He was my protector, my first love, and everything in between. It destroyed me when he joined the Navy SEALs and left me behind. Now when life throws me another curve ball and I'm left pregnant with no one to lean on. I'm forced to swallow my pride and show up on his doorstep. Let's hope he doesn't hold my past choices against me.
She was once my everything. She was the woman I planned to marry, but then I made one stupid decision after another. After breaking my heart, I haven't spoken to her in years. When she shows up again, I'm instantly pulled back in time and wondering why I ever let her go.
second chance, shared past, small town romance, roommate, single parent
The concept of this was good. The execution was poor. This is another book I'd class as my trash TV books. You're reading it for the vibes .
I'm slightly annoyed I had to pay for it as it wasn't part of my kindle unlimited subscription. I allowed booktok to pull me in as there was a particular heart wrenching scene of their breakup while he was in the military and had agreed to another 4 years without consulting her.
From seeing that scene, I thought this book had so much potential to be a real tearjerker but no... This is a surface level skim reader. It could have been great, it had the makings of something amazing but unfortunately the writing is juvenile.
There was no depth to the character, they never really explored their emotions which was a shame as you'd expect there to be quite a lot of complex emotions with their situation. In fact, the more I think about it, the more annoyed I am as this really could have been amazing - there was so much to explore!!
- what was Damon's headspace after his parents died, how was he dealing with the grief? Why did he lean on Rocco rather than Shay? - how did Shay feel when he abandoned her for the army? - how was their relationship during the first four years while they were both growing independently? Did they have any time together or was it completely separate with the odd phonecall? - how did Damon's relationships with his brother's develop post breakup? - how did she feel when she found him again to know that he'd made a family up without her? He talks about his pride not allowing him to find her after he was discharged in case she had a family but she walks in to find he has created a family without her and he never came looking for her? - what about her relationship with Rocco? He cut her off as well. They had a brother/sister relationship independently of Damon. Does she have resentment towards him for taking Damon away? Does Rocco have resentment towards her for how Damon was after they broke up? - suddenly they all have PTSD but nothing is talked about that?
Everything just moves so quickly in this story and some really big issues are just glossed over. It's annoying as I love the concept of this book as think it could have been amazing but there's just such a lack of depth
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the second story in the "Ink It Up!" series. It can be read as a stand alone one but does have connected characters. It is not an overly long read, actually novella length. The story is addictive and I could not put it down. The story is about Damon and Shay. Well the claws come out in the beginning when Shaylyn shows up at the shop. I guess it is to be expected with the way Damon was acting. Damon and Shay were high school sweethearts until he joined the military with Rocco. Now Shay is pregnant, alone and needs Damon's help. When he sees Shay he knows why he cannot take the next step with Ash. I enjoyed their story from beginning to end. Damon and Shay are perfect for each other.
I’ll try to be respectful, but my raw, honest opinion is that this book just wasn’t worth the time I spent reading it.
It’s relatively short, unlike this review haha, but the author tries to do too many things within the page limit of the book. For example, the end plot of Mike trying to steal baby Max? Totally unnecessary, why was that even there?
Damon dating Ashley? Also an unnecessary plot point. This man had been with her for “years” but broke up with her within a manner of days when Shay got back. The author tried to play it off better by still having him interact with her a couple of times in the book and comforting her, but I still find it off putting how little emotion/conflict he shows internally leading up to breaking up with Ash, despite “loving her” just not being in love with her.
Another unnecessary detail? The fact that Shay got together with a military man after breaking up with Damon for reupping his enlistment. This is acknowledged in the book, which I appreciate, however was that a necessary detail to begin with? I think a more impactful choice would have been if Justin had been an ordinary man. She would have been with him because he was a ‘safe choice’ and different from Damon, and he could have died in a car accident or something, making it a tragic twist of fate instead of her just repeating history and dating a military man out on a tour, which is ironic considering who she’d dated and broken up with. I also dislike how Rocco noted Justin looked like he could have been ‘Damon’s younger brother’. This is a personal preference but I find it tacky. It degrades Justin to be ‘Damon’s replacement’ in both personality and looks. I think Damon even calls him exactly that in the last few chapters. Horrible! It’s a tacky mentality and it also makes Shay’s relationship with Justin seem flat and devoid of any love.
If you want to write great characters, maybe make sure they have feelings and opinions on something other than just their love interest! I have no clue what Shay likes to do, and she left all her friends, family and job behind to start anew in Damon’s town. She has no friends of her own! Her entire friend group and even job are all tied back to Damon and HIS circle of friends. And within the friendship group there’s only one other woman, Willow. that’s relatively present in the story, with minor glimpses of Cammie, Sammie and Ash. To me, this screams that the focus here is clearly all on the men and less so on the women, who don’t seem to have a life outside of this group of ex military men. All I know about Shay outside of Max, Rocco and Damon is that she’s a hypocrite. That’s literally everything.
Not one, but TWO rushed weddings, out of which you get barely any content. Why are all of these people in a rush? Even the birth was rushed. Shay went in for a checkup and as the doctor checks her private part she’s apparently already halfway through dilation…hello?? It feels so forced.
And then the thing that probably pissed me off the most, the fact that the main characters kept repeating a bunch of the same stuff. If I took a shot every time someone said “I would gladly die to keep you safe” or some variant of that, I’d end up with alcohol poisoning. Same thing with the parents. Literally no character’s parent is involved in this story because they’re either said to be assholes or dead. Because of course both Justin and Damon are orphaned. One set of parents I get, but two? In completely unrelated accidents? This is a lazy shortcut so the author doesn’t have to write in the complications of Max’s paternal grandparents having opinions on Shay and Damon. It would have been interesting to explore those feelings, because they really do move fast and Shay might have subconsciously used Justin as a replacement for Damon. That’s not okay, but those are complicated human emotions that deserved to be explored.
To this day I still don’t know how Shay found Damon. I want to say I’ll always wonder, but truth be told I want to forget this book as fast as possible.
In conclusion, this story is rushed, the characters are flat and the writing is, per my standards, bad. It feels forced and I genuinely don’t understand why the author chose to include some of the things she did. If you ask me, you should save your money and your time.
Phew, I finally got that off my chest! 🫠
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What to expect: ✔️ Ex Military ✔️ Second Chance ✔️ Small Town Romance ✔️ Suspense ✔️ Found Family
Shaylyn and Damon have been together since high school. One day, Damon decides to enlist in the military with his best friend, pushing Shaylyn and Damon into a 4-year long-distance relationship. When Shaylyn starts to look forward to the end of Damon’s tour, he calls her to let her know that he has re-enlisted for another four years without even talking to her. Shay is at her breaking point, tired of not having her boyfriend near her, and with his lack of consideration to even speak to her or listen to her wanting him to come home, she breaks off the relationship. A few years later, Shay walks into the tattoo shop to ask Damon for help; she is alone and weeks away from having a baby.
Virgin Ink follows Damon, an ex-military tattoo artist who does not have any tattoos of his own. He has a close circle of friends whom he formerly served with and a soft spot for his former girlfriend and first love. Virgin Ink is a closed-door romance with a touch of darkness to the storyline. The connection between Damon and Shaylyn is strong, even if both are in denial about their lingering feelings. I am giving a rating of 4 / 5 stars.
Really liked the initial story link this book had loads of potential I was just praying for more details and a lot more explanation the love between the two characters was just way to quick to enjoy there was no respect shown for the loss of Justin really and no real expectation of why she was with him and the feeling she had for him.
I also wanted lots more details about shay and Damon’s relationship from the past it would have been great to see how close they were and explore the feeling of there break up and the reasons behind it and make it be for a reason.
I really didn’t like the fact Justin was in the military that just gave no real point to Damon and shay breaking up for the same reason and really frustrated me.
In all the book was a super fast read and was good for a quick romance book but would have been loads better with more detail and explanation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The very beginning of this book had me feeling awkward. I wasn’t particularly thrilled with Damon and felt sorry for Ashley. I could understand how hurt she was after being with Damon for so long and then have it come to an end. Damon really should have been more up front with her and not strong her along.
I loved Damon and Shaylyn together! It was clear that they were meant to be despite everything that had happened. The suspenseful part of this book was great, but I do wish that there were more concrete answers as to why.
I loved seeing Knox and Willow again! And Achilles too! Rocco had me in stitches! I can’t wait for his book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 2nd book in the Ink It Up series featuring the wonderful second chance surprise pregnancy romance between Damon and Shaylyn. This story is very relatable life is complicated and things happen. You try to do your best to explain why you felt like you had no other option but to leave and then you work on making your relationship even stronger than it was before by giving it a strong foundation that starts with listening to each other and compromise. Damon and Shalyn are perfect together and I really enjoyed seeing Knox and Willow, Achilles and Rocco too I can't wait for his book he's so funny. I would recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Damon and Shaylyn were definitely a couple who were always meant to be. I did feel a bit bad for Ashley at the start, given how long her and Damon had apparently been together, but our introduction to her wasn’t that favourable so I didn’t stay upset too long. Damon and Shaylyn gave us an emotional journey with suspense, drama and a lot of emotion tied up with a great HEA. I loved the side characters and can’t want for Rocco’s story. Kristin Macqueen is a brilliant writer drawing you into her written world and holding on tight until the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great book in this series. Damon can’t believe his eyes when he ex-girlfriend, Shay, appears at his work, pregnant and homeless. As soon as Damon sees her, all his feelings for her resurface, and he is determined to support her, even if his current girlfriend doesn’t like it. However it soon appears someone from Shay’s past is looking for, but it becomes apparent she and her baby may be in danger. A really great book, I love all the characters in this series. With some drama, a few surprises and a happy ending, this is a lovely second chance romance story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This contemporary romance is page-turning with exceptional characters and world-building. Their journey is enthralling with virgin ink, a tame romance, romantic suspense, second chance, single parent, small town romance, shared past, tattoo romance, forced proximity, heartfelt emotions, drama, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her reader's hearts and attention with a tame romance and virgin ink.
I received a free copy of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The connection between these two shone brightly, even after all that time apart and the experiences they had been through together and individually. I believed in their connection and chemistry and that they would have a future together. I loved how honest they were with each other and the support they had from their friends. I have enjoyed reading this story and am looking forward to reading more from this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Damon and Shay have a history and now she shows up pregnant and homeless. All the old feelings come rushing back for him and he wants to help her. However, things are complicated because Damon has a girlfriend, and she isn't happy about Shay being around. Can Damon help Shay? Will he have to pick between them two women?
This is a great story that will draw you in from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in this series, and this is Damon and Shaylyn’s story. These two were destined to be soulmates, and her was Shay’s first love, and protector, and he broke her heart when he left to become a Navy Seal, shattering her heart in the process. This is a well written story which is easy to read, with humor, witty banter, emotions, drama, suspense, intrigue, twists, heartbreak, romance, second chances, and love, which leads to a steamy page turner. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book has a good second romance with military characters and a surprise pregnancy. It was a joy to read, and I couldn't stop praising the MCs because I think that could happen in real life because things do happen and a lot of complicated things do. Then, you try to figure out the best way to explain your reasons for leaving and work on finding a compromise with each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fun story that really fell into the plot of lost loves with the possibility of promising futures in front of them (even if they don’t realize it). These two have such passion between them even after all these years, but is it enough to keep them together a second time—especially with another man’s baby between them?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 2nd story in the Ink It Up series by Kristin MacQueen and this is Damon and Shay's story. They were high school sweethearts until he joined the military with Rocco. Now Shay is pregnant and needs Damon's help. Will he help her? Will they get their HEA? This book can be read as a stand alone but by reading the first one you get an insight to the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Damon and Shay were high school sweethearts before he broke it off and left for the military. He is out and with someone new when Shay shoes up at his door for help. She is pregnant and homeless. Will he help her out? His new girl doesn't like the old hanging around. Who will he choose? Intriguing and entertaining read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shaylyn or Shay is in a spot and had nowhere to turn. Showing up at Damon’s shop causes some trouble for Damon, but Shay is and always will be his priority. I enjoyed this second chance, suspense story, and will await the next book.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I wasn’t crazy about this one, I just couldn’t get fully into the story, I’m sorry I just had a hard time following along, the characters were well blended together though, I still look forward to reading another in the future though. Good work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was the second book in the Ink It Up series, I haven't read the first book yet but have read several by this author. I really enjoyed this second chance, military characters, facing past mistakes romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She was his first love, the one he stupidly let get away, now she is in need of his help, pregnant and alone, she turns to the man she never stopped loving, can he forgive her, keep her safe and find a way forward? Has life and fate handed them a second chance?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Short and to the point a girl who goes in search of her first love pregnant and without anyone to help her. They thought way beck when they would be married but he enlisted in the army twice without asking her and she decided enough was enough. Will they work it out or will they just be friends.
This is a very good book if only the author explores its potential. Like seriously there's so much potential in this book. So many questions unanswered. So many scenes were left hanging. So many big things were brushed off as if it's nothing. I like this book and I feel like it could actually be more (If y'know what I meant)
I absolutely enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The author did an amazing job. I don’t give spoilers on my reviews but this book is one I recommend for sure to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story and characters, Damon and Shaylyn, were wonderfully written. I enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey, it took it to another level of greatness. Great read.
These two were together, and then he joined the Navy Seals. And they broke up, not seeing each other for years. But one day, they're reunited and wonder why they let time escape for being with the other. Loved this book.
Nothing better than a well written second chance romance. This one was good. I loved the characters and the ones from the other book carry over as well. Great love story
Secong Chance at Love is what Damon and Shaylyn get. She comes back into his life but she isn't alone. She is pregnant with another man's baby. Things happen and they see that their love for each other is stronger then ever. Grab their story to see how they find their HEA.