Engraved

by Sienna Zini

When everything comes crashing down, you must find the strength to love again.

"Most days, I can barely keep it together. When I realize Nick is not coming back, the pain that lives inside me becomes a hungry thing, ready to swallow me whole. After two years, I am losing hope it will ever get better. I cannot even accept that he is gone. I keep forgetting it like it’s something you can ignore, and if I don’t remember it, it has not happened. One day, I’ll set foot inside the studio, Nick will be there, tattooing a client, and he’ll smile and kiss me stupid."

Mafia romance with a twist
HEA

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2024

About the author

Hi there!
I'm Sienna, and when I'm not writing spicy happily-ever-afters, you might find me reading, whipping up a delicious meal, reveling in the beauty of nature, or exploring new corners of the world.
After years spent crunching numbers and growing my accounting company, always weaving stories in my head, I finally took the leap in 2022 and pursued my lifelong dream of publishing my first book.
What fuels my passion? A deep love for a good story and the many characters who take root in my mind, demanding their tales be told.
The joy of bringing heartwarming love stories to life keeps me constantly creating, so stay tuned for what's coming next!

Reviews

[Kica_Wandering_Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐
1 🌶️
"Engraved" stands as the enthralling second chapter in the Inked Duet series, seamlessly continuing the narrative from the gripping conclusion of the first book. True to its predecessor, this instalment weaves together dark mafia elements, and romance, featuring a resilient female main character (FMC), and introduces a hyper-protective male main character (MMC) who adds an extra layer of intensity to the story, along with a palpable undercurrent of violence. Within the pages of this book, the love story between our two protagonists unfolds as a turbulent rollercoaster, navigating through peaks of ecstasy and valleys of despair, eliciting strong emotions that may even bring a tear to your eye by the end. The characters' profound personal growth throughout their journey is not only evident but also integral to the unfolding narrative. The narrative tone is intense and dark, delivering an emotional depth and heartbreak that surpasses the impact of "Inked." The author's smooth and descriptive writing style seamlessly immerses readers in the intricate emotional landscapes of the characters, forging a powerful connection between the audience and the unfolding drama. It's imperative to embark on this literary journey by first reading "Inked" to fully appreciate the intricate layers of the story. I wholeheartedly endorse the exploration of this captivating duet series, as it promises a compelling narrative filled with passion, suspense, and unexpected turns that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next revelation.

I received this book as an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy), and I'm really delighted to share my honest thoughts about it.

[Lyns · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was quite the ending to the duet of Inked and Engraved. This is a great duet once you get your head around some of the odd phrasing (which I think might be a translation difference) and some of the repetitive use of “loser” the writer uses for the main character when he self-depreciating.
This is a book that will grab you by the collar and drag you around until the end. As you delve deeper into the dark mafia vibes, violence and intensity you find yourself almost comparing it to a very dark Shakespearian-esque tale.
From book one to two there is a large gap of time from where we left them to where we find them to date. I personally would’ve loved to know more of what happened to both of them during it, but alas it is left to our imagination along with a few snippets that are divulged along the way.
You must read Inked to understand Engraved. Both books are an amazing rollercoaster of emotions as we follow them through their turbulent journey. Trust me it’s worth it.

[Breann Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book- my gosh this book! Nicolas and Sky definitely went through some shit. The angst and emotions in this book just hits you were it hurts. Throughout both books in this duet its clear that these two love each other so much but the world is conspiring against them. And with their individual traumas they keep hurting each other. Its like they are two puzzle pieces trying to mash themselves together, their sharp edges poking and hurting the other trying to fit together, until they finally fit just right and become one perfect piece. In this book I laughed, I cried, I suffered, I reconsidered my existence. I loved it so much!

[Kierston Reno · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started book 2 I thought that there was no way all the loose ends from Inked could be wrapped up without a series coming ahead. I was dead wrong! Nick and Sky’s story continues with even more action, more love, loss and heartache. The rollercoaster ride from Inked drops you into an instant whirlwind of emotions. By the end I had to take a few deep breaths and collect myself.

This duet are the perfect books for a beach vacation, weekend staycation, or anytime you can get lost in the pages. Looking forward to more from Sienna!

[C. Jennings Penders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner. Nice way to close out the story!

Inked and Engraved are so well written. So much emotion is poured into each word.

Sky and Nick are so well developed they become real people. The relationship challenges they face together and how they deal with them is a testimony to Sienna Zini's ability to draw the reader in and keep their attention glued to the page.

Ms. Zini has a lifelong fan in me.

Don't miss knowing Sky and Nick. You'll be happier for inviting them into your life

[Raluca Matara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first

If I thought Inked was amazing, Engraved left me speechless, i was sobbing at almost every chapter, and it broke my heart, but in the end, I'm happy to have read it.
It has a HEA, and oh, how much does the road to get there make it so much sweater!
Engraved had me turning page after page in the dead of night, and I never wanted it to end. It is nothing like I've ever read before.
Sienna Zini did it once again. She made me fall in love with her characters' story.

[Kelley wellmeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good second book! I enjoyed reading more about nick and sky and how much they had to over come emotionally and physically to be together. Their struggles strengthened their relationship. There were some spelling and grammar errors through out the book. But over all a good story line. I received this book as and arc for an honest review.

[The Bumpkin Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the inked duet.
This book had such an amazing ending to Skylar and Nicholas’s story. Very emotional/moving. You can really feel the emotional turmoil that Skylar was going through. Especially after reading the ending to the first book, you as a reader, experience exactly what Skylar is going through.

[Sophia Raz]

I couldn’t wait to start Engraved after finishing Inked. Every time I thought I had it figured out, there was a new plot twist that I did not see happening. It’s not the usual Mafia romance and I loved the alternative path this book took. Beware because you really become invested in Nick and Sky’s life. I especially had a soft spot for Nick. Who wouldn’t after all that he had to endure?

[Treva Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read “Inked” and “Engraved” back to back—I devoured “Engraved” in only two days! With dizzying highs and lows, Nick and Skylar’s journey ends and I’m so glad they get their happily ever after!

[rosalinda.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot happened but I finally got my closure with this duet😭. I Love this.. It was a long read but I enjoyed reading it.

"Eternity starts today and hopefully lasts forever. We certainly deserve it." - Sky

[Sember · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It skips many years but flows easily not confusing the reader. This book will keep the reader coming back to see if the main characters can find happiness forgive each other and live happily ever after.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good story of Skylar and Nick. Mafia is not my typical genre I enjoy but this was still good nonetheless

[Samantha Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The building is wonderful and the main characters defiantly when threw alot but honestly an absolute amazing read loved every page

[Vanessa Hilario Mata · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGS! Engraved is a rollercoaster of emotions! Skylar world comes crashing down, but she refuse to accept that Nick is gone. I couldn’t put down this phenomenal book! Must read this page turner with anguish and finding the strength to move on.

[Katrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!! Omg I absolutely loved this book and the twist!! I love mafia romance a lot so this was my book. I couldn't stop reading it!! Love it!! Amazing author and love the cover for this book!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much happened in this book and I couldn't put it down. I devoured it. That's right. DEVOURED.
The author has a deeper understanding of people than most authors and it shows in her characters: she has a real insight into the people she has created, their emotions, thoughts and actions feel true, multi faceted and complex, drawing the reader deeper and deeper into the story. Beautifully written and built, Engraved is a wonderful ending to the previous book, adding even more spice and action. I loved it and now... I want more!

[Alanys Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I freaking say!
The ending of this duet was just amazing!
Did I cry? YES
Did I scream? YES
Am I heartbroken that I finished the book? OF FREAKING COURSE!
💔✨💔✨💔✨💔✨💔✨
We finally get closure on what happened after the ending in Inked (first book)
We see how Skylar desls with the cards fate have given her and how she never gives up.
We also get to see someones 👀 mindset and how tortured they are but we also get to understand where they are coming from. This was just an amazing book and the ending🥹🥹❤️❤️ was so freaking worth the wait.
Love it and can’t wait for others the read this amazing series!

[ChapterChaser1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 stars.
This book is a roller coaster of emotions, the author manages to suck you inside and you want to help the characters but you can only cry and shout at what happens.
This is book two where we get to complete the story of Nicholas and skylar, like the first one a great plot, classy spicy scenes that melt you.
This book is the perfect mafia story , if you love a cinnamon roll man that fights for his family even when he doesn't feel sure that he deserves them.
Skylar was Strong in book one but book two , you see how powerful her love is.
Action packed
Beautiful story.
Thank you author, for once again giving me a book that trapped me and made me feel so much while reading.

I am so going to miss this couple, I fell in love with how they talk about their problems and resolve them.

[Greg Neyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engraved masterfully blends desire, heartache, trauma, and miscommunication. Skylar and Nick love each other, but their fears and regrets continue to make them unable to say how they really feel, afraid the other will leave them when their true self is exposed. Meanwhile, on the cusp of breaking through, throwing away fear, and taking a chance on each other and what they have together, Nick's life in the mafia is never content to leave him be, and obstacles to their love and life together must be overcome as well. Passion, anxiety, regret. Present, future, past. Smeared together on the palette of PTSD.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engraved picks up Nick and Sky's story where Inked left off. It's intense, dark and gritty like Inked was, but for me, this one was a little bit more emotional and heartbreaking. Sky is just drowning in grief and heartache and I felt everything she did. These characters and the storyline are completely consuming overtaking every single emotion one could possibly have. Once I started I couldn't put this book down until the last page.

[Barbara Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It is up and down and to follow it you definitely have to read Inked first. Sky and Nick have unbreakable connection and love. Sky gives it all and fights for what she wants. Nick has alot if demons to fight but he figures out what he wants pretty fast and hard. It has a lot of ups and downs but stick with it and you will love it.

[Angel Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Though I wasn't sure how much more Nick and Sky could take! This book keeps you on your toes unsure of what is going to happen next. The ending was perfect and honestly i wouldnt want it any other way!

[Angelina Pelova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book from the Inked duet. It focuses more on developing the romance story rather than the thriller/mafia plot, and I enjoyed that. The characters are fully developed and you can't help rooting for them both, and for their relationship. Good book! Great job, Sienna!