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Inked
Inked: A Standalone Dark Romance
He erased my tormentor’s mark, and now he must pay the price.
EMILY ROSE
He’ll never stop looking for me.
That’s why I can’t afford to be tempted by a tattoo artist.
He wants to help me, but no one can.
The last person who tried woke up in the hospital.
I’ve accepted that there are no winners in this twisted game.
Only those who make it out alive.
CHARLIE
Miss prim and proper makes me want to break my number one rule.
Always keep things casual.
Only, I can't seem to forget about her or the scar I inked over.
We both know she’s in trouble, but I’m nobody’s knight in shining armor.
Emily’s not the only one haunted by her past.
The only difference is I’ve already laid my demons to rest.
But maybe I’ll stick around and kill one more.
For her.
Inked is a suspenseful, opposites attract, dark standalone romance with a dirty-talking heartbreaker, a curvy good girl, and a stalker in the shadows. Readers are strongly advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.
He erased my tormentor’s mark, and now he must pay the price.
EMILY ROSE
He’ll never stop looking for me.
That’s why I can’t afford to be tempted by a tattoo artist.
He wants to help me, but no one can.
The last person who tried woke up in the hospital.
I’ve accepted that there are no winners in this twisted game.
Only those who make it out alive.
CHARLIE
Miss prim and proper makes me want to break my number one rule.
Always keep things casual.
Only, I can't seem to forget about her or the scar I inked over.
We both know she’s in trouble, but I’m nobody’s knight in shining armor.
Emily’s not the only one haunted by her past.
The only difference is I’ve already laid my demons to rest.
But maybe I’ll stick around and kill one more.
For her.
Inked is a suspenseful, opposites attract, dark standalone romance with a dirty-talking heartbreaker, a curvy good girl, and a stalker in the shadows. Readers are strongly advised to read the TW inside. No cliffhanger; HEA included.
Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
37 people are currently reading
873 people want to read
About the author
Gladys Cross
14 books147 followersGladys Cross writes steamy and morally gray contemporary romances.
Her heroes are damaged, heartbroken, sometimes not all the way sane, and heart-stoppingly drool worthy.
She’s not afraid to tackle the mafia, bikers, your common criminal, vampires, werewolves, or even the devil himself.
When she isn’t dipping her toe into the darker side of love, she converts into mom mode. She’s not above instigating water gun fights, but her favorite pastime is beating her daughter and husband in a game of cards.
Visit her website for more info: gladysafterdark.com.
Her heroes are damaged, heartbroken, sometimes not all the way sane, and heart-stoppingly drool worthy.
She’s not afraid to tackle the mafia, bikers, your common criminal, vampires, werewolves, or even the devil himself.
When she isn’t dipping her toe into the darker side of love, she converts into mom mode. She’s not above instigating water gun fights, but her favorite pastime is beating her daughter and husband in a game of cards.
Visit her website for more info: gladysafterdark.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 11, 2022
I want to thank Gladys Cross, author and the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the eBook Kindle copy of Inked that I won in the Giveaway.
Inked tells the story of Emily Rose and Charlie, a tattoo artist that she visits to get a tattoo to cover the scars left by the man that she escaped. I loved that both main characters had so much in common as they sorted out their budding relationship and learned to trust each other.
The author handled the problems created for entire families by domestic violence and told a wonderful love story too. Great book and it will stay with me for a long time.
Inked tells the story of Emily Rose and Charlie, a tattoo artist that she visits to get a tattoo to cover the scars left by the man that she escaped. I loved that both main characters had so much in common as they sorted out their budding relationship and learned to trust each other.
The author handled the problems created for entire families by domestic violence and told a wonderful love story too. Great book and it will stay with me for a long time.
January 27, 2022
Read trigger warnings (domestic violence)
This was a new author for me but I'm so glad I got the chance to read this book.
It was a quicker read for me.
I liked the depth of the Charlie and Emily Rose.
I loved that they both had back stories and grew from them and grew together despite their histories.
I enjoyed how blunt and fowl mouthed that Charlie is as well.
Emily started out super shy because of her past and I dont blame her. I loved being able to "watch" he grow into who she became.
I will definitely be reading more from Gladys Cross!
This was a new author for me but I'm so glad I got the chance to read this book.
It was a quicker read for me.
I liked the depth of the Charlie and Emily Rose.
I loved that they both had back stories and grew from them and grew together despite their histories.
I enjoyed how blunt and fowl mouthed that Charlie is as well.
Emily started out super shy because of her past and I dont blame her. I loved being able to "watch" he grow into who she became.
I will definitely be reading more from Gladys Cross!
January 10, 2022
Books can be so many things to many people, I personally read them and have entertainment, mini schools, travel and escape to new worlds and characters. This particular book isn't geared towards any of the previously mentioned except maybe educating people to what some survivors of domestic violence have not only lived through but come out on the other side. I can honestly say, this book hits me in a very direct way and is so incredibly beautifully and carefully crafted I never felt anything but hope for the characters. The world building was so believable and some of the characters just made me want to start squeezing, because let me say, between Joey and Sister
Theresa I really wanted to jump into this book world and start some squeezy hugs.
Blunt, forward, foul mouthed could all be used to describe Charlie but Emily Rose, the consummate southern belle and a very upright in her faith young lady definitely sees so much more in him. Together they both learn to trust and thrive. This book has moments that are harsh but the sheer magnitude of this story is beyond definition. There truly are so many things I want to tell you about this book, but I never give spoilers. I am thrilled to have found another new to me author that I enjoy reading. I am looking forward to many more books from her. Take the trigger warnings to heart and NO, this isn't at all appropriate for the under 18 crowd. I would definitely recommend this for book clubs.
Theresa I really wanted to jump into this book world and start some squeezy hugs.
Blunt, forward, foul mouthed could all be used to describe Charlie but Emily Rose, the consummate southern belle and a very upright in her faith young lady definitely sees so much more in him. Together they both learn to trust and thrive. This book has moments that are harsh but the sheer magnitude of this story is beyond definition. There truly are so many things I want to tell you about this book, but I never give spoilers. I am thrilled to have found another new to me author that I enjoy reading. I am looking forward to many more books from her. Take the trigger warnings to heart and NO, this isn't at all appropriate for the under 18 crowd. I would definitely recommend this for book clubs.
December 23, 2023
Inked Review
Gladys Cross
Rating 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 4🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
This story begins with Emily Rose walking into a tattoo shop, her wish, to cover a physical reminder of her tormented past. She gets the tattoo as she wishes but she also meets Charlie. Charlie is a fun loving tattoo artist with a love of curvy women.
With Charlie’s help Emily Rose regains her confidence in all areas of her life and learns what love is meant to be as well as the true joys of sex.
Emily Roses past catches up with her. There is no knight in shining armour in this but a tattooed bad boy with a penchant for blunt explicit conversations. Emily is the true hero overcoming her issues and her fears.
Upon reading this book however, it surpassed all of my expectations! These spicy scenes were paired perfectly with what is a well thought out, sensitively written storyline filled with wonderful characters who each had such distinct personas which jumped out of the pages.
It certainly helps that Gladys has painted one heck of a picture throughout this novel, with her exquisite descriptions allowing me to perfectly envision every scene.
It’s a standalone so no nasty cliffhangers. I honestly loved this book. It's a fantastic darker romance and is so well written.
This book is one of those “can’t put it down” type books! I definitely recommend this book, but there are trigger warnings. Please look for those.
Gladys Cross
Rating 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 4🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
This story begins with Emily Rose walking into a tattoo shop, her wish, to cover a physical reminder of her tormented past. She gets the tattoo as she wishes but she also meets Charlie. Charlie is a fun loving tattoo artist with a love of curvy women.
With Charlie’s help Emily Rose regains her confidence in all areas of her life and learns what love is meant to be as well as the true joys of sex.
Emily Roses past catches up with her. There is no knight in shining armour in this but a tattooed bad boy with a penchant for blunt explicit conversations. Emily is the true hero overcoming her issues and her fears.
Upon reading this book however, it surpassed all of my expectations! These spicy scenes were paired perfectly with what is a well thought out, sensitively written storyline filled with wonderful characters who each had such distinct personas which jumped out of the pages.
It certainly helps that Gladys has painted one heck of a picture throughout this novel, with her exquisite descriptions allowing me to perfectly envision every scene.
It’s a standalone so no nasty cliffhangers. I honestly loved this book. It's a fantastic darker romance and is so well written.
This book is one of those “can’t put it down” type books! I definitely recommend this book, but there are trigger warnings. Please look for those.
March 2, 2024
This book gives readers everything they want and more with a message. Ms. Cross does it again. Emily Rose Michael is on the run. She finally got away from her tormentor with the help of a friend. She is ready to get her new life going but knows that her tormentor will come back one day. When she goes to Hunt and Liu Ink and Mods, she is ready for her new life to be started. Covering a scar on her leg, Charlie Hunt knows that this woman has been through a lot already. That does not stop him from wanting her.
Emily Rose cannot deny the attraction she has to Charlie. Her boss and landlord, Harry, is the only person that knows who she really is. Emily Rose is constantly in fear for her life and the lives of those around her. She knows her tormentor will do anything to get her back. Hopefully, he won't ever find her. Charlie is coming on strong. She is it for him; she just doesn't know it yet. Charlie has a past too. A past that might push Emily Rose away. When their truths come out, will they still want to be together?
Emily Rose's fear is a constant throughout this novel. Ms. Cross does a good job of making the readers feel the anxiety that Emily Rose deals with on a regular basis. I enjoyed this book immensely. Ms. Cross does what she does best. She immerses readers in her world with her words. Her writing makes readers feel like they are involved in the novel.
Emily Rose cannot deny the attraction she has to Charlie. Her boss and landlord, Harry, is the only person that knows who she really is. Emily Rose is constantly in fear for her life and the lives of those around her. She knows her tormentor will do anything to get her back. Hopefully, he won't ever find her. Charlie is coming on strong. She is it for him; she just doesn't know it yet. Charlie has a past too. A past that might push Emily Rose away. When their truths come out, will they still want to be together?
Emily Rose's fear is a constant throughout this novel. Ms. Cross does a good job of making the readers feel the anxiety that Emily Rose deals with on a regular basis. I enjoyed this book immensely. Ms. Cross does what she does best. She immerses readers in her world with her words. Her writing makes readers feel like they are involved in the novel.
December 26, 2023
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“It’s not stupid to want sex to mean something,”…
“For my balls’ frame of reference, how long are they going to be blue?” - Charlie
Charlie and Emily’s story was hot!!! She went into a shop to get a tattoo to cover up some scars, she has also been verbally abused by her ex so she has little to no confidence whatsoever.
Charlie is it a type of guy that won’t lie to her. He is straight to the point and he will tell you how it is. is very blunt, and he gets an interest for Emily. he does say at one point that he was a player and he would have all different kinds of girls in his shop but as soon as he met her, he knew he wanted her. Even though she did not open up easily (Feelings and legs😂🫣). She learned to open up little by little and get more confidence and that was things to Charlie
I love this book so much, just because you see how she grows from not having any confidence being very insecure to having all the confidence in the world at the end because of a relationship she was in and you can definitely tell the difference between the two relationships, and how a relationship will affect you!!!
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“It’s not stupid to want sex to mean something,”…
“For my balls’ frame of reference, how long are they going to be blue?” - Charlie
Charlie and Emily’s story was hot!!! She went into a shop to get a tattoo to cover up some scars, she has also been verbally abused by her ex so she has little to no confidence whatsoever.
Charlie is it a type of guy that won’t lie to her. He is straight to the point and he will tell you how it is. is very blunt, and he gets an interest for Emily. he does say at one point that he was a player and he would have all different kinds of girls in his shop but as soon as he met her, he knew he wanted her. Even though she did not open up easily (Feelings and legs😂🫣). She learned to open up little by little and get more confidence and that was things to Charlie
I love this book so much, just because you see how she grows from not having any confidence being very insecure to having all the confidence in the world at the end because of a relationship she was in and you can definitely tell the difference between the two relationships, and how a relationship will affect you!!!
December 21, 2023
This is my first book by Gladys Cross and I can honestly say it will not be the last. Talk about one amazing story and this one falls right inline. This story takes you on an emotional roller coaster. It started right off at the beginning drawing me in. We have Emily Rose who we learn very quickly that she has a very traumatic past. This past makes her part of who she is. We see a lovely young lady who is incredibly strong and resilient. Then we meet Charlie and instantly fall in love with his dirty mouth and a heart of gold buried under all the gruff and tattoos. These two have off the charts chemistry. I loved the side characters that they interact with throughout the story. This journey that we take with Emily Rose and Charlie is such an inspiration on against all odds we can still come out stronger. This story is extremely well written and developed. It is a story that is gripping and intense at times but you also get to see the lighter and healing aspects as well. This story is absolutely fantastic and a must read. It will not disappoint as you take this amazing journey.
December 29, 2021
This book has dark themes that include domestic violence and past torture.
Emily Rose has secrets that she guards closely. She volunteers, she works as a Secretary, and she is working to overcome a dangerous past. She is triggered by her past, and she has feelings of unworthiness for good things. Charlie’s a player and carefree, or so it seems. There are more crass ways to describe him, but you’ll see what I mean. He doesn’t do relationships, and he doesn’t do feelings. Those aren’t welcome in his life…until Emily Rose walks into his shop.
I loved how this story unfolded, how Emily Rose started to find her confidence, and how Charlie bumbled thru his feelings for Emily, while speaking truths to her that made her feel beautiful. However, both of their secrets catch up to them, and things get dangerous. I highly recommend this romance novel, the sex was hot as things escalated and Emily rose discovered her body with him. Domestic violence hurts your soul, and Emily Rose’s scars aren’t only on the outside.
Emily Rose has secrets that she guards closely. She volunteers, she works as a Secretary, and she is working to overcome a dangerous past. She is triggered by her past, and she has feelings of unworthiness for good things. Charlie’s a player and carefree, or so it seems. There are more crass ways to describe him, but you’ll see what I mean. He doesn’t do relationships, and he doesn’t do feelings. Those aren’t welcome in his life…until Emily Rose walks into his shop.
I loved how this story unfolded, how Emily Rose started to find her confidence, and how Charlie bumbled thru his feelings for Emily, while speaking truths to her that made her feel beautiful. However, both of their secrets catch up to them, and things get dangerous. I highly recommend this romance novel, the sex was hot as things escalated and Emily rose discovered her body with him. Domestic violence hurts your soul, and Emily Rose’s scars aren’t only on the outside.
December 22, 2021
WOW What a good read!!
A brand new author to me so wasn't sure what to expect but what a fantastically written story. Charlie doesn't come across as a dominant alpha make at first. He does however embed himself in your heart. He's such a beautiful character. Emily comes across as broken at first but the sheer strength she exhibits in taking her life back is heartwarming. Such a strong lady and together they make a perfect couple. The chemistry between the two characters is pure poetry in motion.
Gladys Cross is a truly talented author, love and care is obvious in the words she uses to create a beautiful world I was more than happy to stay in. I loved every part of this story, it grabbed my attention from the very beginning and never flagged. It was absorbing and addictive. A perfect portrayal of what felt like real life characters. Absolutely beautiful. Definitely recommend.
A brand new author to me so wasn't sure what to expect but what a fantastically written story. Charlie doesn't come across as a dominant alpha make at first. He does however embed himself in your heart. He's such a beautiful character. Emily comes across as broken at first but the sheer strength she exhibits in taking her life back is heartwarming. Such a strong lady and together they make a perfect couple. The chemistry between the two characters is pure poetry in motion.
