Hot Ink

Inked in the Steel City #1

by Ranae Rose

Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B006MHX016.

Mina never meant to fall for her sexy tattoo artist, Eric, or to become a model. But when she’s asked to pose in a photo shoot for the Hot Ink tattoo studio, she can’t say no. She finally gets a look at Eric’s tattoos when they’re cajoled into posing together, and in a few breathtaking moments, an on-camera kiss turns the passion they’re asked to fake into something very real, leaving them both wanting more. The only problem is that Mina’s not the glamour girl she looks like on the Hot Ink posters, or even in a tattoo magazine. She’s only twenty-four, but being the sole guardian of her disabled younger sister has left her feeling much older. Will Eric still be interested when he gets to know the girl behind the ink and the make-up and finds out that she and her little sister are a package deal?

Book 1 in the Inked in the Steel City Series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Erotica, Ebooks, Novella

157 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

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.

Reviews

[edge of bubble · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hot parts;




The heroine; woe is me, I can't date because I take care of my sister, everyone is out to get me, I have a scar on my tigh so I must be unattractive as fuck.

if a hard object were to fall on her head while she was walking in the street, this would be me;



The hero; has ink and blue eyes and is a tattoo artist. That's the total of his character development.

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

FREE on Amazon US today (9/2/2015)

Stand-alone book 1.

BLURB:
Mina never meant to fall for her sexy tattoo artist, Eric, or to become a model. But when she’s asked to pose in a photo shoot for the Hot Ink tattoo studio, she can’t say no. She finally gets a look at Eric’s tattoos when they’re cajoled into posing together, and in a few breathtaking moments, an on-camera kiss turns the passion they’re asked to fake into something very real, leaving them both wanting more.

The only problem is that Mina’s not the glamour girl she looks like on the Hot Ink posters, or even in a tattoo magazine. She’s only twenty-four, but being the sole guardian of her disabled younger sister has left her feeling much older. Will Eric still be interested when he gets to know the girl behind the ink and the make-up and finds out that she and her little sister are a package deal?

http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Inked-Steel...


FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 470 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Rain Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me after reading the blurb:


Me after finishing this book:


But, let's go back to the very beginning...

Hot Ink is a (too) short, (kind of) cute read. It is (partly) about ink. What it's not (imo, at least) is hot.
It started off just fine, though. Mina is in the "Hot Ink" tattoo shop, in the middle of her session with Eric. She's in pain, he's hot... damn, I'd swoon if I were her. Black hair. Blue eyes. Have I mentioned hot? Great beginning!
Anyway, Mina's friend Karen is keeping her company, and - since she's a photographer - suggests taking some photos of Mina's tattoo once it's done. During the second photo shoot, Eric shows up, they end up posing together for Hot Ink ads, and... as the saying goes - the rest is history.
Well, not exactly.

Mina is twenty four, works as a bank teller, considers herself boring and feels too old for her age. She's also a legal guardian of her fourteen year old sister Jess, who's in a wheelchair.
Eric is... let's get back to that later.
Actually, now's the perfect time for the likes/dislikes list of mine. So...

What I liked about Hot Ink
* Jess - her character is awesome. She's not a whiny teenager, angry with the whole world because of her disability. She's not even shoved aside and only mentioned from time to time. Jess is real. A true fighter, an amazing girl and such a great addition to the story.
* Eric - he's a great guy. He's hot. He's got awesome tattoos. He's... too good to be true.
* I finished the book in about two hours (wait, maybe this should go in the "dislikes"?).

What I disliked about Hot Ink
* Mina - sadly. Don't get me wrong, she's great. Considerate, devoted sister. Good friend. Compassionate soul. But...
It's all about her. Her POV. Her struggle. Her thoughts. Guys don't stick around once they find out Jess is her priority, and she doesn't have time for a relationship. Eric will be the same. Once she tells him that, he'll never call again. Wait, maybe he doesn't want a relationship. Maybe he thinks she's easy and just wants a one night stand. Wait... no, he's still there. Maybe once she explains...
Assume. Assume. Assume.
* Eric - as much as I did like him, he's more of a side character here. We never get to really know him. There are some bits and pieces, but definitely not enough, and definitely not what you'd expect to find in a hero of a story.
* The story is slow paced, and I liked that part. What I didn't like about it came when I was around 70% mark. Eric and Mina were making out and... clit and pussy were mentioned for the very first time. I was okay with that, but then it was all about clit and pussy for the next several pages, and I was like . Is this the same story??? It just felt weird.
* Since it's a short read, there's the first full sex scene at around 90%. It's over, I turn a page and - 4 months later.
Even that (kind of) epilogue just managed to give me a toothache. It's too sweet, and feels like it's all "Yes, dear, whatever you like, we will never disagree or (God forbid) fight, ever".
Man, I miss those badass hunks sometimes.

So, there you go. You should read it, maybe you'll even enjoy it...
Unfortunately, it's not what I was hoping for, and it's definitely not something that could make me jump for joy.

[Mariann {at} Belle's Book Bag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot Ink was a quick, fun, sweet, sexy read that I really liked. The story and characters entertained me from the start and kept me interested till the end. I thought the ending was really cute. Of course, I loved hot, sexy, tattooed Eric, but I also loved Mina and Jess. This books was a perfect read for me because it was not filled will conflict and angst.
It was just nice to sit and read a quick story filled with lovable characters and sexy tattoos. LOL ;p This is my first time reading Ranae Rose and I will definitely be looking for more from her. 4 out of 5 rating.

[Awilk -never sleeps- · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5Stars

A quick, sweet read that wasn't quiet what I was expecting. It had more depth then I thought such a short read would. Lovely characters who more then deserved their happy ending. Would have liked a bit more information on Eric. Couldn't believe there was a tattooed hottie who was so nice. I want an Eric of my own.

Wish it was a lot longer. My second Ranae Rose book in a row. I must look into her other work asap.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance about a 20 something girl with 40 something responsibilities. Mina doesn't think the hot tattoo artist Eric, would be interested in her because of said responsibilities. Little does she know, he wants to be more! I liked this quick romance even though I had to wait til the near end to get to the steamy parts! ;)

[Elishia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Mills · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a woman I work with who's really sweet, considerate, hard-working, ready to help. She ought to be my favourite colleague but she's needy. And I don't mean she wants a bit of reassurance. We all need that sometimes. What I mean is, you feel like you could move a finger and she'd think she'd done something wrong. It's really sad but it's also exhausting.

Mina is in essence this colleague of mine. She has a traumatic past and is in the unusual position of being guardian to a sibling only ten years younger than her. She should be an interesting character but she kills it with her constant insecurity. A one sentence interaction can lead to several paragraphs of neuroticism and I'm sorry, I tried to be sympathetic, but I simply couldn't maintain it for what I expected to be a light hearted read.

Ranae Rose's grammar, syntax and general phrasing are ok (barring a particular phrase about living in the shadow of one's discontent which is a little overblown) which unfortunately is a plus in a self-published novel, but Hot Ink just doesn't work.


NB: There is one of my pet hates at the end an engagement after, I don't know, max six months of dating. Boo.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Mina found Eric, a tattoo artist, online she never expected to fall for him. After weeks of getting to know him as he delicately crafted the tattoo she was wanting, she finds herself crushing hard. As the guardian to her younger sister though, she knows she doesn't have time for dating and what man would want her with the baggage she carries. None of Mina's concerns matter to Eric, when he is asked to pose with Mina for photographs showcasing their tattoos they end up kissing one another both hoping it will lead to something more...

This had a sensual sizzle to it, neither Mina or Eric jump right in it is slow and soft, both feeling each other out before deciding what to do. I liked that it was paced differently and the story had a couple of surprises that were unexpected. Great read.

[Angie Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a sweet story. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from a book that was only 150 pages, but I thought this one was filled with emotion.

Mina was a character that I could really connect with, not because our circumstances are the same, but because, like most females, she has a fear of not measuring up. I found her to be incredibly likable.

I would've liked to have seen at least one flaw in the hero, but again, it's hard to delve into two characters in only 150 pages, and I would rather read this from Mina's POV (as it was written,) so I'm satisfied.

I'm not sure this book has so much sex that I'd classify it as erotic, but it was a hot read!

[Lesley Book Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too short for me, although a lovely little storyline, it needed more details about Eric, and the growing romance. Maybe there are more things to come out in the following books, but as they are about other characters at the Tatoo parlour I doubt it, so I will not be reading them, so won't be finding out.

