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Exposed Ink
From USA Today Bestselling author Nikki Ash comes Exposed Ink: a new standalone, small town romance between a firefighter-medic single dad and a tattoo artist. .
Kinsley
Exposed Ink is my sanctuary, where I can hide behind the needles and ink, shielding my shattered heart from further pain and loss.
Until Shane, a firefighter and single dad, threatens to unravel the carefully constructed walls I’ve built to survive.
First, he saves my life—literally—and then he turns it upside down by making me long for things I can’t have.
He says he wants to get some ink done, but I know he wants something more … something I can’t give him—me.
Shane
As a firefighter medic, I’m used to fixing physical wounds, but Kinsley’s scars run deeper.
To some, her brokenness might be perceived as a weakness, but I can see the strength buried deep.
With each passing day—and mark to my skin—I find myself falling harder for the striking beauty with the sad eyes.
She’s quickly tattooed herself on my heart, and I’m determined to be the one who shows her that love can heal even the deepest wounds.
Kinsley
Exposed Ink is my sanctuary, where I can hide behind the needles and ink, shielding my shattered heart from further pain and loss.
Until Shane, a firefighter and single dad, threatens to unravel the carefully constructed walls I’ve built to survive.
First, he saves my life—literally—and then he turns it upside down by making me long for things I can’t have.
He says he wants to get some ink done, but I know he wants something more … something I can’t give him—me.
Shane
As a firefighter medic, I’m used to fixing physical wounds, but Kinsley’s scars run deeper.
To some, her brokenness might be perceived as a weakness, but I can see the strength buried deep.
With each passing day—and mark to my skin—I find myself falling harder for the striking beauty with the sad eyes.
She’s quickly tattooed herself on my heart, and I’m determined to be the one who shows her that love can heal even the deepest wounds.
306 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2025
333 people are currently reading
1145 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Ash
76 books4,267 followersNikki Ash resides in South Florida where she is an English teacher and mom by day and a writer by night. When she’s not writing, you can find her with a book in her hand. From the Boxcar Children to Wuthering Heights to the latest Single Parent Romance, she has lived and breathed every type of book.
Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out. - Pam Allyn
While reading and writing are her passions, her two children are her entire world. You can probably find them at a Disney park before you would find them at home on the weekends!
Reading is like breathing in, writing is like breathing out. - Pam Allyn
While reading and writing are her passions, her two children are her entire world. You can probably find them at a Disney park before you would find them at home on the weekends!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
July 29, 2025
i honestly cant remember the last time a book made this emotional.. i was a cry baby from start to finish. it was my first taste a this author’s writing and definitely not the last one ❤️🩹
May 7, 2025
3.5/5 - It's a book with love after loss trope and i actually quite liked it. We have h that lost her husband and her unborn baby in an accident and she's still healing. And a hero that's so gentle, patient and understanding of her pain. I loved both the characters and his teenage daughter as well.
I saw a few others mention that her shutting down on the news of the accident of his daughter and ex was dramatic but i disagree. It was the exact trauma response i expected, her loss from a similar accident is what makes up the entire book. She's allowed to freakout, faint and still care for his daughter.
I hated the ow drama. .
I HATE clueless heroes that are oblivious to their ex hitting on them. His ex is visibly hostile to h in front of him and he's just dumb enough to not see it. But he still knew that she would do anything to get him back, so him being clueless and moving her into his house made me so mad.
That evil witch is very cruel with words, there's a scene at the very end where she tells h that her husband and baby died because of her and she should leave H and their kid before she kills them too and h stands there shocked with tears in her eyes and this broke my heart.
If not for the ex drama, this would've been a solid 5 for me. Too bad, evil exes and dumb heroes ruin it for me.
I saw a few others mention that her shutting down on the news of the accident of his daughter and ex was dramatic but i disagree. It was the exact trauma response i expected, her loss from a similar accident is what makes up the entire book. She's allowed to freakout, faint and still care for his daughter.
I hated the ow drama. .
I HATE clueless heroes that are oblivious to their ex hitting on them. His ex is visibly hostile to h in front of him and he's just dumb enough to not see it. But he still knew that she would do anything to get him back, so him being clueless and moving her into his house made me so mad.
That evil witch is very cruel with words, there's a scene at the very end where she tells h that her husband and baby died because of her and she should leave H and their kid before she kills them too and h stands there shocked with tears in her eyes and this broke my heart.
If not for the ex drama, this would've been a solid 5 for me. Too bad, evil exes and dumb heroes ruin it for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2025
It was such a beautiful read! Full of emotions.
The story of love, loss and courage to start over.
I just want to give Kinsley a big hug, she went through so much and I am in awe with how she picked herself up and her journey through healing was worth reading.
Shane!! He's so sweet, and I loved him so much, I loved how much he supported and helped Kinsley.
He was such a sweet father as well and I loved them all together.
Tropes :
✨Single dad
✨bookworm tattoo artist
✨She has a tragic past
✨He falls first
✨small town
✨Angsty
✨Emotional
✨Cinnamon roll hero
Highly recommend it.
Thank you so much Nikki Ash for the ARC! 💗
The story of love, loss and courage to start over.
I just want to give Kinsley a big hug, she went through so much and I am in awe with how she picked herself up and her journey through healing was worth reading.
Shane!! He's so sweet, and I loved him so much, I loved how much he supported and helped Kinsley.
He was such a sweet father as well and I loved them all together.
Tropes :
✨Single dad
✨bookworm tattoo artist
✨She has a tragic past
✨He falls first
✨small town
✨Angsty
✨Emotional
✨Cinnamon roll hero
Highly recommend it.
Thank you so much Nikki Ash for the ARC! 💗
April 21, 2025
❤️ ❤️❤️❤️❣️
I’m as surprised as you at how much I liked this book. I knew it had a sad backstory but I didn’t realise how much of a tearjerker the whole book was going to be.
Kinsley had her life all mapped out. The perfect relationship and an envious family life. But in a split second it was all snapped away. Three years later she’s working at Exposed Ink and avoiding getting close to anyone.
When Shane saves her life she sees a glimpse of something she didn’t think existed.
Shane likes Kinsley and wants to get to know her. Her walls are so high he’s going to have to show how great he is just to get through the door. It’s a good job he’s up to the challenge.
✅ Single dad
✅ She has a tragic past
✅He falls first
✅ small town
✅ Angsty
✅ Emotional
✅ Spicy
✅ Cinnamon roll hero
I’m as surprised as you at how much I liked this book. I knew it had a sad backstory but I didn’t realise how much of a tearjerker the whole book was going to be.
Kinsley had her life all mapped out. The perfect relationship and an envious family life. But in a split second it was all snapped away. Three years later she’s working at Exposed Ink and avoiding getting close to anyone.
