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Ink Deep
Most of Briony Carmichael's body was tragically burned as a child. Deeply hurt by the reactions of those closest to her, Briony believes her scars render her unlovable. She hides in her apartment, secluding herself from the outside world.
Tattoo artist Corbin Franklin has everything - including a brain tumor that will kill him. Determined to not let his art die with him, he seeks someone to become his living legacy, a walking canvas for his art.
Drawn in by the idea of having her scars covered with beauty, Briony enters Corbin's studio and changes both their lives. However, when concerned loved ones interfere in their blossoming romance, the resulting chaos could cost them everything.
Author's Note: In this reimagined version of Beauty and the Beast, readers should expect a happy ending that doesn't follow a HEA as expected in a traditional romance."
Tattoo artist Corbin Franklin has everything - including a brain tumor that will kill him. Determined to not let his art die with him, he seeks someone to become his living legacy, a walking canvas for his art.
Drawn in by the idea of having her scars covered with beauty, Briony enters Corbin's studio and changes both their lives. However, when concerned loved ones interfere in their blossoming romance, the resulting chaos could cost them everything.
Author's Note: In this reimagined version of Beauty and the Beast, readers should expect a happy ending that doesn't follow a HEA as expected in a traditional romance."
- GenresRomance
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2014
About the author
Renee Lovins
13 books13 followersA reader since before she can remember, Renee finally decided to write the stories she wanted to read. Don't expect billionaires or women so pretty people fawn all over them. She writes about real people who manage to fall in love.
Nycorson has been her pen name for fanfiction for a long time, and she still writes it, just much slower these days.
If you'd like to read her fanfiction - http://tthfanfic.org/ and Nycorson. Warning, unedited, and rough, but the voice is there and the stories are amusing.
Nycorson has been her pen name for fanfiction for a long time, and she still writes it, just much slower these days.
If you'd like to read her fanfiction - http://tthfanfic.org/ and Nycorson. Warning, unedited, and rough, but the voice is there and the stories are amusing.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 22, 2015
~Arc provided by the publishers in exchange for honest review~
The thing that attracted me the most to this book is the author's note stating that this is a "reimagined version of Beauty and the Beast, readers should expect a happy ending that doesn't follow a HEA as expected in a traditional romance." Add to that the intriguing description of the main characters: a scarred girl and a tattoo artist with a brain tumor and I was an instant goner. The book's synopsis sounded as a perfect recipe for a dark and bitter-sweet read - my favorite type.
~ The romance between the MCs wasn't believable enough in my opinion. It was slow-building to some degree, but considering the characters and their issues I felt that they needed more time together for the romance to develop. I didn't feel any deeper connection or chemistry between them and that was my biggest problem.
~ In spite of my weakness for tattoo artists I didn't like the main male character Corvin. He came across as a selfish and pompous ass through most of the book and I considered his desire to leave his living "legacy" and the contract he made for Briony ridiculous and incredulous.
~ When it comes to the ending- I thought that it was rushed and anticlimactic. It left me feeling quite neutral.
~ Briony as a main character was in fact quite interesting and her story won't leave anyone indifferent for sure. Most of the books lately feature drop-dead gorgeous and wealthy characters which tends to become annoying for me, so to read about someone totally opposite - someone with deep physical and both mental scars was refreshing for a change.
The story had some interesting parts, but all in all it failed to move me. Considering all the books I read before in my honest opinion I don't feel it deserves higher rating.
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
The thing that attracted me the most to this book is the author's note stating that this is a "reimagined version of Beauty and the Beast, readers should expect a happy ending that doesn't follow a HEA as expected in a traditional romance." Add to that the intriguing description of the main characters: a scarred girl and a tattoo artist with a brain tumor and I was an instant goner. The book's synopsis sounded as a perfect recipe for a dark and bitter-sweet read - my favorite type.
Why it didn't work out for me:
~ The romance between the MCs wasn't believable enough in my opinion. It was slow-building to some degree, but considering the characters and their issues I felt that they needed more time together for the romance to develop. I didn't feel any deeper connection or chemistry between them and that was my biggest problem.
~ In spite of my weakness for tattoo artists I didn't like the main male character Corvin. He came across as a selfish and pompous ass through most of the book and I considered his desire to leave his living "legacy" and the contract he made for Briony ridiculous and incredulous.
~ When it comes to the ending- I thought that it was rushed and anticlimactic. It left me feeling quite neutral.
Positive things:
~ Briony as a main character was in fact quite interesting and her story won't leave anyone indifferent for sure. Most of the books lately feature drop-dead gorgeous and wealthy characters which tends to become annoying for me, so to read about someone totally opposite - someone with deep physical and both mental scars was refreshing for a change.
The story had some interesting parts, but all in all it failed to move me. Considering all the books I read before in my honest opinion I don't feel it deserves higher rating.
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
March 24, 2018
This adult romance is a modern fairytale retelling with a very unique premise. After reading the first chapter I almost stopped reading because despite his situation Corbin disgusted me. Briony was a much better character overall and not the gorgeous heroine most stories have. She really is strong and brave. One issue I had is the way she gets tattooed and a day later is fine. A burn victim that still has continuous skin issues would have at least the normal tattoo recovery to deal with and possible additional pain and irritation. The itching, flaking, and tattoo care wasn't talked about much at all and seemed a bit too unrealistic to me.
Corbin is a wealthy tattoo artist who finds out he has a brain tumor with 18 months to live and doesn't want to admit he is dying. He decides he needs to leave his legacy on a human with a full body tattoo and a contract that requires them to be skinned upon death to preserve his legacy.
Briony is a severe burn victim who is sheltered and secluded from the outside world. Her gamer friend tells her about Corbin's legacy and suggests she go get a tattoo from him for herself. She can't stand the way people look at her and considers doing the full body tattoo. She is also wealthy as a result of her injuries.
While the story had some great points with Briony and Corbin there was just as much I didn't like. If it wasn't for Briony's character I would have stopped reading this.
I was given a copy of this book from NovelReviewers and the publisher for a fair and honest review.
Corbin is a wealthy tattoo artist who finds out he has a brain tumor with 18 months to live and doesn't want to admit he is dying. He decides he needs to leave his legacy on a human with a full body tattoo and a contract that requires them to be skinned upon death to preserve his legacy.
Briony is a severe burn victim who is sheltered and secluded from the outside world. Her gamer friend tells her about Corbin's legacy and suggests she go get a tattoo from him for herself. She can't stand the way people look at her and considers doing the full body tattoo. She is also wealthy as a result of her injuries.
While the story had some great points with Briony and Corbin there was just as much I didn't like. If it wasn't for Briony's character I would have stopped reading this.
I was given a copy of this book from NovelReviewers and the publisher for a fair and honest review.
March 24, 2016
Really a 3.5.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on NovelReviewers.com
This book is an interpretation of a "Beauty and the Beast" story. In this case, the beauty has the attitude of a beast, and the beast has the heart of a beauty. The main male character, Corbin, was hard for me to like. Some of his actions and responses seemed too fantastical to me, but maybe I just couldn't relate to him. Briony, on the other hand, is practically a saint. Her character was definitely able to make me cry and laugh with her, and I admire the way she was able to handle her situation. I cheered for her, laughed with her, raged for her, and wanted to protect her. I can see how Corbin was able to change his ways once he met her; she is a force to be recognized and revered. The secondary characters are all great--I wish we could have learned more about them.
As for the story itself, it could have used a little more exposition to learn a little more about the lives of the main characters before the story takes place. The story doesn't build up to certain scenes as much as I would have liked, and left a few holes in the plot here and there. Also, the dialogue could have used some fine tuning--it seemed scripted instead of natural for some of the interactions. And the end...needed some work. I would have liked to have read about the emotions Briony experiences at the end when the inevitable finally happens.
Overall, I liked the idea and the way the author built the story. I would and will read more of this author's works.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on NovelReviewers.com
This book is an interpretation of a "Beauty and the Beast" story. In this case, the beauty has the attitude of a beast, and the beast has the heart of a beauty. The main male character, Corbin, was hard for me to like. Some of his actions and responses seemed too fantastical to me, but maybe I just couldn't relate to him. Briony, on the other hand, is practically a saint. Her character was definitely able to make me cry and laugh with her, and I admire the way she was able to handle her situation. I cheered for her, laughed with her, raged for her, and wanted to protect her. I can see how Corbin was able to change his ways once he met her; she is a force to be recognized and revered. The secondary characters are all great--I wish we could have learned more about them.
As for the story itself, it could have used a little more exposition to learn a little more about the lives of the main characters before the story takes place. The story doesn't build up to certain scenes as much as I would have liked, and left a few holes in the plot here and there. Also, the dialogue could have used some fine tuning--it seemed scripted instead of natural for some of the interactions. And the end...needed some work. I would have liked to have read about the emotions Briony experiences at the end when the inevitable finally happens.
Overall, I liked the idea and the way the author built the story. I would and will read more of this author's works.
October 2, 2015
I Received an eARC of the book via Novel Reviewers in exchange for an honest review
Full Review can be read at - For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Beauty and the Beast in reverse.
A scarred beauty and an arrogant beast.
A beauty who has struggled through pain, trauma and the over protectiveness of parents.
A beast who has just been given notice on his life.
And when Beauty and the Beast intersect, you have to know that it will be a love story to last for till the end of time <3
This book was wonderfully weird and yest that's a good thing. I absolutely loved the characterizations of both Briony and Corbin.
"Even if she died tomorrow, he would never have regretted loving her. She had made him the person he was. Love, real bone-deep love, was always worth it."
Briony came off as a strong female who has gone through so much - a horrific car accident that has left her body scarred, her family in tatters and a life that is half life. Because of her scars, and the horrified reactions that she gets when she moves out in the world, she has sequestered herself in her apartment and in her online persona! She believes that she is happy and content with her life, when her online best friend sends on a road that will forever change her life.
Corbin is an a$$hole. There is no two ways about it. He is like every twenty something old who believes that he is invincible and when he gets the news that he isn't? He goes into denial and then makes THE DECISION that puts him on a straight collision course with his destiny, aka Briony.
Corbin is arrogant, cocky and a jerk, especially when he first meets Briony – even though he recognizes the potential of what could be done with Briony as his muse.
"Even if he couldn't give her a lifetime, he could give her his lifetime."
Both Corbin and Briony know each other for a very short time, and while I absolutely abhor insta-love or an almost insta -love situations in my romances, this was beautifully handled by Ms. Lovins. She made me sigh, cry and absolutely fall in love with every single character she has written in this book - even if they were found to be villains in this love story.
While Corbin didn't exactly do an about turn in his personality, you could literally feel him softening his rough edges for Briony and to her credit, Briony was the soft touch that Corbin needed in his life.
They both went through soo much together in such a short time, that I couldn't help but even forgive the insta - love situation. Honestly, I had been rooting for these two for long that I couldn't even hold back my tears when I finally saw them together.
This book took a little time for me to get into, like maybe a few pages, but I do have a spot soft for a vulnerable but strong heroine and a cocky but good kinda a$$hole heroes that I would have given this book all the attention that it needed anyways just for having characters that I loved.
And I am oh so glad that I never gave up on this book - because this is one of those books that give you a sense of closure when you turn to the last page. That will everything you just read may not be pretty but it it was real and that's a brilliant achievement for a fictional romance.
Full Review can be read at - For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Beauty and the Beast in reverse.
A scarred beauty and an arrogant beast.
A beauty who has struggled through pain, trauma and the over protectiveness of parents.
A beast who has just been given notice on his life.
And when Beauty and the Beast intersect, you have to know that it will be a love story to last for till the end of time <3
This book was wonderfully weird and yest that's a good thing. I absolutely loved the characterizations of both Briony and Corbin.
"Even if she died tomorrow, he would never have regretted loving her. She had made him the person he was. Love, real bone-deep love, was always worth it."
Briony came off as a strong female who has gone through so much - a horrific car accident that has left her body scarred, her family in tatters and a life that is half life. Because of her scars, and the horrified reactions that she gets when she moves out in the world, she has sequestered herself in her apartment and in her online persona! She believes that she is happy and content with her life, when her online best friend sends on a road that will forever change her life.
Corbin is an a$$hole. There is no two ways about it. He is like every twenty something old who believes that he is invincible and when he gets the news that he isn't? He goes into denial and then makes THE DECISION that puts him on a straight collision course with his destiny, aka Briony.
Corbin is arrogant, cocky and a jerk, especially when he first meets Briony – even though he recognizes the potential of what could be done with Briony as his muse.
"Even if he couldn't give her a lifetime, he could give her his lifetime."
Both Corbin and Briony know each other for a very short time, and while I absolutely abhor insta-love or an almost insta -love situations in my romances, this was beautifully handled by Ms. Lovins. She made me sigh, cry and absolutely fall in love with every single character she has written in this book - even if they were found to be villains in this love story.
While Corbin didn't exactly do an about turn in his personality, you could literally feel him softening his rough edges for Briony and to her credit, Briony was the soft touch that Corbin needed in his life.
They both went through soo much together in such a short time, that I couldn't help but even forgive the insta - love situation. Honestly, I had been rooting for these two for long that I couldn't even hold back my tears when I finally saw them together.
This book took a little time for me to get into, like maybe a few pages, but I do have a spot soft for a vulnerable but strong heroine and a cocky but good kinda a$$hole heroes that I would have given this book all the attention that it needed anyways just for having characters that I loved.
And I am oh so glad that I never gave up on this book - because this is one of those books that give you a sense of closure when you turn to the last page. That will everything you just read may not be pretty but it it was real and that's a brilliant achievement for a fictional romance.
December 10, 2014
Reviewed at Lost In A Book
Just from reading the synopsis, you pretty much get that you will need tissues for this one.
I'm not sure what to say about this. The cover and title intrigued me, the synopsis screamed "feels", so I said yes and proceeded to read. I mean, yeah, on the surface I knew what was going to happen, but below that surface, I had no idea.
Briony has got to be one of the strongest characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Even though she doesn't see herself that way, she is truly amazing. I only wish her parents could see her for what she is. She has this inner beauty that makes her shine. The world took a giant shit on her and even though she has closed herself off, she keeps pushing on.
Corbin... I don't even have words for him. Really, I don't.
Briony and Corbin changed each other in remarkable ways. This is just a beautiful story and I'm going to start crying again trying to write this review.
While I was reading this, I was angry and I was sad. I was elated at some points, but there was still an underlying sadness, then I would get angry all over again. And when I finished this, I won't say I was happy, but I was content and at the same time a little empty. I only wish that Corbin's legacy included one other thing.
*Copy received from Novel Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.
Just from reading the synopsis, you pretty much get that you will need tissues for this one.
I'm not sure what to say about this. The cover and title intrigued me, the synopsis screamed "feels", so I said yes and proceeded to read. I mean, yeah, on the surface I knew what was going to happen, but below that surface, I had no idea.
Briony has got to be one of the strongest characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Even though she doesn't see herself that way, she is truly amazing. I only wish her parents could see her for what she is. She has this inner beauty that makes her shine. The world took a giant shit on her and even though she has closed herself off, she keeps pushing on.
Corbin... I don't even have words for him. Really, I don't.
Briony and Corbin changed each other in remarkable ways. This is just a beautiful story and I'm going to start crying again trying to write this review.
While I was reading this, I was angry and I was sad. I was elated at some points, but there was still an underlying sadness, then I would get angry all over again. And when I finished this, I won't say I was happy, but I was content and at the same time a little empty. I only wish that Corbin's legacy included one other thing.
*Copy received from Novel Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2015
This is a beautiful love story between Corbin, a tormented tattoo artist and Briony, a woman who survived a horrible fire when she was a child. Corbin is fighting a terminal illness the only way he knows how. He wants to immortalize his art on a clean sheet(tattoo on skin formerly unmarred by ink. Briony needs to start living and stop hiding from the world. When she walks into Corbin's Tattoo shop her life changes. Without giving away anything just know that this book will touch you in ways you will not imagine. Far from the usual stories associated with Tattoo artists and scarred individuals this book will take you higher and leave you with a much more lasting impression.
I received a copy of this book via "Novel Reviewers" in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book via "Novel Reviewers" in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2014
This isn't my typical read but I'm so glad I read this. This is a beautiful love story. While the author warned us what we are about to read I wasn't prepared for the their story.
I loved the relationship between Corbin and Briony. He was able to see her for who she was. A sweet girl who dealt with suffering and tragedy for most of her life.
It took friends who loved and cared for her to help her overcome the prejudices that she faced dailey, especially by people who are suppose to love her unconditional.
I was able to read the book through Novel Reviews for an honest review.
I loved the relationship between Corbin and Briony. He was able to see her for who she was. A sweet girl who dealt with suffering and tragedy for most of her life.
It took friends who loved and cared for her to help her overcome the prejudices that she faced dailey, especially by people who are suppose to love her unconditional.
I was able to read the book through Novel Reviews for an honest review.
August 11, 2014
This was very well written, emotional and a great read. Yes its a bit of a tear jerker, but it was a very good book.
November 19, 2014
Loved it. A very different sort of love story. Emotional and engaging.
December 8, 2017
**FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE THROUGH NOVELREVIEWERS.COM. . RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW.**
As a child, Briony was in a horrific car accident that caused third degree burns over 87% of her body. The reactions of her loved ones has convinced her that her scars make her an unlovable monster. She hides in her apartment to avoid the reactions of the world. Tattoo artist, Corbin Franklin, has everything, including an inoperable brain tumor. He becomes determined to leave a legacy so that his art doesn’t die with him. In order to leave a legacy behind, he decides to find someone to agree to a full body tattoo, a walking canvas for his art. Briony decides this is the perfect way to cover her scars and turn them into something beautiful. She agrees to become Corbin’s legacy and changes both of their lives forever.
I really enjoyed reading this sweet story. The characters were all incredibly written, even the ones I hated. Cyn was such a horrible person and I wanted to smack both of their parents for a lot of the book. But, I loved the growth that all of the characters went through. It was definitely not your typical love story and that’s what really made it enjoyable, for me. This is definitely a book that’s worth reading. I do recommend, however, that you have tissues ready when you read this.
As a child, Briony was in a horrific car accident that caused third degree burns over 87% of her body. The reactions of her loved ones has convinced her that her scars make her an unlovable monster. She hides in her apartment to avoid the reactions of the world. Tattoo artist, Corbin Franklin, has everything, including an inoperable brain tumor. He becomes determined to leave a legacy so that his art doesn’t die with him. In order to leave a legacy behind, he decides to find someone to agree to a full body tattoo, a walking canvas for his art. Briony decides this is the perfect way to cover her scars and turn them into something beautiful. She agrees to become Corbin’s legacy and changes both of their lives forever.
I really enjoyed reading this sweet story. The characters were all incredibly written, even the ones I hated. Cyn was such a horrible person and I wanted to smack both of their parents for a lot of the book. But, I loved the growth that all of the characters went through. It was definitely not your typical love story and that’s what really made it enjoyable, for me. This is definitely a book that’s worth reading. I do recommend, however, that you have tissues ready when you read this.
December 24, 2015
Amazing
Highly recommend
Had me in tears
Love the story line and believing in true unconditional love still exists and true goodness in people
Highly recommend
Had me in tears
Love the story line and believing in true unconditional love still exists and true goodness in people
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews