them is very palpable. I appreciated how they stressed taking their time and how the reader saw the relationship grow from friends to more.
“‘All the best romances have to bubble under the surface for a while.’”
All in all, it was an enjoyable romance. I only have one complaint—the kissing scene with Ginger in the opening which all the girls observe and gush over how hot it is. Not only was this utterly counterproductive to the upcoming romance between Ox and Emmie (the real focus of the story), as well as a turn-off, but it made no sense about a chapter later when Ox states he’s been wanting to end it for months and they’ve been living as roommates rather than lovers. That scene was just completely unnecessary, and why it was brought up again at the end, well I think the author should have heeded her own character’s advice when Ox replies, “‘Don’t remind me.’” Exactly! It served no point in the story. Incidentally, Ginger and Ox’s fight and break-up—now that was kinda funny.
Safety Recap:
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
“‘Thanks for dreaming big enough for both of us.’”
This story is written in 3rd person, which I generally have huge problems connecting with in romance so major points for keeping me engaged. I still would have preferred a dual first person, but the writing was smooth and it flowed well.
I also liked the premise—books and tattoos; yeah I could get lost in that shop for several hours. I seriously think the real world should emulate fiction on this concept.
Both main characters and the side characters were likable. Ox was a sweet, good guy. Swooned a little over his interest in books. Wanted to shake him a little over his work ethics. Emmie was a down-to-earth, responsible heroine. Liked her tattoos and collection of book t-shirts. Wished she would have quit stressing that she was inferior to other females at times. She otherwise had a solid head on her shoulders and was a sweet person. This is a slow burn romance, but the chemistry between them is very palpable. I appreciated how they stressed taking their time and how the reader saw the relationship grow from friends to more.
“‘All the best romances have to bubble under the surface for a while.’”
All in all, it was an enjoyable romance. I only have one complaint—the kissing scene with Ginger in the opening which all the girls observe and gush over how hot it is. Not only was this utterly counterproductive to the upcoming romance between Ox and Emmie (the real focus of the story), as well as a turn-off, but it made no sense about a chapter later when Ox states he’s been wanting to end it for months and they’ve been living as roommates rather than lovers. That scene was just completely unnecessary, and why it was brought up again at the end, well I think the author should have heeded her own character’s advice when Ox replies, “‘Don’t remind me.’” Exactly! It served no point in the story. Incidentally, Ginger and Ox’s fight and break-up—now that was kinda funny.
Safety Recap:
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
November 6, 2020
*little disclaimer
I have been in the biggest reading slump of my life since the end of august… it lasted for about two months and was absolutely awful… fortunately around the end of october I finally got out of it and got back to reading more like I am used to :) unfortunately I still don’t want to sit down and write *proper* reviews… you know, detailed and with full and coherent sentences… ;) usually when I get like this I can wait it out and then catch up on everything once that mood passes, but it’s not looking like it’s going anywhere anytime soon… so what I am gonna do is update all of the ones I still haven’t written (and all of my future ones will look like that as well, unless something magically changes) with this little disclaimer at the top and then a bit of an intro plus some random and chaotic thoughts… ;) I mean… it’s better than no review at all, right? :) some of them will include spoilers, some of them won’t, but don't worry, if there will be any spoilery things I share with you in my review, they will be always at the end of it, clearly marked and initially hidden from view, so there’s no way you will read anything accidentally :) ok, I think that covers everything that I needed to share with you :) we good? awesome :) then let’s just dive in ;)
I’ve read 180+ books this year and this one was, without a doubt, one of my favourites so far :) I started it one evening and couldn’t put it down… and me reading a book in one sitting is not something that happens often :)
- there are no words to fully express how much I adored Emmie :) she worked in a bookshop and now she’s working to open one in her hometown, but she’s not your stereotypical shy and mousy type :) yes, she can be more distant with new people, but once she gets to know someone she opens up :) and she has no problems with voicing her opinions… :)
- Ox is… I mean… I did not expect him to sweep me off my feet, that’s for sure ;)
- I wasn’t sure how bookshop and tattoo artist can share space… I mean, how would that work exactly? now I know and want to visit a place like this right away :)
- the slow burn romance between Emmie and Ox with awesome banter and great chemistry was exactly the type of story I live for :) I could even understand the whole situation with the conflict / drama near the end of the book… it’s hard to break all habits and when tough choices need to be made, your knee jerk reaction might not be the best one… but the resolution to this resulted in one of the cutest and swoonworthy scenes I’ve read in a long while, so can’t complain :)
- I loved so many of the secondary characters in this book, and I do hope that aside from the two sequels that are already out… you know, ones I immediately purchased after finishing this one ;) there will be more books in this series ;) I want at least two more people to get their happy endings :)
- the writing style was amazing in this one… I fell in love with all the characters and with the vibe of this small town immediately…
- is there a book out there about Daisy and Spider? cause I need to read their story... if so, please let me know... if not, I need Elizabeth Hunter to write it like yesterday :)
If you are looking for a romance that will take your mind off of everything that’s happening around you, look no further… :) hopefully you will fall in love with this story just as I did :) I would give more, but alas it’s only 5 stars ;)
XOXO
A
I have been in the biggest reading slump of my life since the end of august… it lasted for about two months and was absolutely awful… fortunately around the end of october I finally got out of it and got back to reading more like I am used to :) unfortunately I still don’t want to sit down and write *proper* reviews… you know, detailed and with full and coherent sentences… ;) usually when I get like this I can wait it out and then catch up on everything once that mood passes, but it’s not looking like it’s going anywhere anytime soon… so what I am gonna do is update all of the ones I still haven’t written (and all of my future ones will look like that as well, unless something magically changes) with this little disclaimer at the top and then a bit of an intro plus some random and chaotic thoughts… ;) I mean… it’s better than no review at all, right? :) some of them will include spoilers, some of them won’t, but don't worry, if there will be any spoilery things I share with you in my review, they will be always at the end of it, clearly marked and initially hidden from view, so there’s no way you will read anything accidentally :) ok, I think that covers everything that I needed to share with you :) we good? awesome :) then let’s just dive in ;)
I’ve read 180+ books this year and this one was, without a doubt, one of my favourites so far :) I started it one evening and couldn’t put it down… and me reading a book in one sitting is not something that happens often :)
- there are no words to fully express how much I adored Emmie :) she worked in a bookshop and now she’s working to open one in her hometown, but she’s not your stereotypical shy and mousy type :) yes, she can be more distant with new people, but once she gets to know someone she opens up :) and she has no problems with voicing her opinions… :)
- Ox is… I mean… I did not expect him to sweep me off my feet, that’s for sure ;)
- I wasn’t sure how bookshop and tattoo artist can share space… I mean, how would that work exactly? now I know and want to visit a place like this right away :)
- the slow burn romance between Emmie and Ox with awesome banter and great chemistry was exactly the type of story I live for :) I could even understand the whole situation with the conflict / drama near the end of the book… it’s hard to break all habits and when tough choices need to be made, your knee jerk reaction might not be the best one… but the resolution to this resulted in one of the cutest and swoonworthy scenes I’ve read in a long while, so can’t complain :)
- I loved so many of the secondary characters in this book, and I do hope that aside from the two sequels that are already out… you know, ones I immediately purchased after finishing this one ;) there will be more books in this series ;) I want at least two more people to get their happy endings :)
- the writing style was amazing in this one… I fell in love with all the characters and with the vibe of this small town immediately…
- is there a book out there about Daisy and Spider? cause I need to read their story... if so, please let me know... if not, I need Elizabeth Hunter to write it like yesterday :)
If you are looking for a romance that will take your mind off of everything that’s happening around you, look no further… :) hopefully you will fall in love with this story just as I did :) I would give more, but alas it’s only 5 stars ;)
XOXO
A
September 6, 2019
Spoilers ahead, 2.5*
Emmie returns to her small-town hometown after her grandmother's death to sell her family's bookstore. She's got a job, friends and a life in the city so she doesn't plan to move back......until she does. Emmie the planner makes a spontaneous decision to keep the bookstore open. When she decides to rent out the other side of the store it's fortunate that her former neighbor across the way is now an unemployed tattoo artist, so combining books and tattoos they get INK. And while the new partnerships starts off with a firm no involvement rule it turns out that sometimes rules are meant to be broken
This was just an ok read, nothing really extraordinary but I love a bookish heroine so I enjoyed it well enough
h first sees H on the street kissing his girlfriend, they had yet to meet. Said girlfriend and the H have frequent and loud fights on front the store until one day she starts throwing his clothes outside and it's at that point the H decides he's done. He didn't want to get involved with Emme because his ex was also his employer so he doesn't want to mix business and pleasure
More of a slow burn though they're attracted to each other
OW drama out the wazoo, the ex woman was around from beginning to end. She mellows out on the end but she made a lot of catty comments to the h. In the end her business remains right across the street meaning she's gonna be there as a reminder forever. For someone who hate exesi n my romances this pissed me off especially with the things she said to the h
I'd have hoped the h wasn't so cutesy all the time and had more of a firm backbone and maybe a solid right hand to deal with the bitch ex
OM drama as there is another man who pursues the h, she went on a date with him but specified it was only as friends. He too seemed like he'd be around forever
Secondary characters were just ok as well. I'm not sure if I'm a fan of Emmie's best friend Tayla but I loved Spider and Daisy and would've liked to read their story.
The big conflict as caused because the H was helping his widowed sister too much causing him to lose business. Emmie said some things I didn't agree with but in the end the H realized she was right and they make up and get a hfn ending
I'm starting the next one because I'm curious but honestly it isn't quite worth it
Emmie returns to her small-town hometown after her grandmother's death to sell her family's bookstore. She's got a job, friends and a life in the city so she doesn't plan to move back......until she does. Emmie the planner makes a spontaneous decision to keep the bookstore open. When she decides to rent out the other side of the store it's fortunate that her former neighbor across the way is now an unemployed tattoo artist, so combining books and tattoos they get INK. And while the new partnerships starts off with a firm no involvement rule it turns out that sometimes rules are meant to be broken
This was just an ok read, nothing really extraordinary but I love a bookish heroine so I enjoyed it well enough
h first sees H on the street kissing his girlfriend, they had yet to meet. Said girlfriend and the H have frequent and loud fights on front the store until one day she starts throwing his clothes outside and it's at that point the H decides he's done. He didn't want to get involved with Emme because his ex was also his employer so he doesn't want to mix business and pleasure
More of a slow burn though they're attracted to each other
OW drama out the wazoo, the ex woman was around from beginning to end. She mellows out on the end but she made a lot of catty comments to the h. In the end her business remains right across the street meaning she's gonna be there as a reminder forever. For someone who hate exesi n my romances this pissed me off especially with the things she said to the h
I'd have hoped the h wasn't so cutesy all the time and had more of a firm backbone and maybe a solid right hand to deal with the bitch ex
OM drama as there is another man who pursues the h, she went on a date with him but specified it was only as friends. He too seemed like he'd be around forever
Secondary characters were just ok as well. I'm not sure if I'm a fan of Emmie's best friend Tayla but I loved Spider and Daisy and would've liked to read their story.
The big conflict as caused because the H was helping his widowed sister too much causing him to lose business. Emmie said some things I didn't agree with but in the end the H realized she was right and they make up and get a hfn ending
I'm starting the next one because I'm curious but honestly it isn't quite worth it
May 7, 2020
Awwww 😍😍😍😍😍
Si ho veramente gli occhi a cuoricino e ho solo una cosa da dire: voglio anch'io un Ox !!!!
Cioè un tatuatore che ha letto tutti i libri della Austen??? È l'uomo dei miei sogni!! 😍😂
Si ho veramente gli occhi a cuoricino e ho solo una cosa da dire: voglio anch'io un Ox !!!!
Cioè un tatuatore che ha letto tutti i libri della Austen??? È l'uomo dei miei sogni!! 😍😂
February 25, 2018
3.5 promise we will never get involved Stars. - Ah Ox where is the fun in that?
Now although Ms. Hunter was meant to be working on Ben & Tiny’s story you though as you gave us Emmie & Ox instead so all is forgiven.
Emmie Elliott can’t sell her Grandmother’s bookstore but it after leaving for the big city it never really was in the cards to move back to Metlin. A small town in California that is changing where hip meets traditional. What is a bookworm to do? Well reopen the bookstore of course but with a revamp of something different. Emmie was always waiting for that something to happen well it happened and it was time to grab it by the horns.
I really liked Emmie with everything she went through. At the beginning she was somewhat dull and boring but she was really blossoming at the end of the book. She was finally leading the life she wanted and not the life she thought that she wanted.
Miles ‘Ox’ Oxford is one of Metlin’s finest men. An artist and tattooist at heart but with a dodgy taste in women who like theatrics luckily enough that was all kept to a minimum. After finally splitting up with his girlfriend and boss. He needs a place to setup shop.
I adored Ox, I mean he was this guy with a tough exterior and all a show because he was a big softy. He tries to right by his family but everything else suffers under the strain that he feels.
It just so happens that Emmie is looking to add that special something to her book shop what could be more special than a tattoo shop. It’s everything but business as usual. The sparks are there and they grow in intensity but they have a lot to lose or a lot to gain. Depends on how you see it.
Ox sets up the rule of not getting involved. Good thing he’s not good at sticking to rules. He is a slow pursuer which means that this is slow burn romance peeps. I know slow romance isn’t for everyone. They kiss for the first time at the 58% I think. But they actually take the time to get to know one another which I really liked.
Massive breakup with Ginger on the street.
Ms. Hunter puts you so at ease with her characters that you feel as if you are part of Metlin and that we want more of Metlin of the characters, of the quirks and the people. The characters are playful but different to her usual style. There is in general a different vibe to this book and I hope that it continues. This book is so good actually better than good. I had a lot of fun with the Metlin crew. INK is all about friendships and family and what in the end truly is important.
I was for a four star rating yesterday but after talking to a mate I was swaying to a three star rating. Compromise with 3.5 star rating here. I still recommend this book.
I would love for Daisy & Spider to get a book, heck even a novella would be fan-frigging-tastic.
P.S. There is no cheating, he has a girlfriend before they meet and Emmie sees the breakup but then again so does half of Metlin.
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For the weekend where I can be left alone with this book.
INK, an all new opposites attract, Contemporary Romance by Elizabeth Hunter is coming March 13th!
It’s everything but business as usual.
Emmie Elliot hadn’t expected to come back to Metlin, California. She definitely didn’t expect to stay. She returned to her childhood home with a mission: Sell the building that housed her grandmother’s book store and move on with her life.
But life doesn’t always go according to plan.
To reopen her grandmother’s book shop, Emmie will need a hook. She’ll need a strategy. She’ll need an… Ox?
Miles Oxford doesn’t have much interest in quiet bookstore owners. He’s a tattoo artist without a space to work, and the last thing he wants is to get involved with anyone after his last disaster of a relationship. Work and pleasure don’t mix for Ox, but since he doesn’t have any interest in the cute girl with the bold business proposal, he should be safe from any awkward complications, right?
She sells ink. He tattoos it. Unusual? Yes. But a book shop/tattoo studio might be the ticket for both Emmie and Ox to find success on their own terms. As long as they keep their attention focused on business.
Just on business.
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May 9, 2020
3,5 piacevole, ma senza sprint.
March 13, 2018
I am almost not sure where to start .... this is Ms Hunter's second foray into contemporary romance and compared to her first book in this genre The Genius and the Muse it pales in comparison sadly.
The writing as always is near flawless and carries a story that is exactly what the title says it is, a romance ... no real drama, no adventure, no real humor ... just a long drawn out romance that while not as boring as it may sound was actually done well enough to keep my attention and little if any scanning.
This almost falls into that "sweet romance" for much of the book with a male character Ox that cannot decide almost anything other than he wants to have sex with Emmie, that got kinda old before he actually came around to the romance part which was muddied at best with secondary characters that were more interesting than our main couple.
When the business end of the story about opening a book store/tattoo studio was more interesting than the romance something went wrong in my way of thinking.
I have read every single story that Ms Hunter has written and probably 90+% were 5 star efforts with a couple of 4 Star but at the end of the day, this is a pretty average 3+ Star romance and I actually DO hope she writes a story about a couple of the other characters who caught my attention much more than our confused couple. I feel like I have broken a trust with this review but in a sea of exceptional stories by her, this is least remarkable effort in the 7 years I have been reading her works.
The writing as always is near flawless and carries a story that is exactly what the title says it is, a romance ... no real drama, no adventure, no real humor ... just a long drawn out romance that while not as boring as it may sound was actually done well enough to keep my attention and little if any scanning.
This almost falls into that "sweet romance" for much of the book with a male character Ox that cannot decide almost anything other than he wants to have sex with Emmie, that got kinda old before he actually came around to the romance part which was muddied at best with secondary characters that were more interesting than our main couple.
When the business end of the story about opening a book store/tattoo studio was more interesting than the romance something went wrong in my way of thinking.
I have read every single story that Ms Hunter has written and probably 90+% were 5 star efforts with a couple of 4 Star but at the end of the day, this is a pretty average 3+ Star romance and I actually DO hope she writes a story about a couple of the other characters who caught my attention much more than our confused couple. I feel like I have broken a trust with this review but in a sea of exceptional stories by her, this is least remarkable effort in the 7 years I have been reading her works.
July 9, 2021
4 meno
Cosa possono avere in comune un tatuatore e una libraia?
All'apparenza nulla, ma se ben ci si pensa l'inchiostro è l'elemento che unisce: è inchiostro quello che riempie le pagine di un libro che ci fa volare con la fantasia ed è sempre inchiostro quello che si usa per imprimere indelebilmente sulla pelle emozioni, stati d'animo, sentimenti e ricordi.
Lei “vende inchiostro”. Lui lo usa per tatuare. Insolito? Sì. Tuttavia, una libreria/negozio di tatuaggi potrebbe essere il biglietto vincente per arrivare a ottenere quel successo che entrambi desiderano. A condizione che ci si concentri sugli affari.
Soltanto sugli affari.
Ox ed Emmie decidono di mettersi in affari insieme, unire le loro due attività in uno spazio comune in modo da abbattere i costi e aiutarsi vicendevolmente, ma sanno che per poter riuscire, devono rispettare una semplice regola: non mischiare il lavoro col piacere.
«Ho una fervida immaginazione e leggo parecchio.» Si schiarì la gola. «E tornerò nel mio appartamento prima che la situazione degeneri.» Lui scese le scale, tenendosi al corrimano. «Vuoi dire prima che la situazione migliori?» Sollevò un dito. «Non dovresti dire certe cose, Miles Oxford.» Arricciò le labbra. «Ne sei sicura?» «Hai stabilito tu le regole.» Le sorrise. «Sì, ma ho dimenticato di dirti che non sono mai stato bravo a seguirle.»
Una lettura piacevole, senza drammi e intrisa di romanticismo. Qualche dialogo tra i protagonisti e i personaggi secondari l'ho trovato estraneo rispetto alla storia di Emmie e Ox, ma probabilmente l'autrice si è solo preparata la strada per romanzi futuri.
Cosa possono avere in comune un tatuatore e una libraia?
All'apparenza nulla, ma se ben ci si pensa l'inchiostro è l'elemento che unisce: è inchiostro quello che riempie le pagine di un libro che ci fa volare con la fantasia ed è sempre inchiostro quello che si usa per imprimere indelebilmente sulla pelle emozioni, stati d'animo, sentimenti e ricordi.
Lei “vende inchiostro”. Lui lo usa per tatuare. Insolito? Sì. Tuttavia, una libreria/negozio di tatuaggi potrebbe essere il biglietto vincente per arrivare a ottenere quel successo che entrambi desiderano. A condizione che ci si concentri sugli affari.
Soltanto sugli affari.
Ox ed Emmie decidono di mettersi in affari insieme, unire le loro due attività in uno spazio comune in modo da abbattere i costi e aiutarsi vicendevolmente, ma sanno che per poter riuscire, devono rispettare una semplice regola: non mischiare il lavoro col piacere.
«Ho una fervida immaginazione e leggo parecchio.» Si schiarì la gola. «E tornerò nel mio appartamento prima che la situazione degeneri.» Lui scese le scale, tenendosi al corrimano. «Vuoi dire prima che la situazione migliori?» Sollevò un dito. «Non dovresti dire certe cose, Miles Oxford.» Arricciò le labbra. «Ne sei sicura?» «Hai stabilito tu le regole.» Le sorrise. «Sì, ma ho dimenticato di dirti che non sono mai stato bravo a seguirle.»
Una lettura piacevole, senza drammi e intrisa di romanticismo. Qualche dialogo tra i protagonisti e i personaggi secondari l'ho trovato estraneo rispetto alla storia di Emmie e Ox, ma probabilmente l'autrice si è solo preparata la strada per romanzi futuri.
May 4, 2020
Recensione sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_xHPZqn8...
Emmie aveva ventisette anni ed era il tipo di ragazza che attendeva ancora che accadesse il famoso “qualcosa di più”.
Aveva un lavoro che tollerava, un appartamento che le piaceva e una madre con cui parlava a malapena. Aveva un circolo di amici selezionati e una piccola eredità che le aveva lasciato la nonna Betsy, ossia un edificio situato all’angolo tra Main Street e la Settima Strada, proprio nel cuore di Metlin, una tranquilla cittadina della California.
Ma non apparteneva più a Metlin, in realtà non era mai stata parte di quella città. Aveva sempre desiderato una vita più importante, circondata da persone che amavano la musica, l’arte e i viaggi, e non da campagnoli, meccanici e allevatori.
Mancava da casa ormai da molti anni e il suo piano originario non era quello di rimettere in sesto la libreria e far funzionare l'attività. Invece era quanto si era ripromessa di fare, ed anche lei ne era rimasta stupita.
La teoria personale di Emmie era che le librerie erano come i romanzi: gli amanti dei libri erano ostinati per natura, e dato che lei era già un’appassionata di libri, la pensava come i suoi clienti, quindi possedeva una chiave in più per il successo. L'attività sarebbe potuta facilmente decollare. Ma le serviva un partner in affari.
Miles (Ox) era il socio perfetto. Un sexy tatuatore dal carattere istintivo. Così diverso da Emmie, precisa, rigida e maniaca del controllo.
Il protagonista maschile in questo libro mi ha colpito positivamente perché non si è tirato indietro e ha affrontato, senza alcuna incertezza, i suoi doveri nei confronti della propria famiglia, in un momento di estremo bisogno. Mettendo da parte le proprie necessità.
Lo scorrere lento della storia non mi è dispiaciuto affatto, anzi sono riuscita ad apprezzare meglio l'ambientazione originale, le descrizioni del luogo e altri elementi di contorno.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_xHPZqn8...
Emmie aveva ventisette anni ed era il tipo di ragazza che attendeva ancora che accadesse il famoso “qualcosa di più”.
Aveva un lavoro che tollerava, un appartamento che le piaceva e una madre con cui parlava a malapena. Aveva un circolo di amici selezionati e una piccola eredità che le aveva lasciato la nonna Betsy, ossia un edificio situato all’angolo tra Main Street e la Settima Strada, proprio nel cuore di Metlin, una tranquilla cittadina della California.
Ma non apparteneva più a Metlin, in realtà non era mai stata parte di quella città. Aveva sempre desiderato una vita più importante, circondata da persone che amavano la musica, l’arte e i viaggi, e non da campagnoli, meccanici e allevatori.
Mancava da casa ormai da molti anni e il suo piano originario non era quello di rimettere in sesto la libreria e far funzionare l'attività. Invece era quanto si era ripromessa di fare, ed anche lei ne era rimasta stupita.
La teoria personale di Emmie era che le librerie erano come i romanzi: gli amanti dei libri erano ostinati per natura, e dato che lei era già un’appassionata di libri, la pensava come i suoi clienti, quindi possedeva una chiave in più per il successo. L'attività sarebbe potuta facilmente decollare. Ma le serviva un partner in affari.
Miles (Ox) era il socio perfetto. Un sexy tatuatore dal carattere istintivo. Così diverso da Emmie, precisa, rigida e maniaca del controllo.
Il protagonista maschile in questo libro mi ha colpito positivamente perché non si è tirato indietro e ha affrontato, senza alcuna incertezza, i suoi doveri nei confronti della propria famiglia, in un momento di estremo bisogno. Mettendo da parte le proprie necessità.
Lo scorrere lento della storia non mi è dispiaciuto affatto, anzi sono riuscita ad apprezzare meglio l'ambientazione originale, le descrizioni del luogo e altri elementi di contorno.
July 10, 2018
"She couldn't say no when someone asked for a book recommendation. It was a compulsion."
I think to me this was a love story between a reader and their passion for books. Elizabeth just had to get inside a bookworm's head and show what's bubbling under the surface. And I luuurved it! From nerdy t-shirts to cosy sassiness of Emmie's mugs, including her care for her gran's bookstore and unstoppable desire to make it work again. Duh, never discount romance readers! We are a force to be reckoned with. *grins*
Folks, bookstores are my bookish catnip. You know why I still adore Three Sisters Island series by Nora Roberts? There is a magical bookstore with a cafe full of delicious pastries upstairs. Yup, it made an impression.
Emmie has worked in an upscale bookshop as a manager. She knows the industry through and through. Metlin is a hipster paradise and it's only getting trendier, so when she gets the idea of combining a failing bookstore of her gran with a tattoo salon, it only makes sense. I admired her vision and I loved her character. She had depths and she showed plenty of growth once the circumstances coaxed her out of her shell.
Ox. I got him as well. He was gentle and had this nurturer' instinct where he felt like he had to take care of people he loved no matter what. No one taught him that sometimes he needs to step back and let those people figure out if they need him or if they can manage themselves, and that's where his character grows. He couldn't figure out Emmie, as she kept shedding layers like an onion and making his mind go dizzy.
This is a cosy romance in an extremely sweet, comfortable environment with an array of very interesting secondary characters. Ox and Emmie are adults who might have issues and stumbling blocks, but who are also mature enough to talk about it and make progress. I felt rested after reading Ink, like my mind has been reset, and it certainly became one of this year's favourites for me.
Recommended, looking forward to more books in this series.
* * *
Короче, это любовная история между читателем и его страстью к книгам. Элизабет забралась в ум книжного червя и показала нам, что бурлит под поверхностью.
Эмми - невозможный книжный гик, начиная от ее остроумных футболок и заканчивая саркастичными цитатами на кружках, и когда она не может противиться своему желанию восстановить скатывающийся в банкротство книжный магазин бабушки, то я как такой же книжный червь и фанат любовных романов в этом ее на сто процентов поддерживала. *смеясь* Вот не стоит нас в этом плане недооценивать!
Ребята, книжные магазины в романах для меня вообще как кошачья мята для кота. Ну вот кайфую я от них! Не зря я до сих пор обожаю трилогию Норы Робертс "Остров Трёх Сестер" с его магическим магазином, объединяющим книги, бижутерию и вкусняшки в кофейне наверху.
Эмми в этом плане знает, что делает. Она работала в прогрессивном стильном книжном магазине менеджером, знает индустрию и ею дышит. Метлин -городок хипстеров, и ее идея совмещения книг, кофе и тату для него просто идеальна. Ее партнёрство с Оксом позволяет ей расцвести и наконец-то раскрыть свой потенциал, когда разные обстоятельства ее к этому толкают.
Окс мне тоже был как характер близок и знаком. Как хипстер - он клише и антиклише. То есть, он такой неуклюжий плюшевый мишка несмотря на мускулы и татуировки, а не привычный нам член клуба мотоциклистов типа "Анархии", и в то же время он - клише хипстера. Его проблема, это излишнее желание нести всю ответственность за родных на своих плечах, даже когда они его об этом не просят и когда им хочется от него какой-то свободы. Как и Эмми он за время книги вырастает как персонаж и работает над своими недостатками. Эмми его завораживает своими слоями и загадками, а она постоянно сравнивает себя с героинями любовных романов с изрядной долей скептицизма.
Оба героя - люди взрослые и ответственные, и умеют не только говорить о своих проблемах, но и над ними работать. Вообще, роман этот спокойный, нежный, уютный и атмосферный. Окс и Эмми окружены замечательными второстепенными персонажами, а от Метлина вообще душа отдыхает. Вот так, почитала и порадовалась. Хочу в этот мир обратно, рекомендую.
I think to me this was a love story between a reader and their passion for books. Elizabeth just had to get inside a bookworm's head and show what's bubbling under the surface. And I luuurved it! From nerdy t-shirts to cosy sassiness of Emmie's mugs, including her care for her gran's bookstore and unstoppable desire to make it work again. Duh, never discount romance readers! We are a force to be reckoned with. *grins*
Folks, bookstores are my bookish catnip. You know why I still adore Three Sisters Island series by Nora Roberts? There is a magical bookstore with a cafe full of delicious pastries upstairs. Yup, it made an impression.
Emmie has worked in an upscale bookshop as a manager. She knows the industry through and through. Metlin is a hipster paradise and it's only getting trendier, so when she gets the idea of combining a failing bookstore of her gran with a tattoo salon, it only makes sense. I admired her vision and I loved her character. She had depths and she showed plenty of growth once the circumstances coaxed her out of her shell.
Ox. I got him as well. He was gentle and had this nurturer' instinct where he felt like he had to take care of people he loved no matter what. No one taught him that sometimes he needs to step back and let those people figure out if they need him or if they can manage themselves, and that's where his character grows. He couldn't figure out Emmie, as she kept shedding layers like an onion and making his mind go dizzy.
This is a cosy romance in an extremely sweet, comfortable environment with an array of very interesting secondary characters. Ox and Emmie are adults who might have issues and stumbling blocks, but who are also mature enough to talk about it and make progress. I felt rested after reading Ink, like my mind has been reset, and it certainly became one of this year's favourites for me.
Recommended, looking forward to more books in this series.
* * *
Короче, это любовная история между читателем и его страстью к книгам. Элизабет забралась в ум книжного червя и показала нам, что бурлит под поверхностью.
Эмми - невозможный книжный гик, начиная от ее остроумных футболок и заканчивая саркастичными цитатами на кружках, и когда она не может противиться своему желанию восстановить скатывающийся в банкротство книжный магазин бабушки, то я как такой же книжный червь и фанат любовных романов в этом ее на сто процентов поддерживала. *смеясь* Вот не стоит нас в этом плане недооценивать!
Ребята, книжные магазины в романах для меня вообще как кошачья мята для кота. Ну вот кайфую я от них! Не зря я до сих пор обожаю трилогию Норы Робертс "Остров Трёх Сестер" с его магическим магазином, объединяющим книги, бижутерию и вкусняшки в кофейне наверху.
Эмми в этом плане знает, что делает. Она работала в прогрессивном стильном книжном магазине менеджером, знает индустрию и ею дышит. Метлин -городок хипстеров, и ее идея совмещения книг, кофе и тату для него просто идеальна. Ее партнёрство с Оксом позволяет ей расцвести и наконец-то раскрыть свой потенциал, когда разные обстоятельства ее к этому толкают.
Окс мне тоже был как характер близок и знаком. Как хипстер - он клише и антиклише. То есть, он такой неуклюжий плюшевый мишка несмотря на мускулы и татуировки, а не привычный нам член клуба мотоциклистов типа "Анархии", и в то же время он - клише хипстера. Его проблема, это излишнее желание нести всю ответственность за родных на своих плечах, даже когда они его об этом не просят и когда им хочется от него какой-то свободы. Как и Эмми он за время книги вырастает как персонаж и работает над своими недостатками. Эмми его завораживает своими слоями и загадками, а она постоянно сравнивает себя с героинями любовных романов с изрядной долей скептицизма.
Оба героя - люди взрослые и ответственные, и умеют не только говорить о своих проблемах, но и над ними работать. Вообще, роман этот спокойный, нежный, уютный и атмосферный. Окс и Эмми окружены замечательными второстепенными персонажами, а от Метлина вообще душа отдыхает. Вот так, почитала и порадовалась. Хочу в этот мир обратно, рекомендую.
August 2, 2018
Who knew that this story turned out real good. So I’ve never heard of this author and since this is my first book by her, I’m definitely swooning over the name Ink. How can you not love books and tattoos. But, book girl Emmie and tattoo artist Ox are not what they’re expected from each other but as they say opposites attracts.
Ink is a hot, sweet, but sexy, and funny with amazing friends, family aaaand it’s a slow burn fall in love kind of read that you’ll enjoy on the quiet nights.
Ink is a hot, sweet, but sexy, and funny with amazing friends, family aaaand it’s a slow burn fall in love kind of read that you’ll enjoy on the quiet nights.
January 27, 2020
This was such a realistic romance that I could picture them as my neighbors. It's rare that I romances without farfetched drama and over the top miscommunications. Ox reminded me of my brothers and it endeared him to me because I got his devotion to his family as well as his lady love Emmie.
I also love the combination of books and tattoos!
I also love the combination of books and tattoos!
June 29, 2018
3.5 звезды
Не могла пройти мимо романа о владелице книжного магазина и брутальном татуировщике, хоть и побаивалась, если честно. Ибо везде, где замешан подобный типаж героя, непременно полно мата, секса, алкоголя и какой-нибудь грязи. Как же здорово, что мои опасения не подтвердились, и история оказалась невероятно милой и... теплой.
Итак, Эмми возвращается в родной городок, чтобы продать книжный магазин умершей бабушки, но в итоге рука не поднимается, и она решает остаться и попробовать возродить бизнес. Ей нужен арендатор для пустующей части магазина, а тут как раз взбалмошная художница из тату-салона напротив выгоняет своего парня и сотрудника, и Эмми приходит в голову, что книги+татуировки - не такая уж плохая идея. Чернила же.
Окс сомневается в успехе предприятия, но поддается на уговоры, тем более он и сам давно мечтал открыть собственное дело. Единственное, о чем они с Эмми уговариваются еще на берегу - никакой романтики, а то смешивание личного и рабочего ни к чему хорошему не приводит.
По законам жанра ничего у них не вышло, об этом и история))
Герои получились очень разные, но при этом пара сложилась донельзя гармоничная. А еще автору удалось в достаточно небольшом по объему романе показать их рост. Окс взбалмошен, он не знает, чего хочет, но рядом с Эмми находит свой путь и учится расставлять приоритеты и бороться за то, что считает важным. Эмми немного зациклена на правилах и порядке, страшно боится неудачи, нуждается в надежной опоре и при любом отклонении нервничает. Но с Оксом учится шагать в пустоту, зная, что он ее подхватит.
Они быстро осознают свои чувства, и основная проблема их отношений не в любит-не-любит, а именно в притирке. Здесь вы не найдете стандартных ходов вроде "увидел ее с другим, убежал, натворил делов, потом долго извинялся". Здесь герои ссорятся и, о ужас, разговаривают, чтобы разобраться с недопониманием. Конечно, без клише тоже не обошлось, но в контексте истории они не режут глаз.
Есть довольно много характерных второстепенных персонажей, юмор, пара постельных сцен и много милоты.
В целом, роман не из тех, от которых замирает сердце, но очень приятный. Самое то, когда хочется не эмоциональных качелей, а теплого вечера и интересных бесед.
Не могла пройти мимо романа о владелице книжного магазина и брутальном татуировщике, хоть и побаивалась, если честно. Ибо везде, где замешан подобный типаж героя, непременно полно мата, секса, алкоголя и какой-нибудь грязи. Как же здорово, что мои опасения не подтвердились, и история оказалась невероятно милой и... теплой.
Итак, Эмми возвращается в родной городок, чтобы продать книжный магазин умершей бабушки, но в итоге рука не поднимается, и она решает остаться и попробовать возродить бизнес. Ей нужен арендатор для пустующей части магазина, а тут как раз взбалмошная художница из тату-салона напротив выгоняет своего парня и сотрудника, и Эмми приходит в голову, что книги+татуировки - не такая уж плохая идея. Чернила же.
Окс сомневается в успехе предприятия, но поддается на уговоры, тем более он и сам давно мечтал открыть собственное дело. Единственное, о чем они с Эмми уговариваются еще на берегу - никакой романтики, а то смешивание личного и рабочего ни к чему хорошему не приводит.
По законам жанра ничего у них не вышло, об этом и история))
Герои получились очень разные, но при этом пара сложилась донельзя гармоничная. А еще автору удалось в достаточно небольшом по объему романе показать их рост. Окс взбалмошен, он не знает, чего хочет, но рядом с Эмми находит свой путь и учится расставлять приоритеты и бороться за то, что считает важным. Эмми немного зациклена на правилах и порядке, страшно боится неудачи, нуждается в надежной опоре и при любом отклонении нервничает. Но с Оксом учится шагать в пустоту, зная, что он ее подхватит.
Они быстро осознают свои чувства, и основная проблема их отношений не в любит-не-любит, а именно в притирке. Здесь вы не найдете стандартных ходов вроде "увидел ее с другим, убежал, натворил делов, потом долго извинялся". Здесь герои ссорятся и, о ужас, разговаривают, чтобы разобраться с недопониманием. Конечно, без клише тоже не обошлось, но в контексте истории они не режут глаз.
Есть довольно много характерных второстепенных персонажей, юмор, пара постельных сцен и много милоты.
В целом, роман не из тех, от которых замирает сердце, но очень приятный. Самое то, когда хочется не эмоциональных качелей, а теплого вечера и интересных бесед.
February 23, 2018
What's the common denominator between a bookstore & tattoo shop - a bookseller & tattoo artist? INK! Can they coexist in the same space? In harmony? Maybe . . . If the parties involved can agree on some ground rules like keeping their relationship strictly business and their hands to themselves. Easy, right? Not when sparks are flying and desire threatens better judgment.
Ink is a sweet, low-angst contemporary romance. While it started off a bit slow for me, it was easy to feel the undeniable chemistry building as Emmie and Ox danced around their mutual but unspoken attraction. Emmie is a quirky, down-to-earth, bohemian-style book girl - a t-shirt & jeans girl with a tendency to run when doubts and fears overwhelm her. Ox is a tall, dark, oh-so-handsome giant of a man with tantalizing tattoos covering his delicious body - a man that's surprisingly sweet. At first look, these two couldn't be more different. But don't forget what they say about opposites attracting!
Ink is intensified by a diverse support cast that enjoys stirring the pot and fanning the flames, adding to the "everyone-in-your-business" small town feel of the story. Their actions and words breathe life into the visual setting created by the author. I laughed at the snarky banter and soon found myself pulled into the growing tension between the main characters. While I would have enjoyed seeing the conflict explored in a little more detail, Hunter's writing flows effortlessly, as always, making for an easy-reading, slow-burn romance that I enjoyed reading. The stage is set for subsequent books which I look forward to. Another Must Read by Elizabeth Hunter!
(3.75 rounded up to 4 stars)
*Many thanks to the author for an arc of this book.
**Reviewed at Cross My Heart Reviews
Ink is a sweet, low-angst contemporary romance. While it started off a bit slow for me, it was easy to feel the undeniable chemistry building as Emmie and Ox danced around their mutual but unspoken attraction. Emmie is a quirky, down-to-earth, bohemian-style book girl - a t-shirt & jeans girl with a tendency to run when doubts and fears overwhelm her. Ox is a tall, dark, oh-so-handsome giant of a man with tantalizing tattoos covering his delicious body - a man that's surprisingly sweet. At first look, these two couldn't be more different. But don't forget what they say about opposites attracting!
Ink is intensified by a diverse support cast that enjoys stirring the pot and fanning the flames, adding to the "everyone-in-your-business" small town feel of the story. Their actions and words breathe life into the visual setting created by the author. I laughed at the snarky banter and soon found myself pulled into the growing tension between the main characters. While I would have enjoyed seeing the conflict explored in a little more detail, Hunter's writing flows effortlessly, as always, making for an easy-reading, slow-burn romance that I enjoyed reading. The stage is set for subsequent books which I look forward to. Another Must Read by Elizabeth Hunter!
(3.75 rounded up to 4 stars)
*Many thanks to the author for an arc of this book.
**Reviewed at Cross My Heart Reviews
August 21, 2019
I liked this. It was sweet, hot and fun, rather low on angst, nothing too profound but definitely entertaining.
Ox was more of a sweetheart than I expected him to be after reading the blurb, but I liked it. He's a genuinely good guy who stands up for himself and the people he cares about, and he's got some seriously hot moves.
Emmie, on the other hand, was rather bookish, more of an introvert, but not the inexperienced, naive doormat often associated with those traits.
I loved all those crazy, supportive secondary characters, the depictions of small-town life and the sense of security and cohesion that comes with it.
The romance was a sizzling slow-burn, just the way I prefer it and what Elizabeth Hunter excels in.
I'm just not too big of a fan of third person POV in romance novels, and the ending was a little too abrupt for my liking, but all in all, I quite enjoyed this.
Definitely reading the next book in this series
Safety:
OW/OM:
Cheating:
Triggers:
December 30, 2019
This book has everything that a romance reader and a book lover will adore - small town setting, a fabulous bookstore, and a hot tattooed hero. The town and bookstore were two of the best I’ve found in a book. I seriously want to move to Metlin and work at Ink.
This is the story that romance readers and book lovers fantasize about. The heroine Emmie goes back to her hometown to sell her grandmother’s bookstore after she’s passes away, but then decides to reopen the bookstore herself. Come on, what book lover doesn’t want to do just that? I loved it.
The story itself was simple, but perfect. No overused plot devices. The conflict was believable and I never rolled my eyes (which is a miracle lately).
The hero and heroine were unique and memorable and the side characters were fabulous. I can’t wait to read their stories.
I also realized I seriously need to up my book t-shirt game. All of the clever book t-shirts referenced were fabulous.
Highly recommend.
This is the story that romance readers and book lovers fantasize about. The heroine Emmie goes back to her hometown to sell her grandmother’s bookstore after she’s passes away, but then decides to reopen the bookstore herself. Come on, what book lover doesn’t want to do just that? I loved it.
The story itself was simple, but perfect. No overused plot devices. The conflict was believable and I never rolled my eyes (which is a miracle lately).
The hero and heroine were unique and memorable and the side characters were fabulous. I can’t wait to read their stories.
I also realized I seriously need to up my book t-shirt game. All of the clever book t-shirts referenced were fabulous.
Highly recommend.
March 6, 2018
“All the best romances have to bubble under the surface for a while.”
4.5 stars!
I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth Hunter’s PNR writing, and was excited when I learned she would be writing a contemporary romance. And then when I saw that blurb, I knew I had to have it. And I’m happy to say that it more than met my expectations! This book is lots of fun, with a chemistry-filled, slow-burning friends-to-lovers romance, lots of funny moments, lots of heart, and a beautiful love story. I read this book in one sitting, unable to put it down, and I absolutely loved it!
Emmie Elliot has returned to her home town of Metlin, California following the death of her grandmother. She is tying up loose ends and is looking over her grandmother’s beloved bookstore, which she intended to sell, when she decides to uproot her life in San Francisco, stay and make a go of it for herself. She’s a mad booklover, and the store has been in her family for years, she can’t just let it go. But the store is too big, and she’ll need a partner of sorts to help with the costs. And then she Miles ‘Ox’ Oxford.
Ox is a talented tattoo artist whose relationship has just blown up (all over the street in fact), becoming even more of a disaster because he was dating his boss. So now he is unemployed and looking for work. And then the nerdy book girl over the road offers him an unusual opportunity – to open up a tattoo studio in her bookstore. They are both dedicated and driven to succeed, they both deal in ink, and it’s an unusual twist that could just work in their small town, so their store, Ink, is born.
But with so much on the line for both of them, and Ox’s bad experiences leaving its mark, they put a rule in place where they keep things strictly business between them. Which is all fine… until their friendship begins to simmer with the attraction that they both so clearly feel for each other, and the lines of their arrangement become all kinds of blurry.
OMG, I love, love, love this relationship! The chemistry is fantastic, and Emmie and Ox together are something really special. Their friendship is easy and natural with great banter and sweet moments. And the fact that the two of them are wildly attracted to each other underneath it all brings a fantastic dynamic. The slow build-up had me tingling with anticipation, loving every moment while waiting for something to happen, and it’s paced perfectly as we watch things between them shift and change and oh-so-naturally become something so much more.
Squee!
But can they balance their business relationship with their deepening personal one? And do they both have their attention focussed in the right place to really make a go of things? Their feelings for each other are strong, but it takes more than just that to make a relationship work, and their journey is realistic and beautifully written.
The love story is the heart of this book, and it’s fun and flirty with lots of emotion. Emmie and Ox are wonderful characters and seeing them become friends, get to know each other and then fall for each other was just gorgeous.
*dreamy sigh*
But there’s so much more to this book! The friendships and family relationships are wonderful, with great side characters and lots of scope there for future books. And the creation and running of their store was a fantastic backdrop to it all. Does every book lover dream about what it would be like to run their own bookstore, or is that just me? Regardless, I thought it was fun and interesting, and something that all book lovers will be able to relate to and enjoy.
This is such a great read. Smart and fun, with characters that you can’t help but love and a gorgeously slow-building, chemistry-filled romance. And with so many more stories just begging to be told, I can’t wait for more from this series.
4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars!
I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth Hunter’s PNR writing, and was excited when I learned she would be writing a contemporary romance. And then when I saw that blurb, I knew I had to have it. And I’m happy to say that it more than met my expectations! This book is lots of fun, with a chemistry-filled, slow-burning friends-to-lovers romance, lots of funny moments, lots of heart, and a beautiful love story. I read this book in one sitting, unable to put it down, and I absolutely loved it!
Emmie Elliot has returned to her home town of Metlin, California following the death of her grandmother. She is tying up loose ends and is looking over her grandmother’s beloved bookstore, which she intended to sell, when she decides to uproot her life in San Francisco, stay and make a go of it for herself. She’s a mad booklover, and the store has been in her family for years, she can’t just let it go. But the store is too big, and she’ll need a partner of sorts to help with the costs. And then she Miles ‘Ox’ Oxford.
Ox is a talented tattoo artist whose relationship has just blown up (all over the street in fact), becoming even more of a disaster because he was dating his boss. So now he is unemployed and looking for work. And then the nerdy book girl over the road offers him an unusual opportunity – to open up a tattoo studio in her bookstore. They are both dedicated and driven to succeed, they both deal in ink, and it’s an unusual twist that could just work in their small town, so their store, Ink, is born.
But with so much on the line for both of them, and Ox’s bad experiences leaving its mark, they put a rule in place where they keep things strictly business between them. Which is all fine… until their friendship begins to simmer with the attraction that they both so clearly feel for each other, and the lines of their arrangement become all kinds of blurry.
“Thanks, Emmie … Thanks for dreaming big enough for both of us.”
Her heart pounded heart. “And thanks for having my back.”
Ox lifted his head and locked eyes with hers. “Always.”
OMG, I love, love, love this relationship! The chemistry is fantastic, and Emmie and Ox together are something really special. Their friendship is easy and natural with great banter and sweet moments. And the fact that the two of them are wildly attracted to each other underneath it all brings a fantastic dynamic. The slow build-up had me tingling with anticipation, loving every moment while waiting for something to happen, and it’s paced perfectly as we watch things between them shift and change and oh-so-naturally become something so much more.
“You’re right.” He leaned closer. His lips were so close she could feel his breath against her lips. “I don’t work for you. You don’t work for me. We’re partners and we’re grown-ups and Emmie, for fuck’s sake, you have to kiss me because I can’t do it and I’m dying here.”
Squee!
But can they balance their business relationship with their deepening personal one? And do they both have their attention focussed in the right place to really make a go of things? Their feelings for each other are strong, but it takes more than just that to make a relationship work, and their journey is realistic and beautifully written.
“I need this to work,” he murmured. He was not talking about the shop.
“I know,” she said.
The love story is the heart of this book, and it’s fun and flirty with lots of emotion. Emmie and Ox are wonderful characters and seeing them become friends, get to know each other and then fall for each other was just gorgeous.
“This is what it feels like to fall in love. The realization was quiet and sure. This was what it felt like to fall in love. It wasn’t the lightning strike he’d been expecting. It wasn’t the big dramatic moment. It was this.”
*dreamy sigh*
But there’s so much more to this book! The friendships and family relationships are wonderful, with great side characters and lots of scope there for future books. And the creation and running of their store was a fantastic backdrop to it all. Does every book lover dream about what it would be like to run their own bookstore, or is that just me? Regardless, I thought it was fun and interesting, and something that all book lovers will be able to relate to and enjoy.
“She’s watching us,” Emmie muttered.
“What?”
“She’s. Watching. Us.”
“Don’t care. Let her watch.” Ox drew her up and kissed her temple. “I’ll take care of this.”
Emmie might have imagined the collective sigh that emanated from the romance section of the bookstore, but she didn’t think so.
This is such a great read. Smart and fun, with characters that you can’t help but love and a gorgeously slow-building, chemistry-filled romance. And with so many more stories just begging to be told, I can’t wait for more from this series.
4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2018
This sounds amazing 😍
March 31, 2018
This was just an OK read for me.
There wasn't much happening in the story. There was no chemistry between the Heroine and the Hero.
The Heroine was all right, but she had problems with her figure. She's supposed to be skinny but her ass is huge. And she has all this hangups. It would be so grand if we would read about a Heroine who's really comfortable in her skin. It doesn't matter if she's skinny, normal or if she's more curvy. But please, no whining about your body form. She's really shy and a bookworm. She seemed ordinary.
The Hero is supposed to be a huge man with many tattoos. He's a tattoo artist and should be bad ass. He's not. He's so very bland and boring that not even the tattoos could divert from that. I expected more from him.
The scenes with his ex-girlfriend Ginger were totally unnecessary. He should have left her when the relationship expired, not stringing her along and kissing her. But I liked that the author gave Ginger a chance to be not a crazy woman any longer now that she's over the Hero.
I didn't like the BFF of the heroine. Too loud, too obnoxious, too everything. I hated how she calls the heroine and the hero "hussy". Really? They are dating each other exclusively and it's very clear from the start that this isn't a one time thing. So what gives?
She also forces the heroine shopping and wants her to change her style, because she now owns a bookshop and can't do that in boring and unsexy clothes.
I'm all for supporting your BFF but please leave her alone and don't try to change her style and force her to date a guy.
The plot was all right. It was really predictable. The romance was low key. I didn't see the attraction, didn't feel their love for each other. The writing style was all right. And there was no epilogue, no wedding and no kids yet. Not even talking about their future, which I find strange. They should have discussed it when they became an item and declared their love for each other.
So 2 stars from me.
There wasn't much happening in the story. There was no chemistry between the Heroine and the Hero.
The Heroine was all right, but she had problems with her figure. She's supposed to be skinny but her ass is huge. And she has all this hangups. It would be so grand if we would read about a Heroine who's really comfortable in her skin. It doesn't matter if she's skinny, normal or if she's more curvy. But please, no whining about your body form. She's really shy and a bookworm. She seemed ordinary.
The Hero is supposed to be a huge man with many tattoos. He's a tattoo artist and should be bad ass. He's not. He's so very bland and boring that not even the tattoos could divert from that. I expected more from him.
The scenes with his ex-girlfriend Ginger were totally unnecessary. He should have left her when the relationship expired, not stringing her along and kissing her. But I liked that the author gave Ginger a chance to be not a crazy woman any longer now that she's over the Hero.
I didn't like the BFF of the heroine. Too loud, too obnoxious, too everything. I hated how she calls the heroine and the hero "hussy". Really? They are dating each other exclusively and it's very clear from the start that this isn't a one time thing. So what gives?
She also forces the heroine shopping and wants her to change her style, because she now owns a bookshop and can't do that in boring and unsexy clothes.
I'm all for supporting your BFF but please leave her alone and don't try to change her style and force her to date a guy.
The plot was all right. It was really predictable. The romance was low key. I didn't see the attraction, didn't feel their love for each other. The writing style was all right. And there was no epilogue, no wedding and no kids yet. Not even talking about their future, which I find strange. They should have discussed it when they became an item and declared their love for each other.
So 2 stars from me.
October 2, 2020
5 “Button” stars for Emmie & Ox!
I LOVED this story. So sexy/cute, opposites attract, small town romance with a slow burn. What happens when a woman buys and building and makes it a cool bookstore, and rents out a spot to a tattoo artist? Chemistry fires everywhere. This story gave me so many feels, and Ox was H-O-T!!
“You smell good.” “I smell like dust and paper. I was sorting the used section.” “Whatever.” He scraped his teeth along her collarbone. “It smells good.”
These two, once they acknowledged the feelings and attraction between them, were so adorably sexy and cute.
I love when the realization hit Ox that he was in love with Emmie.
“This is what it feels like to fall in love. The realization was quiet and sure. This was what it felt like to fall in love. It wasn’t the lightning strike he’d been expecting. It wasn’t the big dramatic moment. It was this. This… solid feeling that crept into his chest like a root.”
I can’t wait to read Tayla’s book next!!!
I LOVED this story. So sexy/cute, opposites attract, small town romance with a slow burn. What happens when a woman buys and building and makes it a cool bookstore, and rents out a spot to a tattoo artist? Chemistry fires everywhere. This story gave me so many feels, and Ox was H-O-T!!
“You smell good.” “I smell like dust and paper. I was sorting the used section.” “Whatever.” He scraped his teeth along her collarbone. “It smells good.”
These two, once they acknowledged the feelings and attraction between them, were so adorably sexy and cute.
I love when the realization hit Ox that he was in love with Emmie.
“This is what it feels like to fall in love. The realization was quiet and sure. This was what it felt like to fall in love. It wasn’t the lightning strike he’d been expecting. It wasn’t the big dramatic moment. It was this. This… solid feeling that crept into his chest like a root.”
I can’t wait to read Tayla’s book next!!!
March 15, 2018
“Ink” was a pleasant surprise and treat to read. I’ve shied away from contemporary romance; enventually, the conflicts seem to be repetitive and clichéd. This book avoided stereotypes and judgement. It was all about people pursuing dreams, taking chances, feeling responsibility, and falling in love. “Ink” is sweet and sexy. I want a bookworm-type t-shirt or find a place like Ink.
4 Solid Stars
4 Solid Stars
May 21, 2019
Bookstore and tattoo parlor at the same place...and I was sold!!!
Amazing surprising cute read by new author for me.
Amazing surprising cute read by new author for me.
February 21, 2018
4.5 Stars!
When I read the blurb for Elizabeth Hunter's Ink: A Love Story on 7th and Main I could not get my hands on this fast enough. I absolutely love tattoo parlor and opposite attract novels as there is something so refreshing about two different people coming together who may not (at first glance) have alot in common but through HOT chemistry, kindness and friendship they eventually get together. I loved Emmie and Ox. He was so sexy and refreshing. I loved the Old town feel of Metlin and could not get enough of Emmie, Ox and the entire cast of characters!
Emmie Elliot is back in her small hometown of Metlin, California and is about to make the drastic decision of keeping and re-opening her Grandmother's bookstore and relocating her life. What she needs though is a hook for mass appeal. Enter Miles "Ox" Oxford - tattoo artist extraordinaire looking to run his own tattoo shop. But will Emmie be able to partner with this sexy AF mountain of a man without climbing him like a tree? Or will their business arrangement remain strictly platonic without any fun between the lines?
I really really loved this book. Any story about a diehard booklover with witty bookism t-shirts is a soul-sister at heart and my kind of heroine. Emmie was fun, sassy and full of hidden facets I loved discovering as we learned more about her. This story was the most perfect low-angst , compelling love story. I loved the slowburn-esque feel and the strong friendships and connections throughout the book. It was a great feel good romance and I am definitely invested in more love stories on 7th and Main in the future! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
When I read the blurb for Elizabeth Hunter's Ink: A Love Story on 7th and Main I could not get my hands on this fast enough. I absolutely love tattoo parlor and opposite attract novels as there is something so refreshing about two different people coming together who may not (at first glance) have alot in common but through HOT chemistry, kindness and friendship they eventually get together. I loved Emmie and Ox. He was so sexy and refreshing. I loved the Old town feel of Metlin and could not get enough of Emmie, Ox and the entire cast of characters!
Emmie Elliot is back in her small hometown of Metlin, California and is about to make the drastic decision of keeping and re-opening her Grandmother's bookstore and relocating her life. What she needs though is a hook for mass appeal. Enter Miles "Ox" Oxford - tattoo artist extraordinaire looking to run his own tattoo shop. But will Emmie be able to partner with this sexy AF mountain of a man without climbing him like a tree? Or will their business arrangement remain strictly platonic without any fun between the lines?
I really really loved this book. Any story about a diehard booklover with witty bookism t-shirts is a soul-sister at heart and my kind of heroine. Emmie was fun, sassy and full of hidden facets I loved discovering as we learned more about her. This story was the most perfect low-angst , compelling love story. I loved the slowburn-esque feel and the strong friendships and connections throughout the book. It was a great feel good romance and I am definitely invested in more love stories on 7th and Main in the future! Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
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