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Ink Slingers #3
Patchwork
It's not a relationship, it's just a patchwork of tattoo sessions and sweaty secrets with a rock star. No big deal.
I've been keeping this secret for four years, counting down the months in between visits from Onyx.
To everyone else I'm “Hero” but he mostly just calls me “yes” and “more” while we trade heated kisses and wandering hands.
I know it won't ever be anything more than a wild secret and eventually he'll get bored hooking up with a tattoo artist fifteen years too old for him from Nowhere, Wisconsin. But I'm more than happy to enjoy this while it lasts.
But when Onyx shows up unannounced and tells me that instead of a hurried weekend we have 3 full months before he has to hit the road again, I don't know if I'm more excited or terrified to see where things will go.
I’m sure there’s more to life than tattooing Onyx and spending late nights talking until the sun comes up, but whatever that “more” is, it can’t be as fun as this.
No matter how hard I’m falling for him, there’s no way that he’s going to give up his rock star lifestyle to stay here with me… is there?
I've been keeping this secret for four years, counting down the months in between visits from Onyx.
To everyone else I'm “Hero” but he mostly just calls me “yes” and “more” while we trade heated kisses and wandering hands.
I know it won't ever be anything more than a wild secret and eventually he'll get bored hooking up with a tattoo artist fifteen years too old for him from Nowhere, Wisconsin. But I'm more than happy to enjoy this while it lasts.
But when Onyx shows up unannounced and tells me that instead of a hurried weekend we have 3 full months before he has to hit the road again, I don't know if I'm more excited or terrified to see where things will go.
I’m sure there’s more to life than tattooing Onyx and spending late nights talking until the sun comes up, but whatever that “more” is, it can’t be as fun as this.
No matter how hard I’m falling for him, there’s no way that he’s going to give up his rock star lifestyle to stay here with me… is there?
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2025
222 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Neuhold
103 books3,349 followersK.M.Neuhold has long since been a romance junkie. When she’s not writing she’s reading or spending time snuggling with her husky or her husband. She fell in love with M/M romance last year and hasn’t been able to turn back. There’s nothing she loves more than love in all its forms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
August 8, 2025
I enjoyed this but I wanted more! This felt really short again compared to the rest of the series, much like Luca's book in the Mafia series, which was a little disappointing because I do prefer more plot and emotion in a book rather than a lot of sex scenes connected together.
I also struggle with flashbacks and this story is running on two timelines. They just aren't something I enjoy when it comes to the flow of a story, but they were clearly indicated which was so soothing to my dyscalculic brain! I didn't have to do maths at least 😂
I really liked Onyx and his journey to deciding what he wanted for his life was fun to read, especially when he was literally telling Hero exactly how he felt all the time!! I also loved the story behind his tattoos 😍
Hero was nice, but I really did think he veered too far into protecting himself and for me it did come across that he was mostly in it for the sex? He didn't make much effort to get to know Onyx as a person and instead made assumptions based on his job.
They were sweet together though, but I think I just needed more of them after the declarations and before the epilogue. It was a lot of build up and fear of admitting feelings, and then it was all resolved so quickly and suddenly it's a year later!
Definitely curious to see what happens in the next book though.
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HRCYED2: The Even Bigger Rainbow / Challenge Yourself
I also struggle with flashbacks and this story is running on two timelines. They just aren't something I enjoy when it comes to the flow of a story, but they were clearly indicated which was so soothing to my dyscalculic brain! I didn't have to do maths at least 😂
I really liked Onyx and his journey to deciding what he wanted for his life was fun to read, especially when he was literally telling Hero exactly how he felt all the time!! I also loved the story behind his tattoos 😍
Hero was nice, but I really did think he veered too far into protecting himself and for me it did come across that he was mostly in it for the sex? He didn't make much effort to get to know Onyx as a person and instead made assumptions based on his job.
They were sweet together though, but I think I just needed more of them after the declarations and before the epilogue. It was a lot of build up and fear of admitting feelings, and then it was all resolved so quickly and suddenly it's a year later!
Definitely curious to see what happens in the next book though.
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HRCYED2: The Even Bigger Rainbow / Challenge Yourself
September 8, 2025
This was a super cute addition to the Ink Slingers series! I think it's probably my favorite to date. Like other KM Neuhold books, this one was an easy breezy low-angst read with tons of cute moments and spice.
Hero and Onyx were so sweet together 😍 I loved how they met and kept their connection going over the years. Most importantly, I promise I won't harp on the name thing this time because I actually didn't mind it here as much as the other books 😂
The story was told in past and present timelines, which I never thought I cared much for but have recently decided I don't mind so much. Even though as unrealistic as it may have been, I was a total sucker for It was almost too much fluffy goodness, but I'm not complaining 🥰
This was the perfect thing to pickup when nothing else felt right, and I needed to reset my brain. I really appreciate that about KM Neuhold's books. They fill in nicely when you just need something simple and sweet 💙
Hero and Onyx were so sweet together 😍 I loved how they met and kept their connection going over the years. Most importantly, I promise I won't harp on the name thing this time because I actually didn't mind it here as much as the other books 😂
The story was told in past and present timelines, which I never thought I cared much for but have recently decided I don't mind so much. Even though as unrealistic as it may have been, I was a total sucker for It was almost too much fluffy goodness, but I'm not complaining 🥰
This was the perfect thing to pickup when nothing else felt right, and I needed to reset my brain. I really appreciate that about KM Neuhold's books. They fill in nicely when you just need something simple and sweet 💙
August 13, 2025
My favourite one yet
I really enjoyed this one, I wasn’t sure how it was going to go, but everything just flowed beautifully from start to finish.
There was a brief moment when I feared we'd get a an annoying 75% third act break-up due to a lack of communication.
But, while there was an element of that, as a lot of the uncertainty would have been solved with a conversation, I also felt it was realistic for both men to hesitate.
Other than that, this really is a lovely romance with low angst and lots of steamy times.
I really enjoyed this one, I wasn’t sure how it was going to go, but everything just flowed beautifully from start to finish.
There was a brief moment when I feared we'd get a an annoying 75% third act break-up due to a lack of communication.
But, while there was an element of that, as a lot of the uncertainty would have been solved with a conversation, I also felt it was realistic for both men to hesitate.
Other than that, this really is a lovely romance with low angst and lots of steamy times.
September 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this light read.
August 8, 2025
Rating: 4.5
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: hookup to more, age gap, small town
I loved Hero and Onyx’s story - their romance made me feel all giddy and happy!
I’m having a fantastic time with this series, the humour, the feelings, the characters, the found family... K.M. Neuhold’s usually great at writing these themes, but there’s just something extra special with the Ink Slinger stories.
Hero and Onyx had a ton of chemistry, and quite the history too. I loved the mix of past and present, it gave plenty of insights into their encounters over the years, and I loved how intense their romance felt. They always had limited time together, but made sure they used every second of it. Even if it was clear that they both felt a lot for each other, they never talked about why they kept coming back to each other.
Did I want to yell at Hero and Onyx to just have an honest conversation about their feelings? Oh yes. I can’t say that I blamed them though, both feeling insecure and vulnerable, not knowing what the other one was feeling or if what they had was real. They ended up being a great match for each other though, despite living very different lives and with Hero being a little worried about their age gap.
Patchwork was a very sweet and heartfelt romance, with lots of intense moments and vulnerability. I loved how possessive Hero was of Onyx, and their interactions made me smile a lot. I highly recommend this series, and while it’s best read in order, the books work as standalones as well.
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I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 4
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: hookup to more, age gap, small town
I loved Hero and Onyx’s story - their romance made me feel all giddy and happy!
I’m having a fantastic time with this series, the humour, the feelings, the characters, the found family... K.M. Neuhold’s usually great at writing these themes, but there’s just something extra special with the Ink Slinger stories.
Hero and Onyx had a ton of chemistry, and quite the history too. I loved the mix of past and present, it gave plenty of insights into their encounters over the years, and I loved how intense their romance felt. They always had limited time together, but made sure they used every second of it. Even if it was clear that they both felt a lot for each other, they never talked about why they kept coming back to each other.
Did I want to yell at Hero and Onyx to just have an honest conversation about their feelings? Oh yes. I can’t say that I blamed them though, both feeling insecure and vulnerable, not knowing what the other one was feeling or if what they had was real. They ended up being a great match for each other though, despite living very different lives and with Hero being a little worried about their age gap.
Patchwork was a very sweet and heartfelt romance, with lots of intense moments and vulnerability. I loved how possessive Hero was of Onyx, and their interactions made me smile a lot. I highly recommend this series, and while it’s best read in order, the books work as standalones as well.
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I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
August 11, 2025
3.5 rounded up!
This was cute and fun like the other books in the series! Felt kind of repetitive at times as both Onyx and Hero were inner monologuing their concerns the whole time but didn't tell each other until the end. Spice was good though and the concept of having a personal tattoo artist.....yes pls.
This was cute and fun like the other books in the series! Felt kind of repetitive at times as both Onyx and Hero were inner monologuing their concerns the whole time but didn't tell each other until the end. Spice was good though and the concept of having a personal tattoo artist.....yes pls.
August 2, 2025
This is my favorite of the series so far. Onyx and Hero are adorable together, and even though I usually avoid the rock-star/ billionaire" trope, this one was fantastic. Ms Neuhold's characters are always fun to read, and it's so neat to always have a couple of cameos from our favorites from other series. Looking forward to more stories in this world!
August 18, 2025
3.5 stars
August 8, 2025
For four years, Hero has been keeping a huge secret from the men of Ink Slingers, and when Onyx rolls into town for more than a night, it's time for the truth to be set free. What starts with a quick ink session turns into what was supposed to be a one night stand. Now Hero looks forward to these few and far meetings with Onyx for great sex, talk, and adding more ink to his body of art.
When Onyx decides to stay in Falls Crosse for more than a night, these two get to try for something lasting and real. I adore their relationship as it just works for them, and you can see how much they truly care for one another even when too stubborn to admit it. The Ink Slingers crew continues to let the shenanigans fly, and you can not help but fall for each of these men more with each addition to the series.
When Onyx decides to stay in Falls Crosse for more than a night, these two get to try for something lasting and real. I adore their relationship as it just works for them, and you can see how much they truly care for one another even when too stubborn to admit it. The Ink Slingers crew continues to let the shenanigans fly, and you can not help but fall for each of these men more with each addition to the series.
August 27, 2025
These books never seem long enough, and this one was no exception. With 80% of the time spent on hookups whenever Onyx was in town, I left wanting even more than usual!
I love Hero and have been eagerly anticipating his story. He’s such an adorable character, but I wish he had been a bit more aware of Onyx’s feelings.
I think the actual story gets lost in the sea of hookups and fear between them. Both believe the other doesn’t feel the same, and I can’t help but get frustrated with the lack of communication. Then, when they finally do communicate, the book ends!
Overall, it was as cute as the others, but I wanted more romance for both Hero and Onyx. I wish we had had a chapter or two reminiscing about their meeting and what had happened since, followed by more story about how they decided to move forward.
Despite all of that, I couldn’t put it down. This author’s books are always easy to connect with, and I can’t help but fall for her characters.
I love Hero and have been eagerly anticipating his story. He’s such an adorable character, but I wish he had been a bit more aware of Onyx’s feelings.
I think the actual story gets lost in the sea of hookups and fear between them. Both believe the other doesn’t feel the same, and I can’t help but get frustrated with the lack of communication. Then, when they finally do communicate, the book ends!
Overall, it was as cute as the others, but I wanted more romance for both Hero and Onyx. I wish we had had a chapter or two reminiscing about their meeting and what had happened since, followed by more story about how they decided to move forward.
Despite all of that, I couldn’t put it down. This author’s books are always easy to connect with, and I can’t help but fall for her characters.
August 10, 2025
3 ⭐️
This was sweet, but I honestly expected to be better. I’m not a fan of the miscommunication or lack of communication trope, and that went on way too long in the story. I think it was supposed to be made better by the fact that we got time jumps, but it was so frustrating to hear each character think the same thing over and over and not tell their partner.
I also didn’t totally believe their feelings. They’ve known each other for four years, but almost every interaction has just been them hooking up. How am I supposed to believe they love each other when all they do is have sex? I think the story could’ve been a lot stronger if we saw the moments they got to know each other and watched their relationship build more than just physically.
This was sweet, but I honestly expected to be better. I’m not a fan of the miscommunication or lack of communication trope, and that went on way too long in the story. I think it was supposed to be made better by the fact that we got time jumps, but it was so frustrating to hear each character think the same thing over and over and not tell their partner.
I also didn’t totally believe their feelings. They’ve known each other for four years, but almost every interaction has just been them hooking up. How am I supposed to believe they love each other when all they do is have sex? I think the story could’ve been a lot stronger if we saw the moments they got to know each other and watched their relationship build more than just physically.
July 29, 2025
"This has never been anything more than a patchwork of moments tattooed onto the last four years of my life."
This is book 3, in the Ink Slingers series, by KM Neuhold. It's my favorite of the series. For me it was sweet with just the right amount of heat. I loved the chronicling of their relationship over the four years, I actually loved everything about this book. I've been interested in Onyx ever since he showed up in one of Kyleen's prior books. I don't remember which book it was but I'm sure I'm not hallucinating or at least I hope not!!! Hopefully I'm not mixing this up with someone from Heathen's Ink world which I read like 100 years ago.
Love or lust at first sight, fifteen year age gap, rocker/tattoo artist, one night turns into 4 years of stolen moments, burn out
This is book 3, in the Ink Slingers series, by KM Neuhold. It's my favorite of the series. For me it was sweet with just the right amount of heat. I loved the chronicling of their relationship over the four years, I actually loved everything about this book. I've been interested in Onyx ever since he showed up in one of Kyleen's prior books. I don't remember which book it was but I'm sure I'm not hallucinating or at least I hope not!!! Hopefully I'm not mixing this up with someone from Heathen's Ink world which I read like 100 years ago.
Love or lust at first sight, fifteen year age gap, rocker/tattoo artist, one night turns into 4 years of stolen moments, burn out
February 28, 2026
3.5 ⭐️. These books are always fun. Just a great go to when I can’t find something to read.
Onyx ❤️ Hero
Onyx and Hero meet one night 4 yrs ago when they spot each other at a tattoo convention. Onyx is a guitarist in a successful rock band and Hero is a tattoo artist. They feel immediate spark, have a ONS, and then continue to see each other sporadically over the next four years.
Onyx is constantly touring, and Hero is somewhat insecure about his relatively quiet life and is afraid to share his feelings. He is willing to accept whatever time Onyx’ schedule allows, never allowing himself to believe that it could be more. Onyx, meanwhile, is miserable on tour and finds whatever way he can to see Hero whenever possible.
Onyx finally has a 3 month break in his schedule and immediately wants to spend that time w Hero. It is the story of them admitting to themselves and each other how much their affection truly means.
I loved that both were fully devoted to the other, even though neither realized it. And I loved that we, the reader, were privy to this info early on in their story.
“Don’t be a fucking idiot, Hero.” Iykyk
- Low/mid angst
- No third act breakup. There is an argument, but they don’t break up and Hero goes to find Onyx and make it right.
- Communication - the whole story sort of hinged on them not sharing their real feelings which dragged on a bit. Neither is dishonest and both are affectionate, just scared to reveal the depth of their feelings
- Age gap - Onyx (30) and Hero (40+)
- Guitarist/musician and tattoo artist/motorcycle club member
- Nicknames - Rockstar, sweetheart, sweetness
- Spice - starts early and continues throughout
- Equal partners, both thoughtful and caring; easy to see and understand why they each want/enjoy the other. Also easy to understand their separate insecurities.
- Both out gay
- No OM/OW - neither are with any one else after they meet. Onyx is the sweetest rockstar ever.
- Synesthesia - Loved how Onyx felt his emotions w color and music. So beautiful.
- Flashbacks - as we progress through their story, we see the story from the day they meet and at various points through their 4 yrs apart. This usually bothers me, but was done really well here.
- Hero is the only person who Onyx allows to give him tattoos and their time together is written on his skin
- Forced proximity - Onyx stays w Hero while in town.
- Hometowm - Onxy is from the same hometown where Hero lives and has his tattoo place
- Dual POV; HEA 1 yr later epilogue w solo career
This was a sweet relationship driven story. There is no outside drama or struggle. Just two men figuring out how to admit their love. ❤️
Onyx ❤️ Hero
Onyx and Hero meet one night 4 yrs ago when they spot each other at a tattoo convention. Onyx is a guitarist in a successful rock band and Hero is a tattoo artist. They feel immediate spark, have a ONS, and then continue to see each other sporadically over the next four years.
Onyx is constantly touring, and Hero is somewhat insecure about his relatively quiet life and is afraid to share his feelings. He is willing to accept whatever time Onyx’ schedule allows, never allowing himself to believe that it could be more. Onyx, meanwhile, is miserable on tour and finds whatever way he can to see Hero whenever possible.
Onyx finally has a 3 month break in his schedule and immediately wants to spend that time w Hero. It is the story of them admitting to themselves and each other how much their affection truly means.
I loved that both were fully devoted to the other, even though neither realized it. And I loved that we, the reader, were privy to this info early on in their story.
“Don’t be a fucking idiot, Hero.” Iykyk
- Low/mid angst
- No third act breakup. There is an argument, but they don’t break up and Hero goes to find Onyx and make it right.
- Communication - the whole story sort of hinged on them not sharing their real feelings which dragged on a bit. Neither is dishonest and both are affectionate, just scared to reveal the depth of their feelings
- Age gap - Onyx (30) and Hero (40+)
- Guitarist/musician and tattoo artist/motorcycle club member
- Nicknames - Rockstar, sweetheart, sweetness
- Spice - starts early and continues throughout
- Equal partners, both thoughtful and caring; easy to see and understand why they each want/enjoy the other. Also easy to understand their separate insecurities.
- Both out gay
- No OM/OW - neither are with any one else after they meet. Onyx is the sweetest rockstar ever.
- Synesthesia - Loved how Onyx felt his emotions w color and music. So beautiful.
- Flashbacks - as we progress through their story, we see the story from the day they meet and at various points through their 4 yrs apart. This usually bothers me, but was done really well here.
- Hero is the only person who Onyx allows to give him tattoos and their time together is written on his skin
- Forced proximity - Onyx stays w Hero while in town.
- Hometowm - Onxy is from the same hometown where Hero lives and has his tattoo place
- Dual POV; HEA 1 yr later epilogue w solo career
This was a sweet relationship driven story. There is no outside drama or struggle. Just two men figuring out how to admit their love. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2025
This was so sweet 🥹
July 27, 2025
Another very enjoyable instalment in the series from this very reliable author. There’s always main characters that I can’t help but in love with, minimal angst so my heart doesn’t hurt and plenty of steamy times with bits of sweet scattered about to round out the romance.
Hero and Onyx have an interesting arrangement for getting together - basically it’s when rockstar Onyx can get to Hero between his rockstar commitments. It works for them but lack of communication becomes a bit of a hindrance until the moment they both find the courage to voice their truth and commit to their longed for HEA. I also now need to know if “grumpy waffles” are a thing!
Hero and Onyx have an interesting arrangement for getting together - basically it’s when rockstar Onyx can get to Hero between his rockstar commitments. It works for them but lack of communication becomes a bit of a hindrance until the moment they both find the courage to voice their truth and commit to their longed for HEA. I also now need to know if “grumpy waffles” are a thing!
September 3, 2025
'Patchwork', the third installment in the Ink Slingers series, finally gives us Hero’s backstory and introduces his secret lover, rock star Onyx. Over the years, they’ve stolen a few hours together, but Hero convinces himself their relationship is just a booty call.
Their communication—or lack thereof—is frustratingly, and sometimes hilariously, messy.
Miscommunication drives much of the story. Told nonlinearly, the narrative bounces from the present to when they first met, flipping every few chapters to another past moment. These glimpses reveal that Hero and Onyx have actually been in a genuine relationship for years, yet neither acknowledges it or shares their true feelings.
When Onyx finally gets a break from touring, he decides it’s time to make Hero understand that he wants him forever.
I enjoy KM Neuhold’s writing, characters, and humor, but miscommunication is one of my biggest pet peeves, and it did affect my enjoyment. That said, the emotional payoff and character development make it a worthwhile read for fans of the series.
Their communication—or lack thereof—is frustratingly, and sometimes hilariously, messy.
Miscommunication drives much of the story. Told nonlinearly, the narrative bounces from the present to when they first met, flipping every few chapters to another past moment. These glimpses reveal that Hero and Onyx have actually been in a genuine relationship for years, yet neither acknowledges it or shares their true feelings.
When Onyx finally gets a break from touring, he decides it’s time to make Hero understand that he wants him forever.
I enjoy KM Neuhold’s writing, characters, and humor, but miscommunication is one of my biggest pet peeves, and it did affect my enjoyment. That said, the emotional payoff and character development make it a worthwhile read for fans of the series.
August 20, 2025
We met Hero (Kaiden) in the earlier books, but now we learn that he's had a casual hookup arrangement with famous rocker Onyx Hart, for the past four years. Onyx tours, and they find whatever time they can to link up and get together.
But now Onyx is in Hero's hometown of Fall Crosse, and he says he's staying...for longer. Hero is thrilled and afraid in equal measure. They've never had more than a couple of days -- max -- to be near each other, and Hero knows one thing for sure: when this visit ends, it's going to hurt worse than all the others put together.
What to expect...
A gruff but sweet tattooist who loves being the only one to touch Onyx
🎸 A big name rockstar who longs for small town life and his possessive tattoo artist
💍 So many piercings 🥵
🚨 Sexy flashback sex
🥵 Filthy dirty talk
🏍️ Motorcycles and leather jackets
💙 Meddling friends
🤤 A very spicy, very sweet, very quick read that'll leave you feeling happy (and 🥵)
Look, you guys know what you're getting with @kmneuhold -- a well written, super hot, low-angst, delicious book. And that's exactly what Patchwork delivers. I honestly went in blind with this one (if Kyleen writes it I'm reading it), and I loved the premise of a longstanding hookup and us catching up through flashbacks. And of course, I always love reading about the other Slingers and the Four Bears when they're mentioned.
But now Onyx is in Hero's hometown of Fall Crosse, and he says he's staying...for longer. Hero is thrilled and afraid in equal measure. They've never had more than a couple of days -- max -- to be near each other, and Hero knows one thing for sure: when this visit ends, it's going to hurt worse than all the others put together.
What to expect...
A gruff but sweet tattooist who loves being the only one to touch Onyx
🎸 A big name rockstar who longs for small town life and his possessive tattoo artist
💍 So many piercings 🥵
🚨 Sexy flashback sex
🥵 Filthy dirty talk
🏍️ Motorcycles and leather jackets
💙 Meddling friends
🤤 A very spicy, very sweet, very quick read that'll leave you feeling happy (and 🥵)
Look, you guys know what you're getting with @kmneuhold -- a well written, super hot, low-angst, delicious book. And that's exactly what Patchwork delivers. I honestly went in blind with this one (if Kyleen writes it I'm reading it), and I loved the premise of a longstanding hookup and us catching up through flashbacks. And of course, I always love reading about the other Slingers and the Four Bears when they're mentioned.
August 3, 2025
I've been a fan of K.M. Neuhold’s work for a long time, but there is something about the Ink Slingers series that has me hooked.
I'm not sure what it is, it has the same feeling of the other series set in Falls Crosse, but it resonates with me for some reason. No idea why, I'm the furthest they come from a tattooist biker you can get, but still I love the stories, and they suck me in from the first page.
Patchwork was a great addition to the series, even if in my head I was yelling at both of them to just talk to each other. Still, where's the fun in that?
I finished the book in one day, and it took me that long only because of annoying adulting responsibilities and I LOVED IT!
You may wonder why this review doesn't really talk about the book or characters that much. The answer is it doesn't need to. You just need to read the book. It speaks for itself.
The only thing I will say is that although it could be read as a standalone, it’s really best read in series order OR at least read book 2 – Virgin Skin first. This series is a blast and I don't think it's a hardship to start from the beginning.
I'm so, so looking forward to see who is up next. I can't wait for the next happy ending for this gang of amazing characters.
I'm not sure what it is, it has the same feeling of the other series set in Falls Crosse, but it resonates with me for some reason. No idea why, I'm the furthest they come from a tattooist biker you can get, but still I love the stories, and they suck me in from the first page.
Patchwork was a great addition to the series, even if in my head I was yelling at both of them to just talk to each other. Still, where's the fun in that?
I finished the book in one day, and it took me that long only because of annoying adulting responsibilities and I LOVED IT!
You may wonder why this review doesn't really talk about the book or characters that much. The answer is it doesn't need to. You just need to read the book. It speaks for itself.
The only thing I will say is that although it could be read as a standalone, it’s really best read in series order OR at least read book 2 – Virgin Skin first. This series is a blast and I don't think it's a hardship to start from the beginning.
I'm so, so looking forward to see who is up next. I can't wait for the next happy ending for this gang of amazing characters.
July 27, 2025
I think this might be my favourite Ink Slingers story yet. I love these guys! Hero, the older tattoo artist constantly wondering what he could possible give a younger rock star and why he would want anything other than a hook up, and Onyx, disillusioned with his life, trying so hard to tell Hero what he wants with hints and comments. To be honest, both of these guys were pretty clueless, but so, so sweet and very, very steamy. I loved that we kept going backwards in time for their back story. There were little cameo's from Four Bears, which are always welcome. The synesthesia was really interesting and made the story fun. I laughed, I may have teared up a bit and I rooted for their happily ever after.
July 30, 2025
This book was such a fun, swoony ride! Hero and Onyx had incredible chemistry, and their connection felt both electric and tender. I loved how sweet they were together, and the way their relationship unfolded had me fully hooked from start to finish. I do wish we’d gotten a bit more interaction with the rest of the crew, and I kept hoping for a big romantic moment—maybe a love song or something symbolic like that—but even without it, this was a really satisfying and heartfelt read. I’ll definitely be thinking about these two for a while!
August 3, 2025
Adorable fun read! I loved Hero and Onyx! They went from stolen moments here and there whenever Onyx was close to a whole month together before it became a "Yea I'm not going back to not see this man" thing!
I only wish there the friends group was more involved like the previous books, I love the dynamic they have and I wish it was a bigger part in this book too!
I only wish there the friends group was more involved like the previous books, I love the dynamic they have and I wish it was a bigger part in this book too!
August 4, 2025
Hero and Onyx's story is amazing. Onyx visits
Hero when he can manage a break from being a rockstar with the Band so this becomes a frequent thing until one day Hero realizes that his heart is in this 100% so he needs to tell Onyx.
This is a beautiful story about love, long distance and a long time.
Hero when he can manage a break from being a rockstar with the Band so this becomes a frequent thing until one day Hero realizes that his heart is in this 100% so he needs to tell Onyx.
This is a beautiful story about love, long distance and a long time.
August 3, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved Hero and Onyx! It makes so much sense that they’re together and they have so many walls up to protect themselves, but their HEA is hard earned and well deserved. Ink Slingers is such an amazing addition to KMN’s world and I love seeing hints of the other characters in every story.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved Hero and Onyx! It makes so much sense that they’re together and they have so many walls up to protect themselves, but their HEA is hard earned and well deserved. Ink Slingers is such an amazing addition to KMN’s world and I love seeing hints of the other characters in every story.
August 24, 2025
Fun, classic Neuhold.
tags:
Age gap, bear tattoo artist, rock n roll guitarist, 15 year age gap, both out and gay, vers, frotting, olive oil for lube, barbell penis, look at you, does he really want to settle down with me? Here?
tags:
Age gap, bear tattoo artist, rock n roll guitarist, 15 year age gap, both out and gay, vers, frotting, olive oil for lube, barbell penis, look at you, does he really want to settle down with me? Here?
September 27, 2025
Actual Rating: 3.5/5
I really enjoyed Onyx and Hero. I loved the idea of Onyx staying with Hero as a test to see if they should be together. But I’m not a big fan of books that don’t show events in chronological order.
I really enjoyed Onyx and Hero. I loved the idea of Onyx staying with Hero as a test to see if they should be together. But I’m not a big fan of books that don’t show events in chronological order.
Did not finish
September 19, 2025Maybe I’ll come back to this one. I just got bored :(
February 23, 2026
Tattooist x rockstar
Years of hooks up and miscommunication!
Loved onyx and hero!
Years of hooks up and miscommunication!
Loved onyx and hero!
August 14, 2025
Nett, but can you just talk to each other? I mean i get it in the beginning, but later?
August 16, 2025
Kyleen has the power to keep me hooked on every word she write. I'm so in love with this story it's not even funny.
Onyx has a type of synesthesia where touch and feelings are auditory, and seeing the world through his eyes left me speechless.
Both Onyx and Hero have strong personalities, and oftentimes I found telling myself why either of them don't just take the matter in his hand and act like a proper grown up by communicating his feelings and thoughts, but then I realized that IRL people aren't always perfect and good on communication, and that led me to love their story even more, because it felt super real.
Kyleen, you nailed it again!!!
I received an ARC.
Onyx has a type of synesthesia where touch and feelings are auditory, and seeing the world through his eyes left me speechless.
Both Onyx and Hero have strong personalities, and oftentimes I found telling myself why either of them don't just take the matter in his hand and act like a proper grown up by communicating his feelings and thoughts, but then I realized that IRL people aren't always perfect and good on communication, and that led me to love their story even more, because it felt super real.
Kyleen, you nailed it again!!!
I received an ARC.
November 16, 2025
It's not a relationship; it's just a patchwork of tattoo sessions and sweaty secrets with a rock star. No big deal. I've been keeping this secret for four years, counting down the months in between visits from Onyx. To everyone else I'm “Hero” but he mostly just calls me “yes” and “more” while we trade heated kisses and wandering hands. I know it won't ever be anything more than a wild secret and eventually he'll get bored hooking up with a tattoo artist fifteen years too old for him from Nowhere, Wisconsin. But I'm more than happy to enjoy this while it lasts. But when Onyx shows up unannounced and tells me that instead of a hurried weekend, we have 3 full months before he has to hit the road again, I don't know if I'm more excited or terrified to see where things will go. I’m sure there’s more to life than tattooing Onyx and spending late nights talking until the sun comes up, but whatever that “more” is, it can’t be as fun as this. No matter how hard I’m falling for him, there’s no way that he’s going to give up his rock star lifestyle to stay here with me… is there?
A chance meeting, Onyx’s first tattoo and a night neither forgets keeps bringing onyx back to the small-town tattoo artist, Hero. Though Hero doesn’t understand why he would ever want to be with him at all but is happy to take any little bit of Onyx that he can get. When he turns up and says he was staying for 3 months, Hero tries to keep his heart guarded more than usual. Which obviously wasn't going to work.
I have absolutely loved this series, and this story was no exception. It was so just, sweet. Seeing how Onyx and Hero’s relationship built over the four years with the flashbacks and snippets of their time together was perfect.
This was more than just a rockstar and tattoo artist romance. I really liked the direction the author took with the two guys and of course bringing in the whole family at Ink Slingers. It was great seeing the flashbacks of all their time together...the moments of happiness and all the connection that blended in and made up their present. The characters feel real while working out their insecurities and making their way to their happiness.
Hero wanted to protect his heart...the heart that he had already given away. Onyx was aware the words he kept from saying was limiting them while he was still wearing his heart on his sleeve. They both didn’t knew how to take the next step...but waited until they could do it together. The progression of their story and love was both natural and believable! It was just a really sweet story... that was almost impossible to put down and one that I couldn't wait to see how it would end...although I wished that it didn't have to.
A chance meeting, Onyx’s first tattoo and a night neither forgets keeps bringing onyx back to the small-town tattoo artist, Hero. Though Hero doesn’t understand why he would ever want to be with him at all but is happy to take any little bit of Onyx that he can get. When he turns up and says he was staying for 3 months, Hero tries to keep his heart guarded more than usual. Which obviously wasn't going to work.
I have absolutely loved this series, and this story was no exception. It was so just, sweet. Seeing how Onyx and Hero’s relationship built over the four years with the flashbacks and snippets of their time together was perfect.
This was more than just a rockstar and tattoo artist romance. I really liked the direction the author took with the two guys and of course bringing in the whole family at Ink Slingers. It was great seeing the flashbacks of all their time together...the moments of happiness and all the connection that blended in and made up their present. The characters feel real while working out their insecurities and making their way to their happiness.
Hero wanted to protect his heart...the heart that he had already given away. Onyx was aware the words he kept from saying was limiting them while he was still wearing his heart on his sleeve. They both didn’t knew how to take the next step...but waited until they could do it together. The progression of their story and love was both natural and believable! It was just a really sweet story... that was almost impossible to put down and one that I couldn't wait to see how it would end...although I wished that it didn't have to.
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