[Jessica ♡~ Book&Coffee Lover ~♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet sexy story.. that show us what LOVE is all about.. And Sweet Baby Jesus i totally understand why Mina has chosen for such a large tattoo = more time with hunkilicious Eric, who knows a thing or two about making a girl feel good!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Enjoyable book. No real drama and angst. Easy afternoon read.

[Rachel the Book Harlot · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Relly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

3 stars

I’ve wanted to reread this one for a while but all I could remember was the tattoo that Mina got and nothing else about the story.
Unfortunately it was just ok. Mina was a little annoying with her constant doubts and I don’t feel like I know anything about Eric other than his dragon tattoo, blue eyes and black hair.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (6/18/2020)! 🎁

[MsRomanticReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

At just twenty-four years old, Mina is mother, sister and best friend to her wheelchair-bound sister. Mina works as a bank teller; a job she doesn't really like, but it pays the bills. Her love life isn't all that exciting either. She can't be bothered especially when men realize that her first priority is and always will be her sister. That's not to say that Mina is totally unaffected by sexy men, and there is one in particular, her tattoo artist Eric. After a failed non-date, Mina thinks she's lost her chance with him. When her best friend asks her to model her recently acquired tattoos for a photo shoot, she reluctantly agrees. The impromptu job is going well until Eric shows up, and she gets talked into posing with him for some really sexy pictures. Their chemistry is undeniable, but he'll just run like the other men once they find out that she and her sister are a package deal. Or will he?

I LOVED this story! The author managed to pack in a lot of (com)passion and a little drama in this short story, but it never felt rushed. The budding relationship between the hero and heroine felt believable. There was a lot of great sexual tension that got released in increments as the story unfolded, and I didn't get the impression that waiting for the sex to happen was the main focus. It was one of those "it will happen when they're ready" moments.

Mina was a great character and very down to earth. I admired her for her sacrifices and for her relationship with her little sister. She's fiercely loyal and protective, but underneath it all, she bears the burden of their mother's actions in the past. That burden leads to her making assumptions about Eric, and he has his work cut out for him to make her see that he's not a bad guy. Eric was pretty much perfect in my eyes. He showed Mina that she was desirable and entitled to happiness while raising a teenager. Simply put, he brought stability to Mina's chaos.

If you're looking for a feel good, short, romantic read with little drama, lots of ink, steamy make-out sessions and one zinger of a love scene, then you'll want to read this.

My thanks to the author for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kame · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

Mina is single and only twenty-four years old, but some days she feels like she has the responsibility of the world on her much older shoulders. Mina is the guardian for her younger sister Jess. She allows herself so few indulgences. What a better way to embrace her love for plants and flowers and Jess’ talent as an artist but to have a tattoo of her favorite flowers. That tattoo came out incredible and the time spent at Hot Ink with the hunky tattoo artist Eric didn’t hurt either. But there is no room for a man in Mina’s life, it’s a challenge to keep her and Jess afloat. When Mina’s friend Karen is asked to take some promotional photos for Hot Ink, Karen thinks some pictures of Mina and Eric are a perfect idea. The model fee Mina will be paid will help pay for Jess’ homecoming dress. At the photo shoot there Mina tries to resist the pull towards Eric, but then he kisses her…

Mina is a great character trying to make a better life for herself and her sister. She doesn’t think she has time for love, but Eric understands and is patient and accepts the time that Mina can give to him while at the same time being as supportive to her as he can. Eric had strong feelings for Mina and that was more important than anything – and that kind of putting someone else’s needs, not matter what they are, above your own is just so endearing to me, and so sexy!

This is a great easy read. Sometimes I need a lot of action and suspense in a book, and sometimes I need a book that has characters on the same path with no major conflict causing you to doubt their HEA. I never questioned that Mina and Eric would be together at the end of the book. Not every book I read do I feel that the hero and heroine are soul mates, but I truly felt as I read this that Eric and Mina had found their soul mate that completed them, that would truly understand them down to their core. Their love will just make you happy. And when you are done you can go right into the next book in the series and continue visiting with the great characters of Ranae Rose’s Inked in the Steel City series.

[Katya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!!!

