Photographing exceptional tattoos for the Hot Ink Tattoo Studio turns into much more than just a job when Karen meets Jed, the sexy-as-sin owner. With attraction sizzling between them, each photo shoot is a labor of love … and a chance to get closer to the man of her increasingly naughty dreams.
Curvy, vivacious Karen is everything Jed would want in a woman, if he wanted one at all. But a relationship seems like too dangerous a gamble for someone who’s loved before and suffered the ultimate loss. So why can’t he resist when he discovers the attraction is mutual? Even if he were willing to risk everything again, Karen’s too young, too full of life to be burdened with someone whose heart bears scars as permanent as the ink in his skin.
When the two finally face what lies between them, the passion is undeniably real, but will the unexpected extinguish the spark of their love, or fan the flames?
I write what I know and love: adult romance with blue-collar heroes and real-life flavor. Tattoos, handcuffs and men in uniform are a few of my favorite things, and it shows in my thirty+ published books.
I live in the South with my man in uniform, who I married for the entertainment value. Just kidding - it was the handcuffs, err, true love. ;)
So far, our happily ever after includes a couple kids, German Shepherd dogs and a mutual appreciation of timely 'that's what she said' jokes.
When I'm not writing, I love reading, good coffee, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and whatever outdoor adventures I can find.
I also love hearing from readers, so don't be shy! If you've enjoyed something I've written, hearing from you would make my day.
This is the second installment in Ranae Rose’s Inked In The Steel City series. This installment centers on the tattoo shop’s owner Jed and Mina’s best friend Karen. Jed owned the shop with his wife who lost her battle with cancer five years ago. It is a pain he keeps very private and rarely discusses. Karen is a waitress and part-time photographer. She has taken photographs of many of Hot Ink’s most impressive tattoos. Some of her work is on display in the shop, most notably photos from the shoot that sparked Mina and Eric relationship (Hot Ink – Book 1). Karen has harbored a space in her heart for Jed, often making an excuse to come into Hot Ink to personally drop off prints. Jed is awed by Karen’s talent as a photographer. Will Jed dare to love again?
You do not have to have a tattoo to identify with the characters in this book and series. I myself am terrified of needles but Ranae Rose’s words opened my eyes to the wonderful art that tattoos can be. I appreciate the beauty of tattoos more now. Many books talk about tattoos now, many have characters discussing getting a tattoo of asking another character the meaning behind their tat. This series does that but also explores the lives of the artists who create the masterpiece for their client’s lifetime.
“There was a story behind every tattoo - Jed had told her that once “ I really enjoyed the emotional journey Jed went through in this book; and Karen was the perfect woman to inspire him on that journey. Jed’s path to healing seemed realistic and not forced. I felt his pain. He just wasn’t sure if he had it in him to love again. Karen, it is hard for me to put into words how much I identified with and appreciated her character. Karen led by example, showing Jed what a full loving life could hold. She had fantastic relationships with everyone in her life and I found it refreshing to read about a heroine who just was so comfortable with herself. Karen did have her challenges and sad times in this book; however it is how she approached and overcame them that showed more of her true heart; and in the end inspired Jed to open himself to letting another person in his heart again.
“I really love shooting – people, their stories, their tattoos, the important moments in their lives…I love taking photos that people will cherish of admire for the rest of their lives”
Sometimes when you read a book you don’t realize how wonderful it is until later. When I first read this book I gave it four stars, now more than a month later as I finalized my review I just changed it to five stars. The reason, I found myself thinking back to Jed and Karen a lot this past month, and definitely as I read the remaining books in this series. I found myself pondering scenes from the book and also looking back at the book for quotes. This is the second book in the series, but the first book I read. It can function as a standalone perfectly – if you are not sure if you will like this series this is the book to read first.
I received a copy of this book from Ranae Rose in exchange for my honest review.
Innocent Ink is book 2 in the Inked in the Steel City Series. You can definitely read this as a standalone, but I recommend that you read Hot Ink first, mainly because it is as good as Innocent Ink, and it gives you a look at Karen, prior to getting her own book, her friendship with Mina, and how she comes to be part of the Hot Ink family.
Ranae Rose has an innate skill at weaving a colourful and complete background as well as in depth, fully developed characters to all of her books. Even with her short stories you always get a beginning, middle and end, nothing feels rushed through and you can visualise everything perfectly.
Jed and Karen’s story is a heartfelt and emotional one; it’s of love and loss, and moving on from the devastation of it. Building a new foundation with someone else and learning to let go of the past, to honour the memory of love and move on to the future.
My favourite lines from the book -
I know what love is. I know that nobody is promised anything, either. Not even one more day, or one more breath. So I have to tell you now, while I have the chance – I love you.
I won’t divulge who, what or when they are said as I always like to post spoiler free review, but just know this, that if you have read anything else by Ranae, you will love this book, if you haven’t, I urge you to give The Inked in the Steel City series a go. I discovered Ranae through Hot Ink, and have devoured every one of her contemporary romances since. I only wish she wrote faster…..or maybe I should read slower
Either way she is one talented lady, and you will not regret spending a few hours relaxing with any of her characters.
It was an honour and privilege to be provided with an ARC of this book, and it was a pleasure to provide the above review.
Karen has a gift. Her photography is art. The photograph she took of her friend Mina’s tattoo got her noticed and Karen is now a full time photographer. She is still doing tattoo shots for the clientele of the Hot Ink tattoo studio where Mina and her fiancé work. Ever since she met Jed, the owner of Hot Ink, she has had a mad crush. Jed and Karen share a birthday and their friends throw them a joint party. When Jed drives her home the kiss they share has Karen thinking they could share more than a birthday. You know you are invested in the characters when you want to reach out and smack them on the back of the head as I was want to do to Jed on several occasions. I really liked Karen when we met her in Hot Ink and was thrilled that she was going to get a story. Oh what a story. Jed is hot but he has issues. Karen is the best thing that could have happened to him. She drags him kicking and screaming back to life and love. This book could probably be read stand-alone but you will enjoy it so much more if you read Hot Ink first.
I’d like to thank the author for giving me an ARC to read and review as I really enjoyed this book.
Innocent Ink was such a good book. Loved that Ranae gave us Karen & Jed’s story. My heart broke for Jed but I was happy he found love in Karen. She’s just what he needed to be alive again. Looking forward to reading more.
Innocent Ink is a steamy, sweet read. No angst or nail-biting tension. Just a sweet love story that revolves around a passion for art.
Summary: Karen was introduced to the Hot Ink studio, its owner, and its clients when her best friend, Mina, went there for her tattoo. Karen, of course, accompanied her (despite her fear of needles and certainty she would never get ink), and she was lucky enough to get a job photographing tattoos for personal portfolios and advertisements. Karen's dream is to be a fashion photographer, but until she got business from Hot Ink she was full-time waitressing and only part-time photographer. She was still barely making her bills. Getting noticed from her pictures of tattoos has allowed her to follow her passion full-time and actually make some money. It's also allowed her to spend inordinate amounts of time communicating and spending time with her crush and the owner of Hot Ink, Jed. Karen has ogled him for months now, but cant bring up the courage to do anything about it. He makes her heart race and her face flush just from a look. Jed isn't looking for a relationship. Not after he suffered a huge loss in his past already, but Karen wont keep running through his mind. He cant keep himself from making up projects or reasons to call and see the curvaceous photographer. He wants her, but knows he shouldn't because she's so young and innocent and he's afraid he has nothing to offer her. Luckily, they happen to share a birthday and much celebration ensues. Karen drinks enough to feel tipsy, but Jed stays sober and drives her home. Knowing she will never have this chance again, Karen makes her move and is disappointed when Jed moves away. But her disappointment is fleeting when Jed unexpectedly pulls her into his arms. Despite his reservations, he cant not touch her. The pull is too great. A sizzling passion ensues, but life is very rarely as easy as all that. Much to Karen's surprise and concern, Jed lost his wife some years ago and seems to still be working through some of his grief. On top of that, Karen is given a shot at making her dreams a reality on the very same day tragedy strikes her family. All Jed can do is be there for her and guide her through what he's already experienced. Soon enough the couple are closer, but concerns about where they could possibly be headed run rampant. Jed will have to learn to remember fond memories while letting go of the intense hurt in order to have a chance at a future with Karen, and Karen will have to make the biggest decision of her career: stay in the home she's built and the people she loves or pick up and chase after the dream she's said she always wanted.
Karen was great. I loved her bubbly personality. She was young but not immature and knew what she wanted out of life and committed to going after it. Jed was so vulnerable. Realizing you could really love someone after thinking you'd never feel that way again can be scary. He handled his and Karen's feeling with care, though, and was so sweet. I love the angst-free goodness from the Inked in the Steel City series. They are light, fun romance reads that get your blood pumping in a sensual, sexy way. Cant wait to read more! <3
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love tattooed heroes (who doesn't right?) so when I found out about Innocent Ink by Ranae Rose, I couldn't pass it up. The plot sounded interesting and so I had to get my hands on Innocent Ink ASAP. The blurb already provided a summary of the story so I won't regurgitate it.
I am aware that Innocent Ink is the second installment of Ranae Rose's Inked in Steel City series, but it can very well be a stand alone. I have not read book one of the series yet and Innocent Ink still made perfect sense. I was excited to sink my teeth into this story because it sounded appealing, but I was left a little lukewarm after finishing. I liked the characters, Jed and Karen. I thought that the author did a good job of the characters' development. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, Mina and Eric.
However, I felt that there was a lack of chemistry between Jed and Karen. Sparks were absent between them and for that it kind of deterred me from the story. The first time they had sex, it was missing the anticipation and buildup that I was hoping for and so it felt a bit rushed and out of place. The sex scenes were well-written, but there wasn't really any sizzle behind it. In addition, the pacing was a bit slow and I found myself losing interest several times throughout the story.
Yet, I thought the writing was smooth and the story still made for a decent read. Innocent Ink didn't blow me away and the story wasn't very memorable, but I still enjoyed it enough to consider going back and reading the first installment, Hot Ink.
Innocent Ink is the second book in the Inked in the Steel City series by Ranae Rose. Usually I don’t have book boyfriends, but this book and Jed… he would completely qualify. The story is well written and perfect for curling up next to a window on a rainy day and reading. The book is not overwhelming, nor is it underwhelming. It hits that middle ground of being just right, so that you want to keep reading and find out where the characters go.
You meet Karen in the first book of the series, she’s the main characters best friend. I’m excited she got her own book because she’s just vivacious. So full of life and encouragement to others around her, even though she’s not always in the best of circumstances herself. She starts taking photos for Hot Ink and meets Jed, then lusts after him for half a year.
Jed is that strong, silent type. He has is own company, he’s successful, but for some reason, thinks that Karen is completely out of his league. He fights the attraction between them but inevitably, they hook up. It’s really only one night, right? What could go wrong with that? Oh so much.
I love the story between these two, I can’t state that enough. It’s a great HEA and I’ll be honest for a few there, I was actually worried. All in all, great characters, great supporting characters and the connections between them are written perfectly. You tend to get not only a sense of the main characters, but also their friends. It is perfect for spreading out further into the series. I can’t wait to dive into the rest. A very solid three stars from me!
Innocent Ink did take me just a moment to regroup. It had been so long since reading Hot Ink, that I had to just push through the first few chapters until it refreshed me on the history. Really this was not a hardship though, because as I was relearning Eric and Mina's story, I was learning a whole new story starring Jed and Mina's best friend. I believed that I liked this sequel even better than the debut novel. Jed was a bit of an enigma, because even at the end of the book I don't know that I could with certainty say that I know him. He remains throughout as a mystery and broody individual. Karen on the other hand is an open book. I loved her character, and I loved how she is determined and centered. There is none of the whiny back and forth in this story. We jump into this lusty romance, and follow it all the way through. As I said before this has to be better of the two stories, but I am honestly really excited to read the third installment. It looks like it will have a bit of a twist. One being that it is the only female tattoo artist, and two that it has a lusty man that just happens to be a cop. Ranae Rose is great author. If you are looking for short romances that will just wisk you away on a little adventure; these are the stories for you!~BookWhisperer Reviewer Jax~
So I'm clearly determined to finish the series before the next one comes out (which I hope is soon), so you guys are going to be reading about these books every couple of days.
Normally in a romance series like this - you know the kind, the simple, easy and heart warming tales - the first book sets the tone for the series and it doesn't get any better than it was in book one. Well, this series just broke that mold for me. I liked Eric and Mina's story - but I loved Jed and Karen's. I was even in tears at one point (that's not actually that rare for me though, haha).
The biggest change that I loved was that in this story we got to know Jed's thoughts. It's like Ranae Rose knew exactly what I wanted to read. There were also no awkward time jumps. Just a very fluid and lovable story.
The characters were just lovely and I found them to be quite realistic. Once again, it also motivated me to get more tattoos. Clearly I've been thinking a lot about that.
Innocent Ink: Karen and Jed 2nd: Karen who took the Photos for the Hot Ink Poster meets Hot Inks Sexy Owner Jed, the attractions between them is electric. Karen is everything Jed would want in a women curvy, hot and passionate, but he’s not sure that acting on the attractions is worth the risk, having loss a love before. Jed think that Karen maybe to young and too full of life to be burdened with someone like him with too many scars. Karen faces a loss of her own, bring them closer together, lighting the fire but will it be put out before it can burn?
Karen and Jed story is a sad one, but a happy one as well, both of them have to face loss and will themselves to move on, making the story so much more. Jed makes this book for me, he is caring, strong and willing to give up something he loves just to let them grow as a person. I loved Karen as Mina best friend, but like her even more in her own story. The writing is amazing, emotionally and down right off the charts. I just wanted more like the first one.
Jed he's just the sweetest guy, "good God, she looked amazing. Not Abby- Karen. Abby might've looked good too, but Karen stole the spotlight so completely that there was no telling." I mean he's really going for Karen you can totally tell by his actions, "don't worry about it. I wanted to get you something - you've done so much for Hot Ink. You deserve a gift." He motioned toward the camera strap. "You deserve a lot more than that, actually, but I saw it in a camera shop and thought it would look nice on you." He even treats her right, do you know how hard it is to find a man that treats a woman right? (Well in my case not sure about everyone else's) "If you really want to do this," he said meeting her eyes, "we should do this right. Can I take you to dinner?" I liked this book, actually I always like Ranae's books so it's really no surprise that I would like this one. I hope to see more from Ms. Rose.
This is the story between a happy and very alive photographer and the owner of a Tattoo parlor (or however you call those business) who loves to the art of putting ink in people bodies. You may think at the beginning that Karen and Jed doesn't have too much in common, but that's not a real thought. They are very similar, at the inside. This story is what I need to enjoy a light reading with lovely dialogues and some hot scenes. Jed is one of the best and Karen would make laugh anyone.
Oh, yes! This one I love it even more than the first. I love all the scenes, how they keep thinking about each other (because, YES, it has dual POV's between him and her and I love that) and I seriously LOVE the epilogue. The best line: "We'll have to make it official one of these days, but you should know - I won't allow you to take the photos at our wedding. You'll have to hire someone else."
Unrequited love is always painful, but finding out the object of your desire actually feels the same, may be equally complex. This second instalment delves into the tragedy of lost love and the scars that are left behind. Knowing that life goes on, doesn't always make survival easier, it often simply prolongs the pain. So when an opportunity to love again presents itself, do you grab it with both hands or crawl inside the emptiness of your soul to protect yourself from further heartache. Innocent Ink is a beautifully written story of sacrifice and second chances, and my favourite of the series so far.
I'd be lying if I didn't start this with saying I was a little disappointed in this book. I mean we have the whole shebang - a tattooed loner, a hot sexy sweet heroine, and a tattoo shop. Why wasn't there more gritt? Why wasn't there more to this story? It really was just a love story that involved the above mentioned. I wanted some action, some damsel in distress, some heated arguments, some...I dunno...just SOMETHING more than was given. Was it sweet, yes. Was it a good story, yeah I guess. Was it sexy, you betchya. But that's it. Overall, just okay.
That's what this story was about. Jed was this lost soul for few years after he looses one person that he thought he would be with for the long haul but unfortunately that didn't happen. Karen has had a crush on Jed since she first met him while doing photos of the tattoos that his shop does on their customers. While Jed doesn't think he's good enough for Karen because of his sadness, she does everything to convince that they do belong together while at the same time she goes through a heartache of her own. Love overcomes heartache.
i was gifted a copy of INNOCENT INK by the author, in exchange for an honest review. and i have to say, i LOVED this book! and i am def. getting hot ink so i can be fully caught up. but this was a great little hot read ;) i have absolutely not a single bad thing to say about this book at all! can't wait to see what happens next, because i'm really hoping for a book 3. there can never be too many books with tattooed and pierced men in my mind. love, love, love it!
When compared to some issues that I had with the first book in this series (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), I can honestly say that this second installment was more satisfying.
Jed is definitely one who earned his place in my Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame. His tragic backstory tugged at my heartstrings. And the development of his relationship with Karen felt real and well-paced. Loved these two together.
3.5 stars. I love stories about second chance at love. Jed was both sexy and hot yet vulnerable as he tried to move on with his life after the death of his wife. Karen was wonderful and knew who she wanted-Jed. Their story is very sweet and endearing. A quick read that will leave you with a smile.
BK#2 ANOTHER SWEET-N-SEXY READ JEB & KAREN MORE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT WITH JED’S ROLE SEEMS MORE A PART OF THIS RELATIONSHIP. THESE TWO WERE INTRODUCED IN BK#1. LOTS OF HOT, HOT SEX, SCENES BUT IT STILL SEEMS AS IF SOMETHING IS MISSING EVEN THOUGH THE SEX SCENES ARE GREAT. WHY IS THE WORD AMAZING USED TO DESCRIBE SEX SO MUCH. ;]
4.5 stars I really liked this book!! It had every element I could possibly ask for! I have a thing for brooding, dark male characters so I obviously loved Jed. I loved karen and all her insecurities, her quirkiness, her relationship with her granny, the fact that she was a photographer, everything really...
All in all, it was a great book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this one Jed and Karen were just awesome definitely was feeling the connection this one got it right where the first book was little lack luster in that department it was nice to get a few updates from the first book also
I enjoyed this book more than the last. It felt a little bit deeper. However, I just feel like these books could be so much MORE. I like the writing and the story lines but it seems as if they just skim the surface of what's really happening.
It's still an ok story line but just not enough.I found myself putting it down and doing something else then picking it up later. I will read the next one but I'm honestly not sure if the story is enough to hold on to for me.