kjharrowick's review
4.0
Why I picked up this book:
I received a free copy of this story from Pen and Kink Publishing in exchange for an honest review. After reading the first book (which I thoroughly enjoyed) I was definitely excited to read the next installment.
This review may contain spoilers.
What I loved:
Just like the first book, this is a fast-paced read that steps outside of Matt & Emily’s story and takes readers back to the INKomplete tattoo parlor through the eyes of Josephina, a single mother determined to avoid heartbreak at any cost. I identified with Joe’s journey on the struggle of a single mother who wants love and a partner in life, but has accepted her fate of a solo parent. She is a mom every day and keeps her life clean and structured to give a happy, carefree life to her young daughter. Any dating is done on her own time and heavily split away from her home life. This rang so authentic to me because I’ve been there… I’ve been that mom struggling to be a good parent but also steal a moment here and there to feel a little more human again. This story brings that clash of mom and self together in a strong, independent woman you can’t help but root for from the opening pages.
I adored Nathan’s character. He had a great blend of a gentle personality and a strong alpha side he could pull out when he needed to. It’s easy to see why Joe would have fallen for him, because he sees all sides of her and just loves who she is.
Areas needing a touch of refinement:
The biggest struggle I had with this story was the first 20% was all about Joe & her daughter. While this is great setup and deep immersion into her plight, if it had been a larger book I probably would have set it aside, because where’s the romance? I would have really liked to see Nathan’s appearance much sooner because I did question whether he was a part of the story or not, and it took a long time for him to feel important.
Overall:
As with the first book, I really enjoyed this short story. It gives readers a reason to root for Nathan and Joe, and explores another method of kink in sex that readers didn’t get to see in the first story. Plus there’s a glimpse of some progression with Matt & Emily in their happily ever after while the core focus still remains on Joe and her struggle.
I received a free copy of this story from Pen and Kink Publishing in exchange for an honest review. After reading the first book (which I thoroughly enjoyed) I was definitely excited to read the next installment.
This review may contain spoilers.
What I loved:
Just like the first book, this is a fast-paced read that steps outside of Matt & Emily’s story and takes readers back to the INKomplete tattoo parlor through the eyes of Josephina, a single mother determined to avoid heartbreak at any cost. I identified with Joe’s journey on the struggle of a single mother who wants love and a partner in life, but has accepted her fate of a solo parent. She is a mom every day and keeps her life clean and structured to give a happy, carefree life to her young daughter. Any dating is done on her own time and heavily split away from her home life. This rang so authentic to me because I’ve been there… I’ve been that mom struggling to be a good parent but also steal a moment here and there to feel a little more human again. This story brings that clash of mom and self together in a strong, independent woman you can’t help but root for from the opening pages.
I adored Nathan’s character. He had a great blend of a gentle personality and a strong alpha side he could pull out when he needed to. It’s easy to see why Joe would have fallen for him, because he sees all sides of her and just loves who she is.
Areas needing a touch of refinement:
The biggest struggle I had with this story was the first 20% was all about Joe & her daughter. While this is great setup and deep immersion into her plight, if it had been a larger book I probably would have set it aside, because where’s the romance? I would have really liked to see Nathan’s appearance much sooner because I did question whether he was a part of the story or not, and it took a long time for him to feel important.
Overall:
As with the first book, I really enjoyed this short story. It gives readers a reason to root for Nathan and Joe, and explores another method of kink in sex that readers didn’t get to see in the first story. Plus there’s a glimpse of some progression with Matt & Emily in their happily ever after while the core focus still remains on Joe and her struggle.
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