This is an adult work of fiction vs Young Adult but I don't get why they classified it as erotic romance????

I love the cover and I liked these characters.

Mina is 24 and taken on the responsibility of Mom to her much younger teenage sister Jessica, who is in a wheelchair and facing alot of difficult life situations. their individual fathers gone and mother abandoning them, Mina has done a pretty darn good job raising Jessica. She is responsible and is not tainted by the experience...she is not a whiner about her life.

The author did a great job portraying Jessica, not as a throw-away character, but as a real person...we got to see some of her reality...ridicule and teasing from fellow students, excited for a school dance only to be dumped the day of the dance...we get to see some of the disappointments in her life...she says something like, "I may be in a wheelchair but I am not different from everyone else."

Eric is a kind hearted, sexy tattoo artist. But we don't really get to know him as well. I always felt this story was all about Mina. Her struggle? How to make a relationship work with someone who has to accept that she and Jessica come as a package. Mina has avoided relationships and says she often feels like a 40 year old mother than a 24 year old woman.

Mina and Eric meet when he does her tattoo on her side. They both are attracted to one another and then are asked to pose for photographs to show off their tats. That photo session requires no upper clothing and only modest covering and some real serious physical attraction which ends in a kiss...that kiss, on film is made into posters and ends up in a tattoo magazine.

What is so sweet and endearing about this story is how slow the pace is...without it being noticed. These two don't jump into bed right away...the attraction builds slowly over time. And wondering along with Mina if Eric will accept her and her responsibilities is what keeps you on edge until the HEA at the end of the book.

This book is sweet, warm, romantic and a nice read.

[Jacqueline · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was MEH. This is the second book from this author I've tried (currently reading a third book by RR), and I've got to say - it's not looking great for more purchases.

The summary sounded great - and for the price it got decent reviews. So I gave it a shot.

Plot:
I liked the ink/tattoo part. I'm into these lately, but have been having a hard time finding really good ones with a hint of a plot. Sadly this one didn't, though it had hints. Overall the plot was sub-standard and super predictable. The pace was not top grade - it went slowly then BAM. Sex. "4 months later" scene. Um what?
There was no drama. At all. No angst. No suspense, no twists or turns. Not even an ex who shows up or something. Just... two people who met, one has to take care of her younger sister (in a wheelchair). I've got to say - the summary made it sound WAY better than the reality of the book.
I was also shocked at how short the book was!! I read it in about an hour. I think I need to stop buying these cheap books - they only seem to disappoint me.

Characters:
I both liked and disliked Jess. She wasn't a whiny teenager which was nice, but I also just felt... I don't even know how to explain it. I think I liked the idea of her. But I wanted MORE, more about her, less about Mina. I actually disliked Mina. Which is unfortunate since the whole book revolved around her. It seemed like every other character was a side character - that she was the only MAIN. Even Eric - who should have been a main character - was barely touched on. It was hard to really like or dislike any of the characters other than Mina because of this, they were all so... flat. I really wanted Eric to have a hunky hero vibe or for god sakes, GROW A PAIR. All the character interactions were TOO perfect. No fighting. All agreeing. There was no... spark.

Overall:
Weak characters, weaker plot. Super short. The author has one more book to redeem themselves for me, but it isn't looking good.

[Leiera Monae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book 1 of 8 of Inked in the Steel City series

This book wasn't bad, it was just missing a few things that I felt it needed:

• Length - This book was extremely short, which is what leads me right to issue #2...

• Character Development - Even though the book is told in the 3rd person, we still are only given a tunnel-vision view into Mina's life. I needed to get into Eric's head. I needed to connect with him and understand the relationship development from his perspective.

• More thoroughly developed storyline details - And here I am specifically referring to Mina's wheelchair-bound sister, Jessica. Near the beginning of the book, there was a serious incident that Jessica was involved in at school, but it was kind of rushed through.

• Believability - Mina's and Eric's love story begins because Mina sought to have a HUGE tattoo inked onto her side, like her ENTIRE side. Tattoos ain't cheap, but then afterwards, in her inner mono she is worried about spending extra money on coffee and a dress for Jessica. The teeter-totter just wasn't balancing on those details. It didn't make any sense to me.

Those glaring complaints aside, overall the story was an okay read, hence the 2-star rating.

[ivowuvowwevow · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF even with how short it is! Why you ask? Because first off (not spoiling since it's in the first chapter) the heroine (if you will) is getting a decent size tattoo on her size running from under her shoulder to hip! Now supposedly she is taking care of her disabled sister and can't afford a lot. To the point were the hero asks her out to coffee, which she agrees, but doesn't want to get anything to eat to go with it because "she didn't have the cash to spare!" Hellooooo if you can't buy yourself a freakin muffin WTF are you doing getting a fkn tattoo that runs your side of your body? Which anyone who has gotten tattoos knows this size would cost anywhere from $800-1,000 dollars if not more!!!! Yet she can't "spare the cash" to get a bite to eat? I'm sorry but this turned me off from the beginning! Not to mention when the sister who is in high school shows her a dress she wants on line (the cost of her rent) she cringes but gets for her! Yet she selfishly has no problem spending money on a tattoo for her self! Anywho you don't have to listen to me if this is fine with you! I'm just glad I didn't pay money for this.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and spunky read. I really enjoyed the characters.
Mina is a girl who has had a rough go of it and knows how her life is planned out for her until she meets Eric.
Eric is a guy who seems to have it all together. Sure he know life can be hard but is still sure of himself and his goals.
When Mina has Eric do a tattoo for her, she tells herself its just a tattoo and nothing more. Until Mina's friend Karen is asked to do a photo shot for the tattoo shop where Eric works. As things progress Mina's wants more from her life then what she knows it will be.
They both see how their lives change so quickly in the blink of an eye.

More in the series (2) Innocent Ink and (3) Dedicated Ink.

[Hollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This made for such a charming quick read. I enjoyed it but found the plot to be lacking. There just wasn’t a lot that happened. I suppose that’s to be expected for a series starter though. While the ending left much to be desired, at least it didn’t end with a cliffhanger. I do feel its current price of $2.99 is a bit steep considering its only 155 pages.
Long review cut short, I liked the writing style and the character depth was impressive for such a short book. I will definitely check out more of this series, and more of this writers work.

[AlohaMyPikachu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed the writing style and the characters very much. The only reason I didn't rate the book four stars is because I thought the end was very anti-climactic. I equate this to getting on a roller coaster that's going to be wicked and when its over realized you felt as though you'd gotten on the kiddie coaster. No offense to the author. I just feel like I want that coaster to go up and up and up and have a whoosh when it comes down. The ending to this novel didn't do that for me. Despite this feeling, I will definitely continue with the series.

[Noemi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mina is 24 years old, but by being her younger sister's legal guardian, she hadn't had much time to date and meet people. However, Eric, the tattoo artist who is doing some work on her is starting to warm up her heart, and thanks to a busybody best friend and Mina's younger sister, Mina starts to accept Eric feelings.

It's a really nice and heartwarming story, but I couldn't;t give it more than 3 stars because I felt everything was rushed too much in the story, even the relationship.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I PICKED THIS FOR TWO REASONS I LOVE TATOOS AND I HAPPEN TO LIVE IN PITTSBURGH, PA.
BK#1
SWEET ROMANCE, HOT SEX SCENES BUT I FELT LIKE SOMETHING WAS MISSING . . .A SPARK. I THINK THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT OF ERIC HE DID'NT REALLY HAVE MUCH OF A PART, IT WAS ALL ABOUT MINA, WHO I DID'NT REALLY LIKE. I FOUND HER VERY ANNOYING. I WAS SURPRISED AT THE LITTLE MENTION OF PITTSBURGH AT ALL. I STILL FEEL AS IF SOMETHING IS MISSING. ON TO THE NEXT BOOK. ;\

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy read with Nikki!!!

This was a fun book but I'm not sure what I enjoyed more...the book or buddy reading it with Nikki.


I loved Eric. He was the sweetest thing ever. Mina drove me slightly crazy with the way she kept pushing Eric away. I was glad to see her finally give in and let the awesome guy into her life.

[Sheryl C. Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what i was expecting at all! A remarkably sweet story with a lot of hot, steamy sex thrown in! The one thing the story made me want to do is get another tattoo...LOL! Especially if Eric was the tattoo artist! Phwoar!!

[Brittany · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was boring to me. I didn't even finish it really.