What do you think?
Rate this book
Once Upon #1
Once Upon a Tattoo
Wren
My dreams are finally coming true. I’ve got my own tattoo shop and my best gal pals by my side.
The only thing that would make things better is if I could buy the building next door, so I can grow my business even more.
But the devastatingly handsome, infuriating owner continues to distract me both physically and emotionally, breaking down my carefully crafted walls to keep people at a distance.
Is it time to admit that maybe I have a bigger dream than even I realized?
Brooks
My grandpa passing away was inevitable, but leaving me his bookstore was never part of my plans.
When I see the crumbling building for the first time, the effort to bring it back to life is more than I signed up for.
Ready to have the place fixed up and get back to my dream job as a professor, I don’t expect to be derailed by the feisty, raven-haired tattoo goddess next door.
As our relationship shifts and my bookstore blossoms, could I have been wrong about what’s truly important in my life?
My dreams are finally coming true. I’ve got my own tattoo shop and my best gal pals by my side.
The only thing that would make things better is if I could buy the building next door, so I can grow my business even more.
But the devastatingly handsome, infuriating owner continues to distract me both physically and emotionally, breaking down my carefully crafted walls to keep people at a distance.
Is it time to admit that maybe I have a bigger dream than even I realized?
Brooks
My grandpa passing away was inevitable, but leaving me his bookstore was never part of my plans.
When I see the crumbling building for the first time, the effort to bring it back to life is more than I signed up for.
Ready to have the place fixed up and get back to my dream job as a professor, I don’t expect to be derailed by the feisty, raven-haired tattoo goddess next door.
As our relationship shifts and my bookstore blossoms, could I have been wrong about what’s truly important in my life?
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
108 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Jay Fields
10 books73 followersHi, I'm Jay Fields and I'm a reader turned writer. I've always loved books, but about 5 years ago I read my first romance book and I've been hooked ever since.
I live in a small town with my husband, three kiddos, and two fur babies. I work full time, so my world is a constant state of organized chaos!
So far, I write small town romance novels and I absolutely love them. Creating a fictional world full of people who genuinely care for each other hits me in me right in my feels.
I love a good side character, so be prepared to not only fall in love with the main characters, but enjoy meeting everyone who makes them who they are!
I hope you love my first book and stick around on this wild journey with me!
Xo,
Jay
I live in a small town with my husband, three kiddos, and two fur babies. I work full time, so my world is a constant state of organized chaos!
So far, I write small town romance novels and I absolutely love them. Creating a fictional world full of people who genuinely care for each other hits me in me right in my feels.
I love a good side character, so be prepared to not only fall in love with the main characters, but enjoy meeting everyone who makes them who they are!
I hope you love my first book and stick around on this wild journey with me!
Xo,
Jay
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 19, 2025
4 ⭐️ 3.5 🌶️
📖 Enemies to lovers
📖 Mental health rep
📖 He falls first
📖 Small town
📖 Found family
This book had all the feels for me - I was laughing, swooning, annoyed, and totally emotionally invested. There is a wonderful balance of story, sweet and spice.
He's a literature professor who is looking to renovate and re-open the local bookstore that his grandfather used to own, and she's a tattoo artist who runs the tattoo shop next door.
Their first interaction doesn't go well, and neither do the few thereafter, but, the chemistry and attraction is felt by both, and it takes them both by surprise. There are hilarious moments, and great banter. The side characters are well written, and add so much more to the story.
Wren (FMC) is sassy, strong, and a bad ass, and lost both her parents at a very young age, and has struggled with panic attacks since, while trying to deal with the grief and pain of the loss.
She appears happy and in charge of her life, but deep down, still struggles.
There are minor grammatical errors in the book, but this doesn't distract from core story, and the way that Wren and Brooks work through their baggage.
Loved this story, and will definitely be reading more from this author.
📖 Enemies to lovers
📖 Mental health rep
📖 He falls first
📖 Small town
📖 Found family
This book had all the feels for me - I was laughing, swooning, annoyed, and totally emotionally invested. There is a wonderful balance of story, sweet and spice.
He's a literature professor who is looking to renovate and re-open the local bookstore that his grandfather used to own, and she's a tattoo artist who runs the tattoo shop next door.
Their first interaction doesn't go well, and neither do the few thereafter, but, the chemistry and attraction is felt by both, and it takes them both by surprise. There are hilarious moments, and great banter. The side characters are well written, and add so much more to the story.
Wren (FMC) is sassy, strong, and a bad ass, and lost both her parents at a very young age, and has struggled with panic attacks since, while trying to deal with the grief and pain of the loss.
She appears happy and in charge of her life, but deep down, still struggles.