Gladys Cross is a truly talented author, love and care is obvious in the words she uses to create a beautiful world I was more than happy to stay in. I loved every part of this story, it grabbed my attention from the very beginning and never flagged. It was absorbing and addictive. A perfect portrayal of what felt like real life characters. Absolutely beautiful. Definitely recommend.
January 12, 2022
The two characters in this story has a lot of depth to them. Emily Rose is on the run and has many secrets and is very guarded. Her past has left her with insecurities, trust issues, and scars
Charlie is a player and carefree. He doesn’t do relationships and he has a crass and foul mouth. Charlie can guarded because he experienced a lot of pain in his past that has left him damaged.
Their story was definitely fun and hot especially if you love tattooed alpha men. We got to see Emily Rose open up and grow in confidence with the encouragement from Charlie. I loved seeing Charlie’s character interact and support Emily. This was a great love story with some suspense and danger toward the end. It grabbed my attention and kept it. I definitely recommend preordering yours copy today.
Charlie is a player and carefree. He doesn’t do relationships and he has a crass and foul mouth. Charlie can guarded because he experienced a lot of pain in his past that has left him damaged.
Their story was definitely fun and hot especially if you love tattooed alpha men. We got to see Emily Rose open up and grow in confidence with the encouragement from Charlie. I loved seeing Charlie’s character interact and support Emily. This was a great love story with some suspense and danger toward the end. It grabbed my attention and kept it. I definitely recommend preordering yours copy today.
January 5, 2022
Oh Charlie! I am in love.
This was perhaps a little raunchier than most of my reads (not that I'm complaining), but christ almighty have I fallen in love with that foul-mouthed, tattooed hunk of a man. It helps that Glady's has painted one heck of a picture throughout this novel, with her exquisite descriptions allowing me to envision every scene perfectly.
Not only did this have those spicier scenes but they were woven perfectly into what was an eye opening storyline. I loved the dual POV as we see the story told from both of our main characters perspectives. They both had very distinct personas and I truly felt connected to the story. The storyline relating to domestic abuse was very sensitively written, but for those who are particularly sensitive to those triggers I would perhaps suggest they choose an alternative novel from this author (her writing is spectacular so I'm sure another will satisfy you!).
Absolutely recommend this and I'll be sure to check out more of this authors work!!
Thank you! Xx
- @kml.books on Insta!
This was perhaps a little raunchier than most of my reads (not that I'm complaining), but christ almighty have I fallen in love with that foul-mouthed, tattooed hunk of a man. It helps that Glady's has painted one heck of a picture throughout this novel, with her exquisite descriptions allowing me to envision every scene perfectly.
Not only did this have those spicier scenes but they were woven perfectly into what was an eye opening storyline. I loved the dual POV as we see the story told from both of our main characters perspectives. They both had very distinct personas and I truly felt connected to the story. The storyline relating to domestic abuse was very sensitively written, but for those who are particularly sensitive to those triggers I would perhaps suggest they choose an alternative novel from this author (her writing is spectacular so I'm sure another will satisfy you!).
Absolutely recommend this and I'll be sure to check out more of this authors work!!
Thank you! Xx
- @kml.books on Insta!
January 13, 2022
Emily Rose has been through so much my heart just hurts for her. She's just trying to live her life and make it better for her. She's trying to get over what has happened, but someone doesn't want her to. When she meets Charlie to get ink to cover up her past. Charlie has his own issues and these two have the chemistry and the know-how to move forward. The problem is that sometimes your past is just too much to move forward and be happy. Can Charlie trust Emily enough to let her in all the way? Or will what he needs to share destroy it all? This book was so emotional and boy did it make you see things in a different light.
December 21, 2023
OMGS! Must read this fabulous dark and gripping romance. Emma has a haunting pass and is hiding. Charlie is a handsome tattoo artist who help cover her scars. Emma is scared that her past will catch up to her and don’t want him to get hurt. With Charlie help and love Emma faces her demons.
December 20, 2023
This story had something special. Im not totally sure what it was, but it grabbed me. The MMC, Charlie, is new book boyfriend! The MFC wasnt one I would typically care for, but their chemistry made me care for her. And at the end...she was a total baddie!
January 6, 2022
Wow this book was good, the start of the book just made me connect with characters and made me feel every emotion there was defiantly a dark and violent read but if thats you thing definitely pick this up.
January 22, 2022
The book was good, I enjoyed the storyline and the characters.
December 27, 2022
Blown away!
This book had everything, feels, sexy scenes, strength, tenderness, and heart! I loved Charlie and Emily from the beginning. She's struggling with some deep fears and past trauma and Charlie also has some demons but he's willing to fight for them both! I loved this book!
This book had everything, feels, sexy scenes, strength, tenderness, and heart! I loved Charlie and Emily from the beginning. She's struggling with some deep fears and past trauma and Charlie also has some demons but he's willing to fight for them both! I loved this book!
December 6, 2023
Loved it!!!!! Emily Rose is a good girl but is hiding from an abusive marriage. Charlie is the typical bad boy but understands abusive relationships. The complete difference in character between Emily Rose and Charlie makes this story great. Charlie is exactly what Emily Rose needs and honestly, I think Emily Rose is exactly what Charlie needs.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 5, 2022
This book is steamy, sexy, with a lot of witty dialogue. I fell in love with Charlie and wish my tattoo artist was as hot as he is!
