Jasper

Love in Ink #3

by Ruby Raynes

***Jasper - Love in Ink - Book 3***
What to expect from Jasper:
*Opposites Attract
*Found family
*Small Town
*Friends to Lovers
*Baby Spy/Secret Life

Olly–
I decided it was time to shake things up a bit and start living for my dreams, not someone else’s. But when I say shake things up, I didn’t think a baby spy and Jasper would be the ones doing the shaking. I never expected to pause my life to help a little girl find her forever home, or for Jasper to come barging in. Not that I’m complaining. I just hope that when the chaos subsides, and the dust clears, he finally lets me in, and I won’t be left standing all alone.

Jasper—
I knew something needed to give when a health scare sent me spiraling. I needed to slow down, but that also meant letting people in. Can Olly, my obsession, be one of those people? I’m amazed when a baby spy shows up, moving through life effortlessly, always going with the punches. Do I have the strength to do that? Can I finally tell everyone who I really am? And will Olly still be there when he finds out?

***Jasper - Love in Ink is a low angst, steamy MM Romance. Featuring opposites attracting, a secret no one saw coming, a baby spy, and a found family you’ll want to keep coming back for.

Genres: M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Gay, Contemporary, Romance

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2025

Reviews

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series isn't perfect, and it's corny as all hell, but God, there's just something about it that I adore.

The characters are lovely, flawed, sexy, and sweet... and HOT.

Looking forward to book 4, which I'm assuming will be Dom and Beckett.

[patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review | 3.5⭐ Release: April 8, 2025 | MCs:Olly & Jasper | Love In Ink #3

Tropes
»Low angst
»Opposites attack
»Found family
»Frosting licking
»Tattoos and piercings
»Flannel and caps
»Bona coats and leather pants
»We deserve this love
»Painting as therapy

Jasper is a sweet, low-angst small-town romance with a focus on found family and opposites attracting. Jasper and Olly have that grumpy/sunshine vibe, with plenty of steam—including some frosting-licking fun. The mix of tattoos, piercings, flannel, and leather adds to their contrast, and I liked the painting-as-therapy element.
That said, the story felt predictable, and I struggled to stay engaged. I wanted more emotional connection between Jasper and Olly beyond the physical. The baby storyline was sweet, but it felt more like a setup other MC's possible adoption.

Overall, this is a light and easy romance with small-town charm and steamy moments, perfect for readers who love low-angst stories.

❣️ Book Safety & Content
Cheating: no
OM/OW Drama: no
Third-Act Breakup: no
Role Dynamics: Strict roles
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format: Series
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: Low
Spice Level: high heat
Pining: Mutual

I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catarina Águas · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

This was cute, I liked it.
Jasper isn't used to let people in, so romantic relationships are not easy for him. But he has been obsessed with Olly since the beggining and he couldn't deny what he felt any longer.
Olly was a sweetheart. He never forced anything on Jasper, he just let him do things at his own pace.
They were so clearly into each other and when they finally gave in, it was fantastic

[NitaBee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three. A lot goes on.
This book is friends and found family. It’s a slowish burn. Jasper is comically weird around babies . Jasper has some health scares.

Olly and Jasper are friends. Olly runs a successful Diner. Jasper works at a tattoo shop called Ink Me.

They have a weird friendship. A unspoken attraction.

“Do you ever just need to feel something? Anything? Like, if you don’t show proof you exist in the world, you might be nothing more than a speck of dust.” “We all want to feel something. It’s scary to think we might be insignificant in the grand scheme of things,” I say. And then, something I don’t see coming… Jasper’s lips crash into mine and a gasp leaves me.’

A quick kiss, like it never happened.

‘Jasper is a wandering soul lost in the world, searching for something unknown, even to him. He is an old-soul hippie… but with leather rock-star pants.’

Olly finds an abandoned baby, Mazie and looks after her. His friends Spencer and Finn were just approved for adoption so it all worked out perfectly.

“Right? It’s like one of those bad romance novels where everything always falls into place and there’s no angst,” Spencer says.’

Olly and jasper share another random kiss, then move on. They hold hands and make plans for a date. I think it’s a date?

They get closer. There’s sexy times and orgasms. Olly is already in love but Jasper has trauma and is more cautious.

‘Someday, Jasper Valintine, someday you will show me everything and I can finally prove to you I’ll stay.’

Jasper ask Olly out on a date. He opens up to Olly.

Jasper also opens up to his friends. He makes up with Mazie Aka the spy baby 🤣 The spy outfit he got her was adorable.

Jasper and Olly admit their love. It’s a happily ever after.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasper & Olly
Rating: 3.7⭐

- Opposites Attract
- Found Family
- Small Town
- Friends to Lovers
- Baby Spy
- Secret Life
- Tattoo Artist/Diner Owner
- Fun With Frosting
- Painting as Therapy

This was a sweet story about two friends that have danced around their attraction for each other for a few months now. Jasper keeps his secrets close and struggles to let people in. For years he has done some pretty reckless stuff in order to just feel something. Olly has been running the diner ever since his grandfather passed away. He loves the diner but it's not his true passion. After a health scare with Jasper, everything changes between these two and they both know what they want even if they feel like they're not worthy.

We get cameos from the prior couples and glimpses of the upcoming couples in the series. We also get a cute little baby that Jasper is very suspicious of.

Content Warnings (may contain spoilers):
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Explicit language
- Mentions of possible mental abuse as a child (past0
- Drugs and alcohol consumption
- Mentions of time in foster care as a child (past)

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Verse: No
HEA: HFN
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheat: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: Unknown

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This does not disappoint at all. I adore these two guys. This series has been such a joy to read. I genuinely cannot wait for the next one. I was super excited to get to this one because I loved Jasper and Olly from the previous books and couldn't wait to see how they eventually gor together and this does a perfdct job. I also want to mention that this author does a phenomenal job of grieving a character that was never alive on page. I did not think that was possible but damn this book achieves that.

[Kimma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I was so excited to continue reading this series as I loved the previous books. Jasper and Olly’s story did not disappoint. They learned to get out of their own way and face their fears so they could receive the love, that they are worthy of and deserved. They had such a sweet connection… double entendre intended. 🧁😉

[anna_79_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just perfect 🥰 This is an easy story to get into and I love Jasper and Olly. It’s so lovely to read about all the side characters as well. I can’t wait to see who we get in the next book in the series.

[Julia Toth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and enjoyable read. It's the first book that I've read in the series and while it's fine to read as is, I feel like it would have been more enjoyable if I had read the prior books. The found family in this book is just everything! I loved how they were all there for each other and I loved how nosy and meddlesome everyone was.
Jasper and Olly were really cute together and I loved that they had crushes on each other for months prior, but just didn't think they could act on it. I loved seeing Jasper open up to Olly and to all of the people he had in his corner(people he thought he didn't have in his corner). With Jasper's past it was hard to show emotion and open up, but I'm glad he got a wake up call and decided to change his ways. Olly was such a patient person, and I loved how he was there for Jasper even if it was only in a friend capacity.

This book was low-angst, lighthearted fun with a good amount of steam and a great found family vibe.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasper

Jasper feels that’s he is not worthy of love due to his childhood. That could not be further from the truth. Olly has noticed him and feels a sense of responsibility to watch out for him. You are not going to want to miss this book. And you will get to see the other love in ink boys along the way.

[Monikat]

D.N.F
this is not a review.
note to self, I shouldn't have started this, I knew I wouldn't enjoy it. no rating
no foul to the book or author

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasper and Olly. Olly and Jasper. This series. These people. I love them so much. Reading this book really felt like coming home 🥺💙

I truly loved every second of reading this beautiful story. It was sweet, funny and like all the books in the series the true heart and soul of this book is in their found family💙

My sweet, broken Jasper finally believing his worth and accepting love was so stunning to witness. I love him so much🥹 Him finding his HEA with Olly made me so happy!

And Olly has the biggest heart! How he took in Baby Spy and put everything in hold for her🥹
And then him showing Jasper so much care, acceptance and understanding in such a beautiful way. 🥺

They really were so cute together. Just what the other wanted and needed. They were explosive, but sweet and tender at the same time. You could feel the love and care pouring from the pages.

Favorites:
- Their found family🩷
- Family dinners
- Jasper sharing his past
- Baby Spy 😅
- Olly following his dreams
- Just Jasper and Olly together😍 the dates and the baking🤭
- The spice was spicing🔥
- Spencer & Finn being there so much and seeing them take a next step in their life🥹
- Dom and Beckett’s cat and mouse games😅 can’t wait for their book!
- Just the feeling of home and the comfort this series and it’s people bring me💙

This beauty comes out tomorrow so run, don’t walk to get your own copy!!

[tobifun.pp · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩵Jasper🩵
by Ruby Raynes

✍️ARC review✍️

rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
feelings: 😭🥰😱🥵😍🫠🤣

Sometimes you see the cover of a book and you know you have to have it. Jasper was just like that for me.

Jasper was exactly how I had imagined him. A colourful personality who is not willing to be bent.

Olli is the complete opposite. He's the typical diner owner in a small town, as portrayed in Gilmore Girls, for example, only much friendlier. Including jeans, flannel shirt and upturned cap.

Both have had their eye on the other for some time, but it's only after a big scare that one of them takes the initiative to win the other over.

Although Jasper can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend starting with Finn (Love in Ink 1). I often felt like an outsider listening to a group of friends talking about the past. Nevertheless, I loved the book. The story is exciting and has just the right amount of excitement, heartbreak and a bit of angst. The characters have depth, which is the reason I'm eager to read the first two books.

Recommended for anyone who prefers their book boyfriends with rough edges.

[Amanda Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasper is the third book in the Love In Ink series. This book was such a warm, feel-good read—low angst, high charm, and full of heart.

The found family vibes? Chef’s kiss. I absolutely loved how close-knit, nosy, and meddlesome everyone was in the best way. The support system around Jasper was everything he didn’t know he needed, and it was so satisfying to watch him slowly let people in.

Jasper and Olly were adorable together. They’d been quietly crushing on each other for ages, but neither thought it could actually happen—which made it all the more rewarding when it finally did. Jasper, who’s used to keeping walls up, had some real emotional growth here. And Olly? Total sweetheart. Patient, gentle, never pushing—just being there, even when it was hard.

Their chemistry was so obvious, and when they finally gave in? Totally worth the wait. The romance was steamy but sweet, with just the right emotional payoff.

If you’ve been following this series, this one doesn’t disappoint. Jasper and Olly’s story is such a joy—and I already can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasper is a sweet and enduring book. This is the first book I read from this author and I wasn't disappointed. Olly and Jasper are such a sweet couple and their honesty and open feelings make this book special. All the characters are likable, even Baby Spy. Jasper is addicted to the thrill of dangerous activities, but his health begins to deteriorate, prompting his concerned friends at the Ink Me tattoo shop to step in. When Jasper passes out at work, Olly, a friend trying to find direction in his own life, offers to take care of him. As Olly is sorting out his future, a baby is unexpectedly left at his diner, adding a new layer of responsibility. Despite their differences, Olly and Jasper have unspoken romantic feelings for each other, mistakenly believing the other only sees them as a friend. Through their growing connection, Jasper learns to open up about his past, and Olly discovers his passion for baking. Their opposite personalities create a perfect balance, helping each other grow and heal.

[VicReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🩵 𝙹𝚊𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚛 🩵
𝚋𝚢 @author_rubyraynes

🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆

4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

↓↓
Jasper was the sweetest but had a hard time of letting people in. I loved watching him slowly open up and accept that he deserved to be loved. My heart broke for him.

Olly was such a kind soul. He was the perfect match for Jasper, he accepted everything about him and loved him unconditionally.

There were parts that I felt had a really big impact in the story but then kinda just fizzled out with nothing further, like the whole thing with Jasper's health.

I would have loved to see some things expanded on or talked about more. I felt the storyline of Jasper's art was a great opportunity for Jasper to feel even more love and heal from his past but overall it was a good read.

Excited to see what else is in store for the series.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
🩵Opposites Attract
🩵Found family
🩵Small Town
🩵Friends to Lovers
🩵Baby Spy/Secret Life

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

JASPER AND OLLY AT LAST!💕

Jasper and Olly have been dancing around each other and bickering throughout the series and now finally when Jasper experiences a health scare, Olly steps in and lends a helping hand…

Flannel wearing straight laced The Diner owner and aspiring baker, Olly Pierson is a very complexed and mysterious man that intrigues body piercer and aspiring tattoo artist, leather pants and white boa jacket wearing twink- Jasper Valentine who likes to keep people at arms length, even his found family, discovers a different side to Olly…

“I want someone who can see me at my core. Olly has always done that.”

I absolutely loved the banter and bickering that became their love language and form of flirting and how the crew of Ink Me and an abandoned baby became the catalyst in their journey to finding friendship, laughter and love!

I look forward to more from this series with bated breath!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for an honest non biased review.

[C. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I have tears running down my face. This was SO GOOD!! Jasper’s story squeezed my heart, the man has a heart of gold that he tries to hide. He expresses his emotions with beautiful artwork. And Olly is just the sweetest thing. Both of these guys found their forever family and their HEA’s. I can’t wait for book 4. 🖤🔥🫟🔥🖤

My favorite quotes:

• Jasper: Pfft, it’s not like I want to be bitten by the love bug or anything.

Damnit! Maybe I do want a bug bite.

Fuck, do I want him. I’ve wanted him since before I broke into his house and kissed him. Best spontaneous decision I ever made. See, not all of them are bad.

• Olly: “I never want to lose you,” he says. “For the first time, I’m exactly where I want to be and with who I want to be with. No hiding, no pretending like it doesn’t matter. It’s you.”

• Jasper: I look up and our eyes meet, filled with want and desire. I found my missing link. It’s Olly. Finally, all the pieces feel like they’re falling into place.

[Wilmalys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better and Better

Jasper and Olly were absolutely fantastic!!

This series gets better with each book, I can't wait for Dom's book!!!

Jasper, sweet Jasper had my heart. He was so insecure about belonging, even though deep down he knew he was so loved and accepted by his friends which are his family. I loved that he was sweet and caring, and he loved to argue with Olly.

Olly was a mess socially awkward sometimes but the mouth on that man!!! Who knew he could be so hot and dominant 🥵 I loved the dynamic between him and Jasper..

Olly cared so much for Jasper he was like a mother hen, I loved that he gave Jasper time and space to come to him and tell him about his life with Matthew and the guys..

The old ladies take the cake again! Clubbing in pj's and slippers 😂😂 this town's people are the best!!

I hope we see more of Marcus and Jacob because that scene with Lucas!!!!! 👀 I'm loving this series so much!!!

[Nicole M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Jasper and Olly for a hot minute now and were they ever worth the wait 😍! I'm sure we are tapping into some sort of reminiscent yearnings from my younger years for a handsome diner owner, but I just 🫠 for Olly. Don't tell Jaxon 🤫😉. Actually, I am just about in love with everyone in this found family and having to pick favorites is something I would be hard pressed to do. I love the community, I love the friendship, I love the support and strength these characters find within each other and eventually themselves. Jasper (the book and the character) made my heart both laugh 🤣 and ache 🥺. I just wanted to hug this man for all of the reasons. I love my time spent with this crazy group and I can't wait to come back for more. Until then, I will be at the edge of my seat awaiting more.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasper in need of love and family and Olly willing to give his love. These two characters are just fated to be together—both just need to acknowledge and overcome their doubts; get off their self-inflected roller coaster life rides and move to their HEA. This author shows each man's sensitive yet touchy feely sides, their weaknesses yet strength. Jasper was so desperately in need of love but was afraid to open his heart to anyone; that's where Olly entered his life, more than willing to offer his own heart to Jasper. Jasper and Olly appeared in the other stories of this "Love In Ink" series and now they have their own story to tell and share with readers. It's a little slow moving but a well worth reading; at least for this reviewer. A special secondary character is "Baby Spy" who adds just the right amount of sweetness. Reading this book will reveal that specialness.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olly is determined to live for himself, but his plans take an unexpected turn when he helps a little girl find a home and Jasper reenters his life. As chaos swirls, Olly hopes Jasper will finally let him in before it’s too late. Jasper, shaken by a health scare, realizes he must slow down and let people in. Olly has always been his obsession, but now, with a baby spy shaking up their world, Jasper wonders if he has the courage to reveal his true self—and if Olly will still be there when he does.

I loved this story of the two men who could be something special together if only Jasper let Olly in. Lots of emotions and feelings as they developed their relationship and own lives. I loved the concept of the baby spy who needed a trench coat to complete the look. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Bluemoonchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was completely hooked. Jasper and Olly were finally getting their turn in the spotlight, and this book delivered in so many ways.

Based on the first two books, I thought I had an idea of how Olly and Jasper would be portrayed. But this book turned my assumptions on their head. Both characters were presented differently than I expected, but - as a writer myself - I know that the characters are often in control of how their stories are told. But I LOVED that they were different than expected. It was like we were getting to see the sides they didn't let others see, and it made their arcs evolve in a way that was more compelling and real.

I loved getting to see more of Finn & Spencer and Jaxon & Alex - their relationships continue grow in beautifully authentic ways, and it was perfect getting to see their dynamics deepen without overshadowing Olly and Jasper's journey. The author has managed to perfectly weave these characters' lives together, creating a found family that hits all the right emotional notes. Seeing how both of them relate to the others was great, but seeing Jasper truly understand how much he belongs with them was an absolute highlight for me. Watching him open up and accept the love and loyalty being offered to him was just beautiful.

And can we talk about how the author beautifully sets us up for possibly TWO more books? Yes, please! I'm officially begging for Dom and Beckett's story. I need it like air. The groundwork laid was clear and intriguing, and I hope we are gifted with their story soon.

This is a must-read for fans of the series. Ruby Raynes has created a small-town world that is realistic and emotionally rich, and every story is more than a continuation - it's a deepening.

[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to get Olly and Jasper's story

I couldn't wait to get back to this beautiful found family after loving the first two books, where Olly and Jasper were so intriguing every time they appeared.
Olly and his dream and Jasper and his secret kept me up late at night, unable to stop reading. I loved them as individuals and as a couple, and they truly belonged together. Olly was so sweet and patient, waiting for the skittish Jasper to come to him, showing him he was safe and cared for. Jasper was a real character but a total sweetheart too with hidden depths.
As before, the two main characters were ably supported by their friends. The found family is truly wonderful and the love and affection between them all shines right out of the pages.
Next up must be Dom and Beckett but Ruby also very cleverly teased us with another possible love story, which would be fascinating.

[Bexbookrex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformative love..

Jasper by Ruby Raynes is the wonderful 3rd book in the Love in Ink series. It still has the wonderful cast of characters that I adored from the 1st 2 books, just focused on Olly and Jasper this time.
Olly runs The Diner in town and worries constantly about Jasper who tends to live a risky lifestyle. He lived in foster care until he was 16 and has a hard time feeling lovable.
Olly's love for him is transformative and they begin to flourish together beautifully. Of course the whole found family is featured again, supportive and loving, family formed by choice.
I can't wait to see what happens between Dom and Beckett!
Romance - ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Steam - 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor - 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Angst - 😭😭😭😭
Writing - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Likes2Explore · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Somewhere among all the right and wrong turns I’ve taken while trying to find my way, I fell in love. I sure as #### wasn’t looking for it. It started with a man who held all the pieces to a puzzle I needed to solve.”

Jasper and Olly’s story is a beautiful blend of humor and heartfelt emotion.
How Maize became a baby spy gave me the giggles and I loved how Jasper used painting for therapy.
The ending was wonderful.
I am looking forward to more from this series.


A shout out goes to Ruby Raynes for not giving up on this story and for sharing her own story with us! Thank You!

[Teri Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three in the Love in Ink series.

We met Olly, the local diner owner and Jasper, piercer, and wannabe tattoo artist in each of the other two books. In the other books, these two nit pick and bicker with each other.

Jasper has always hid his true self, for good reason, it seems. When something happens and he's forced to realize sometimes it's ok to let people in, and maybe, just maybe, you'll find you are capable of being loved.

The absolute best part is the "baby spy"

I adored this book. It's funny and sweet. It has one of my favorite tropes with found family.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶🌶

[Madison_renee2415 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasper loves to try dangerous activities to find that rush, but his health is starting to be affected and his friends from the Ink Me tattoo shop finally intervene. Olly steps in and volunteers to stay with him to look after him when he passes out at his job. Olly is trying to figure out his next step in his life when a baby is found at his Diner.
Olly and Jasper have hidden feelings for each other and think the other doesn't like them more than a friend. These two are complete opposites and they balance each other out. Jasper learns to let his friends know about his past and Olly finds his passion in Baking. 
Loved this book and I can't wait for the next book!

[Vols77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not familiar with series, but will say this book has sold me on it. I will admit it too me a bit for me to get into the book and the characters, so please do to give up. The book is outstanding and the characters, Olly and Jasper, lovable and relatable. They are opposites but you know they belong together. I will also say this book result in the experiencing of a wide range of emotions and I love a book that does that for me. The main characters and supporting characters are such a family that love, challenge and support one another. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.