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Inked in the Steel City #5
Serious Ink
Hard times mean hard choices, but falling for Noah Wilder is easy. Beneath his suit and tie, he’s seriously inked and seriously irresistible. When he walks into the Hot Ink Tattoo Studio, the attraction between him and studio receptionist Zoe is mutual – and fierce. And after the opportunity to ditch her demeaning second job to work for him instead arises, suddenly he’s her boss … and much more. With lines blurred in every way imaginable, can she balance passion and professionalism with doing what’s best for her struggling family?
Attraction is a powerful thing. So is former fighter Noah’s drive to make his growing mixed martial arts promotion company succeed, and if business happens to coincide with pleasure, so much the better. Tattooed beauty Zoe Ramsey is all his when she’s not working at Hot Ink – for twenty hours a week, anyway. When circumstances bring them close faster than they ever imagined, can he make her see that he’s just as serious about her as he is about the business he’s poured his heart and soul into?
Inked in the Steel City Book 5
Attraction is a powerful thing. So is former fighter Noah’s drive to make his growing mixed martial arts promotion company succeed, and if business happens to coincide with pleasure, so much the better. Tattooed beauty Zoe Ramsey is all his when she’s not working at Hot Ink – for twenty hours a week, anyway. When circumstances bring them close faster than they ever imagined, can he make her see that he’s just as serious about her as he is about the business he’s poured his heart and soul into?
Inked in the Steel City Book 5
180 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2014
20 people are currently reading
1090 people want to read
About the author
Ranae Rose
46 books718 followersI 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 31, 2014
Serious Ink is book 5 in the Inked In The Steel City Series. The books from this series are all quick, enjoyable reads, but I think this one is the shortest as I devoured it in about 3 hours, not a bad thing, but I always want more when it comes to Ranae Rose’s amazing writing and characters.
Zoe Ramsey has been in the periphery of the previous books, in view of the fact that she is one of Hot Inks receptionists, but as with all of the characters you know there is more going on in their lives, but you are only tempted and tantalized with what it might actually be until they get their own book. Ranae has a great skill for this, in that although Zoe was never a main character in any of the previous books, she is still an integral part of the series as a whole.
Noah Wilder “Suit Model Candidate” has just moved into the area, after relocating his business, and
I have to say this is where I get a tad excited, because Noah is in the business of MMA, no longer a fighter, but promoting and organizing tournaments. I have everything crossed that going forward Ranae will bring Noah and his colleagues into the Inked In The Steel City Series more, as no one writes MMA Romance like RR. Put MMA fighters and Tattoo’s in the same book and you have one happy reader!
After initially meeting at Hot Ink, Noah for Ink and Zoe for work, they agree to meet for coffee, and the relationship develops at breakneck speed from there. Unfortunately Zoe has a lot going on her personal life that she isn’t initially open to sharing with Noah, and the friction that this causes between them as well as a few misunderstandings, means things come to a head pretty quickly.
I loved, loved, loved how protective Noah became with Zoe after she told him she was a Celiac (wheat/gluten intolerance), who knew how sexy a guy turning down a basket of bread rolls could be! As always with a RR book, the sex is scorch the Kindle screen hot, and as you would expect, with all of the “Inked” guys, Noah knows how to treat his girl and isn’t afraid of expressing himself whether it be in bed, the shower or in the office!
Zoe - He was the first guy Zoe had ever met whose inner attractiveness seemed to match his
seriously stunning exterior.
Another stellar addition to the series, can’t wait to see who comes next, I do however know that I won’t be disappointed either way!
ARC generously provided by Ranae Rose in exchange for the above honest review.
Zoe Ramsey has been in the periphery of the previous books, in view of the fact that she is one of Hot Inks receptionists, but as with all of the characters you know there is more going on in their lives, but you are only tempted and tantalized with what it might actually be until they get their own book. Ranae has a great skill for this, in that although Zoe was never a main character in any of the previous books, she is still an integral part of the series as a whole.
Noah Wilder “Suit Model Candidate” has just moved into the area, after relocating his business, and
I have to say this is where I get a tad excited, because Noah is in the business of MMA, no longer a fighter, but promoting and organizing tournaments. I have everything crossed that going forward Ranae will bring Noah and his colleagues into the Inked In The Steel City Series more, as no one writes MMA Romance like RR. Put MMA fighters and Tattoo’s in the same book and you have one happy reader!
After initially meeting at Hot Ink, Noah for Ink and Zoe for work, they agree to meet for coffee, and the relationship develops at breakneck speed from there. Unfortunately Zoe has a lot going on her personal life that she isn’t initially open to sharing with Noah, and the friction that this causes between them as well as a few misunderstandings, means things come to a head pretty quickly.
I loved, loved, loved how protective Noah became with Zoe after she told him she was a Celiac (wheat/gluten intolerance), who knew how sexy a guy turning down a basket of bread rolls could be! As always with a RR book, the sex is scorch the Kindle screen hot, and as you would expect, with all of the “Inked” guys, Noah knows how to treat his girl and isn’t afraid of expressing himself whether it be in bed, the shower or in the office!
Zoe - He was the first guy Zoe had ever met whose inner attractiveness seemed to match his
seriously stunning exterior.
Another stellar addition to the series, can’t wait to see who comes next, I do however know that I won’t be disappointed either way!
ARC generously provided by Ranae Rose in exchange for the above honest review.
January 29, 2014
Noah is a sweetheart of a sexy man. Zoe is absolutely adorable and so loyal to her family. The two of them together were a sweet supportive match made in tattooed heaven. I love that Ranae gave Zoe a diagnosis of celiac and really kept the consistency through out the book with real detail of the disease. These little details keep the characters so real and true to life. The Inked in the Steel City series has been one of my favorite series. Serious Ink was the quality of writing I have come to expect and love from Ranae Rose.
ARC provided by Ranae Rose for an honest review.
ARC provided by Ranae Rose for an honest review.
March 5, 2016
Serious Ink was good, different and I enjoyed it for the most part. But I felt as if something(s) were missing. One of those things being a bit of background on Noah. There was not much about him in here at all and I really wanted to know more behind the man...
February 24, 2014
3.5 stars. Once again another great addition to this series. Noah and Zoe were very engaging together and their chemistry was extremely HOT!
April 24, 2016
I love it, from the minute I started reading about Noah, I love it.
June 10, 2017
Sometimes we need to read books about normal people struggling to earn a living and follow their dreams. The title is a bit misleading in this contemporary romance about two kind, caring people who discover true love.
August 19, 2018
3.5 stars
June 9, 2025
3-3.5
April 20, 2014
My first impression of Noah was beyond who I thought that he would be. Walking into the tattoo shop with confidence, looking hot and was as wonderful as could be. Yes, he is a man that knows what he wants and will not hesitate to go for what he wants. He also has a kind and caring heart. He looks out for those he cares for. Having the background of a mixed martial artist he’s built, fit and sexy as hell. You would think that would make him a bad ass but he’s almost the perfect gentleman.
I have gotten to know and love Zoe through previous installments of the Inked in the Steal City series. Zoe is just wonderful character. She has a good heart, fun to be around, independent, beautiful, and very loyal and family oriented. She will go out of her way to do anything to help her family. Even to the point of self-sacrifice. Zoe is also unique, in that she has celiac disease. I loved that Ms. Rose gave us a gluten free character. Some by choice and others for health, people have to deal with in everyday life. That is a nice touch added for reader to be to relate to in their reading.
Zoe and Noah were meant to be in my book. I don’t want to say it was love at first sight but something was there. From their first meeting at the tattoo shop, to the way he accommodate her by not eating food she couldn’t have in front of her. The two complemented each other. Noah has his moments of being a man where they like to take control and try to make everything right. Zoe is an independent woman and needed someone to stand by your side. From the steamy scenes in the bedroom to tender moments of being coming a couple Ms. Rose gave us a tantalizing read. Noah and Zoe make you want them to fall in love!
I received a complimentary eCopy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
I have gotten to know and love Zoe through previous installments of the Inked in the Steal City series. Zoe is just wonderful character. She has a good heart, fun to be around, independent, beautiful, and very loyal and family oriented. She will go out of her way to do anything to help her family. Even to the point of self-sacrifice. Zoe is also unique, in that she has celiac disease. I loved that Ms. Rose gave us a gluten free character. Some by choice and others for health, people have to deal with in everyday life. That is a nice touch added for reader to be to relate to in their reading.
Zoe and Noah were meant to be in my book. I don’t want to say it was love at first sight but something was there. From their first meeting at the tattoo shop, to the way he accommodate her by not eating food she couldn’t have in front of her. The two complemented each other. Noah has his moments of being a man where they like to take control and try to make everything right. Zoe is an independent woman and needed someone to stand by your side. From the steamy scenes in the bedroom to tender moments of being coming a couple Ms. Rose gave us a tantalizing read. Noah and Zoe make you want them to fall in love!
I received a complimentary eCopy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
January 31, 2014
Serious Ink by Ranae Rose
4 Stars
Zoe loves her job as receptionist at Hot Ink, but in order to make ends meet she takes a second job. One night at the end of her shift Noah walks in for his appointment with Jed. Noah asks Zoe out to dinner and Zoe finds the offer hard to resist. By the end of the night Noah knows he wants to spend as much time with Zoe as possible.
Zoe is a character in the series I have wondered about for a while. It was nice to read about her. Her determination and love for her family is so evident. She fits in wonderfully with the other Hot Ink employees. What makes Zoe a unique character is her need for a gluten free diet. It is Noah’s embracing of that need that makes him completely lovable to me. Right on their first date he declined the rolls the waitperson was putting on the table. There is something about these Inked in the Steel City heroes they all just melt my heart. They are all guys I would want in my life or in my friends & families lives.
This is an easy read. No major heart pounding emotional scenes. I felt the attraction and love between the characters. Their conflict that tore them apart was plausible, and the resolution was believable. The intimate scenes between Zoe and Noah were steamy and just the right amount for the plot. We get a glimpse at former series heroes and heroines which I always welcome when reading a series.
I am wondering who is next in this series because I know fans like myself do not want to see it end. I will definitely be reading any future installments.
I received this book from the author for my honest review.
4 Stars
Zoe loves her job as receptionist at Hot Ink, but in order to make ends meet she takes a second job. One night at the end of her shift Noah walks in for his appointment with Jed. Noah asks Zoe out to dinner and Zoe finds the offer hard to resist. By the end of the night Noah knows he wants to spend as much time with Zoe as possible.
Zoe is a character in the series I have wondered about for a while. It was nice to read about her. Her determination and love for her family is so evident. She fits in wonderfully with the other Hot Ink employees. What makes Zoe a unique character is her need for a gluten free diet. It is Noah’s embracing of that need that makes him completely lovable to me. Right on their first date he declined the rolls the waitperson was putting on the table. There is something about these Inked in the Steel City heroes they all just melt my heart. They are all guys I would want in my life or in my friends & families lives.
This is an easy read. No major heart pounding emotional scenes. I felt the attraction and love between the characters. Their conflict that tore them apart was plausible, and the resolution was believable. The intimate scenes between Zoe and Noah were steamy and just the right amount for the plot. We get a glimpse at former series heroes and heroines which I always welcome when reading a series.
I am wondering who is next in this series because I know fans like myself do not want to see it end. I will definitely be reading any future installments.
I received this book from the author for my honest review.
August 22, 2014
Book 5 in the series definitely has the hottest cover! Just felt like that needed to be said right off. Haha. I was so excited waiting for this to come out and read it pretty much immediately - though reviewing it took a fair bit longer.
Much like the rest of this series, I absolutely loved it. It's funny seeing Zoe in the other books, you don't really realize how much she's going through - just kind of the perky receptionist in the background - but now we know that it's not all sunshine and roses for her. Or, I guess it is by the end of this book. This was great - it took my preconceptions of a character and turned them on their head. I love when that happens. I still really liked her too (which makes it even better)! Noah was also awesome - and clearly perfect for her. A well-written duo for sure!
The plot was also good. Quick moving and never boring. I did want someone to punch her boss at the frozen yogurt shop though. Can that happen in a future book? Please? It was a good story. I just loved it.
Check out more of my reviews at http://whatabookbitch.blogspot.ca
February 2, 2014
I am a huge fan of this loosely connected series. Most of these books can be read stand alone but fair warning if you read one you will want to read them all.
I felt particularly close to these characters. Noah is a sweet tough guy in a suit trying to make a go of his new business. He is a “fixer”. One of those guys who sees a problem and wants to make it better especially if the person with the problem is someone he cares about. Zoe is struggling to do it all herself. She doesn’t want someone to “fix it” she wants someone to stand by her side and encourage her.
Both of these folks are not at a place in their lives where they are looking for love but it finds them and you get to be along for the ride. Another sweet and sexy story from Ranae Rose.
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy from the author in return for a fair and honest review. I honestly enjoyed this quick, sexy, fun read. Thanks so much Ms. Rose.
I felt particularly close to these characters. Noah is a sweet tough guy in a suit trying to make a go of his new business. He is a “fixer”. One of those guys who sees a problem and wants to make it better especially if the person with the problem is someone he cares about. Zoe is struggling to do it all herself. She doesn’t want someone to “fix it” she wants someone to stand by her side and encourage her.
Both of these folks are not at a place in their lives where they are looking for love but it finds them and you get to be along for the ride. Another sweet and sexy story from Ranae Rose.
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy from the author in return for a fair and honest review. I honestly enjoyed this quick, sexy, fun read. Thanks so much Ms. Rose.
January 29, 2014
I loved Noah right off, there's something about him that you can't help but fall in love with, "that's too bad. I was hoping you'd agree to grab dinner with me after my appointment, if you were free. I haven't done anything but work and move boxes these past couple weeks, and it'd be nice to have some company." He's just to damn cute in the bedroom he's a complete gentleman, "hope you're not offended," he said, turning green eyes on her as he bent, reaching under the bed. "I bought these after you said you'd think about my offer to live here." "these" turned out to be condoms. An entire unopened box." He's so honest and I think that Zoe likes that about him and well his body, "eff, I couldn't help it. Still can't. I want you, Zoe. And I'm going to keep wanting you. I'll probably be a shi**y roommate after this. Never leave you alone - no concept of personal space."
March 12, 2014
Serious Ink: Zoe and Noah 5th: Zoe the long time receptionist at Hot Ink has to take a second job to make ends meet. Zoe is shocked when a sexy suited man walks into Hot Ink, with some really hot Ink under the suit, but the attraction between them is fierce. Noah taking no chance at letting Zoe go, he asked her out and then offers her a job. Can the make things work if his her boss and the passion between them pouring over everything?
I really liked Zoe and Noah, they had more trouble than some of the other couples in this series. Zoe having money and family problems is very real and can pull anyone in. I love how Noah tried to help but seemed to be messing up, but he did it because he cared. Everything was spot on and I could asked for more, even if I wanted it to be longer.
I really liked Zoe and Noah, they had more trouble than some of the other couples in this series. Zoe having money and family problems is very real and can pull anyone in. I love how Noah tried to help but seemed to be messing up, but he did it because he cared. Everything was spot on and I could asked for more, even if I wanted it to be longer.
February 5, 2014
This ARC was given to me by the author for an honest review. Noah & Zoe!! Just your average people, met by chance and fell in love! I really like both of these characters, so down to earth and you can relate to them. I love that Zoe is so dedicated to her family and Noah is willing to help her also. A quick, fun and sexy read. This is the first of this series that I read, but I plan to go back and read the ones I missed!! Ink is forever, so is love!!!
January 6, 2015
I'm going to keep this short and sweet. This was the same book as the other two I read. A couple things changed - but overall? The same. Weak characters, book seemed to go at a decent pace then BAM. 6 months later. What? What just happened...? The main characters were going along and it was like she just got bored of writing so to finish it quickly jumped forward in time.
Won't be reading any more from this author. The book(s) that Ive read barely held my attention.
Won't be reading any more from this author. The book(s) that Ive read barely held my attention.
November 17, 2014
This book was one of the best of the series for me, I have loved them all but the tattooed executive all covered up under that stuffy suit just makes you go yum!!!! I don't think I was ready for this book to end as soon as it did though, it seemed to me that there may have been a little more story to tell on this one before it ended! other than that another awesome book!!!
February 23, 2014
Love this book, this series and this author! I hope this leads to more books in a spin off series with the new guys. Well written. Hot alpha men who just want to help and take care of people. Loved the plot development between her and her brother as a side note. Hoping for more soon.
March 26, 2014
I received this book from goodreads for an honest review. This was the first book I read from this author. I related to the book and characters because I have lived in the areas where the book was set. The book was enjoyable and an easy book to read, but the poverty aspect was a bit depressing.
February 28, 2014
3.5 stars
February 18, 2014
2.95. got bored. sorry. it's a light read. no extreme drama. for me, the characters were just plain. i didn't feel their emotions and their connection. nothing.
April 23, 2014
Love Love Love these books
March 19, 2014
This was ok.
April 18, 2014
I enjoy this series. Easy read. Good charachters.
April 29, 2017
Book 5 of 8 of Inked in the Steel City series
I really enjoyed Book 5. I shipped Zoah hard. Noah was such a badass who was the perfect balance of sweet and alpha male. And Zoe was a very likeable heroine, just trying to make it on her own. Loved these two together. They burned up the pages for sure!
Also, Paul and Britney added much depth to Zoe's side of the story. I admired their love for their father, and the way that they tried to take care of him.
I really enjoyed Book 5. I shipped Zoah hard. Noah was such a badass who was the perfect balance of sweet and alpha male. And Zoe was a very likeable heroine, just trying to make it on her own. Loved these two together. They burned up the pages for sure!
Also, Paul and Britney added much depth to Zoe's side of the story. I admired their love for their father, and the way that they tried to take care of him.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews