Etched in Ink

This book is “the grumpy tattooed older man with a haunted past meets the soft, hopeful florist who accidentally becomes his entire reason for breathing” energy — and it DELIVERS.

Kain Kessler walks onto the page like a storm cloud with a pulse.

Tattoo artist.

Older.

Broody.

Carved up inside and out.

He’s the kind of man who doesn’t believe in love because life already taught him the ugliest lessons — and then Eva Collins walks in and his whole worldview just… cracks.

Eva is pure sunshine.

Young, determined, dreaming of her own flower shop, trying to rebuild her life after heartbreak.

She’s soft but not fragile, hopeful but not naive — the exact kind of woman who could slip past Kain’s walls without even trying.

And when he sees her?

Oh babe.

He’s DONE.

Instantly, irrevocably, “mine” energy radiating off him like heat.

But then the book flips the table.

Eva gets kidnapped — thrown into the brutal underbelly of a black‑market operation — and suddenly this sweet florist is fighting for her life.

And Kain?

He goes FULL feral protector.

The kind of man who would burn the world down to get her back.

The tension is delicious:

 the age gap
 the trauma vs. hope dynamic
 the “I don’t deserve her” vs. “I choose him anyway”
 the danger snapping at their heels
 the way they cling to each other like oxygen

Eva wants to heal the cruelty etched into Kain’s past.

Kain wants to shield her from every shadow that ever touched him.

It’s messy, tender, violent, romantic — all the good stuff.

Why 4.5 stars?

Because it hits that perfect blend of:

 emotional depth
 gritty suspense
 protective‑hero ferality
 soft‑girl resilience
 chemistry that hums under every scene
 trauma‑healing that feels earned
 and a love story that feels carved into bone

It’s intense without being overwhelming, romantic without losing its edge, and gripping from page one to the final breath.

A dark, emotional, beautifully inked love story that sinks its claws in and doesn’t let go.

rosieisabelleeeeeee987

14 reviews1 follower

May 8, 2026

ARC REVIEW!
3.75⭐️
Thank you very much to Love Notes PR for the ARC of this book!

Etched in Ink was a very complex book with beautiful characters and wonderful writing. I really enjoyed Kain and Eva’s story and their journey to falling in love.
Whilst their backstories were harrowing, they find solace and love in each other and I thought that was so beautiful. I thought their story was very captivating from the beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the plot play out and seeing how they became victorious against Victor Hawthorne.
The plot was incredibly compelling but it could also be quite a hard read depending on the individual reading the book, so I would highly recommend checking trigger warnings as it gets rather graphic in parts.
I wish I’d gotten to see more of Eva and Kain’s love story, as in parts of the book it felt like that part took a bit of a back seat despite this ultimately being a romance book.
I will say, I found the mention of the ‘Bernstein Files’ and ‘Gregory Bernstein’ to be a bit odd. I don’t think that should have had a place in this book as it’s a very obvious reference to current world events. I found that part took away from my enjoyment of the book. The storyline was great as it was, and I think that part of the book was a bit unnecessary.
Apart from that, the book was very enjoyable and the plot was quite riveting and captivating. Eva and Kain’s love story was enchanting and beautiful to read, and I adored their characters, especially Eva. Side note; Grandpa Collins was absolutely amazing, a wonderful addition to the story!
I’m looking forward to reading the next book and seeing what Nadia Han cooks up and how she expands the world and plot!

Marija Unkind

139 reviews26 followers

May 18, 2026

3.5⭐️ I was hooked right from the start because the opening felt so captivating and well set up. I also really liked the way the story developed toward the end and how all the pieces fell into place.

However, some of the conversations felt a bit choppy and underdeveloped, and a few of the intimate scenes came across as slightly awkward. The chapter breaks also felt oddly placed at times, separating moments that didn’t really need to be split up. While I enjoyed the overall plot and appreciated the strong focus on the storyline, I found myself losing interest a little around the middle of the book.

Of course, this is only my personal opinion, and I know other readers might experience the story in a completely different way!

Thank you to Nadia Han and Love Notes PR for providing me with an ARC 🖤
All opinions are my own.

Marilyn Diamond

725 reviews30 followers

Oh my...Mr. Kain Kessler is my type of billionaire, rugged "tattoo titan. He literally walked around a flower shop because his attraction to this Woman was so powerful.
Meet Eva Collins florist attendant with big dreams of owning her own flower shop one day. Loves her only living relative "Grandpa Collins." Kind heart, strong willed has 2 best friends in the whole wide world.
Grandpa Collins is a hot mess. Just out of thr hospital for a medical procedure, loves McGuyver and taking money from folks in Bingo. Loved his wife Melinda until death she did depart.
I don't usually read thrillers. This book had me hooked. What drew my main attraction was my dissertation in human sex trafficking. This novel had pedophile rings and human organ trafficking and death.
A page turner, plenty of twists and turns mystery thriller until the last page.

This was a honest review of read Advanced Copy received from Book Funnel.

Brita Mackay

1,276 reviews24 followers

Eva is the flower soothing Kain’s soul, and he is the thorn protecting her.

With dark secrets etched in his soul and on his skin, Kain Kessler is a talented tattoo artist who does not believe in love. But that belief changes when he meets a beautiful woman who stuns him on the spot. He’s determined to make her his, even after she rejects him.

An eager and resourceful young florist, Eva Collins dreams of owning her own flower shop—and that’s all she wants. One serious heartbreak was enough for her . . . until a family member sets her up with an irresistible man who’s much older than her. When she’s kidnapped and tossed into the terrifying underbelly of a black-market operation, she gathers every ounce of courage to survive.

Eva wants nothing more than to erase the cruelty Kain has suffered, and all he wants is to protect the woman he loves from the darkness that wants them both dead.

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.

Tropes: Tattoo Artist, Older, Broody, Carved up inside and out, Age Gap, Trauma vs Hope Dynamic, “I Don’t Deserve Her” vs “I Choose Him Anyway”, The Danger Snapping at their Heels, The way they Cling to Each Other like Oxygen, Emotional Depth, Gritty Suspense, Protective-MMC Ferality, Soft-Girl Resilience, Chemistry that Hums under Every Scene, Trrauma-Healing that feels Earned, A Love Story that feels Carved into Bone, Dark, Emotional, Beautifully Inked Love Story, Touch her and Unalive, Vengeance, Love at First Sight, Morally Gray Billionaire Suspense, Slow-Burn Tension, Mystery/Suspense Storyline, Drama, Feisty FMC, Age Gap, Love at First Sight, He Falls First, Morally Gray Billionaire, Slow-Burn, Angst and Suspense, Touch Her and Die Vibes, Protective Billionaire, Vengeance Plot, Dual POV, Romantic Suspense, Plot Twist, Organophobia, Organ “Donations”, Human Trafficking (people / d - > * rugs), Christian Ideals, Kids - > napped, King pin tyrant ( bad guy), Florist, Tattoos, Trauma bonding, Small world/6 degrees of Bacon, Found family, Corrupt Elite (top 1% wealthiest), Yearning, Prison Break Vibes

Etched in Ink is the 1st book in the Etched Series by Nadia Han.

“Etched in Ink” is “the grumpy tattoo artist older MMC meets the tender and soft hopeful florist FMC both with a traumatic and haunted past. Our FMC accidentally becomes our MMC’s entire reason for breathing and continuing on.” And Nadia delivered on that.

Kain Kessler storms onto the page and into our hearts like a tornado with a pulse. Kain is the kind of man who’s stopped believing in love after all the tough lessons that life has taught him, and they have been the ugliest lessons – and then suddenly Eva Collins, a little ray of sunshine walks into his life and Kain suddenly finds his entire worldview cracking open and rapidly changing.

Eva herself is a ray of pure sunshine despite the tough background she herself comes from. She’s still young, determined to follow her dreams, a dream of opening and running her own flower shop, and she’s working hard to rebuild her life and find herself after having her heart shattered.

Eva might be soft but she’s far from fragile, she has hope but she’s not naïve – she’s the exact type of woman who could manage to slip right past all the walls Kain has built up around himself without even trying if she wanted to.

And the first time he sees her?

Oh Lordy.

You can see that he’s just done.

It’s just instant, irrevocable, “mine” energy coming off of him like heat. And you know in that moment that he would do anything for Eva.

Then suddenly Nadia goes throws a wrench in the works and she throws a massive twist into the story and everything suddenly goes sideways.

Not wanting to see Eva alone, a “concerned” family member decides to set Eva up with this irresistible man who’s a lot older than she is. When Eva finds herself suddenly kidnapped and thrown into the terrifying dark world of the black-market operations of human trafficking, drugs, and who knows what else, Eva knows that it’s going to take every ounce of courage she has in order to survive. And this sweet florist suddenly flips her own tables and starts fighting for her own life.

And as for Kain?

Kain finds himself going FULL on feral protector. The very kind of man who would burn down the entire world to get his woman back.

I found the tension to be absolutely delicious.

When Eva learns about Kain’s past and all the cruelty he’s had to suffer and endure all she wants to do is take it away and help Kain find a way to heal.

On the other hand, Kain wants to shield Eva from his past and every shadow and bad thing that has ever touched him.

This book is messy, tender, violent, and romantic – it’s got all the good stuff that you want in the books that you read. I found that this book was intense without being overly overwhelming, romantic without losing that sharp dangerous edge, and from the very beginning it was engaging and enthralling till the bitter end.

I have to say that this is a day, emotional, beautifully inked love story that manages to sink it’s claws into you and refuses to let go.

If you are the kind of reader who enjoys morally gray billionaires, romantic suspense, touch her and unalive, love at first sight, slow-burn tension, then I promise you “Etched in Ink” is the book you want to read. I am excited to get my hands on book 2, I really hope we get to learn more about Eva and Kain’s relationship.

Jenna Lundberg

70 reviews

Etched in Ink by Nadia Han absolutely consumed me from the very first chapter 🖤✨ As the first book in the Etched Series, Nadia Han had the challenge of introducing a completely new world, multiple interconnected characters, dangerous backstories, emotional depth, suspense, & still fully developing Kain & Eva’s romance — and she delivered all of it beautifully. This story quickly became one of my favorite reads of 2026 because once I started reading, I genuinely could not put it down.

Kain Kessler was such an addictive MMC 😮‍💨 A powerful entrepreneur & tattoo/gym franchise owner with a dark & dangerous past, he carries so much emotional weight beneath his morally gray exterior. What I loved most about Kain was how fiercely loyal & protective he was toward the people he loved, especially his found family & Eva. Beneath all his control, danger, & vengeance was someone with a huge heart who would truly do anything for the people he cared about. Watching him completely fall for Eva from the very beginning — while persistently trying to earn her trust — made their relationship impossible not to become invested in.

Eva Collins was equally incredible in this story 💕 She’s strong, intelligent, emotionally resilient, & genuinely one of the most memorable FMCs I’ve read recently. Eva has her own traumatic past & struggles with trusting men, but despite everything she’s been through, she still sees beauty in the world through her flower shop & dreams for her future. One of my favorite things about her character was how calm, observant, & smart she was under pressure. The way she noticed details others would overlook ended up becoming incredibly important to the suspense plot, & I loved how capable & badass she truly was throughout the story.

The chemistry between Kain & Eva was intense from the beginning, but what made this romance stand out was the emotional vulnerability slowly woven underneath all the tension, suspense, & danger ❤️‍🔥 Their relationship balanced love at first sight, slow-burn emotional development, protective “touch her & die” energy, & genuine emotional healing so well. I especially loved how Eva became someone who could calm Kain in ways no one else could, while Kain constantly showed up to protect & care for her no matter the cost.

Beyond the romance, the suspense storyline completely hooked me. The twists, hidden connections, vengeance plot, & dangerous atmosphere kept me fully locked into the story the entire time. I loved how the supporting characters slowly became interconnected as the story unfolded, especially Harry, Camila, & Milo. The mystery surrounding Harry’s connection to the boys was done so well, & I loved how the suspense slowly unraveled piece by piece. Even some of the darker moments & villains carried emotional depth that genuinely tugged on my heartstrings.

Nadia Han did such a fantastic job balancing dark romantic suspense with emotional storytelling, found family dynamics, romance, & action. The writing made me laugh, stress, swoon, & completely emotionally invest in these characters. I absolutely cannot wait to get back into this world for book two & spend more time with characters like Godfrey, Story, Hudson, & Timber 📖✨

If you love morally gray billionaire romances, dark suspense, age gaps, vengeance plots, love at first sight, dual POV, protective heroes, found family, slow-burn tension, & “touch her & die” vibes — Etched in Ink is absolutely one to add to your TBR 🖤

Heidi N

110 reviews21 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

May 14, 2026

Etched in Ink by Nadia Han is the first book in the Etched Series. First books of new series have so much to build on and bring anticipation to. Nadia did a good job with the first book in this new series. Bringing in new characters, setting new scenes, it can be a challenge as there is so much to do while still telling the story of the two MC’s.

We are introduced to Kain Kessler, a prominent business owner who has the biggest tower in Etched Square. A entrepreneur and franchise tattoo artist, has a very dark and dangerous past. One that not many know about, except for his three best friends who share a part of their past together. Kain fell head over heels, love at first sight for the girl at the flower shop. To his surprise, she turns him down when he asks her out but Kain is a man who always gets what he wants, especially no matter the cost. But when a ghost from his past comes back to seek revenge, is his new love for the girl at the flower shop in harms way or can he do what he needs to do to keep her safe?

Eva Collins has dreams, and big dreams at that! She sees the beauty in flowers and wants to bring happiness to those who come into the flower shop. She doesn’t find it strange at first that someone is seeking out and ordering an abundance of a certain type of flower, one that is only seasonal and typically raised in a different area. Until one day, a man walks into her store that saves her life when a shelf gets knocked over, and then again when someone attempts to steal her purse. It is fate he keeps being her knight in shining armor or is their fate etched into the universe.

This was my first read by Nadia Han and I look forward to reading more.

I received this book as an ARC and providing a review willingly.

Rebmay

2,972 reviews49 followers

Read

This book is a gripping read, with unexpected twists, dark undertones and a steamy romance. Kain and Eva are both survivors of trauma. Trust doesn’t come easy for either of them. Nor does letting down their guards. Kain doesn’t let Eva’s initial rejection phase him. He was instantly smitten by her and is prepared to put in the work to win her favour and ultimately her heart. He relishes the challenge and knows that Eva is the one he wants in his future.

Eva’s most recent ex has made her a bit jaded and more wary of love and men in general. With Kain, she is fighting her attraction and the feelings that are stirring in her heart. She tells herself that caring for her grandfather and planning for her own flower shop should be her focus now, not Kain or any other man. It becomes impossible to ignore him as he always seems to be coming to her rescue in some way. It doesn’t help that her grandfather likes him after his not so subtle interrogation. She is actually ready to take the next step Kain when she gets swept up into his past.

When it becomes clear the spectres from his dark past have resurfaced, Kain and his fellow survivors become determined to find and destroy the evil network that held them captive twenty years ago. It becomes even more imperative when Kain realizes Eva has become a target because of him. He and his friends will use all of their and connections to complete their mission and rescue Eva. The path forward proves to dangerous, very dark and twisty before Kain and Eva get their happily ever after.

I found this book to intense, addictive and hard to put down. Please do read the trigger warnings before reading this dark, suspenseful romance.

ThatBookishWriter

392 reviews19 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

May 8, 2026

I’m seriously obsessed with this book! Truly one of my favorite books of 2026 so far! Once I started it, it was so hard to put down!

I was hooked and fully invested in both of Eva’s and Kain’s story. Both of them had sad and traumatic past. Seeing both of them grow and overcome their past Trauma.

Eva learning to see the beauty in things truly showed how much she has overcome as the story progressed. Also Eva really is a badass. She was really good under pressure and honestly is so smart and has a great memory and attention to detail. She figured something out that helped save lives where most people wouldn’t have not thought much of it, other than being a work of art.

I love Kain so much! He would do anything for the people that he loves. His found family and the girl that he loves. He has been through so much but didn’t let that hold him back. He made a great life for himself and now his woman.

Really enjoyed the twists and turns that I didn’t see coming! Seeing fate working its magic on reuniting someone who helped Kain in the past.

You know a story is good when you can even feel some sympathy for one of the villains. It definitely tugged on the heartstrings.

It has some of my favorite tropes, such as age gap, touch her and die, Vengeance, love at first sight.

Love seeing characters and connections from past books.

If you love morally gray billionaire suspense romance, with touch her and die vibes, love at first sight and slow burn tension. Then this book is for you!

Sabína

95 reviews4 followers

May 16, 2026

Náhodné stretnutie v kvetinárstve, temná minulosť a žiarivá budúcnosť. Takto by sa v skratke dal zosumarizovať vzťah úspešného podnikateľa a tatéra Kaina Kesslera a kvetinárky Evy Collins. Prežije však tento vzťah Kainovu minulosť, ktorá nepekne zasiahne do Evinho života a ich spoločnej budúcnosti?

Kvety, tetovania, instalove, hot miliardár a age gap. 🤭 Ak vás toto navnadilo a chcete si knihu prečítať, vychádza už o pár dní! 🥳 (Pssst, je tam aj krimi zápletka! 🤫)

A teraz ku knihe:
Ak by som sa do tohto ARC-u naplno ponorila, prečítala by som ho max. za 2 dni. Dej je rýchly a bez zbytočnej vaty. Postavy sú celkom uveriteľné (vzťahy medzi nimi už trošku menej) a vybudujete si k nim určite pozitívny vzťah. (To, že vám občas budú liezť na nervy, je úplne normálne. 😆) Páčilo sa mi aj prostredie, v ktorom bol dej zasadený – na to však môže mať vplyv to, že som knihu začala čítať posledný deň svojho výletu v nórskom Osle. 😂

Musím však priznať, že túto knihu by som skôr chcela čítať napríklad ako duet. Je to romantic suspense a práve v tých napínavých častiach sa mi ten príbeh zdal celkom povrchný. Autorka mohla ísť v temných pasážach oveľa viac do hĺbky - či už by sa jednalo o okolnosti alebo psyché postáv. Niečo typu Cat&Mouse Duet, ale podstatne menej dark.

Kniha je však prvý diel Etched série, tak som zvedavá, čo bude ďalej. Síce sa už bude jednať o iný pár, je možné, že sa niektoré tie temné časti vyjasnia.

arc

Jaelene

76 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers

May 18, 2026

Etched in Ink pulled me in with its mix of romance, suspense, and danger wrapped in flowers, tattoos, and secrets. I really enjoyed that this story focused more on the plot and emotional connection between the characters rather than relying only on spice to carry the romance. The chemistry is definitely there, but the mystery and darker elements were what kept me turning the pages.

One of my favorite parts was Eva being a florist. As an herbalist, it was so fun to see someone else loving flowers as much as I do. It felt refreshing and different from a lot of romances, and I loved how flowers and floral symbolism were woven into the story and even tied into the murders and the investigation elements. The way all the connections unfolded honestly had me feeling like I needed a cork board and red string just to keep track of how everything linked together.

Eva’s growth throughout the story was another highlight for me. Watching her find her strength while still holding onto her softness made her easy to root for. And Kain? Protective, intense, and carrying more pain than he lets people see. I really enjoyed the dynamic between them and how much he wanted to shield her from the darkness around them.

For those who are just getting into Dark Romance or for those with queasy stomachs, PLEASE check the triggers for this one.

Thank you so much Nadia and Love Notes PR for allowing me on the ARC Team for this amazing story!

arc

Bobbi Wagner

5,168 reviews69 followers

This story is by an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book. I never hesitate to pick by their books as I know what I am in for. I enjoy this author’s use of details that make me feel as if I am part of the character’s world. I also enjoy this author's creative characters that are written with a lot of heart and spice. This is a romance story that has some suspense added to it. A story about Kain and Eva. Kain doesn’t believe in love until he meets Eva and is determined that she be his. The problem is that she rejects him. But what will happen when she is kidnapped and put in the back of a trunk? He wants to protect her and she wants to heal him. This is a story you don’t want to miss. The suspense will keep you turning pages and the romance will keep you coming back for more. I enjoyed both of these characters and what they add to the story. They are strong, determined and connectable. They made me want to know more about them for sure. I enjoyed watching their growth from beginning to end. Their story is fast paced, engaging and hard to put down. This is one of my favorites by this author and I think it will be yours as well. I highly recommend this story.

kd_loves_books

32 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy

May 15, 2026

This an ARC review. Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this book.

Etched in Ink is a mystery/suspense romance. This book starts out really well we are given an insight into the darkness Kain has suffered in the prologue and this theme is carried on through the book and is the major element of the storyline. After suffering heartbreak, Eva no longer trusts men so when Kain asks her out, she is not very receptive. But Kain is persistent, in a nice way, until she agrees to a date. The mystery and the romance start to intertwine. People are not what they seem and the is danger lurking.

The mystery/suspense storyline is good but I expected more from this plot. It lost my attention around the middle of the book, but did pick up and have some drama towards the end. The romance between Kain and Eva is sweet and he is good at supporting her and looking after her, making her feel cared for. Eva's character is feisty when she wants to be but also vulnerable and empathetic to Kain and everything he has suffered.

A good read, but just lacked the deeper drama and emotion for me.

Emily Knaus

581 reviews4 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

May 18, 2026

There’s something electric about the moment Kain sees Eva for the first time. It’s like two lives that were always meant to cross finally snapping into place. What follows is a story inked with trauma, tenderness, and a mystery.

At 42, Kain’s a survivor in every sense. He’s man who clawed his way out of a nightmare childhood and built a life defined by loyalty, quiet power, and the ink he wears like armor. When he sees Eva, a 26‑year‑old florist at her shop and caring for her grandfather, it’s instant. Intense. You feel it in your bones level chemistry.

Kain and Eva together are magnetic. Their connection feels fated and grounded, soft but not lacking that charged attraction. He’s protective without being overbearing; she’s gentle but resilient. Their dynamic gives the book its heartbeat. And don’t get me stared on Kain’s intensity and dirty talk, there’s a reason Eva calls him her Tattooed Titan.

The plot twists keep you guessing, especially as the truth about the organization Kain escaped, a horrifying network dealing in human body parts, starts to re-surface. And the full‑circle moment involving Eva’s grandfather? Beautiful, emotional, and exactly the kind of moment that makes you gasp. What surprised me most was how seamlessly Nadia Han blends mystery, danger, and slow‑building intimacy.

A huge thank you Nadia Han for the early copy!

Cassie

61 reviews6 followers

May 23, 2026

This is a review of an advanced copy provided by the Author.

This story dives deep into criminal aspects, trauma, mystery and suspense. Your mental health matters so check the trigger warnings.

Eva is the FMC who owns a flower shop, but upon meeting Kain, gets in the hairs of being a target. Eva also has alot of trauma that she is able to bond over with Kain. Even though Eva has been through alot of traumatic events in her life early on, it makes her stronger, and you can see that when reading this story.

Kain has alot trauma, from being kidnapped as a teenager to other things that happened-but it doesn't make him hard. He protects those he loves, and he would die doing it. Meeting Eva flipped his whole qorld upside down, in a good way.

At one point Eva gets kidnapped and the way its described, the way Kain did everything, to find her was just everything.

The writing style Nadia has definitely keeps you on your toes, wondering whats next-the mystery of who was behind all the crime that was popping up all over the city.

If you like age gap, he falls first, live at first sight. Check this one out!

Sharon

329 reviews5 followers

Review of advance copy received from Author

May 10, 2026

There are not enough words for how fabulous this book is. Holy Wow! It has the most beautiful love story. The drama and action are dark, dangerous, and so exciting. I mean this when I say it, but it is much more exciting than a James Patterson's Women's Murder Club story because the author puts so much more into her work. The characters of Kain and Eva are so well-developed, so likable, and so amazing. I love the characters Harry, Camila, and Milo. They add so much to the story. And the connection with Harry and the boys was a great idea. The author keeps the reader in suspense beautifully until she reveals the connection between the boys and Harry. I could not wait to find out what that was about. The way the author wrote Eva, calming and making Kain feel better, was so beautifully written. Can not wait to get to know Godfrey, Story, Hudson, and Timber, too. I am so thrilled with this series.

beautiful-action-romance

Naughty Nightie

945 reviews21 followers

arc dark-romance suspense-romance

4 1/2 Star Review. I enjoyed Kain and Eva's story. Eva works in a florist shop, and Kain was smitten with her and kept visiting to buy flowers. Kain and Eva both think they aren't good for each other because of trauma in their pasts. When Eva's grandfather moves in with her after surgery, and they're out one day, Eva becomes a victim of crime. Kain comes to the rescue and hits it off with Eva's grandfather, so the relationship blossoms with the grandfather's approval. Meanwhile, there is mystery and intrigue afoot with a serial murderer on the loose. Kain is trying to find out who is behind the murders, and Eva finds herself caught up in it all.
I recieved an arc for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you enjoy a read featuring an age-gap romance and a mystery to solve, you will love this book. Will Kain be able to stop the man and the organization behind it all before it's too late? Nadia keeps you turning the pages until the end with everything going on.

Krystine

36 reviews

May 22, 2026

I had the pleasure of reading this bool as an ARC and I was pleasantly surprised. 🩷🩷 It wasn't just a romance, it was also a mystery which I wasn't aware of and I was not disappointed 🥰

👩🧔 Age Gap
🌶
💫💫💫
☠️ Touch her and die
🤡 Stalker ex boyfriend
🥀💐🌹
Serial killer plot twist (not the MC'S)

Only reason I gave it a 3 star was because the beginning/middle for me was to slow but the ending picked up (again, personal opinion) but the story line was well written and cohesive. It is very much a slow burn. Not closed door but also not very spicy. I give is a 🌶 on the spice scale but it wasn't the main focus which was nice for a change.

What was really nice was the age gap. It wasnt just some fresh 18 year old. He was on his 40's and she was almost 30 with her own career and apartment, well established characters.

I won't give any spoilers here. But it truly shows how small a world actually is when everyones lives intertwine without us realizing it.

☆Laura☆

5,694 reviews60 followers

Review of advance copy

May 7, 2026

Eva Collins cree que ya tuvo suficiente dolor para toda una vida. Se centra en su trabajo en la florería y el sueño de algún día tener su propio negocio, intenta mantener su mundo tranquilo, lejos de cualquier hombre capaz de romperle el corazón otra vez. Entonces aparece Kain Kessler, un tatuador exitoso con una presencia imposible de ignorar y demasiados secretos escondidos bajo la piel. Desde el instante en que la conoce, Kain siente una conexión que no logra explicarse. Eva es todo lo contrario a la oscuridad con la que ha vivido durante años.

Cuando una serie de sucesos violentos empieza a acercarse peligrosamente a ella, él hará cualquier cosa por protegerla. Aunque para hacerlo tenga que enfrentar los fantasmas de un pasado.

____

TW: secuestro, asesinatos y venta de organos.

Gracias Love Notes PR por el ARC.

Angela Jennings

143 reviews2 followers

Thank you Nadia Han and Love Notes PR for this early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I read this in one sitting. I was pulled in from the start. I enjoyed the characters and the writing of this book.

Both Eva & Kain dealt with sad and traumatic pasts.

Eva is a strong woman who has lost her trust for men.

Kain is an entrepreneur with a big heart.

I loved how they meet, and Kain’s persistance in getting to know Eva.

This is a supsense romance. I enjoyed the suspense plot it kept me intrigued. Would have loved more of a romance plot with Kain and Eva. Definitely not the darkest romance I’ve read. Hoping book 2 dives deeper into their love story!

Read if you like:
✨️age gap
✨️love at first sight
✨️he falls first
✨️morally gray billionaire
✨️slow burn
✨️angst and suspense
✨️touch her and die vibes
✨️protective billionaire
✨️vengeance plot
✨️dual pov
✨️romantic suspense

Tonika

323 reviews4 followers

dark-themes found-family heart-warming

Kain’s past life was not an easy one, after the escape he pulled off with the teens to get them to freedom, Kain builds an empire to stand up against the top dogs hiding behind politics and wealth. On an errand he meets Eva who has her own past trauma.

Together they learn to live and laugh at their past, but without them knowing trouble is brewing behind the scenes and Kain’s past comes back to haunt both Kain and Eva.

Key points in no particular order:
- Plot twist
- Organophobia
- Organ “Donations”
- Traffick (people / d - > * rugs)
- Christian Ideals
- Age gap
- Kids - > napped
- King pin tyrant ( bad guy)
- Florist
- Tattoos
- Tattoo artist
- Trauma bonding
- Small world/6 degrees of Bacon
- Found family
- Corrupt Elite (top 1% wealthiest)
- Yearning
- Spicy 2/5

Elle

33 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

May 12, 2026

⭐️ 3.5/5 ⭐️

This book started off strong - the setting and story telling was fantastic. It just lost me about 1/3rd of the way in unfortunately! Particularly their relationship and tension drifted and him being too pushy killed it a bit for me. Some of the phrases and terms of endearment they use for each other did make me slightly cringe - I don’t know if it was just the mood I was in!

The backgrounds of the FMC and MMC were great and I really enjoyed the darker elements of the book. I wish it delved deeper into their relationship and built it up a bit more.
I found the sections relating to current events a bit odd as I don’t think that part of this world needs mention in this book!

HEA 🫶🏼🖤

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Brittany

56 reviews1 follower

Review of advance copy

May 16, 2026

ARC review. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book!

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Honestly, I had a harder time getting into this book. This book needs to have some serious trigger warnings as it could be really difficult for some audiences to read…if you have a harder time with gore, this is not the book for you.

We meet Kain, a wealthy tattooed businessman, with a dark past. Eva is a beautiful florist, who has lost every member of her family, except her grandfather. Kain and Eva have an instant attraction to one another. Their shared trauma bond has both hindered and grew their love for one another. Outside of the triggers in this book, their story really was a beautiful one.

Enjoy!

Bethany

5 reviews1 follower

I received this book as a ARC reader and to give my honest opinion of the book.
This book hooked me from the beginning, the character development and story was very strong. The connection that the FMC and MMC was so much fun and strong and how all the other characters connected as the story unfolded was great. At times this book had me giggling like a schoolgirl and I was here for it!!! You have a Kain who is a billionaire with a dark past and Eva an aspiring flower shop owner meeting and dealing with the darkness that tries to consume them. There are twists you may or may not see coming and I was locked in. I could not put this book down. I can’t wait for the second book to come out to get immersed back into this world.

Darcy

2,208 reviews25 followers

This was my first book by Nadia Han and I throughly enjoyed the story. The story is a little slower at times but definitely has a lot of intrigue throughout it. Kain and Eva both have trauma that they have had to overcome and tend to be really good for each other. I loved the mystery and The who done it aspect of the story. The story is more about the storyline with bits of spice here and there. I love how strong Eva is with all her resilience. Kain is a fantastic MMC as he is so supportive and caring as well as protective. There are some twists and turns throughout the story that are definitely intriguing. The story is extremely well written and developed. It is a fantastic story that doesn’t disappoint.

Lucia

200 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Publisher

May 10, 2026

ARC Review

I loved this book. It was filled with a bit of mystery and suspense and romance. Eva and Kain were so cute together. I loved Kain's personality around Eva. Grandpa's character was so cute and funny. I wish I could have seen more him interacting with the main characters.

The plot of the book was good but I feel there was less romance than usual that you would find in a romance book. It just felt it was heavily focused on its investigations of the killer rather the building of the relationship between Eva and Kain. I felt that those parts/moments were just not enough.

But overall it was a good book. 4.5⭐️

Nicole

45 reviews

Review of advance copy received from Author

age-gap dark-romance slow-burn

This story had me hooked from the get go. It places you in the dark world of the black market weaving in twist and turns that keeps you turning the pages.

Kain is a true survivor of a dark traumatic past that is haunting him. You can’t help but fall in love with him after all he has been through. He is protective, kind, and caring of others.

Eva is feisty, independent, caring, and witty. I enjoyed watching her growth and the trauma bond she shares with Kain. You can’t help but keep rooting for their love story.

Tropes:
Age Gap
Slow Burn
He Falls First
Love at First Sight
Morally Grey Billionaire

Whitney Cruthird

42 reviews

Received this an arc. And let me tell say this book had me saying “you thought you knew what was coming?” and proceeded to keep me glued to every single page 😮‍💨📖

Kain and Eva’s story comes full circle in the best way possible. The tension, the suspense, the twists… I swear this book had me side-eyeing everyone the entire time. Every chapter ends with you needing “just one more” until suddenly it’s 2am and your eyeballs are fighting for survival ☕😂

This book completely pulled me in and refused to let go. Emotional, addictive, suspenseful, and so worth the ride. Definitely one of my favorite reads to date 💜

Dyna00x

32 reviews2 followers