But in all seriousness, this book isn't just your average contemporary romance story, there are topics the author touched on that made this story very real, such as domestic abuse and a few other dark themes. There are trigger warnings.
It's well-written and I'd definitely recommend this book.
But in all seriousness, this book isn't just your average contemporary romance story, there are topics the author touched on that made this story very real, such as domestic abuse and a few other dark themes. There are trigger warnings.
It's well-written and I'd definitely recommend this book.
Read
May 9, 2024Charlie is a lovable, if foul-mouthed, tattoo artist who always tells it like it is. Emily Rose is the good girl with a very big skeleton in her closet. Fall down the rabbit hole of darkness to find love’s light in this gritty love story.
For all the contestants who won an advanced copy and my ARC readers thank you for all the glowing reviews! I’m one lucky Indy Author.
For all the contestants who won an advanced copy and my ARC readers thank you for all the glowing reviews! I’m one lucky Indy Author.
January 19, 2022
Rated:
4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
February 19, 2025
Let us Begin ✏️
Overall Plot Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ -
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ - -
Execution of Spice: ⭐⭐⭐ - -
Tropes/Triggers: violence, murder, death, profanity, reference to prior domestic abuse, including body shaming, crime and morally great characters, tattoos / piercings, explicit sex scenes including but not limited to: car sex, reverse cowgirl.
Format I read: Audiobook 🎧
Audio version: virtual voice narration/ai reading
Narrators and performance:
As far as AI readers go, this one wasn't horrible. If you just heard a few sentences out of context, you wouldn't have even been able to tell that it was AI. However, there was absolutely no difference between the different characters voices. Which made it a little harder to follow conversations when there were multiple people talking. Overall, not a deal breaker. I still finish the book, and I still enjoyed it. But I feel like the enjoyment was less than it would have been had we had real people reading the story.
1st person POV
The POV splits between Emily Rose's and Charlie's point of view
Pros of the Story 👍
- it's a cute little small town romance. Between a girl who was once in an abused relationship. And a jaded tattoo artist who grew up watching his father beat his mother.
- the story isn't too fast-paced, which you get with a lot of the spicy stories. You feel like the author just wants to rush to the sex scenes, but this one held out and was more of a slow burn. Which I absolutely love.
- right from the get-go, I absolutely loved Charlie's character. His crass way of talking and his utter bluntness, is exactly what I want in my book boyfriends lol
Cons of the Story 👎
- the author fell prey to one of my biggest pet peeves. She uses "shake" for both nodding and shaking their head no. I absolutely hate that. When someone nods their head that means they're saying "yes"! And when someone shakes their head that means they're saying "no". You do not shake your head in an up and down motion! When you shake it's side to side you cannot shake your head yes! Our author says the bgs like: "he shook his head yes."
NO!!!!
I absolutely hate that. With a passion! I cannot stress this enough. For that specific reason, the overall story lost a star because I feel as an author you should know the base definition of the words you're using. Other than that it was great! :-)
In summary 📝
8/10 would recommend. I feel like this is a nice little spicy story that has you really rooting for our main characters, Emily Rose and Charlie.
Overall Plot Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ -
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ - -
Execution of Spice: ⭐⭐⭐ - -
Tropes/Triggers: violence, murder, death, profanity, reference to prior domestic abuse, including body shaming, crime and morally great characters, tattoos / piercings, explicit sex scenes including but not limited to: car sex, reverse cowgirl.
Format I read: Audiobook 🎧
Audio version: virtual voice narration/ai reading
Narrators and performance:
As far as AI readers go, this one wasn't horrible. If you just heard a few sentences out of context, you wouldn't have even been able to tell that it was AI. However, there was absolutely no difference between the different characters voices. Which made it a little harder to follow conversations when there were multiple people talking. Overall, not a deal breaker. I still finish the book, and I still enjoyed it. But I feel like the enjoyment was less than it would have been had we had real people reading the story.
1st person POV
The POV splits between Emily Rose's and Charlie's point of view
Pros of the Story 👍
- it's a cute little small town romance. Between a girl who was once in an abused relationship. And a jaded tattoo artist who grew up watching his father beat his mother.
- the story isn't too fast-paced, which you get with a lot of the spicy stories. You feel like the author just wants to rush to the sex scenes, but this one held out and was more of a slow burn. Which I absolutely love.
- right from the get-go, I absolutely loved Charlie's character. His crass way of talking and his utter bluntness, is exactly what I want in my book boyfriends lol
Cons of the Story 👎
- the author fell prey to one of my biggest pet peeves. She uses "shake" for both nodding and shaking their head no. I absolutely hate that. When someone nods their head that means they're saying "yes"! And when someone shakes their head that means they're saying "no". You do not shake your head in an up and down motion! When you shake it's side to side you cannot shake your head yes! Our author says the bgs like: "he shook his head yes."
NO!!!!
I absolutely hate that. With a passion! I cannot stress this enough. For that specific reason, the overall story lost a star because I feel as an author you should know the base definition of the words you're using. Other than that it was great! :-)
In summary 📝
8/10 would recommend. I feel like this is a nice little spicy story that has you really rooting for our main characters, Emily Rose and Charlie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2023
I’m the odd man out I guess with a DNF 27%
It started off bad (for me) with both Charles and Po being the most unprofessional pigs in the workplace, literally right off the bat.
Their actions and commentary are quite literally the equivalent to getting cat calls from pervy construction workers. They never get the girls, and these prepubescent shits shouldn’t either. Emily Rose was hooked, line, and sinker for that apparently which makes her an idiot.
For example:
Pg7: First encounter - Emily Rose goes into his place of business looking to get her first tattoo:
Emily Rose: “Do you have a back room or someplace more private we can go? That way, I’m not flashing your lobby”
Charles: “Hot damn, I get a peek at what’s under those shorts and I didn’t even have to buy you dinner first.”
And to make it worse -
Pg8: After entering said private room so she can show him where she wants the tattoo. Which disappointedly enough for him is on her thigh.
Charles: “You’re a bit of a tease, aren’t you?”
Emily Rose: “Excuse me?”
Charles: “Well, you get me to take you into a private room and the only thing you flash is a little leg. Can’t blame a guy for feeling letdown, because I thought at the very least, I’d get a glimpse of cleavage.”
LIKE WHAT?!? Who says that to someone that they just met, and a customer at that?!? No, just no.
OH but for Emily Rose it’s just so wonderfully acceptable and endearing she decides to come back the next day to get the Phoenix piece he creates for her thigh.
Insert more disgusting comments and Po getting his fuck on in the next room with another client, and Charles sticking his erection on Emily Rose because he can’t control the mere sight of her panties without getting a chub. And OF COURSE that’s still totally cool for Emily Rose who then agrees to go on a date with the sleazeball.
And because I’m on a roll, it’s nitpicking for sure but it’s pet peeve nonetheless is referring to tattoos as “tats” or “getting tatted.” It’s like the word “moist” for most people. Cringe.
And unfortunately the author used this term way to much in the 27% I read for me to overlook it. Considering the MMC is a tattoo artist (stating that very loosely) so I can only assume that term will be used a multitude of times throughout the entirety of the book.
It started off bad (for me) with both Charles and Po being the most unprofessional pigs in the workplace, literally right off the bat.
Their actions and commentary are quite literally the equivalent to getting cat calls from pervy construction workers. They never get the girls, and these prepubescent shits shouldn’t either. Emily Rose was hooked, line, and sinker for that apparently which makes her an idiot.
For example:
Pg7: First encounter - Emily Rose goes into his place of business looking to get her first tattoo:
Emily Rose: “Do you have a back room or someplace more private we can go? That way, I’m not flashing your lobby”
Charles: “Hot damn, I get a peek at what’s under those shorts and I didn’t even have to buy you dinner first.”
And to make it worse -
Pg8: After entering said private room so she can show him where she wants the tattoo. Which disappointedly enough for him is on her thigh.
Charles: “You’re a bit of a tease, aren’t you?”
Emily Rose: “Excuse me?”
Charles: “Well, you get me to take you into a private room and the only thing you flash is a little leg. Can’t blame a guy for feeling letdown, because I thought at the very least, I’d get a glimpse of cleavage.”
LIKE WHAT?!? Who says that to someone that they just met, and a customer at that?!? No, just no.
OH but for Emily Rose it’s just so wonderfully acceptable and endearing she decides to come back the next day to get the Phoenix piece he creates for her thigh.
Insert more disgusting comments and Po getting his fuck on in the next room with another client, and Charles sticking his erection on Emily Rose because he can’t control the mere sight of her panties without getting a chub. And OF COURSE that’s still totally cool for Emily Rose who then agrees to go on a date with the sleazeball.
And because I’m on a roll, it’s nitpicking for sure but it’s pet peeve nonetheless is referring to tattoos as “tats” or “getting tatted.” It’s like the word “moist” for most people. Cringe.
And unfortunately the author used this term way to much in the 27% I read for me to overlook it. Considering the MMC is a tattoo artist (stating that very loosely) so I can only assume that term will be used a multitude of times throughout the entirety of the book.
January 14, 2022
This book has a story that is inspiring for fiction but also dark. The book's subject and the character's history make the read exceptional. I love the honesty, the hot steamy scenes, and the overall story. Yes, it does have a trigger warning. Still, it is a fantastic stand-alone contemporary romance about overcoming your biggest fears and past and finding true love. There is no knight in shining armor in this but a tattooed bad boy with a penchant for blunt explicit conversations. Emily is the true hero overcoming her issues and her fears. This book was well written and an inspiring story focusing on a taboo subject but done very well and fictional.
This book has a trigger warning for dark themes and domestic abuse. However, I enjoyed the dedication despite the warning and looked forward to having this author approach this sensitive subject.
Emily has a scary past. She has escaped her tormentor but is still working past her life's scars. I like that she is doing something for herself and covering up something she is ashamed of.
Charlie is very blunt but a bad boy tattoo artist; however, his convictions are surprising. He is sweet but has a prickly exterior.
Emily agrees to a date with Charlie, but as much as he wants her, and is sweet. Her past still traumatizes her. Things heat up, and this book gets steamy both in conversation and action. However, something more sinister lurks in the background, and I'm sure it will be a shock when it emerges.
Charlie is no knight in shining armor, but he respects women, which is amazing. I love that he is honest and blunt, even if he has a short attention span. Charlie does make a big mistake, but I can't blame him for the honesty afterward.
I was right. This book gets spooky, but it also resolves a lot of the conflict of the past for Emily. We find out a lot of secrets. I love how this book ended.
February 16, 2023
Hold your hat, it’s a bumpy ride….
Wowza, that was quite a ride! This was indeed a “dark and gritty romance.” It was also filled with a whole slew of emotions, some pretty great character growth, some suspenseful drama towards the end, and a few flashbacks that gave some insight to the horrors that the h suffered while managing to not be overwhelming with their darkness.
Both Charlie and Emily Rose both have similar but different tragic pasts. We are given glimpses of that past as the story progresses. She is the prim and proper appearing Southern Belle, while he is the crass tattoo artist bad boy, yet somehow they work. Their journey is not an easy one. They are both broken people. She’s running from her past and for her life, so she tries to keep her distance. He struggles with why he feels this connection to his “good girl” with a past so similar to his own mother. They ultimately save and help heal each other. There was a brief moment where I thought for sure his idiocy had cost them their future. He fell back into his own pattern for a brief moment in time, and it almost cost him everything. What I loved about this story was that their behaviors and emotions were real. They were both damaged and flawed, and were written that way. He had to unlearn some patterns and behaviors. She struggled with the damage left by years of abuse, her damaged psyche, nightmares, panic attacks. They weren’t magically healed by finding “true love” as some authors write. Their struggles were real, and as a result their relationship felt real. I loved them together, and enjoyed their roller cover ride to their HEA.
Only Con: editing. There were definitely some misused or weird words (seemed like voice to text error in one place) that totally took me out of the story when I came across them.
Wowza, that was quite a ride! This was indeed a “dark and gritty romance.” It was also filled with a whole slew of emotions, some pretty great character growth, some suspenseful drama towards the end, and a few flashbacks that gave some insight to the horrors that the h suffered while managing to not be overwhelming with their darkness.
Both Charlie and Emily Rose both have similar but different tragic pasts. We are given glimpses of that past as the story progresses. She is the prim and proper appearing Southern Belle, while he is the crass tattoo artist bad boy, yet somehow they work. Their journey is not an easy one. They are both broken people. She’s running from her past and for her life, so she tries to keep her distance. He struggles with why he feels this connection to his “good girl” with a past so similar to his own mother. They ultimately save and help heal each other. There was a brief moment where I thought for sure his idiocy had cost them their future. He fell back into his own pattern for a brief moment in time, and it almost cost him everything. What I loved about this story was that their behaviors and emotions were real. They were both damaged and flawed, and were written that way. He had to unlearn some patterns and behaviors. She struggled with the damage left by years of abuse, her damaged psyche, nightmares, panic attacks. They weren’t magically healed by finding “true love” as some authors write. Their struggles were real, and as a result their relationship felt real. I loved them together, and enjoyed their roller cover ride to their HEA.
Only Con: editing. There were definitely some misused or weird words (seemed like voice to text error in one place) that totally took me out of the story when I came across them.
December 21, 2023
Ink was absolutely amazing, shot straight up to the top 10 of my books read this year within just one page. It touched on so many touchy subjects for me, I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings. The story doesn’t get into the subject of DV in too much detail. That made the story that much better. It hit everything about what it's like to finally be free, so you think. Or what it’s like to finally find someone who you think is the key to all your healing.
It’s a very sore subject to bring up in a new relationship about past trauma. To find someone who will listen and not force you into things yet they know is going to make you feel like you did before them. INKED was perfect, the FMc and the MMC had a spark from the start, he knew he wanted her so badly, but he still gave her time. Let her get to know him. He soon fell in love with her and also allowed her to feel healed with him. He also overcame his “player” status and let her into his heart a lot harder than he expected. FMC came from wanting to “cover up” her past until her eyes were opened that you don’t have to cover up anything, you can use it to teach others, help yourself learn to understand it wasn’t your fault. You are still an amazing person. Just because someone could not see that under all you show.. There is someone out there who will help you cover up your pain, by covering it with new love.
Thank you Gladys for this amazing read. Sorry for the long rant, this book spoke to me so much deeper than i thought it would. It wasn’t like any other DV book where you read about the painful things. Ink was about the light at the end of the tunnel
It’s a very sore subject to bring up in a new relationship about past trauma. To find someone who will listen and not force you into things yet they know is going to make you feel like you did before them. INKED was perfect, the FMc and the MMC had a spark from the start, he knew he wanted her so badly, but he still gave her time. Let her get to know him. He soon fell in love with her and also allowed her to feel healed with him. He also overcame his “player” status and let her into his heart a lot harder than he expected. FMC came from wanting to “cover up” her past until her eyes were opened that you don’t have to cover up anything, you can use it to teach others, help yourself learn to understand it wasn’t your fault. You are still an amazing person. Just because someone could not see that under all you show.. There is someone out there who will help you cover up your pain, by covering it with new love.
Thank you Gladys for this amazing read. Sorry for the long rant, this book spoke to me so much deeper than i thought it would. It wasn’t like any other DV book where you read about the painful things. Ink was about the light at the end of the tunnel
January 14, 2022
This story begin with Emily Rose walking into a tattoo shop, her wish, to cover a physical reminder of her tormented past. She gets the tattoo as she wishes but she also meets Charlie. Charlie is a fun loving tattoo artist with a love of curvy women.
‘When I slap that a**, I want that s?!T to bounce back, not dig into my palm.’
With Charlie’s help Emily Rose regains her confidence in all areas of her life and learns what love is meant to be as well as the true joys of sex.
So as we can all probably guess Emily Roses past catches up with her and Charlie become a knight in shining armour. However Charlie isn’t the only one to save her, Emily Roses’ emotional development through the book allows her to save herself too.
I wish we had a name for Emily Rose’s past tormentor, I like nothing better than shouting insults at a villain and a name helps so much with this.
This book is a good quick read, it’s a standalone so no nasty cliffhangers. It has humour in the form of Charlie’s teenage like s*x drive. At times Emily Rose can seem almost too naïve and sheltered but it doesn’t spoil the story.
Steam 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Charlie tries to make this a quick burn but Emily Rose pushes it back to a mid, you know she is a lady!
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘When I slap that a**, I want that s?!T to bounce back, not dig into my palm.’
With Charlie’s help Emily Rose regains her confidence in all areas of her life and learns what love is meant to be as well as the true joys of sex.
So as we can all probably guess Emily Roses past catches up with her and Charlie become a knight in shining armour. However Charlie isn’t the only one to save her, Emily Roses’ emotional development through the book allows her to save herself too.
I wish we had a name for Emily Rose’s past tormentor, I like nothing better than shouting insults at a villain and a name helps so much with this.
This book is a good quick read, it’s a standalone so no nasty cliffhangers. It has humour in the form of Charlie’s teenage like s*x drive. At times Emily Rose can seem almost too naïve and sheltered but it doesn’t spoil the story.
Steam 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Charlie tries to make this a quick burn but Emily Rose pushes it back to a mid, you know she is a lady!
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
Gladys is an author that I will always grab her books! She's on my one hit purchase list. Everything she's wrote I have loved so far. And this book wasn't any different. I just loved Charlie and Emily rose's story. It was a quick read that I couldn't put down once I started. It had me glued to the pages needing to know more. It's a wild rollercoaster ride with twists and turns. It's action packed and the spice is giving. The characters storyline and plot where written wonderfully.
“For my balls’ frame of reference, how long are they going to be blue?” - Charlie.
Emily rose is such a sweetheart, but her past is terrible and she's on the run. There's so many secrets and she's very guarded.
She meets Charlie at the tattoo shop, when she's there to get a tattoo to cover up her scars. There chemistry is off the charts from the get go. We get to witness her grow and open up with the help from Charlie. Such a beautiful thing.
If you haven't read this book yet, do so I highly recommended it. I can't wait to see what's next for us from Gladys.
“For my balls’ frame of reference, how long are they going to be blue?” - Charlie.
Emily rose is such a sweetheart, but her past is terrible and she's on the run. There's so many secrets and she's very guarded.
She meets Charlie at the tattoo shop, when she's there to get a tattoo to cover up her scars. There chemistry is off the charts from the get go. We get to witness her grow and open up with the help from Charlie. Such a beautiful thing.
If you haven't read this book yet, do so I highly recommended it. I can't wait to see what's next for us from Gladys.
May 20, 2024
Gladys wrote an amazing book. This was all about Emily Rose. She sought refuge from her abusive husband. Father Michael helped her get out of town. She moved to a town where Michael’s cousin Harry lived. She worked for him at the mechanics shop. One day she went into a tattoo shop parlor and that is where she met Charlie. She asked him to tattoo her to cover up a scar on her leg. He asked her out on a date and she agreed. But the day came for the date and she was going to tell him in person it wasn’t a good idea. She was worried for his safety. She ended up going and had a great time. She tried to stay away from him but she couldn’t. They fell hard and fast. One day her past came back to haunt her literally. Him and Charlie were fighting. Emily rose snuck out so she could get her tormentor away from Charlie. It worked. This was a great book. There was a lot that happened throughout the book. I have loved every book that I have read of Gladys’
October 28, 2023
I Just Can’t Get Enough of this Author!!!
After reading the first two books of Gladys Cross’ MC Series, I took a look at her back list and found Inked and am soooo glad I did! This book has a sad, dark backstory for both of the characters and these two broken people meet one another and through their story they complete one another. This story has lots of action, great heat and a book boyfriend I don’t want to say good-bye to! I loved how as a reader, I was able to witness Emily get over her traumatic past and how Charlie can continue to be the man he is after facing the adversity and challenges that he had to go through! There are interesting secondary characters that I hope this author makes into leads as I would love to read their stories as well!
After reading the first two books of Gladys Cross’ MC Series, I took a look at her back list and found Inked and am soooo glad I did! This book has a sad, dark backstory for both of the characters and these two broken people meet one another and through their story they complete one another. This story has lots of action, great heat and a book boyfriend I don’t want to say good-bye to! I loved how as a reader, I was able to witness Emily get over her traumatic past and how Charlie can continue to be the man he is after facing the adversity and challenges that he had to go through! There are interesting secondary characters that I hope this author makes into leads as I would love to read their stories as well!
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