Ink Reunited

Montgomery Ink #0.6

by Carrie Ann Ryan

From the streets of New Orleans and the heat of Midnight Ink, comes the happy ever after for a character whose story was begged to be told.

Sassy Bordeaux is the Midnight Ink receptionist, honorary godmother, best friend to many, and matchmaker expert. In the past two months, she's watched eight couples fall in love, make mistakes, and find their happy endings. Though she might have had hand in each of those, she's yet to find the peace she's desired. When the men from her past come into Midnight Ink, she's forced to face what she left behind and what could happen if she lets go of her pain and finds a future she deserves.

Rafe Chavez and Ian Steele remember their time with Sassy like it was yesterday, yet have worked hard to move on. Or at least try to. Now they're both back in New Orleans for the woman they loved and for the connection they shared with each other. It will take more than the usual groveling, pleading and begging for these three to overcome their history, but once they take that step, the streets of New Orleans will never be the same.

***The Print Version will also contain the bonus novella INK INSPIRED***

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Menage, Erotica, Novella, Audiobook

302 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 2014

About the author

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Talon Pack, Promise Me, and Elements of Five series, which have sold millions of books worldwide. She's the winner of a RT Book of the Year and a Prism Award in her genres. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

The Montgomery Ink World contains the following series, though each series is a stand alone and can be read in any order. Feel free to hop around:

The Montgomery Ink Series
The Gallagher Brothers Series
The Montgomery Ink: Colorado Springs Series
The Whiskey and Lies Series
The Fractured Connections Series
The Montgomery Ink: Boulder Series
The Less Than Series
The Promise Me Series

Her Elements of Five Series is her Young Adult Romance series while her other series are all adult.

Her Talon Pack series is set in the same world as the Redwood Pack series, only 30 years later.

The Dante's Circle, Holiday, Montana, and Branded Packs series are all individual series as well.

Reviews

[-C- · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story but it felt rushed. I thought there could have been so much more to the story.

[Rara Loves to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

There’s a wonderful story behind the heroine of Carrie Ann Ryan’s newest novella. Ink Reunited. Sassy first appeared in the Midnight Ink anthology, a collection of stories by some of your favorite authors. Sassy was the receptionist at the Midnight Ink tattoo parlor in New Orleans. She was also the thread that tied together all the couples featured in the anthology. Well the fans fell head over heels in love with the woman who completely lived up to her name. They begged for Sassy to get her own happy ending. Ms. Ryan gave in to our demands and thus Ink Reunited.

So did Sassy’s story provide us fans with everything we hoped for? For the most part I think it did. There were so many things that I loved about Ink Reunited starting with the fact that it was going to take two men to give Sassy the happiness she deserved. It’s not surprising that this wonderful, opinionated, strong woman would need two men to satisfy her.

Ink Reunited starts off with Sassy realizing that there’s something missing in her life. Surrounded by all these love stories has left her yearning for her own love. What the reader doesn’t know yet is that there is a big secret from Sassy’s past and those secrets are about to walk through the door of Midnight Ink.

It’s been ten years since Sassy has seen Rafe and Ian. They had been in love but they were young and the worries of society’s reaction to their triad caused everything to fall apart. Now Rafe and Ian are back and ready to fix their relationship with Sassy and each other. They have all grown up and the additional knowledge and maturity that they have gained have made this the perfect time to try again.

The relationship these three had was wonderful. It was great that this triad made sure that they also had individual relationships with each other. It made their relationship together more authentic. And the chemistry between the three? Off the charts hot!

I loved revisiting Sassy and her co-workers at Midnight Ink as well as seeing that Sassy got her happy ending. The only reason I can’t give Ink Reunited five full stars is because at some point Sassy lost the attitude that made us fall in love with her. When faced with difficulty, she chose to run away. That’s not my Sassy. But that’s just a small blip in an otherwise fantastic book.

While you don’t have to have read the Midnight Ink anthology to appreciate and understand Ink Reunited, you should just because it’s an awesome book. I know that Ms. Ryan has some delicious plans to branch out into a series about one of the characters we’ve been introduced to – Austin. I can’t wait to read the Montgomery Ink series.

[Klare · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read. A short story with Sassy Bordeaux, Rafe Chavez & Ian Steele.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sassy Bordeaux is used to being the woman in charge, the one who is the fixer, the rock and helps others when in need. Sassy knows all about making hard decisions, she made one years ago that lead to her own personal heartbreak. That is why she freaks when Rafe Chavez and Ian Steele walk into Midnight Ink to talk to her. At one time Rafe and Ian were the loves of her life, but the outside world was not as open to the relationship putting strain on the three of them, ending it only made sense.

Rafe and Ian have discussed that Sassy is going to be difficult about trying again. They know her well, but both are in a different place and know their life is incomplete without Sassy in it. It will take time, challenges, and unwavering trust for Rafe and Ian to win their way back into Sassy's heart if she is willing to let them.

A Midnight Ink Novella. Sassy is a firecracker, she is a brick but when it comes to Ian and Rafe she is vulnerable and so afraid that history will repeat itself. Had a few unexpected turns which I liked. I liked that Ian is the one who broods, but is trying so hard to open up about his feelings. Another great read from Carrie Ann Ryan.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was interesting, but you definitely have to read it after the Midnight Ink anthology! That was an annoyance, since it referenced some things that I had not read about yet!

I liked that Sassy got her own story, and how things went down with it, but it felt as if the book wasn't truly finished. We never got to know who she married or if the triad never made things legal. I also hated how cloaked in mystery she was, even after her background was revealed! In fact, not much was said about either of the men in the triad and that annoyed me as well!

All things considered, it was a well written and engaging story, but I should have read it after I read the anthology, and possibly the rest of the Montgomery Ink series as well.

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time with this one. I struggled to stay concentrated.

I liked Sassy at first, but then when we start hearing about what happened in the past, I just didn't care for her. I found her whiny. In fact, I had problems with all of them. I felt like we had way to many non-important details for the first couple of chapters. The story didn't flow well for me. These three people had 10 years apart. But as soon as they are in the same vicinity, all is forgiven, they've been pining for each other for 10 years, they say they are sorry and all is right with the world.

Then we try to add drama with her dad, Sassy does the same thing she did 10 years ago (rolling eyes) and the guys go into protect mode. It just didn't work for me. This story needed just more...not the details that didn't matter, more connection with the characters, more brining the story together better.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. I liked reading Sassy, Rafe and Ian's story. Would have liked more exploration of the characters, their feelings, and their story in general. I'm not sure that I had a solid picture of any of these three in my mind, so I would have liked to get to know them all better. It was a quick read, and like all of Carrie Ann Ryan's books, quite entertaining.

[Stasi Apple (The Reads of an Apple) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Carrie Ann Ryan and I'm going through her Montgomery Ink series, but I didn't realize this was one of the throuple ones before I picked it up. It was fine, but I just don't enjoy more than two people in a couple. It just doesn't compute in my brain. If you like throuples and Carrie Ann Ryan, this will totally float your boat. It's just not for me.

[Carole-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Yup, read this one before too, somewhere down the line)

Nice get-back-together story (although 10 yrs is a LONG time!) for Rafe, Ian and Sassy, the receptionist at Midnight Ink.

Lots of angst and regrets, but I suppose they've 'grown up' now. Sexy scenes are sexy :)

[Crystal P · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I like the idea of this book. I have come to enjoy love stories outside of what is thought to be ‘normal’. However, I feel like this story needed, no deserved, more. It is a concept that is difficult to relate to and the author missed a chance to help me understand it or at least see what it looked like. I like the inked series and will continue reading this one.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hotter than the temps outside when started on the 4th of July and since read in Central Texas that is hot!

Although a short novella this one did the characters story justice to my satisfaction.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with this, I don’t know why a short 10 chapter novella.
Premise great but just no depth because it’s so short.

[Love Books 💜 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Sassy, Ian and Rafe's story.
10 years ago they were all in a relationship when things just didn't work out and Ian and Rafe left for New York. Now the guys are back and they want Sassy.
Their story is sweet and filled with a lot of emotion.

If you love contemporary, tattoo inspired stories, I think you will love this one. And, a true 3-way love story. Loved the second chance love story.

[Emma ~ The Indecisive Reader ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Kami Dodson-Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sassy, Rafe, & Ian

Rafe is a mechanic who with his family owns a chain of shops. Rafe has an awesome family full of love.

Ian is a millionaire and has his own company. Ian’s family and him do not get along.

Sassy ran away from home when she was 16. Her family is wealthy, uptight, and snobs. Sassy does not associate with her family.

Sassy was taken in by Rafe’s family. Sassy and Rafe became best friends. They always had feelings for one another but did not act on it until Ian walked into their lives.

Rafe figured out that he was bisexual as well as Ian. Rafe told Sassy his true feelings for her and she felt the same way towards Rafe and Ian. Together they were a threesome couple. And it worked really well for them for a bit. But then Ian was worried what people would say and how it would look and left the relationship emotionally which put Sassy in a bad position. Sassy left both men and they all went their separate ways.

Ten years later Rafe wants them back. He has never felt love for anyone else since Ian and Sassy. He wants to be a threesome again. Rafe thinks with them older now maybe they can make it work. But first Rafe has to convince Ian to try it with him and the Rafe and Ian have to convince Sassy to give it a second chance.

I love the dynamics of the three characters. They all work so well together and as a threesome they make since. I loved this story even though I still have a lot of questions regarding Ian’s and Sassy’s pasts. Maybe those will be answered in other books in the series.

RATING: 4 STARS

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh yeah, Sassy gets a menage!!!! Delicious story and some serious MMF action!!!

I love Sassy throughout the series and was thrilled to see her story! A serious "you Go Girl" for snagging two smexy heartthrobs!! Rafe and Ian are uber sexy, and into each other two! God lord, a girl needs a cold shower after their kissing scene!!

For a short read Ms Ryan certainly does not skimp on the steam!! A couple very hawt scenes with some variation on positions!! Oh, fan face, that was.....yeah!!

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Gregory Salinas, who is sigh worthy! He makes you want to do very naughty things!! I love his gruff tones for the guys and he puts just the right touch in the female voices. Listening to his read will give you multiple eargasms!!

I am eager to read the rest of the series, but it appears I have to crack open the ebook, cause this is it for the audio of the box set! :( Good news though, Ms Ryan is working on more books in the series and they will be released in audio too!!

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok so with the title being Ink Reunited, you go in knowing there is a reunion in this book. However a reunion with you the reader only knowing one of the characters makes for a difficult read, a connection needs to be made with the other new characters. I feel like Rafe and Ian could have been great characters but they were just thrown at us with little to no background. I adore a good menage read, the sex, the chemistry, the love and trust you usually see in a threesome, sadly just wasn't there in this book/ short story. With this being a novella connections need to be made quick in order to enjoy a story, unfortunately in this book there weren't. I was just confused and disappointed that it wasn't as good as I had hoped. Ok first book, poor execution of the second, let's see if the full length novel is any better?!? Fingers crossed!

[julianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait to read more in this series.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Ian/Rafe and Sassy

Romance trope: menage; second chance
Series: Montgomery Ink
Length: 118 pages

Plot: Sassy is happy with her work at Montgomery Ink. She loves her found family and her interactions with clients. And then her past shows up in the shop: Ian and Rafe, the two men she loved and left. They're ready to reclaim her now that they understand the mistakes from their past. She'll have to be brave to take those final steps and face their enemies.

Commentary: I thought there was a good balance with the relationships amongst the three people - often stories with a menage don't manage to do that, and one pair takes precedence over the others and the group as a whole. While it's not my favorite trope, it was evidence that they all loved each other and were willing to take the risk of going public. Like the last book, the villain was a caricature of every soap opera villain out there and so it was comical rather than scary or tense.

Previous book in the series: Ink Inspired
Next book in the series: Delicate Ink

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short tale about Sassy and her two lovers, Rafe and Ian. This book felt very rushed to me. It also left me with a number of questions. We were provided with a little background on Sassy's past, brief explanations on Ian and Rafe's pasts, and a mere mention on how they ended up together.

Was Sassy working at Midnight Ink for ten years or two years? What happened with each of them over a ten year period of being separated? I can only speak for myself, but I would have enjoyed this much more had it been longer with more details about their pasts, and maybe some info about Daddy's father, Ian's plans, etc.

The gang at Midnight Ink know they are in a triad, but we got to see nothing about how Ian and Rafe were introduced or explained. Next thing you read, Shep is inviting them to hang out with him and Austin.

Too many gaps in the story, but for what you got, it was ok. I would suggest you avoid it if MMF sex scenes offend you.

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Sassy Bordeaux, Rafe Chavez, and Ian Steele. We previously met Sassy in Shep's book (along with a multi author anthology). I loved Sassy in his book and couldn't wait for her book and I was not disappointed! Sassy is just that-Sassy! Rafe, Ian, and Sassy used to be a menage in the past until Ian checked out of the relationship. Without their third it all fell apart. Now that he is older and wiser he realizes that he not only loves them still but he needs them in his life to be happy. I love how everything plays out and comes together between them. Along with the back story so you understand Sassy more and realize why she is the way she is. This was a great, quick story! The only reason I gave it 4 stars in stead of 5 is because I wish it had been longer, I was really enjoying it and felt it was just too short. Otherwise, a really great read!

[Jamoz23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Good story but it felt rushed. I thought there could have been so much more to the story, especially as it is a triad. One of my favourite tropes.
Also I suggest reading the Midnight Ink box set first. This is where Sassy helps eight other couple to their HEA’s.
Sassy was the receptionist at the Midnight Ink tattoo parlour in New Orleans. She was the interfering matchmaker, for a good cause of course. She was the tie that bought together all the couples featured in Midnight Ink.
Really wanted more for Sassy’s story than what we get, this strong capable woman turned chicken in her own story.
We find out she has a big secret from her past and when they walk in her door things start changing.
Loved both Rafe and Ian and thought they were perfect for Sassy when she finally womaned up.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: this is the first entry in the Montgomery Ink series that I've read.

Dare I say this had too much sex? I mean, it's a novella and almost every chapter had a sex scene. I also was annoyed that even in a novella there was the third act breakup. It felt especially annoying because it was caused by something that it felt like we were supposed to have prior knowledge of. With this being a shorter story (and with more time being spent on sex than on character building) we didn't really get to know the characters that well.

This next complaint is petty, but it drove me crazy: I hated the way the author used the female protagonist's name e.g constantly referring to her as "THE Sassy" or "His Sassy". It was too much.

All in all, while, sure, this was hot and had potential, the format did it no favours and I didn't like some of the writing choices. Just ok.

[Tina Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great book. This book was all about Sassy the midnight Ink's receptionist. She was leading a secret life until two men from her past showed back up and swept her off of her feet again. I don't like giving much out about a book because I think that a person needs to experience the book for their selves but I will say this. In the last book I wanted to kill Shea's mother and in this book I wanted to kill Sassy's father. But in either case they both got what they deserved. I gave this book another 5 stars because of the way the book kept me interested and lets on lie how steamy it was. By the time the book was done I probably needed 5 or 6 cigarettes LOL. This book is a must read and Happy Reading.

[Whispers From · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sassy is the receptionist at Midnight Ink. Ian is a billionaire and Rafe owns a couple of mechanic shops. They were in a relationship ten years ago but Ian left and then Sassy left. Now the guys are back and want a relationship with Sassy. It'll take some convincing but she wants to take things slow and the guys will do anything to keep her. But will her past come between them or will she fight for want she wants?
Good story with ménage. Sassy is strong and doesn't take crap from anyone. She was in the first Ink book and I liked her better in it. In the first one she was the type that seemed to kick butt and take no prisoners. In this one she was strong but going back and forth to want the guys and not trusting them. M/F/M, M/M, M/F, and F/M/M.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sassy and her trio are back
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars

Sassy had my attention with her sassyness of her attitude and the in your face realism that she dishes out. One would not have guessed she was in a tail-spin from a love that came early in life and left almost as quickly.

Sassy, Rafe, and Ian were that combination that you could just feel had so much more lying in wait and beneath it all. The shortage on the backstories for all of the characters made me feel a bit cheated out of a full length that could have opened up so much and showed even more.

Gregory Salinas brought the sassy, hunger, rage, and dispare all to life.

[Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!!
Ink Reunited brings a satisfying, emotional reunion between Sassy Bordeaux and two men from her past. The story delicately handles themes of forgiveness and healing, as Sassy faces the pain of past relationships while also exploring a new possibility with Rafe and Ian. The dynamic between the three is filled with tension, history, and chemistry. It’s a unique love triangle that isn’t just about who will end up with whom, but also about letting go of past hurts to embrace a future that might seem impossible at first. The romance is tender and well-developed, making for a deeply emotional and rewarding read.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and heartfelt story! While I’m typically not a huge fan of poly relationships, this one was done really well. The triad — as Carrie Ann Ryan calls it — balanced beautifully, and I quickly found myself invested in their journey. Sassy, Rafe, and Ian each brought something unique to the relationship, and the emotional connection between them felt genuine and earned.

Though we only saw him briefly, I was definitely not a fan of Sassy’s dad — but that aside, the story wrapped up in a really satisfying, sweet way. It’s a lovely, emotional read that rounds out the Midnight Ink world perfectly.

Spice (just to inform future readers): 5, 6, 7, 10.

[Amber Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so I quickly skimmed the book description before deciding to read Ink Reunited and I thought it was about two random ex's showing up and both trying to win sassy back for themselves. Boy, was I in for a surprise! Rafe, Ian, and Sassy made a good thrupple and I believed the chemistry, but without having all the back story on their past relationship I had a hard time connecting with them because the book was so quick. Overall though, there was a good mix of romance and emotion in Ink Reunited, which I enjoyed!

[Monae Doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was about two guys Ian and Rafe who fell for a woman named Sassy. Sassy works at Montgomery Ink which is a tattoo shop. She was with Ian and Rafe ten years back. They walked away from each other because of what they felt and what others would think of them being together. This book was very very very spicy 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ but not much plot. They did beat up her father who was a really big jerk. I would have liked if this book had been longer and if they had dated instead of jumping each other. I wanted more with this book.