When Shane saves her life she sees a glimpse of something she didn’t think existed.
Shane likes Kinsley and wants to get to know her. Her walls are so high he’s going to have to show how great he is just to get through the door. It’s a good job he’s up to the challenge.
✅ Single dad
✅ She has a tragic past
✅He falls first
✅ small town
✅ Angsty
✅ Emotional
✅ Spicy
✅ Cinnamon roll hero
September 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
RTC
RTC
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August 24, 2025From USA Today Bestselling author Nikki Ash comes Exposed Ink: a new standalone, small town romance between a firefighter-medic single dad and a tattoo artist.
Exposed Ink is LIVE in ebook, paperback, and audiobook-performed by Lexi Evans and Theo Sinclair.
Grab Exposed Ink:
US: https://amzn.to/3VeQrzP
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D8WG7MHH
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D8WG7MHH
Grab a LIMITED SPECIAL EDTION ANNOTATED ARC: www.authornikkiash.com/shop/
Exposed Ink is LIVE in ebook, paperback, and audiobook-performed by Lexi Evans and Theo Sinclair.
Grab Exposed Ink:
US: https://amzn.to/3VeQrzP
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D8WG7MHH
CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D8WG7MHH
Grab a LIMITED SPECIAL EDTION ANNOTATED ARC: www.authornikkiash.com/shop/
Read
April 21, 2025This story was such a sweet, emotional, beautiful ride about love and finding yourself after immense loss, and picking up the pieces that you thought were long shattered.
Kinsley, a tattoo artist in her small town has experienced a lot of pain and trauma in her life. She lost everything. And she’s been a walking shell of a woman since. She feels great guilt, shame, and embarrassment for what happened to her, and she’s not ready to put herself back out there for anyone.
Shane is a local firefighter paramedic and single father to a teenage girl. He’s a busy man, he’s not looking for love. But when he sets eyes on Kinsley? He knows there’s a connection there.
Problem is, Kinsley isn’t ready for anything. So Shawn decides the only way to even break down her walls a little bit is to convince her to tattoo him. At least that way he can spend some time getting to know her, right?
This story really was like watching a movie. These two had hard, honest conversations. They worked HARD to get their HEA, and I loved all the little book references in here. Good tropes, good growth, and good characters made this a very easy, enjoyable read.
Shawn is just a total green flag. This guy is legitimately perfection. He was patient, kind, and took his time with Kins because he knew she needed it. He’s also a really great dad, and him and his daughter have a beautiful relationship. One of the best I’ve ever read.
There were a few moments that I wish would have been tied up a little tighter by the end, but overall this story had everything you could ask for.
Please check TWs before reading, as some topics may be heavy for you to read. Kinsley is very much still grieving, and she puts in a lot of work to get where she ended up.
🩵 Single Firefighter Dad
🩵 Tattoo Artist FMC
🩵 Love After Loss
🩵 He Falls First
🩵 Mental Health Rep
Kinsley, a tattoo artist in her small town has experienced a lot of pain and trauma in her life. She lost everything. And she’s been a walking shell of a woman since. She feels great guilt, shame, and embarrassment for what happened to her, and she’s not ready to put herself back out there for anyone.
Shane is a local firefighter paramedic and single father to a teenage girl. He’s a busy man, he’s not looking for love. But when he sets eyes on Kinsley? He knows there’s a connection there.
Problem is, Kinsley isn’t ready for anything. So Shawn decides the only way to even break down her walls a little bit is to convince her to tattoo him. At least that way he can spend some time getting to know her, right?
This story really was like watching a movie. These two had hard, honest conversations. They worked HARD to get their HEA, and I loved all the little book references in here. Good tropes, good growth, and good characters made this a very easy, enjoyable read.
Shawn is just a total green flag. This guy is legitimately perfection. He was patient, kind, and took his time with Kins because he knew she needed it. He’s also a really great dad, and him and his daughter have a beautiful relationship. One of the best I’ve ever read.
There were a few moments that I wish would have been tied up a little tighter by the end, but overall this story had everything you could ask for.
Please check TWs before reading, as some topics may be heavy for you to read. Kinsley is very much still grieving, and she puts in a lot of work to get where she ended up.
🩵 Single Firefighter Dad
🩵 Tattoo Artist FMC
🩵 Love After Loss
🩵 He Falls First
🩵 Mental Health Rep
May 20, 2025
As a tattoo artist & bookworm myself, I was really excited about this book, thinking I would really be able to relate to the main character, especially when it was noted that she was trying to move on from her past traumas, like myself. I paid the $65 for the limited edition hardcover annotated arc before the actual release date & sat down to read it as soon as I could. This was the most I’ve ever spent on a book— that’s how excited I was! However, I’m super bummed to say I was extremely disappointed with this read.
I find it disheartening & borderline disrespectful when an author doesn’t do their research when it comes to a topic they’re writing about. It felt extra personal since I am a part of the industry Nikki Ash was writing about, to discover she clearly did not do her research when it comes to tattooing. Calling a tattoo machine a “tattoo gun” was a massive cringe. Iykyk! Anyone in the industry or who has researched the industry at all knows it’s not a gun, it’s a machine. I honestly almost DNF’d this book at page one, when the main character Kinsley declared a “rule” that if someone wants to get tattooed by her they’d “better be prepared” to explain why/how it’s meaningful to her, because she apparently refuses service to anyone who isn’t getting a tattoo she deems meaningful enough. This is another thing unheard of in the industry. In the tattoo industry, client confidentiality is a real thing and the idea of having to convince an artist to tattoo you and disclose to them what it means to you, if anything, just throws that confidentiality right out the window. It’s not realistic at all. Massive cringe. Yet another cringe… no one in the industry refers to tattooing someone as “inking” them. Yet Nikki Ash writes about her main character “inking” people multiple times. Needless to say, the lack of research on the industry & the lack of respect for the industry really bothered me and had me rolling my eyes. I would hate for someone unfamiliar with the industry to pick up this book & think this is how it works.
I’m someone who has no problem when a book strays from reality; I usually prefer it. But this did not work on so many levels.
There was a few, very minimal bits & pieces I enjoyed about this book, but overall, it’s a book that I finished that left me feeling I should’ve DNF’d it. It felt lazily written in my opinion. The storyline was stagnant and not much was going on. I understand Kinsley went through a beyond extremely traumatic event, but the majority of the book was just her throwing a pity party for herself about it all. I wouldn’t have minded her making the whole story about Kinsley’s feelings about her past if something was actually HAPPENING, but NOTHING was happening in this book. Even the few minor things that did happen were predictable and not well set up. There was no world building or scene setting or descriptions about anything. Even the spicy scenes felt written at bare minimum levels.
Overall, I’m sad to say this book wasn’t for me. The author could’ve done so much more with this idea, but it fell super flat.
