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Pretty in Paint
Some mistakes you can erase. Others get under your skin.
Luke
I’m used to coloring inside the lines, on cars, anyway. After years of painting flawless hoods and fenders, I’m ready to chase my real tattoo artistry.
One thing I won’t do? Put my name on a disasterpiece someone else started. So when a walk-in asked me to finish their wobbly stick-figure outline, I said no. Suddenly the shop is drowning in one-star reviews.
Enter Meredith. Professional problem solver and, inconveniently, the woman I never forgot after one mind blowing night. She’s been hired to rescue the shop’s reputation, but between damage control, furious clients, and a hot tempered owner, she’s got her work cut out for her.
Meredith
I got fired.
Fairly.
Turns out being the personal assistant to two rich heiresses mid-rebellion is hazardous to your career.
Now I’m starting over in small-town Canada. A far cry from the neon chaos of Vegas.
Canada has two things Vegas didn’ a challenging new job saving a struggling tattoo shop, and Luke. The man I once slept with, thought about way too much, and now have to work with while pretending not to.
Were working side by side in a haze of ink, banter, and memories neither of us can shake. But in a business where one wrong move leaves a permanent mark, we have to decide if risking our hearts is worth it…or if this is one design better left unfinished.
Pretty in Paint is a short, opposites attract novella, featuring two down on their luck characters struggling to get ahead. It has no cheating and a happily ever after.From broke beginnings to business dreams, the real hustle begins after hours. Whether it’s garage startups or late-night gigs, these blue-collar heroes and heroines are chasing goals bigger than the next bill. When love throws them a curveball, they learn that building a future means risking their hearts.
Side Hustle is a multi-author series of short, steamy instalove stories with guaranteed happily-ever-afters. Each one delivers open-door heat, real-world grit, and chemistry that burns hotter after midnight.
Luke
I’m used to coloring inside the lines, on cars, anyway. After years of painting flawless hoods and fenders, I’m ready to chase my real tattoo artistry.
One thing I won’t do? Put my name on a disasterpiece someone else started. So when a walk-in asked me to finish their wobbly stick-figure outline, I said no. Suddenly the shop is drowning in one-star reviews.
Enter Meredith. Professional problem solver and, inconveniently, the woman I never forgot after one mind blowing night. She’s been hired to rescue the shop’s reputation, but between damage control, furious clients, and a hot tempered owner, she’s got her work cut out for her.
Meredith
I got fired.
Fairly.
Turns out being the personal assistant to two rich heiresses mid-rebellion is hazardous to your career.
Now I’m starting over in small-town Canada. A far cry from the neon chaos of Vegas.
Canada has two things Vegas didn’ a challenging new job saving a struggling tattoo shop, and Luke. The man I once slept with, thought about way too much, and now have to work with while pretending not to.
Were working side by side in a haze of ink, banter, and memories neither of us can shake. But in a business where one wrong move leaves a permanent mark, we have to decide if risking our hearts is worth it…or if this is one design better left unfinished.
Pretty in Paint is a short, opposites attract novella, featuring two down on their luck characters struggling to get ahead. It has no cheating and a happily ever after.From broke beginnings to business dreams, the real hustle begins after hours. Whether it’s garage startups or late-night gigs, these blue-collar heroes and heroines are chasing goals bigger than the next bill. When love throws them a curveball, they learn that building a future means risking their hearts.
Side Hustle is a multi-author series of short, steamy instalove stories with guaranteed happily-ever-afters. Each one delivers open-door heat, real-world grit, and chemistry that burns hotter after midnight.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2026
6 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pretty in Paint by Alana Gray is a heartfelt, steamy little gem that proves sometimes the messiest designs turn out to be the most meaningful. With blue-collar grit, sharp banter, and a whole lot of unresolved chemistry, this novella delivers a satisfying mix of romance, redemption, and hustle.
Luke is a man who takes pride in his craft. By day, he paints cars to perfection; by night, he’s chasing his real dream as a tattoo artist. Integrity matters to him—so much so that he refuses to finish a poorly done tattoo, even when it costs the shop its reputation. Luke’s passion for his work makes him instantly likable, and his refusal to compromise who he is sets the emotional tone for the story.
Meredith is starting over after a very public career crash, trading the chaos of Vegas for small-town Canada. She’s smart, capable, and determined to prove herself again, even if that means walking straight into a complicated situation: saving the reputation of a tattoo shop… while working alongside the man she shared a unforgettable one-night stand with. Meredith is relatable in her struggle to rebuild her life, and her confidence paired with vulnerability makes her easy to root for.
