kfriend's review
4.0
The Men of Inked series is back in Singed.- with the much anticipated story of Mello. And it is a slow burning swoony treat.
Mello is my kind of hero- a reformed bad boy with a broken soul that finds the best parts of himself when he finds his soulmate. And Arlo isn’t at all who you’d expect for someone like Mello- a woman with her own baggage but who is unlike him in so many ways. But both have their own baggage, and both are content to dwell in their own issues by avoiding authentic connection. But fate (and family) pulls them together again and again, and they find familiarity and connection that helps them heal their troubled souls.
Mello ends up being quite swoony- very sweet and loving. He’s got a compelling vulnerability to him, and such a tender heart. And I have a soft spot for quite bookworm heroines- so Arlo I adored immediately. She’s independent and sweet, but she has a quiet strength to her too. Total opposites, but together they work so well.
These two have a really sweet and tender story- one that starts in friendship that spawns their fake relationship situation that of course evolves into a passionate and restorative love. It’s a slower burn, but that adds to the intensity of their emotional connection. The extended family as always plays a pivotal role in this story- and adds some humor to the story as well. While I loved this family (and fans will be happy to check-in with favorites), there were times where I felt like the focus on the main couple got lost in the broader family dynamics.
Mello is my kind of hero- a reformed bad boy with a broken soul that finds the best parts of himself when he finds his soulmate. And Arlo isn’t at all who you’d expect for someone like Mello- a woman with her own baggage but who is unlike him in so many ways. But both have their own baggage, and both are content to dwell in their own issues by avoiding authentic connection. But fate (and family) pulls them together again and again, and they find familiarity and connection that helps them heal their troubled souls.
Mello ends up being quite swoony- very sweet and loving. He’s got a compelling vulnerability to him, and such a tender heart. And I have a soft spot for quite bookworm heroines- so Arlo I adored immediately. She’s independent and sweet, but she has a quiet strength to her too. Total opposites, but together they work so well.
These two have a really sweet and tender story- one that starts in friendship that spawns their fake relationship situation that of course evolves into a passionate and restorative love. It’s a slower burn, but that adds to the intensity of their emotional connection. The extended family as always plays a pivotal role in this story- and adds some humor to the story as well. While I loved this family (and fans will be happy to check-in with favorites), there were times where I felt like the focus on the main couple got lost in the broader family dynamics.
ritaj63's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mags_louise's review
5.0
Chelle Bliss is back with a blistering slow-burn romance. That captured me from the very first page. Thanks in part to the wonderful Caldo/Gallo clan who are as crazy and loving as ever. But also due to Carmello (Mello) and Arlo, who are electrifying together, even though for a good 90%+ of the story Mello is kept well out of Arlo's pants. Yet, that is what gives this story so much heart. Along with Mello's cousins, and twin brother Rocco and new sister Rebel who all like to give Mello a hard time, but love and support him nonetheless, and are on hand to show Arlo what friendship and family is all about. And that and the emotio are what genuinely make this story such a joy to read, and I can't wait for book nine to be released.
Would definitely recommend.
Would definitely recommend.
bookedandbusybookblog's review
5.0
Singe is the first book I've read by Chelle Bliss and I'm going to have to go back and binge them all! Arlo & Carmello's slow burn love story had me reading this book in one sitting! Absolutely loved it and I'll be back for more!
bookaddict_fanatic's review
5.0
Oh man Carmello "Mello" Caldo has stolen my heart!!!
Carmello Caldo has been through tragedy and still feels the guilt from it all. The forever bachelor not looking for the HEA just might be knocked down a few rungs when he meets sassy, Arlo King!
Arlo King's life hasn't been all sunshine and roses but she's determined to live it her way and never let her choices be taken away again. What happens when she gets stuck in a few uncomfortable situations? Carmello Caldo is what happens but neither are ready for the other!
Once again Chelle delivers a book that teaches us the importance of forgiveness, family, second chances and finding love! This story was fun, sweet, sexy and so damn swoon-worthy that you won't be able to put it down! Prepare to fall in love with Carmello and Arlo!!
Carmello Caldo has been through tragedy and still feels the guilt from it all. The forever bachelor not looking for the HEA just might be knocked down a few rungs when he meets sassy, Arlo King!
Arlo King's life hasn't been all sunshine and roses but she's determined to live it her way and never let her choices be taken away again. What happens when she gets stuck in a few uncomfortable situations? Carmello Caldo is what happens but neither are ready for the other!
Once again Chelle delivers a book that teaches us the importance of forgiveness, family, second chances and finding love! This story was fun, sweet, sexy and so damn swoon-worthy that you won't be able to put it down! Prepare to fall in love with Carmello and Arlo!!
emilyhei's review
4.0
Carmello Caldo had it all until he lost it and since then he has not been able to form an attachment, nor care about another woman other than to satisfy his need in bed. He is extremely close to his family and when he confesses he is ready to rethink his single status, they find a person who they believe can help him navigate his feelings without falling into bed with him. He can't believe though it is Arlo King, who he has rescued twice and has been less then approachable.
There are a lot of layers to both characters in this book. I liked the way the story unfolded, saw the growth in both characters and really enjoyed the cousins. You are definitely rooting for this couple.
There are a lot of layers to both characters in this book. I liked the way the story unfolded, saw the growth in both characters and really enjoyed the cousins. You are definitely rooting for this couple.
nean's review
5.0
Carmello and Arlo have met before when Carmello has saved her, not once but twice and something about her intrigues him.
Arlo doesn’t trust easily, and this is now the second time that Carmello has helped her and wanted nothing in return.
When Carmello decides he’s had enough he’s cousin decides she’s going to help him find the love of his life, he wants what everyone else has. Lily decides she has the perfect woman that he will fall in love with. Lily decided that it’s time that Carmello and Arlo meet again.
They decided that Arlo will help Carmello before he finds his true love, but it seems all the family can see what he can’t, even telling him to lock it down and accept it going to happen.
Arlo guards her heart and doesn’t let anyone in easily, but she’s never encountered the force of this family and or the men it when they fall, they fall hard, and they don’t let go.
Arlo doesn’t trust easily, and this is now the second time that Carmello has helped her and wanted nothing in return.
When Carmello decides he’s had enough he’s cousin decides she’s going to help him find the love of his life, he wants what everyone else has. Lily decides she has the perfect woman that he will fall in love with. Lily decided that it’s time that Carmello and Arlo meet again.
They decided that Arlo will help Carmello before he finds his true love, but it seems all the family can see what he can’t, even telling him to lock it down and accept it going to happen.
Arlo guards her heart and doesn’t let anyone in easily, but she’s never encountered the force of this family and or the men it when they fall, they fall hard, and they don’t let go.
aqlovestoread's review
5.0
This was a book that you could not put down. The Gallo second generation have had more dram than their parents and Carmelo did not disappoint. Arlo was the perfect heroine to give Carmelo a run for his money. They have extraordinary chemistry and seeing the progression of the relationship is highly entertaining. I’m also happy that Carmelos past was discussed. As usual the Gallo family was involved in the relationship. I loved the family group texts. It was a fun way of including favorite characters. Anxiously awaiting the next Gallo book.
More...