I find it disheartening & borderline disrespectful when an author doesn’t do their research when it comes to a topic they’re writing about. It felt extra personal since I am a part of the industry Nikki Ash was writing about, to discover she clearly did not do her research when it comes to tattooing. Calling a tattoo machine a “tattoo gun” was a massive cringe. Iykyk! Anyone in the industry or who has researched the industry at all knows it’s not a gun, it’s a machine. I honestly almost DNF’d this book at page one, when the main character Kinsley declared a “rule” that if someone wants to get tattooed by her they’d “better be prepared” to explain why/how it’s meaningful to her, because she apparently refuses service to anyone who isn’t getting a tattoo she deems meaningful enough. This is another thing unheard of in the industry. In the tattoo industry, client confidentiality is a real thing and the idea of having to convince an artist to tattoo you and disclose to them what it means to you, if anything, just throws that confidentiality right out the window. It’s not realistic at all. Massive cringe. Yet another cringe… no one in the industry refers to tattooing someone as “inking” them. Yet Nikki Ash writes about her main character “inking” people multiple times. Needless to say, the lack of research on the industry & the lack of respect for the industry really bothered me and had me rolling my eyes. I would hate for someone unfamiliar with the industry to pick up this book & think this is how it works.
I’m someone who has no problem when a book strays from reality; I usually prefer it. But this did not work on so many levels.
There was a few, very minimal bits & pieces I enjoyed about this book, but overall, it’s a book that I finished that left me feeling I should’ve DNF’d it. It felt lazily written in my opinion. The storyline was stagnant and not much was going on. I understand Kinsley went through a beyond extremely traumatic event, but the majority of the book was just her throwing a pity party for herself about it all. I wouldn’t have minded her making the whole story about Kinsley’s feelings about her past if something was actually HAPPENING, but NOTHING was happening in this book. Even the few minor things that did happen were predictable and not well set up. There was no world building or scene setting or descriptions about anything. Even the spicy scenes felt written at bare minimum levels.
Overall, I’m sad to say this book wasn’t for me. The author could’ve done so much more with this idea, but it fell super flat.
April 19, 2025
“Let me help you live again.”
𝒮𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓁𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝒹
𝒟𝒶𝓂𝒶𝑔𝑒𝒹 𝐻𝑒𝓇𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑒
𝒯𝒶𝓉𝓉𝑜𝑜 𝒜𝓇𝓉𝒾𝓈𝓉
𝐹𝒾𝓇𝑒𝒻𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒫𝒶𝓇𝒶𝓂𝑒𝒹𝒾𝒸
𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓂
𝒞𝒾𝓃𝓃𝒶𝓂𝑜𝓃 𝑅𝑜𝓁𝓁 𝐻𝑒𝓇𝑜
𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝒜𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝐿𝑜𝓈𝓈
I was hooked right from Kinsley and Shane’s meet cute. What a cute story of finding love after loss. Shutting herself off from happiness for three years after a tragedy, Kinsley tries to open herself up to a potential new connection with Shane. Shane was charming right from the start. He saw a spark in her and would not back down until he pushed through her walls. I ate up all the tension and build up between these two. It was so hard to put this book down. The relationship between Kinsley and Shane’s daughter was also a highlight for me. Their little found family was such a healing experience for Kinsley’s character. That ending was so adorable! Definitely my favorite Nikki book and couple. I can’t get over how much I loved their story and connection.
“He saw me drowning in the darkness, and instead of walking away, he refused to leave me there.”
“There are going to be good days and bad, but I promise, no matter what happens, I’ll be right here, dancing in the rain with you.”
𝒮𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓁𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝒹
𝒟𝒶𝓂𝒶𝑔𝑒𝒹 𝐻𝑒𝓇𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑒
𝒯𝒶𝓉𝓉𝑜𝑜 𝒜𝓇𝓉𝒾𝓈𝓉
𝐹𝒾𝓇𝑒𝒻𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒫𝒶𝓇𝒶𝓂𝑒𝒹𝒾𝒸
𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓂
𝒞𝒾𝓃𝓃𝒶𝓂𝑜𝓃 𝑅𝑜𝓁𝓁 𝐻𝑒𝓇𝑜
𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝒜𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝐿𝑜𝓈𝓈
I was hooked right from Kinsley and Shane’s meet cute. What a cute story of finding love after loss. Shutting herself off from happiness for three years after a tragedy, Kinsley tries to open herself up to a potential new connection with Shane. Shane was charming right from the start. He saw a spark in her and would not back down until he pushed through her walls. I ate up all the tension and build up between these two. It was so hard to put this book down. The relationship between Kinsley and Shane’s daughter was also a highlight for me. Their little found family was such a healing experience for Kinsley’s character. That ending was so adorable! Definitely my favorite Nikki book and couple. I can’t get over how much I loved their story and connection.
“He saw me drowning in the darkness, and instead of walking away, he refused to leave me there.”
“There are going to be good days and bad, but I promise, no matter what happens, I’ll be right here, dancing in the rain with you.”
April 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was one of my most anticipated reads this year 🥹 ever since I found out Kinsley was getting her own book!
This book is second gen - the parents of the fmc have their own book Through His Eyes which is one of my fave Nikki Ash books of alllll time! You don’t need to read it first but I recommend reading it at some point just because it’s amazing.
Exposed Ink did not disappoint. Idk what I was expecting for Kinsey’s book but it wasn’t this much hurt for my girl 😭 my heart hurt for her and all she went through. No one does love after loss like Nikki Ash. I cried the entire first 15% 🙂
I loved Shane and how set he was on wanting Kinsley from the start but was willing to go at her pace to make her comfortable 🥹🥹 Everyone needs a man who wants to get a sleeve of tattoos done just so she will spend time with him (she’s the tattoo artist) 🤪
Will we get Taylor’s book eventually for 3rd gen 👀
This was one of my most anticipated reads this year 🥹 ever since I found out Kinsley was getting her own book!
This book is second gen - the parents of the fmc have their own book Through His Eyes which is one of my fave Nikki Ash books of alllll time! You don’t need to read it first but I recommend reading it at some point just because it’s amazing.
Exposed Ink did not disappoint. Idk what I was expecting for Kinsey’s book but it wasn’t this much hurt for my girl 😭 my heart hurt for her and all she went through. No one does love after loss like Nikki Ash. I cried the entire first 15% 🙂
I loved Shane and how set he was on wanting Kinsley from the start but was willing to go at her pace to make her comfortable 🥹🥹 Everyone needs a man who wants to get a sleeve of tattoos done just so she will spend time with him (she’s the tattoo artist) 🤪
Will we get Taylor’s book eventually for 3rd gen 👀
May 6, 2025
So cute! I even cried at the end near ng the HEA. Deals with heavy topics, especially in the first part. This is a rare example of a book where I didn't mind the love after loss trope. I usually despise it but even though her late spouse came up in conversation a lot, it was clear to me that she was ready to move on and create a new life while still honoring his memory, instead of just creating a stand-in. That's a huge difference for me.
"I had a lot of time to overthink this, and the only thing I’ve come up with is that it needs to be romantic because she’s a romance reader, and if my daughter has shown me anything, it’s that romance readers have high expectations when it comes to shit like this."
I liked all of the characters. The MCs were communicative and supportive of each other. The MMC was a little rusty in the romance department but whenever he spoke from his heart I was swooning. The daughter was funny and exuberant and her presence made for the FMC being willing to get closer to their family. I also really liked the FMC's parents.
‼️ SPOILERS
My reasons for not mak ng this the 5 stars I wanted to to be:
1. I was annoyed in the beginning with having one line of dialogue followed by 1-2 paragraphs of explanation for side characters AND their jobs and businesses and families. Like I don't care about these people at all and don't want to know this much. It's irrelevant. It's been a while since I've read a Nikki Ash book but I don't remember her doing this in the others that I read.
2. The FMC said she wasn't ready for a relationship so the MMC said he would back off and they could be friends...and then he still pushed her here and there, saying sorry he wouldn't do that again and then he'd do it again but she'd be more receptive this time so he'd do it again and so on. I mean this story happened over weeks, but it also breezed past them with just a paragraph or so. So it felt like this pushing was happening all at once. On top of this, she felt sooooooo guilty anytime she even smiled or felt happy around him until one day the guilt just went away. Like literally she had one conversation and it went away and that was it. She didn't struggle again after that and they could go straight into sexy times.
3. My biggest issue was the conflict in the end. There isn't much of a third act breakup (she avoids him for a week), but it happens because he allows his ex to stay at his house while recovering from an accident she and their daughter were in. Who does that?! There were a million other options he could have taken, like having his family help out and take care of her, or having her go to a hotel, or arranging for her BFF who was so willing to verbally attack the FMC to watch her, but instead he brought her into his home to live there and thought that wouldn't cause problems smh. I hate OW drama, but I especially hate it when the MMC is willfully clueless about it. He had been the FMC's biggest defender, protector, and supporter for the rest of the book, so it was annoying that this road was taken for the third act conflict.
And I won't even get into the fact that when he told the FMC that his daughter had just been in an accident and was in the hospital, the FMC blacked out and panicked, making it about her.
Anyway, outside of these things, this was a very cute story and I definitely cried during the proposal where he tied in her love of romance novels that had been a theme throughout the book. I'm leaving the quotes here because I want to come back to them later.
“In every book, there are trials and tribulations that the main characters go through before they get their happily ever after. When Taylor told me about some of the things the authors put their characters through, I didn’t understand why they would be so cruel, and I didn’t understand why she would read books like that. Until I met you.”
“I learned that for a book to be considered romance, the characters must get a happily ever after. Otherwise, it’s called a love story.”
“Your love story was with Brandon,” he says, “and it sadly ended in tragedy. If I could give you him back, I would, but since I can’t, my hope is that I can give you the next best thing—the reason why you love romances.”
"I had a lot of time to overthink this, and the only thing I’ve come up with is that it needs to be romantic because she’s a romance reader, and if my daughter has shown me anything, it’s that romance readers have high expectations when it comes to shit like this."
I liked all of the characters. The MCs were communicative and supportive of each other. The MMC was a little rusty in the romance department but whenever he spoke from his heart I was swooning. The daughter was funny and exuberant and her presence made for the FMC being willing to get closer to their family. I also really liked the FMC's parents.
‼️ SPOILERS
My reasons for not mak ng this the 5 stars I wanted to to be:
1. I was annoyed in the beginning with having one line of dialogue followed by 1-2 paragraphs of explanation for side characters AND their jobs and businesses and families. Like I don't care about these people at all and don't want to know this much. It's irrelevant. It's been a while since I've read a Nikki Ash book but I don't remember her doing this in the others that I read.
2. The FMC said she wasn't ready for a relationship so the MMC said he would back off and they could be friends...and then he still pushed her here and there, saying sorry he wouldn't do that again and then he'd do it again but she'd be more receptive this time so he'd do it again and so on. I mean this story happened over weeks, but it also breezed past them with just a paragraph or so. So it felt like this pushing was happening all at once. On top of this, she felt sooooooo guilty anytime she even smiled or felt happy around him until one day the guilt just went away. Like literally she had one conversation and it went away and that was it. She didn't struggle again after that and they could go straight into sexy times.
3. My biggest issue was the conflict in the end. There isn't much of a third act breakup (she avoids him for a week), but it happens because he allows his ex to stay at his house while recovering from an accident she and their daughter were in. Who does that?! There were a million other options he could have taken, like having his family help out and take care of her, or having her go to a hotel, or arranging for her BFF who was so willing to verbally attack the FMC to watch her, but instead he brought her into his home to live there and thought that wouldn't cause problems smh. I hate OW drama, but I especially hate it when the MMC is willfully clueless about it. He had been the FMC's biggest defender, protector, and supporter for the rest of the book, so it was annoying that this road was taken for the third act conflict.
And I won't even get into the fact that when he told the FMC that his daughter had just been in an accident and was in the hospital, the FMC blacked out and panicked, making it about her.
Anyway, outside of these things, this was a very cute story and I definitely cried during the proposal where he tied in her love of romance novels that had been a theme throughout the book. I'm leaving the quotes here because I want to come back to them later.
“In every book, there are trials and tribulations that the main characters go through before they get their happily ever after. When Taylor told me about some of the things the authors put their characters through, I didn’t understand why they would be so cruel, and I didn’t understand why she would read books like that. Until I met you.”
“I learned that for a book to be considered romance, the characters must get a happily ever after. Otherwise, it’s called a love story.”
“Your love story was with Brandon,” he says, “and it sadly ended in tragedy. If I could give you him back, I would, but since I can’t, my hope is that I can give you the next best thing—the reason why you love romances.”
May 1, 2025
I read Through His Eyes by Nikki Ash on July 5, 2021, my first Nikki Ash book. Specific, right? I know that date because I looked it up on my Reading Insights. Who knew then that Quinn and Lachlan's little daughter Kinsley would get her own story? And what a story it is!
From the first few chapters, I could feel the tears in my eyes. As Kinsley struggles to move forward from the hurt and loss of her recent past, she meets the one person, Shane, who is incredibly patient and provides comfort, support, and the love she deserves. Shane is truly the perfect book boyfriend. His 17-year-old daughter, Taylor, is amazing, too, with her love of romance books and boisterous personality. The friendship between them, based on their love of romance books, was adorable. The way Taylor encouraged her Dad to be with Kinsely was so special, too.
I will be a forever fan of Nikki Ash’s books. I love the romance, messiness, teeny bits of drama, occasional miscommunication, and build-up to all those steamy scenes because I know I will get the HEA. Like Kinsely’s story, I hope to see Taylor again.
Thank you to Author Nikki Ash for the Gifted Advance Reader Copy of Exposed Ink. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
From the first few chapters, I could feel the tears in my eyes. As Kinsley struggles to move forward from the hurt and loss of her recent past, she meets the one person, Shane, who is incredibly patient and provides comfort, support, and the love she deserves. Shane is truly the perfect book boyfriend. His 17-year-old daughter, Taylor, is amazing, too, with her love of romance books and boisterous personality. The friendship between them, based on their love of romance books, was adorable. The way Taylor encouraged her Dad to be with Kinsely was so special, too.
I will be a forever fan of Nikki Ash’s books. I love the romance, messiness, teeny bits of drama, occasional miscommunication, and build-up to all those steamy scenes because I know I will get the HEA. Like Kinsely’s story, I hope to see Taylor again.
Thank you to Author Nikki Ash for the Gifted Advance Reader Copy of Exposed Ink. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 5, 2025
Exposed Ink stole my heart away. The things that Kinsley went through and how Shane breathed new life into her. It was as if they were both just existing, even though Shane had a relatively good, quiet life with his older teenage daughter, Taylor. It took a lot of resistance on Kinsley's part, but Shane never wavered and earned every piece of Kinsley. Little by little he chipped away at the stone she had erected around her heart. And I love the relationship between Taylor and Kinsley. It was low key my favorite.
Lexi Evans and Theo Sinclair did a fantastic job on the dual narration of the audiobook. I listened to it in one sitting.
Lexi Evans and Theo Sinclair did a fantastic job on the dual narration of the audiobook. I listened to it in one sitting.
May 1, 2025
it was short and fast paced and cute and overall great (i just hate babies so the fact that the end was all about that wasnt for me but i appreciate the writing)
June 2, 2025
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.🌶️🌶️
2.🌶️🌶️
August 2, 2025
Cute summer read
May 28, 2025
I’m out at 25%. This is cheesy and weird. The grief party gets boring to read. It’s Kinsley’s entire personality and while I understand that kind of loss is all consuming, it certainly doesn’t make it interesting to read. Then you’ve got Shane who appears to be perfect and that is also boring to read.
I really hate this bizarre compulsion that some romance authors have to write characters reading romance novels and using a kindle to do it in the book. Why is this a thing? It immediately takes me out of the story. It almost feels like self promotion written into their book.
The thing that really took me out was how Kinsley required anyone she tattooed to have some deep, meaningful reason behind the tattoo or she would refuse to tattoo them. In what world is that even plausible. Like she’s entitled to that when she’s only entitled to payment. It was so damn dumb. Meanwhile, she won’t share her issues but everyone has to share with her…no.
I really hate this bizarre compulsion that some romance authors have to write characters reading romance novels and using a kindle to do it in the book. Why is this a thing? It immediately takes me out of the story. It almost feels like self promotion written into their book.
The thing that really took me out was how Kinsley required anyone she tattooed to have some deep, meaningful reason behind the tattoo or she would refuse to tattoo them. In what world is that even plausible. Like she’s entitled to that when she’s only entitled to payment. It was so damn dumb. Meanwhile, she won’t share her issues but everyone has to share with her…no.
March 25, 2025
This book was everything I could have hoped for and more. I loved how Kinsley and Shane's relationship developed.
Kinsley has gone through so much. I completely understand her shutting herself off from the world.
Shane is such an amazing man. Doing the single dad thing when his daughter's mom isn't around much at all. He manages to raise Taylor right.
Taylor is such a fun character. I love the way Kinsley and her bond.
This book had me in all my feels. Plus the throw backs to Through His Eyes and snippets of other characters we know and love.
Kinsley has gone through so much. I completely understand her shutting herself off from the world.
Shane is such an amazing man. Doing the single dad thing when his daughter's mom isn't around much at all. He manages to raise Taylor right.
Taylor is such a fun character. I love the way Kinsley and her bond.
This book had me in all my feels. Plus the throw backs to Through His Eyes and snippets of other characters we know and love.
April 27, 2025
3.5/5⭐️ 2.5/5🌶️
he got tattooed just for the chance to spend time with her 🥹🥹🥹
ugh this book was so good, loved the dynamic between the characters & how absolutely down bad the mmc was
docked .5 stars because I reallllly lose interest after ilys are said & we got a confession of love at 63% 🤷🏼♀️ still really enjoyed it though!!
thanks nikki for letting me read it early 💓
he got tattooed just for the chance to spend time with her 🥹🥹🥹
ugh this book was so good, loved the dynamic between the characters & how absolutely down bad the mmc was
docked .5 stars because I reallllly lose interest after ilys are said & we got a confession of love at 63% 🤷🏼♀️ still really enjoyed it though!!
thanks nikki for letting me read it early 💓
May 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶.5
"He saw me drowning in the darkness, and instead of walking away, he refused to leave me there. I tried like hell to push him away, but still, he stayed, and every day, he coaxed me toward the light, one foot at a time, until I was on the other side of the door with him, the sun shining down on us."
This book definitely did not disappoint. From the first few chapters, this book had me sobbing, it literally had me in my feels. I loved watching their relationship develop, with Shane breaking down all the walls Kins had placed round her, and reminding her how it feels to have someone loving and treasuring you right.
They were so cute and perfect together. They needed each other to fill the empty void and both deserved a second chance of experiencing their happily ever after.
Shane is truly a memorable book boyfriend, he was the sweetest golden retriever MMC. Tell me who's willing to get an arm sleeve tattoo just so you can spend time with him? Definitely Shane. He was determined to get her and he did. He is incredibly patient, caring and gave Kins comfort, support, and loved her the way she deserved.
I also loved how he wanted her for her and to help her heal, since most of the time some MMCs are always about lust, but he was truly amazing, helping her heal and "breathe" again.
Kinsley truly got the shorter and of the stick. I honestly adored how brave, courageous and resilient she was with how she handled the situation. As much as it hurt her, and with how she felt like they took a part of her with them, she never gave up regardless. And it was heartwarming to see Shane bring back her spark.
I loved Taylor, this girl was just too real and absolutely fun. Her friendship with Kins was so cute, I adore how they always supported and cared for each other. The way she also encouraged their relationship and also hyping her dad to be with Kinsley, that was so special.
Also Kins' parents, I'm so ready to dive into their book, because these two are so lovestruck and they seem so perfect.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🌶.5
"He saw me drowning in the darkness, and instead of walking away, he refused to leave me there. I tried like hell to push him away, but still, he stayed, and every day, he coaxed me toward the light, one foot at a time, until I was on the other side of the door with him, the sun shining down on us."
This book definitely did not disappoint. From the first few chapters, this book had me sobbing, it literally had me in my feels. I loved watching their relationship develop, with Shane breaking down all the walls Kins had placed round her, and reminding her how it feels to have someone loving and treasuring you right.
They were so cute and perfect together. They needed each other to fill the empty void and both deserved a second chance of experiencing their happily ever after.
Shane is truly a memorable book boyfriend, he was the sweetest golden retriever MMC. Tell me who's willing to get an arm sleeve tattoo just so you can spend time with him? Definitely Shane. He was determined to get her and he did. He is incredibly patient, caring and gave Kins comfort, support, and loved her the way she deserved.
I also loved how he wanted her for her and to help her heal, since most of the time some MMCs are always about lust, but he was truly amazing, helping her heal and "breathe" again.
Kinsley truly got the shorter and of the stick. I honestly adored how brave, courageous and resilient she was with how she handled the situation. As much as it hurt her, and with how she felt like they took a part of her with them, she never gave up regardless. And it was heartwarming to see Shane bring back her spark.
I loved Taylor, this girl was just too real and absolutely fun. Her friendship with Kins was so cute, I adore how they always supported and cared for each other. The way she also encouraged their relationship and also hyping her dad to be with Kinsley, that was so special.
Also Kins' parents, I'm so ready to dive into their book, because these two are so lovestruck and they seem so perfect.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2025
Everyone needs a Shane in their life! Shane is the golden retriever/cinnamon roll man everyone loves to see in their romance books!
Let’s start with our FMC Kinsley. My heart broke for her from the start of this book. Kinsley has been through so much and her grief journey and moving forward (not on but forward) was just so beautiful and realistic so read about. Her inner monologue and her conversations with her family broke my heart but we also got to see Kinsley start to heal and it was beautiful!
Shane..oh this man! He had an interest in Kinsley as soon as he met her. He didn’t let her push him away, instead he was determined but also respected that she wasn’t ready for “more” yet. I loved seeing these two interact and have those tough conversations. Shane didn’t judge Kinsley ever and he was always there to support her and talk her through her emotions/feelings validating her. I am going to add on his daughter Taylor who is a teenager! I LOVED her she was such a great side character and her relationship she has with her dad is so wholesome and the relationship she builds with Kinsley was everything and what I feel is what helped Kinsley to heal and move forward without her realising it.
This was such a beautiful story about love and loss and finding love again after tragedy. While it has emotional depth to it the spice in this book was so good! Shane surprised me with his dirty mouth and I loved every minute of it 😏
I will also add I loved seeing Lachlan and Quinn again they were one of my favorite reverse age gap books and I loved seeing Kinsley all grown up second gen books are some of my favorite reads.
If you are looking for a Single Firefighter Dad, FMC who is A Tattoo Artist, Love After Loss, He Falls First (and is determined) with a Mental Health Rep this book is for you
Thank you Nikki for the arc of this book in return for my honest review
Let’s start with our FMC Kinsley. My heart broke for her from the start of this book. Kinsley has been through so much and her grief journey and moving forward (not on but forward) was just so beautiful and realistic so read about. Her inner monologue and her conversations with her family broke my heart but we also got to see Kinsley start to heal and it was beautiful!
Shane..oh this man! He had an interest in Kinsley as soon as he met her. He didn’t let her push him away, instead he was determined but also respected that she wasn’t ready for “more” yet. I loved seeing these two interact and have those tough conversations. Shane didn’t judge Kinsley ever and he was always there to support her and talk her through her emotions/feelings validating her. I am going to add on his daughter Taylor who is a teenager! I LOVED her she was such a great side character and her relationship she has with her dad is so wholesome and the relationship she builds with Kinsley was everything and what I feel is what helped Kinsley to heal and move forward without her realising it.
This was such a beautiful story about love and loss and finding love again after tragedy. While it has emotional depth to it the spice in this book was so good! Shane surprised me with his dirty mouth and I loved every minute of it 😏
I will also add I loved seeing Lachlan and Quinn again they were one of my favorite reverse age gap books and I loved seeing Kinsley all grown up second gen books are some of my favorite reads.
If you are looking for a Single Firefighter Dad, FMC who is A Tattoo Artist, Love After Loss, He Falls First (and is determined) with a Mental Health Rep this book is for you
Thank you Nikki for the arc of this book in return for my honest review
May 1, 2025
This was a super cute story despite its heavy circumstances, and I love it even more because of it. It’s easy to drown a story that carries some of the circumstances this one did in angst and turmoil, but Nikki didn’t do that. It was emotional, and for those of you, like myself, who have experienced immeasurable loss, Kinsley background will hurt, but it won’t gut. This is me speaking of my experience with this story, obviously, yours might be different. My loss was not of a spouse, but of a child and the quote at the beginning of this book holds an incredible amount of truth to it. But I digress …
I couldn’t have conjured a better man for Kinsley than Shane. Well done, Nikki! Shane was a perfect match for what Kinsley needed to begin to let go and understand that letting go wasn’t forgetting or erasing and that she deserved more. I love that this was a single father trope because again, perfect for Kinsley’s circumstance. I loved their journey because it felt like a metamorphosize of sorts and that’s exactly what Kinsley needed, which in turn gave Shane exactly what he wanted! :)
The more I read by Nikki Ash, the more I like her! She knows what her stories need to develop and make sense, and she also is pretty darn good at grabbing your attention from the beginning of the story and keeping it throughout. I haven’t always loved everything I’ve read by her, but those are the odds when you read as much as I do. LOL This is one of the stories I love and if you like your stories with depth and emotion but not weighed down by them, this particular story is one for you.
I couldn’t have conjured a better man for Kinsley than Shane. Well done, Nikki! Shane was a perfect match for what Kinsley needed to begin to let go and understand that letting go wasn’t forgetting or erasing and that she deserved more. I love that this was a single father trope because again, perfect for Kinsley’s circumstance. I loved their journey because it felt like a metamorphosize of sorts and that’s exactly what Kinsley needed, which in turn gave Shane exactly what he wanted! :)
The more I read by Nikki Ash, the more I like her! She knows what her stories need to develop and make sense, and she also is pretty darn good at grabbing your attention from the beginning of the story and keeping it throughout. I haven’t always loved everything I’ve read by her, but those are the odds when you read as much as I do. LOL This is one of the stories I love and if you like your stories with depth and emotion but not weighed down by them, this particular story is one for you.
May 6, 2025
This book had me in all the feels. As a mother my heart broke into a million pieces. I couldn’t even imagine. The author did such a beautiful job writing about such a tragic event and turned it into a beautiful romance story about finding love after loss.
Kinsley was in a dark place after losing 2 people that meant everything to her. She had given up on love and having a family. She had her chance and it was taken from her so she never wanted to try again. I wanted to hug her so many times and my heart broke for her loss and pain. But she is such a strong woman, she just needed someone to remind her.
Shane is an amazing single father to a teenage daughter. He was a paramedic firefighter also and hadn’t really dated since his daughter’s mother and him split. But he took one look at kinsley and knew he wanted to know her more. He was so patient and kind to her. He was there for her without any judgement. He let things go at her own pace, with some gentle nudges of course, but never forced her to be ready for something she wasn’t. It was so cute the way he wiggled himself into her life.
Shane and Kinsley were so dang cute. They needed each other and both deserved a second chance at a happily ever after. And Taylor, she was such a high energized ball of sweetness also. You can’t help but root for these two to find the love they deserve. And they had some off the chart heated chemistry!
5⭐️
3.5🌶️
Kinsley was in a dark place after losing 2 people that meant everything to her. She had given up on love and having a family. She had her chance and it was taken from her so she never wanted to try again. I wanted to hug her so many times and my heart broke for her loss and pain. But she is such a strong woman, she just needed someone to remind her.
Shane is an amazing single father to a teenage daughter. He was a paramedic firefighter also and hadn’t really dated since his daughter’s mother and him split. But he took one look at kinsley and knew he wanted to know her more. He was so patient and kind to her. He was there for her without any judgement. He let things go at her own pace, with some gentle nudges of course, but never forced her to be ready for something she wasn’t. It was so cute the way he wiggled himself into her life.
Shane and Kinsley were so dang cute. They needed each other and both deserved a second chance at a happily ever after. And Taylor, she was such a high energized ball of sweetness also. You can’t help but root for these two to find the love they deserve. And they had some off the chart heated chemistry!
5⭐️
3.5🌶️
April 28, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed Kinsley and Shane's story! This one was more emotional than I thought it would be, but that made me love it that much more.
🔥Single dad
🔥Firefighter romance
🔥Small town
🔥Love after loss
🔥He falls first
Three years ago, Kinsley went through an unthinkable tragedy and now she is just coasting through autopilot instead of living her life. And when she has an allergic reaction that brings her to the hospital, she meets Shane, a firefighter medic, and he is determined to get her to live once again.
These two don't get their HEA easily, but once they fall, they fall HARD! I loved getting to go through Kinsley's journey of grief right along with her and Shane.
Shane is an amazing dad and will do anything for his 17 year old daughter Taylor. And when he meets Kinsley, he immediately knows that he will do anything for her too.
Aside from the main relationship, I really loved the relationship between Taylor and Kinsley. I truly attribute some of Kinsley's healing to Taylor. Without knowing it, that girl became so special to Kins. I loved how outgoing and say what she means she is. And the way she defended Kins not once, but twice, had me cheering so hard for Taylor.
I really enjoyed Kinsley and Shane's story! This one was more emotional than I thought it would be, but that made me love it that much more.
🔥Single dad
🔥Firefighter romance
🔥Small town
🔥Love after loss
🔥He falls first
Three years ago, Kinsley went through an unthinkable tragedy and now she is just coasting through autopilot instead of living her life. And when she has an allergic reaction that brings her to the hospital, she meets Shane, a firefighter medic, and he is determined to get her to live once again.
These two don't get their HEA easily, but once they fall, they fall HARD! I loved getting to go through Kinsley's journey of grief right along with her and Shane.
Shane is an amazing dad and will do anything for his 17 year old daughter Taylor. And when he meets Kinsley, he immediately knows that he will do anything for her too.
Aside from the main relationship, I really loved the relationship between Taylor and Kinsley. I truly attribute some of Kinsley's healing to Taylor. Without knowing it, that girl became so special to Kins. I loved how outgoing and say what she means she is. And the way she defended Kins not once, but twice, had me cheering so hard for Taylor.
May 2, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
2🌶
This was SO good! I went through all the emotions while reading this and fell completely in love with Shane and Taylor as much as Kinsley did.
Shane is the definition of "if he wanted to, he would." He was determined to win Kinsley over and make her realize that she deserves to be loved and happy despite what she's been through. He was so supportive and overall just a wonderful MMC. His 17 year old daughter Taylor, stole the show for me. She was so protective of Kinsley and stand up for her ob multiple occasions! I wanted to give her the biggest hug ever. She was amazing and im so glad she gets her own book.
Kinsley is such strong person. I couldn't even fathom what she had been through but it was SO rewarding watching her survive her grief and get a happy ending. Her growth was so huge and getting to watch her heal and step into her own was just beautiful.
The only reason it's not a 5 star rating is because it was a TAD bit predictable but I still enjoyed it.
Also..... SCREW YOU JAMIE. That situation could have been handle a little better by Shane but he had a lot on his plate.
2🌶
This was SO good! I went through all the emotions while reading this and fell completely in love with Shane and Taylor as much as Kinsley did.
Shane is the definition of "if he wanted to, he would." He was determined to win Kinsley over and make her realize that she deserves to be loved and happy despite what she's been through. He was so supportive and overall just a wonderful MMC. His 17 year old daughter Taylor, stole the show for me. She was so protective of Kinsley and stand up for her ob multiple occasions! I wanted to give her the biggest hug ever. She was amazing and im so glad she gets her own book.
Kinsley is such strong person. I couldn't even fathom what she had been through but it was SO rewarding watching her survive her grief and get a happy ending. Her growth was so huge and getting to watch her heal and step into her own was just beautiful.
The only reason it's not a 5 star rating is because it was a TAD bit predictable but I still enjoyed it.
Also..... SCREW YOU JAMIE. That situation could have been handle a little better by Shane but he had a lot on his plate.
April 24, 2025
Exposed Ink | ❤️🩹💉🚑
“So damn sour,” he says, smiling at me. “I can’t wait to get to all that sweet underneath.”
4.5✨
Oof, this book got me right in the feels. Definitely had some happy tears by the end. I flew through it in less than two days, and honestly? It was exactly what my heart needed. Wholesome, full of love, and just the right amount of heartache. That perfect blend of ouch and aww that made my heart both hurt and swell.
One thing I always appreciate about Nikki’s books is how she balances the steamy scenes. Yes, there’s spice, but it never overshadows the relationship. The way Kinsley and Shane connect had me smiling to myself more times than I can count.
And I have to shout out Taylor - what a standout character! I loved that she was a teenager who felt real: independent, a little badass, and totally protective of Kinsley. She stepped up in a way that had me wanting to high-five her through the page. Such a refreshing take on the single parent trope, and she made the story even better.
“So damn sour,” he says, smiling at me. “I can’t wait to get to all that sweet underneath.”
4.5✨
Oof, this book got me right in the feels. Definitely had some happy tears by the end. I flew through it in less than two days, and honestly? It was exactly what my heart needed. Wholesome, full of love, and just the right amount of heartache. That perfect blend of ouch and aww that made my heart both hurt and swell.
One thing I always appreciate about Nikki’s books is how she balances the steamy scenes. Yes, there’s spice, but it never overshadows the relationship. The way Kinsley and Shane connect had me smiling to myself more times than I can count.
And I have to shout out Taylor - what a standout character! I loved that she was a teenager who felt real: independent, a little badass, and totally protective of Kinsley. She stepped up in a way that had me wanting to high-five her through the page. Such a refreshing take on the single parent trope, and she made the story even better.
May 2, 2025
Through My Eyes (Quinn/Lachlan) is my favorite book by this author, so I was very excited to see their daughter, Kinsley, get her own book!
Kinsley is a tattoo artist who has gone through an unimaginable loss. It’s been a few years and emotionally she is still healing from the events of the past. Meeting Shane, the local firefighter paramedic who saved her from an allergic reaction, allows Kinsley to realize that she does have a second chance at the life and love she always wanted!
Shane was steady in his pursuit of Kinsley, but patient while she warmed up to the idea of opening up again. I loved his relationship with his daughter, Taylor, as well as seeing Kinsley form her own friendship with his daughter as well. They were a cute family, and Kinsley deserved all the love they offered her.
I’ll definitely be on the lookout for Taylor’s story one day!
What to Expect: single dad, tattoo artist, firefighter/paramedic, bookworm heroine
Trigger Warnings: miscarriage, death/loss of a loved one
Kinsley is a tattoo artist who has gone through an unimaginable loss. It’s been a few years and emotionally she is still healing from the events of the past. Meeting Shane, the local firefighter paramedic who saved her from an allergic reaction, allows Kinsley to realize that she does have a second chance at the life and love she always wanted!
Shane was steady in his pursuit of Kinsley, but patient while she warmed up to the idea of opening up again. I loved his relationship with his daughter, Taylor, as well as seeing Kinsley form her own friendship with his daughter as well. They were a cute family, and Kinsley deserved all the love they offered her.
I’ll definitely be on the lookout for Taylor’s story one day!
What to Expect: single dad, tattoo artist, firefighter/paramedic, bookworm heroine
Trigger Warnings: miscarriage, death/loss of a loved one
June 23, 2025
4.5 "Sour Patch" STARS
I binge read the Imperfect Love Series four years ago already and loved it. Needless to say I was really happy to learn that Exposed Ink would give us a second generation story featuring little Kinsley as a grown woman. This novel was a beautiful, emotional second chance at love romance with such a swoon worthy hero.
Kinsley is emotionally unavailable when she meets Shane in a rather surprising context. It doesn't deter the single dad of a teenage girl in the least. He's infatuated and won't accept her refusal to date him.
It was seriously so cute to watch Shane being so patient and attentive with Kinsley. He was truly the perfect man, undersatnding of her past and grief. His daughter, Taylor, was an amazing supporting character. Her bubbly personality and the easy way she befriended Kinsley over their passion for books was too sweet. I felt she was the reason Kinsley opened up more toward Shane. This couple's romance was lovely and passionate with some extra spicy moments.
Exposed Ink was simply fantastic!
I binge read the Imperfect Love Series four years ago already and loved it. Needless to say I was really happy to learn that Exposed Ink would give us a second generation story featuring little Kinsley as a grown woman. This novel was a beautiful, emotional second chance at love romance with such a swoon worthy hero.
Kinsley is emotionally unavailable when she meets Shane in a rather surprising context. It doesn't deter the single dad of a teenage girl in the least. He's infatuated and won't accept her refusal to date him.
It was seriously so cute to watch Shane being so patient and attentive with Kinsley. He was truly the perfect man, undersatnding of her past and grief. His daughter, Taylor, was an amazing supporting character. Her bubbly personality and the easy way she befriended Kinsley over their passion for books was too sweet. I felt she was the reason Kinsley opened up more toward Shane. This couple's romance was lovely and passionate with some extra spicy moments.
Exposed Ink was simply fantastic!
April 20, 2025
If you haven’t read anything from this author you need to start. She has such amazing talent and I always get so overwhelmed with so many feelings when I read her stories! I love this authors work and even though this was a super emotional one I couldn’t put it down!
When I read the first couple of chapters and Kinsley went through such a life changing thing my heart broke. I worried for what her future would bring and if this would be a complete heartbreak from beginning to end. I think I felt it from the first moment Shane met Kinsley and everything seemed to fall into place.
I wasn’t sure how this story would unfold especially with Taylor being in the picture too but I got so giddy throughout! I couldn’t help but devour this book as much as possible. When I started getting to the end and things seemed to turn a different direction my gut dropped and I cried. I love how connected to these characters I got and that’s all Nikki Ash! Amazing writer and story teller! You must read this series!!
When I read the first couple of chapters and Kinsley went through such a life changing thing my heart broke. I worried for what her future would bring and if this would be a complete heartbreak from beginning to end. I think I felt it from the first moment Shane met Kinsley and everything seemed to fall into place.
I wasn’t sure how this story would unfold especially with Taylor being in the picture too but I got so giddy throughout! I couldn’t help but devour this book as much as possible. When I started getting to the end and things seemed to turn a different direction my gut dropped and I cried. I love how connected to these characters I got and that’s all Nikki Ash! Amazing writer and story teller! You must read this series!!
May 2, 2025
I have to be honest, I don’t really know how to rate this one. On one hand I absolutely loved Kinsley journey of forgiving herself and finding love again, but on the other hand (and this is probably going to be an unpopular opinion) I just was not a huge fan of Shane for the majority of the book. Yes he was a big cinnamon roll and a great father, but his instant persistence towards spending time with Kinsley after being told no just rubbed me the wrong way. Now I do sort of understand that she was at a point where she seemed to need a little nudge to get out more, but it just didn’t feel like it was done on her own terms. Shane would say that he was perfectly find with being just friends if that’s what she needed, but then his actions would say otherwise. Maybe that’s just me reading into things too much, I dont know, but that’s just how I felt. 3.5⭐️
Thank you to the author for an eARC, these are my honest thoughts.
-Single Dad to teen girl
-Firefighter Paramedic
-Cinnamon Roll Hero
-Love After Loss
-Damaged Heroine
-Tattoo Artist FMC
-Bookworm
Thank you to the author for an eARC, these are my honest thoughts.
-Single Dad to teen girl
-Firefighter Paramedic
-Cinnamon Roll Hero
-Love After Loss
-Damaged Heroine
-Tattoo Artist FMC
-Bookworm
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