There are minor grammatical errors in the book, but this doesn't distract from core story, and the way that Wren and Brooks work through their baggage.
Loved this story, and will definitely be reading more from this author.
June 29, 2024
This was an amazing book! I loved it and couldn’t put it down.
June 23, 2024
Rating 4/5 ⭐️
Spicy 3.5/5 🌶️
eARC
My first book by Jay Fields and I loved it! This was such a great opposite attract story of Brooks and Wren.
He’s a professor and new owner of the book store. A book store his grandfather use to own. He’s the hot book nerd who has a big heart and loves his family and friends.
She is a gothic princess who recently opened a tattoo shop next door. After losing her parents her only family is her big brother also a tattoo artist. She started her shop and her found family, friends have made her life in Sparrow Falls best decision to open a business.
These two don’t start off on a good note but that doesn’t deflect the attraction to each other. The one common interest is books. An instant attraction, these two send sparks flying with the spice. I was certainly a fan of Brooks, with his dirty mouth and how he did anything and everything to show how much she means to him. He is definitely every romance readers dream for a book boyfriend.
Spicy 3.5/5 🌶️
eARC
My first book by Jay Fields and I loved it! This was such a great opposite attract story of Brooks and Wren.
He’s a professor and new owner of the book store. A book store his grandfather use to own. He’s the hot book nerd who has a big heart and loves his family and friends.
She is a gothic princess who recently opened a tattoo shop next door. After losing her parents her only family is her big brother also a tattoo artist. She started her shop and her found family, friends have made her life in Sparrow Falls best decision to open a business.
These two don’t start off on a good note but that doesn’t deflect the attraction to each other. The one common interest is books. An instant attraction, these two send sparks flying with the spice. I was certainly a fan of Brooks, with his dirty mouth and how he did anything and everything to show how much she means to him. He is definitely every romance readers dream for a book boyfriend.
August 4, 2024
LOVED this book!❤️
October 7, 2024
Once Upon A Tattoo by Jay Fields was a fantastic read! Wren is sassy and independent but to a fault, she’s got some baggage she has to work on & Brooks is a smart professor with a love for books & his grandfathers bookstore! The two clash a few times but the instant attraction is so real, read to find out just how beautiful this love story really is 🩵😍
June 25, 2024
Jay Fields has once again outdone herself. Not only has she brought us a new series but she has seamlessly incorporated old characters, allowing us the fun and enjoyment of seeing where their lives are at and how perfect the new characters are for Sparrow Falls.
Not only that, but we get to join in the fun of our friends sinking joyously into the book world from a readers point of view. It’s exciting and addictive to see how they are as obsessed with the book world as we all are.
Wren is the FMC and she’s such a badass. She takes no prisoners and is not afraid to stand her ground. I love that about her. But what you also see is a woman struggling to deal with the pain and grief from her past. A pain no child should have had to live through. It’s so heartbreaking to watch the facade she shows the world and the way she bottles up her pain and consequential fear. I don’t know about you but this is something I have a lot of experience with. Putting on a good front and allowing people to see the person you want them to, instead of the struggling mess you are deep inside. I admire the way in which Jay Fields wrote this, showing the utmost care and respect for someone in that position.
Seeing her support system; her brother and best friends, was wonderful and heartfelt in their caring and love for her and each other. A family in the deepest sense of the word.
I have a few tattoos so I found reading the details from the perspective of the tattooist was so interesting and informative.
The MMC, Brooks is a man who has worked hard for what he has achieved. But somewhere along the way everyday life took over and those he loved became a thought. I think this is an important point because a lot of us are so busy with our everyday life that we forget to stop and just smell the roses, check in with those we love and just take the time to catch your breath. Jay Fields has explained and portrayed this really well and I think it’s a valid lesson for us all to learn. We never know what tomorrow will bring, so we should live life to the fullest while we can.
Brooks is an alpha male who, despite his initial disasters with Wren, knows what he wants in the end. He’s the total opposite to Wren but it works. Brooks and Wren are the epitome of opposites attracting. They fit perfectly. They are each what the other needs to complete them.
I love the camaraderie Brooks has with his brothers and parents. The banter between them is hilarious and addictive to watch. Carson is a blast.
I loved the point made about Brooks’ differences with Wren. How just because someone doesn’t conform to the perceived understanding of social norms doesn’t mean they are any less than anyone else. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I fully believe that Wrens way of dressing or her tattoos take anything away from the sheer beauty of her soul. They simply add to her beauty and uniqueness.
Jay Fields takes you on an exhilarating ride full of laughter, pain, fear, sense of family, importance of friendships and a whole lot of chemistry with enough heat to make a winters day feel like the middle of summer.
This book is full of depth and emotion, it will consume and compel you until
nothing exists except our wonderful friends in Sparrow Falls.
Stunning beautiful read. Can’t recommend highly enough. Jay Fields is one heck of a fantastic author with a truly limitless talent.
There really are not enough stars in the world to fully portray how fanfreakintastic this story is.
Not only that, but we get to join in the fun of our friends sinking joyously into the book world from a readers point of view. It’s exciting and addictive to see how they are as obsessed with the book world as we all are.
Wren is the FMC and she’s such a badass. She takes no prisoners and is not afraid to stand her ground. I love that about her. But what you also see is a woman struggling to deal with the pain and grief from her past. A pain no child should have had to live through. It’s so heartbreaking to watch the facade she shows the world and the way she bottles up her pain and consequential fear. I don’t know about you but this is something I have a lot of experience with. Putting on a good front and allowing people to see the person you want them to, instead of the struggling mess you are deep inside. I admire the way in which Jay Fields wrote this, showing the utmost care and respect for someone in that position.
Seeing her support system; her brother and best friends, was wonderful and heartfelt in their caring and love for her and each other. A family in the deepest sense of the word.
I have a few tattoos so I found reading the details from the perspective of the tattooist was so interesting and informative.
The MMC, Brooks is a man who has worked hard for what he has achieved. But somewhere along the way everyday life took over and those he loved became a thought. I think this is an important point because a lot of us are so busy with our everyday life that we forget to stop and just smell the roses, check in with those we love and just take the time to catch your breath. Jay Fields has explained and portrayed this really well and I think it’s a valid lesson for us all to learn. We never know what tomorrow will bring, so we should live life to the fullest while we can.
Brooks is an alpha male who, despite his initial disasters with Wren, knows what he wants in the end. He’s the total opposite to Wren but it works. Brooks and Wren are the epitome of opposites attracting. They fit perfectly. They are each what the other needs to complete them.
I love the camaraderie Brooks has with his brothers and parents. The banter between them is hilarious and addictive to watch. Carson is a blast.
I loved the point made about Brooks’ differences with Wren. How just because someone doesn’t conform to the perceived understanding of social norms doesn’t mean they are any less than anyone else. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I fully believe that Wrens way of dressing or her tattoos take anything away from the sheer beauty of her soul. They simply add to her beauty and uniqueness.
Jay Fields takes you on an exhilarating ride full of laughter, pain, fear, sense of family, importance of friendships and a whole lot of chemistry with enough heat to make a winters day feel like the middle of summer.
This book is full of depth and emotion, it will consume and compel you until
nothing exists except our wonderful friends in Sparrow Falls.
Stunning beautiful read. Can’t recommend highly enough. Jay Fields is one heck of a fantastic author with a truly limitless talent.
There really are not enough stars in the world to fully portray how fanfreakintastic this story is.
February 23, 2026
So this is really a 3.5 rounded up to a 4. Right off the bat, I loved the dedication page and appreciated the content warnings concerning panic attacks and anxiety. I actually found the description of the panic attacks to be very accurate and I could fully relate to Wren. I can tell the author was either speaking from personal experience as either someone who suffers from anxiety or with a loved one suffering.
Wren just opened her women-owned tattoo shop with her besties next door to an upcoming bookstore being brought back to life by Brooks. Wren suffers from anxiety after losing her parents and has put up thick walls to avoid getting close to anyone just for them to leave her in the end. I could really relate to Wren here, having lost my single parent and going through what she did regarding the anxiety and panic attacks.
Brooks, having lost his grandfather and feeling guilt towards not being there for him in the end, has returned to the bookstore to make his childhood memories a reality.
I love the small town feel of the setting. There is a lot of playful banter between all of the characters, especially Wren and Brooks. I like how we get brief backstories of the other characters. The spicy scenes were PERFECT! I was constantly giggling and kicking my feet. Made me want my husband lmfaooooo
My biggest reason for the lower rating was the lack of editing. I am trying to get into more Indie Authors and I always love the stories and hate the execution. It’s annoying because I wish I could ignore these things but I can’t. Some big things that stuck out:
Words used where it seems like the author used talk-to-text and Siri misheard her or maybe the author doesn’t actually know the difference between the words (regime vs regimen OR picture vs pitcher) or missing words altogether. I also didn’t like the plot inconsistencies. At one point, Brooks says he has 3 brothers (one who plays hockey and two that play football) and later the author must have forgotten because we get introduced to 3 brothers (two play hockey and one plays football).
Overall, I loved the story and I got through it fast. I would recommend it if you want a small town happily ever after with spicy sex scenes.
Wren just opened her women-owned tattoo shop with her besties next door to an upcoming bookstore being brought back to life by Brooks. Wren suffers from anxiety after losing her parents and has put up thick walls to avoid getting close to anyone just for them to leave her in the end. I could really relate to Wren here, having lost my single parent and going through what she did regarding the anxiety and panic attacks.
Brooks, having lost his grandfather and feeling guilt towards not being there for him in the end, has returned to the bookstore to make his childhood memories a reality.
I love the small town feel of the setting. There is a lot of playful banter between all of the characters, especially Wren and Brooks. I like how we get brief backstories of the other characters. The spicy scenes were PERFECT! I was constantly giggling and kicking my feet. Made me want my husband lmfaooooo
My biggest reason for the lower rating was the lack of editing. I am trying to get into more Indie Authors and I always love the stories and hate the execution. It’s annoying because I wish I could ignore these things but I can’t. Some big things that stuck out:
Words used where it seems like the author used talk-to-text and Siri misheard her or maybe the author doesn’t actually know the difference between the words (regime vs regimen OR picture vs pitcher) or missing words altogether. I also didn’t like the plot inconsistencies. At one point, Brooks says he has 3 brothers (one who plays hockey and two that play football) and later the author must have forgotten because we get introduced to 3 brothers (two play hockey and one plays football).
Overall, I loved the story and I got through it fast. I would recommend it if you want a small town happily ever after with spicy sex scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2024
Ohh this was so damn adorable!! I had to give it 5 stars because it was warm fuzzies from start to finish.
It was set in Sparrow Falls, which you’d know well if you’ve read Jay’s other work, and it felt great to head back there. It’s a great small town and has an awesome community. There were also plenty of cameos from past characters which is always fun!
I loved Brooks and Wren. They were a hot mess to start with but that had me giggling every time Brooks made another misstep 😂 I thought it was especially cute that Brooks fell first and was an absolute simp for her before she was even ready to give in. Their romance was very fast-paced but also incredibly sweet. The spice was spicin’ but wasn’t overwhelming which I enjoyed.
The third act break up broke my heart but I really applaud the mental health rep that became part of the story. It’s rare to see anxiety, panic attacks and therapy covered so well in a romance book and I thought Jay did this really well. As someone who suffers from both, it felt nice to be seen.
Overall this was a really cute, easy read. The banter was fun, the found family was top-notch, and enough hints were dropped about the side characters that it has me chomping at the bit for more! I can’t wait to see who’s up next in Sparrow Falls 👀
It was set in Sparrow Falls, which you’d know well if you’ve read Jay’s other work, and it felt great to head back there. It’s a great small town and has an awesome community. There were also plenty of cameos from past characters which is always fun!
I loved Brooks and Wren. They were a hot mess to start with but that had me giggling every time Brooks made another misstep 😂 I thought it was especially cute that Brooks fell first and was an absolute simp for her before she was even ready to give in. Their romance was very fast-paced but also incredibly sweet. The spice was spicin’ but wasn’t overwhelming which I enjoyed.
The third act break up broke my heart but I really applaud the mental health rep that became part of the story. It’s rare to see anxiety, panic attacks and therapy covered so well in a romance book and I thought Jay did this really well. As someone who suffers from both, it felt nice to be seen.
Overall this was a really cute, easy read. The banter was fun, the found family was top-notch, and enough hints were dropped about the side characters that it has me chomping at the bit for more! I can’t wait to see who’s up next in Sparrow Falls 👀
June 25, 2024
Okay, I officially want to move to Sparrow Falls! This has definitely made it into my liar of favorite reads for the year! I don’t know how Jay Fields does it, but she’s sucked me right into this beautiful story! Perfect blend of sweet and spice, with shoutouts to familiar indie authors and cameos from our favorite Sparrow Falls heroes and heroines.
Wren opens up a tattoo shop with her two best friends. Brooks, a professor, inherits his grandfather’s bookstore (and sells indie books!!) which just happens to be located right next to Wren’s new shop. After a not-so meet cute (or several), Wren and Brooks come to a sort of… understanding? I don’t want to spoil it, so you’ll just have to read it. Seriously. Read. This. Book.
I not only completely fell in love with Brooks while reading, but I have a serious girl-crush on Wren. I loved how Jay Fields threw in support for familiar indie authors. I also loved the mental health rep, including very realistic descriptions of anxiety attacks (if this is a tr!ggër for you, please be prepared) and therapy. It’s not skimmed over. It’s raw and real. It brings the readers right through the experience with the characters. Beautifully written and entertaining to read. Be prepared to read it in one or two sittings. You won’t want to put it down!
Wren opens up a tattoo shop with her two best friends. Brooks, a professor, inherits his grandfather’s bookstore (and sells indie books!!) which just happens to be located right next to Wren’s new shop. After a not-so meet cute (or several), Wren and Brooks come to a sort of… understanding? I don’t want to spoil it, so you’ll just have to read it. Seriously. Read. This. Book.
I not only completely fell in love with Brooks while reading, but I have a serious girl-crush on Wren. I loved how Jay Fields threw in support for familiar indie authors. I also loved the mental health rep, including very realistic descriptions of anxiety attacks (if this is a tr!ggër for you, please be prepared) and therapy. It’s not skimmed over. It’s raw and real. It brings the readers right through the experience with the characters. Beautifully written and entertaining to read. Be prepared to read it in one or two sittings. You won’t want to put it down!
June 26, 2024
Brooks and Wren
This was such a fun return to Sparrow Falls with a whole cast of new characters and all of my old favorites. The mental health aspect added a lot of emotion and was so well written. It was a little bit of insta-love, opposites attract romance.
I loved Brooks. His first interactions with Wren really endeared him to me. He was so confident, except when it came to Wren. I loved how he worked to show Wren he was worth her letting her walls down. He stood up for her, stood by her, supported her, and fought for her. He had no problem owning up to his mistakes and making amends. I loved that he made an effort to form relationships with her brother and her friends. Brooks was everything you could want in a book boyfriend.
I loved Wren for Brooks. She added some flair to his life and kept him on his toes. She was really struggling internally and I liked how that was handled. I liked that she needed to find a way to heal herself before really committing to being all in with Brooks, and I loved that Brooks gave her the space to do that.
This was a great start to this new series. There were so many secondary characters I hope to see again. Brooks’ brothers, Daphne, Meadow, and Lark were all a great supporting cast.
This was such a fun return to Sparrow Falls with a whole cast of new characters and all of my old favorites. The mental health aspect added a lot of emotion and was so well written. It was a little bit of insta-love, opposites attract romance.
I loved Brooks. His first interactions with Wren really endeared him to me. He was so confident, except when it came to Wren. I loved how he worked to show Wren he was worth her letting her walls down. He stood up for her, stood by her, supported her, and fought for her. He had no problem owning up to his mistakes and making amends. I loved that he made an effort to form relationships with her brother and her friends. Brooks was everything you could want in a book boyfriend.
I loved Wren for Brooks. She added some flair to his life and kept him on his toes. She was really struggling internally and I liked how that was handled. I liked that she needed to find a way to heal herself before really committing to being all in with Brooks, and I loved that Brooks gave her the space to do that.
This was a great start to this new series. There were so many secondary characters I hope to see again. Brooks’ brothers, Daphne, Meadow, and Lark were all a great supporting cast.
March 27, 2025
This cover caught my eye and I found it to be a perfect read for a book lover.
This opposites attract/forced proximity romance between a tattoo shop owner and a bookshop owner was fun and REAL. You know those stories where it takes a bit to fit into the character’s shoes? The ones who are beyond perfect with no flaws? Yeah, not these characters. Bring on the down to earth, lifelike characters who will capture your heart while making you feel seen.
This story teaches us that we can’t rely on someone else to fight our demons, only for them to get hurt in the process. We need to be able to take charge of our own lives in the battle to heal. That doesn’t mean we need to do it alone, we just can’t use them as a crutch while we pull them under the water with us.
Brooks and his unconditional love for Wren will have you swooning. At times I did feel he could have been a little too perfect, but he is a listener, he had Wren’s brother to consult with, he’s just a different type of man who processes situations in a positive way. He was made for Wren.
I have to admit, as much as I fell in love with Brooks, his brothers caught my eye and I hope they get their stories. It was hard not to love everyone in this world.
This is my first by this author and I definitely will be coming back for more.
This opposites attract/forced proximity romance between a tattoo shop owner and a bookshop owner was fun and REAL. You know those stories where it takes a bit to fit into the character’s shoes? The ones who are beyond perfect with no flaws? Yeah, not these characters. Bring on the down to earth, lifelike characters who will capture your heart while making you feel seen.
This story teaches us that we can’t rely on someone else to fight our demons, only for them to get hurt in the process. We need to be able to take charge of our own lives in the battle to heal. That doesn’t mean we need to do it alone, we just can’t use them as a crutch while we pull them under the water with us.
Brooks and his unconditional love for Wren will have you swooning. At times I did feel he could have been a little too perfect, but he is a listener, he had Wren’s brother to consult with, he’s just a different type of man who processes situations in a positive way. He was made for Wren.
I have to admit, as much as I fell in love with Brooks, his brothers caught my eye and I hope they get their stories. It was hard not to love everyone in this world.
This is my first by this author and I definitely will be coming back for more.
June 28, 2024
Another great book by Jay fields. Like the others this was set in Sparrow Falls. This was about Wren mainly. She moved to Sparrow Falls and opened up a tattoo shop with her 2 best friends. Brooks is the other main character. He came into town to fix up his grandfathers book store. He didn’t know it would be so bad. The people that were hired to clean up the store didn’t do it. He went to the local bar the Tavern where he met Maverick. They talked for a bit and he told him what he was doing but needed help. He introduced him to Cash and Reid who are contractors. One day the guys were heading to the book store when they saw Wren. So they stopped to talk to her. It turns out she was waiting right in front of Brooks door and he didn’t see her when he came flying out the door and knocked her over. They didn’t have a great first couple of meetings. It turned out that they were both attracted to each other but they kept messing it up. Brooks did some things to get her attention and it worked. I highly recommend this book. Really anything written by Jay is going to be a great read.
November 12, 2024
- I love this quote "This book is for anyone who has lost someone they love, may your heart find peace. And to those fighting your demons, know that you're not alone. Seeking out help does not make you weak. It makes you brave as hell."
- does have trigger warnings
- love how bridie described how her and her best friends connect "we bonded over our love of tattooing and reading smutty books. We all like to escape our real lives and live in the fantasies good romance books allow us to."
- I couldn't put down this book at all. It was a amazing
- it was good to see opposite attract story of Brooks and Wren
- Brooks, he is a professor aswell as a new owner of the book store . That bookstore use to belong to his grandfather that he use to own. I can picture him as this hot book need who has a big heart that loves his family and friends
- Wren is a Gothic princess that have recently decide to open up a tattoo shop next door . She went through something tragic that resulted of losing her parents so she only have her big brother that is also a tattoo artist. - since she open up her shop, she has found family and friends that have made her life in Sparrow Falls to be the best decision to open up a business
-these two doesn't start off on a good note but that doesn't deflect the attraction to each other .
- they do have one thing common is books
- it was instant attractions that just send these two off with spark flying of Sparks.
- I literally adore Brooks as he has a dirty mouth but he truly did everything to be able to show how much Wren means to him .
- he is truly a romance readers dream for a book boyfriend 😍😍
- can't wait till I read book 2 since I put that one on hold so I can book 1
- does have trigger warnings
- love how bridie described how her and her best friends connect "we bonded over our love of tattooing and reading smutty books. We all like to escape our real lives and live in the fantasies good romance books allow us to."
- I couldn't put down this book at all. It was a amazing
- it was good to see opposite attract story of Brooks and Wren
- Brooks, he is a professor aswell as a new owner of the book store . That bookstore use to belong to his grandfather that he use to own. I can picture him as this hot book need who has a big heart that loves his family and friends
- Wren is a Gothic princess that have recently decide to open up a tattoo shop next door . She went through something tragic that resulted of losing her parents so she only have her big brother that is also a tattoo artist. - since she open up her shop, she has found family and friends that have made her life in Sparrow Falls to be the best decision to open up a business
-these two doesn't start off on a good note but that doesn't deflect the attraction to each other .
- they do have one thing common is books
- it was instant attractions that just send these two off with spark flying of Sparks.
- I literally adore Brooks as he has a dirty mouth but he truly did everything to be able to show how much Wren means to him .
- he is truly a romance readers dream for a book boyfriend 😍😍
- can't wait till I read book 2 since I put that one on hold so I can book 1
June 27, 2024
Jay Fields is a new-to-me author and I really enjoyed “Once Upon a Tattoo.” I love romance novels that have tattoo artists and this was amazing to see an entire shop of women kicking butt, especially the intrepid FMC, Wren.
An added bonus was a sexy as heck Professor Brooks, the new owner of the bookstore next to the tattoo shop! Smart, funny as well as sexy with that “she’s mine and I’m hers” vibe - 🔥🫶🏼🙌🏼
The mental health aspects of the book were handled well, in my opinion, as someone who struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. It felt relatable and real and I understood the fears.
What I really loved was the world building. All the side characters - the friends and family and Sparrow Falls, the town, itself. I’m curious if we’ll see more stories from Sparrow Falls - who falls next?!
An added bonus was a sexy as heck Professor Brooks, the new owner of the bookstore next to the tattoo shop! Smart, funny as well as sexy with that “she’s mine and I’m hers” vibe - 🔥🫶🏼🙌🏼
The mental health aspects of the book were handled well, in my opinion, as someone who struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. It felt relatable and real and I understood the fears.
What I really loved was the world building. All the side characters - the friends and family and Sparrow Falls, the town, itself. I’m curious if we’ll see more stories from Sparrow Falls - who falls next?!
June 17, 2024
Brooks and Wren are such a cute couple. Almost like a reverse grumpy/sunshine story, Wren is a female tattoo artist, with a rough exterior and a heart of gold. Brooks inherits his grandfather's abandoned bookstore, which he fixes and turns into a great spot for the community. When they meet they find each other attractive but they don't really like each other, but they quickly form a friendship that turns steamy and develops into a beautiful relationship. I found myself a little frustrated with Wren's reactions to situations because it made her sound a bit immature but I otherwise loved the story. The steamy scenes were excellent and the ending was just perfect.
June 22, 2024
I enjoyed this funny (at times deeper) romantic read. The town of Sparrow Falls felt so much like my own town and friends. The main characters Wren and Brooks were great together and yet seemed so different. The book was full of a great group of characters that made a family reminding me of my own group of friends. While I found myself laughing at times there were also deeper moments to. It was a great story that I felt wrapped up well. I can't wait to continue this series to see what the other cast of characters in Sparrow Falls has to offer.
October 23, 2024
I'M IN LURRRRRVE WITH THIS BOOK!
I know what tattoo I'm doing next thanks to this book 🫶🏼
100x over this book was AMAZING!
As someone who does tattoos (not professionally) & loves books I didn't think I needed a book like this.. BOY WAS I WRONNNG!!
I see so much potential with this as a series and honestly IM ALL IN FOR IT!! SIGN ME UP! I'm so glad I found this book on stuff your kindle day otherwise I don't think I'd ever come across this as I didn't even know it existed 😩🥺 This was one of the books i was hoping was available to download in canada. EVERYTHING in this book was amazing, it had me giggling kicking my feet in the air.
I've never read a book where the brother was so loving and understanding ugh my heart DO NOT get me started on the found family ahhh!!! THANK YOU JAY FIELDS FOR CREATING A MASTERPIECE! I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us 🫶🏼
I know what tattoo I'm doing next thanks to this book 🫶🏼
100x over this book was AMAZING!
As someone who does tattoos (not professionally) & loves books I didn't think I needed a book like this.. BOY WAS I WRONNNG!!
I see so much potential with this as a series and honestly IM ALL IN FOR IT!! SIGN ME UP! I'm so glad I found this book on stuff your kindle day otherwise I don't think I'd ever come across this as I didn't even know it existed 😩🥺 This was one of the books i was hoping was available to download in canada. EVERYTHING in this book was amazing, it had me giggling kicking my feet in the air.
I've never read a book where the brother was so loving and understanding ugh my heart DO NOT get me started on the found family ahhh!!! THANK YOU JAY FIELDS FOR CREATING A MASTERPIECE! I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us 🫶🏼
February 9, 2026
I don’t know if this book just really wasn’t for me, or if it was as badly written as I felt it was. But to give the author the benefit of the doubt, I’ll go with that it wasn’t for me. It was a very slow read, with a lot of repetition and was overall filled with what I would call “fluff” or filler that didn’t feel necessary to the plot. It felt too cheesy to me, but maybe that’s just it not being my cup of tea. I love me a sweet romance, but this truly missed the mark for me.
June 17, 2024
Super cute story!!!
Opposites attract
Annoying neighbor
Grumpy x sunshine
Tattoo artist x professor
Forced proximity
Found family
Small town
Independent FMC
Third act break up!
Mental health awareness!
3.5/5 ⭐️ Storyline
2/5 🌶️ Spiciness
Opposites attract
Annoying neighbor
Grumpy x sunshine
Tattoo artist x professor
Forced proximity
Found family
Small town
Independent FMC
Third act break up!
Mental health awareness!
3.5/5 ⭐️ Storyline
2/5 🌶️ Spiciness
June 23, 2024
A great enemies to lovers romance that will pull you in from page one. All of the FEELS with this one! I absolutely LOVED this romance - the snark, the banter, the heat, the emotions they experience, the push and pull, and back and forth between Wren & Brooks is OFF THE CHARTS! Don’t want to give too much away. You need to read and experience yourself....So good!
June 25, 2024
Wren and Brooks
These 2 are oil and water, but where the oil catches fire and burns on top of the water. The way Wren protects herself and the way Brooks supports her is heartwrenching and heartfelt all at the same time. This was truly beautiful.
These 2 are oil and water, but where the oil catches fire and burns on top of the water. The way Wren protects herself and the way Brooks supports her is heartwrenching and heartfelt all at the same time. This was truly beautiful.
June 28, 2024
Such a cute, cozy, and fun read about second chances! It has to be one of the few books I have ever read that represented mental health, such a great representation! I cannot wait for the second! I also love the opposites attract in here!
June 29, 2024
I really loved this book! It was my 1st by Jay Fields and I was not disappointed! This was an opposites attract, found family, black cat FMC, FMC Tattoo artist, MMC College Professor! 3/5🌶️
I loved Wren and Brooks’s story! This opposites attracts had me in all my feels. Brooks was so amazingly sweet it had me swooning the entire book! This has some mental health representation so check TW before reading if you have sensitivities! Oh and I loved all the shoutouts to some of my favorite indie authors!! Can’t wait to see whos book is next!
I loved Wren and Brooks’s story! This opposites attracts had me in all my feels. Brooks was so amazingly sweet it had me swooning the entire book! This has some mental health representation so check TW before reading if you have sensitivities! Oh and I loved all the shoutouts to some of my favorite indie authors!! Can’t wait to see whos book is next!
June 29, 2024
Brooks and Wren 🥰
I love all the stories about the town of Sparrow Falls. If I could move there, I totally would. This is the story of Brooks and Wren. The two are perfectly imperfect and their story has some challenges before they get their HEA. I loved that Wren is a tattoo artist and that Brooks loves books. Their story is one that warmed my heart and tugged at it’s strings. I can’t wait for the next book from this author because every book I read from her is 5*!
I love all the stories about the town of Sparrow Falls. If I could move there, I totally would. This is the story of Brooks and Wren. The two are perfectly imperfect and their story has some challenges before they get their HEA. I loved that Wren is a tattoo artist and that Brooks loves books. Their story is one that warmed my heart and tugged at it’s strings. I can’t wait for the next book from this author because every book I read from her is 5*!
October 24, 2024
Beautifully written
5 phenomenal stars
10/10 DO recommend!
Jay Fields never disappoints! I loved everything about this book! The characters, the setting, the friendships, it all mixed together perfectly to form a beautifully written book!
Brooks is a filthy mouthed, book loving, intelligent, and kind man who finds his perfect match in fiery, caring, mischievous, talented, artistic, bookworm Wren.
I can't wait for more of this series!
5 phenomenal stars
10/10 DO recommend!
Jay Fields never disappoints! I loved everything about this book! The characters, the setting, the friendships, it all mixed together perfectly to form a beautifully written book!
Brooks is a filthy mouthed, book loving, intelligent, and kind man who finds his perfect match in fiery, caring, mischievous, talented, artistic, bookworm Wren.
I can't wait for more of this series!
October 26, 2024
books and tattoos
Not only themed with two of my favorite things Wren and Brooks story was one of my top 5 ever reads! Jay does an amazing job drawing you into their world, from the highs and lows to the HEA. Definitely excited to read what comes next!! On to book 2 I go
Not only themed with two of my favorite things Wren and Brooks story was one of my top 5 ever reads! Jay does an amazing job drawing you into their world, from the highs and lows to the HEA. Definitely excited to read what comes next!! On to book 2 I go
February 24, 2025
this book has a huge mental health representation & i absolutely love that. i also enjoyed that it was dual POV because it shows both sides of what it’s like to be someone who has mental health issues like anxiety & panic attacks and what it’s like to be someone who is trying to support them getting help. that is such an important topic and i love how it was written in this story. i grew up in the tattoo industry and am a tattoo myself & i’ve seen firsthand how women tattoo artists are treated so i love that Wren is a tattoo artist & mentions how tough it is for women! it really helps bring reality into the book because it just breaks my heart to see how many women have been treated poorly in the industry. Brooks owning the bookstore next door is just icing on the cake! two of my favorite things in one book, love it LOL. & the name of the tattoo shop is SO fitting! plus the banter, the enemies to lovers vibe & essentially a second chance are so well done in this book. absolutely ate it up!
February 23, 2025
My first and definitely not last by this author!!!
This was a really great read! I was only about half way through and stopped to add this authors' backlist to my TBR. She just has that spark, the little extra something that makes you want to keep reading. I am really glad I found this author and I look forward to seeing her skill develop more.
There is always something extra special about finding a new indie author ❤️
This was a really great read! I was only about half way through and stopped to add this authors' backlist to my TBR. She just has that spark, the little extra something that makes you want to keep reading. I am really glad I found this author and I look forward to seeing her skill develop more.
There is always something extra special about finding a new indie author ❤️
June 18, 2024
this was such a good little book, i love wren and brooks soooo much i cant wait for the next book in the series!! 💖
June 21, 2024
ARC Review
Wren was an amazing kickass FMC. She owns her own tattoo shop with her best friends in a small town. The bookstore next door is now owned by the handsome professor Brooks. Sparks fly even though they are complete opposites. Wren suffers from panic attacks and Brooks supports her through her journey to better her mental health.
Wren was an amazing kickass FMC. She owns her own tattoo shop with her best friends in a small town. The bookstore next door is now owned by the handsome professor Brooks. Sparks fly even though they are complete opposites. Wren suffers from panic attacks and Brooks supports her through her journey to better her mental health.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews