Anika “Inky” Redding is passionate about two things; her love of painting and her fiancé Evan. While working as a bartender to pay her bills, she meets Cole, a sexy divorcee. She denies their mutual attraction and tries to put him out of her mind.
When an abusive person from her childhood makes an unexpected visit, Inky’s world is turned upside down. Secrets are revealed and truths are exposed leaving Inky devastated and questioning what she thought was love. As she picks up the pieces and tries to move on, she finds her path crosses with Cole once again and this time, she cannot deny the passion between them.
Once she opens her heart again, will she be able to move forward or will her past find a way to stop her?
REVIEW
I really liked this book. I wasn’t head over heels in love with it, but the concept definitely grabbed my attention and kept it. I devoured it and I’m really glad to have given this book a chance. The story is gripping and packed with intense moments. I enjoyed the witty banter between the characters, the life lessons and the elements of love and loss. Per usual, I’m attracted to any type of book that has a “broken” character in it. This novel had a lot of broken, and for me… it’s wonderful. When more than one character in a book is broken, it just makes it that much more interesting.
I was very impressed with the character development in this novel. Inky (Anika) was tough as nails, because of her truly horrible childhood. The Tattoo on her back reminds her of that every day. Even with her certain insecurities, and her shyness towards some aspects, she is strong and determined. The support characters were phenomenal. I absolutely loved Inky’s best friend Aimes, with her spunk and her devotion to her best friend. Cole, well… We all want ourselves a Cole. I loved that he was damaged, and the fact that he was so in tune with Inky. Gus was just adorable, and the love he shared with Aimes was just stinkin’ cute. Lisa and Evan on the other hand, well... you’ll find out. I definitely snickered quite a few times about them.
Inky had a process to channel her pain and emotions through her art. The whole thing was impeccably explained and I literally felt as if I were there watching her. The cover art for this book just doesn’t do any justice to the imagery that J.B. leaves in your mind. Albeit the cover is downright gorgeous and once you read the book you’ll just understand it. Don’t get me wrong, the cover is the perfect choice and it couldn’t be a better description. The stormy sea on the outside, with the beautiful lush scene of happiness on the inside, it’s a complete homage to the inner turmoil and battles that Inky has and will face. The tattoo on her back was simply exquisite in my mind. I absolutely love tree’s and a tree of life with fallen leaves, Gah. I wish I was ballsy enough to have a backpiece. Maybe one day…
I devoured this novel, and I honestly can’t wait to read the second installment. I’m not very fond of how the book ended, but knowing that there will be a second makes it a little easier. I’m not going to say there is a cliff hanger, cause I wouldn’t consider it one. However, the ending does make me Grrr out loud. Its torture waiting for the next piece of the puzzle to arrive! I mean it really threw me for a loop. I was left saying “WTF just happened!?” This novel is unpredictable and kept me guessing. Just when I thought it would go one way… PSSH. Action packed with angst, lust, love, humor, horror, devastation, and frustration this book gives you some ultimate feels. It’s hard to believe that this was J.B. Hartnett’s debut novel, because it was so well written and the storyline just flowed so nicely. Congratulations on a beautiful novel J.B. I can’t wait to read more works from you. Especially the rest of Inky’s story!
ABOUT THE AUTHORJulie is a Southern California native, a fan of a really good story (preferably romance with a happily ever after), really good pie (preferably pumpkin) and copious amounts of coffee (preferably Folgers).
She has always enjoyed writing and at one time thought she could be a singer songwriter...the 'writer' part is the one that stuck.
Julie is obsessed with pi...the equation(and the food). She's allergic to cats and cantaloupe and hates mushrooms...so if you ever want to give her a gift, those are out for sure.She currently lives with her own romance hero husband and two boys in Melbourne, Australia.
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