The tension between Luke and Meredith is immediate and delicious. Their shared past adds sparks to every interaction, and the sexual banter crackles with that “we shouldn’t, but we really want to” energy. Watching them try—and fail—to keep things professional while dealing with angry customers, bad reviews, and their own unfinished feelings is both fun and emotionally satisfying.
What really stands out is how grounded this story feels. Both characters are down on their luck but deeply committed to their work, their growth, and doing the right thing. The tattoo shop setting, combined with themes of craftsmanship and second chances, makes the romance feel earned rather than rushed—even within a short format.
As part of the Side Hustle multi-author series, Pretty in Paint fits perfectly: steamy, fast-paced, and rooted in real-world struggles with a guaranteed happily ever after. If you enjoy opposites-attract romances, workplace tension, creative passion, and lovers forced to face unfinished business, this novella is absolutely worth your time.
Sometimes you can’t erase the past—but with the right person, you can turn it into something beautiful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luke is a man who takes pride in his craft. By day, he paints cars to perfection; by night, he’s chasing his real dream as a tattoo artist. Integrity matters to him—so much so that he refuses to finish a poorly done tattoo, even when it costs the shop its reputation. Luke’s passion for his work makes him instantly likable, and his refusal to compromise who he is sets the emotional tone for the story.
Meredith is starting over after a very public career crash, trading the chaos of Vegas for small-town Canada. She’s smart, capable, and determined to prove herself again, even if that means walking straight into a complicated situation: saving the reputation of a tattoo shop… while working alongside the man she shared a unforgettable one-night stand with. Meredith is relatable in her struggle to rebuild her life, and her confidence paired with vulnerability makes her easy to root for.
The tension between Luke and Meredith is immediate and delicious. Their shared past adds sparks to every interaction, and the sexual banter crackles with that “we shouldn’t, but we really want to” energy. Watching them try—and fail—to keep things professional while dealing with angry customers, bad reviews, and their own unfinished feelings is both fun and emotionally satisfying.
What really stands out is how grounded this story feels. Both characters are down on their luck but deeply committed to their work, their growth, and doing the right thing. The tattoo shop setting, combined with themes of craftsmanship and second chances, makes the romance feel earned rather than rushed—even within a short format.
As part of the Side Hustle multi-author series, Pretty in Paint fits perfectly: steamy, fast-paced, and rooted in real-world struggles with a guaranteed happily ever after. If you enjoy opposites-attract romances, workplace tension, creative passion, and lovers forced to face unfinished business, this novella is absolutely worth your time.
Sometimes you can’t erase the past—but with the right person, you can turn it into something beautiful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2026
She’s the one mistake he wants to make permanent. Again and again.
Luke’s used to his day job painting cars, even as he tries take on a new gig. But when he turns down a walk-in with a shaky tattoo outline, the shop where he’s apprenticing gets slammed with bad reviews. The fix? A marketing expert who just happens to be the woman he hasn’t stopped thinking about since their one unforgettable night.
Meredith’s career tanks after her clients, two messy Vegas heiresses, blow up their own lives. Now she’s in Springwood, starting over in a town she doesn’t know, trying to keep things strictly professional. She’s here to rescue a business, not revisit old mistakes. But Luke isn’t just a distraction. He’s the one man who sees right through her.
As they work to save the shop, late nights turn into something more. Boundaries blur. Sparks fly. Under all the heat, they start to see what’s really at stake and what it might mean to choose each other for real. Some marks fade, but some are meant to last.
Luke goes from guarded and proud to emotionally present and open. Meredith learns to loosen her grip on control and redefine success on her own terms. Together, they build trust, find steady ground, and prove that the right love doesn’t ask you to change. It just sees you clearly.
A steamy, one night stand reunion, opposites attract, small town, blue collar romance set in a struggling tattoo shop, exploring identity, artistic integrity, self-worth, vulnerability, emotional risk, chosen family, and second chances. It’s about finding yourself when everything familiar falls away, rebuilding from the ground up, and choosing a love that sees every messy, beautiful part of who you are.
The Elevator Pitch: A guarded tattoo artist and a sharp-tongued marketing consultant are thrown back together after a one night stand, forced to work side by side to rescue a failing shop. Tension turns to heat, banter gives way to trust, and what begins as a temporary fix starts to feel like something real. Steamy, emotional, and unexpectedly tender, it's about second chances, vulnerability, and falling for the one person who truly sees you.
Luke’s used to his day job painting cars, even as he tries take on a new gig. But when he turns down a walk-in with a shaky tattoo outline, the shop where he’s apprenticing gets slammed with bad reviews. The fix? A marketing expert who just happens to be the woman he hasn’t stopped thinking about since their one unforgettable night.
Meredith’s career tanks after her clients, two messy Vegas heiresses, blow up their own lives. Now she’s in Springwood, starting over in a town she doesn’t know, trying to keep things strictly professional. She’s here to rescue a business, not revisit old mistakes. But Luke isn’t just a distraction. He’s the one man who sees right through her.
As they work to save the shop, late nights turn into something more. Boundaries blur. Sparks fly. Under all the heat, they start to see what’s really at stake and what it might mean to choose each other for real. Some marks fade, but some are meant to last.
Luke goes from guarded and proud to emotionally present and open. Meredith learns to loosen her grip on control and redefine success on her own terms. Together, they build trust, find steady ground, and prove that the right love doesn’t ask you to change. It just sees you clearly.
A steamy, one night stand reunion, opposites attract, small town, blue collar romance set in a struggling tattoo shop, exploring identity, artistic integrity, self-worth, vulnerability, emotional risk, chosen family, and second chances. It’s about finding yourself when everything familiar falls away, rebuilding from the ground up, and choosing a love that sees every messy, beautiful part of who you are.
The Elevator Pitch: A guarded tattoo artist and a sharp-tongued marketing consultant are thrown back together after a one night stand, forced to work side by side to rescue a failing shop. Tension turns to heat, banter gives way to trust, and what begins as a temporary fix starts to feel like something real. Steamy, emotional, and unexpectedly tender, it's about second chances, vulnerability, and falling for the one person who truly sees you.
January 8, 2026
This was a quick, fun, and thoroughly enjoyable read! Pretty in Paint delivers a fantastic second-chance/one-night-stand twist where past chemistry meets present-day tension.
Luke and Meredith had a fling the last time she was in town, and now fate (and work) throws them back together. Meredith returns to save the tattoo shop Luke works at, forcing them to put their unresolved feelings on the back burner while they try to stay professional. Easier said than done.
I really loved Luke and Meredith’s story. Luke’s passion for his craft—both as a car painter and a tattoo apprentice—was a standout, and Meredith’s professionalism and integrity as a media specialist made her incredibly easy to root for. Their mutual respect for their work added depth to their relationship and made their connection feel genuine.
The sexual banter between them was fantastic, especially knowing they have a history. It added just the right amount of heat and humor without overpowering the story. Their chemistry was undeniable, and watching it simmer while they worked together was a lot of fun.
This book is part of the multi-author Side Hustle series and fits perfectly with its theme. Tropes include mechanic, tattoo apprentice, one-night stand, and media specialist—catnip for romance lovers. Meredith moving to Canada to be with her besties and help boost the tattoo shop’s ratings was a great setup, and the story flowed beautifully.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, entertaining read with strong characters, great chemistry, and plenty of heart. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a steamy, feel-good romance with depth. 💖🔥
Luke and Meredith had a fling the last time she was in town, and now fate (and work) throws them back together. Meredith returns to save the tattoo shop Luke works at, forcing them to put their unresolved feelings on the back burner while they try to stay professional. Easier said than done.
I really loved Luke and Meredith’s story. Luke’s passion for his craft—both as a car painter and a tattoo apprentice—was a standout, and Meredith’s professionalism and integrity as a media specialist made her incredibly easy to root for. Their mutual respect for their work added depth to their relationship and made their connection feel genuine.
The sexual banter between them was fantastic, especially knowing they have a history. It added just the right amount of heat and humor without overpowering the story. Their chemistry was undeniable, and watching it simmer while they worked together was a lot of fun.
This book is part of the multi-author Side Hustle series and fits perfectly with its theme. Tropes include mechanic, tattoo apprentice, one-night stand, and media specialist—catnip for romance lovers. Meredith moving to Canada to be with her besties and help boost the tattoo shop’s ratings was a great setup, and the story flowed beautifully.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, entertaining read with strong characters, great chemistry, and plenty of heart. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a steamy, feel-good romance with depth. 💖🔥
January 17, 2026
Part of the Side Hustle Series of short steamy instalove stories Alana brings you Luke and Meredith. Two people down on their luck struggling to get ahead. Meredith is a problem solver hired to rescue the tattoo shop that Luke works at. Thanks to him refusing to cover a tattoo they are now receiving bad reviews and need Meredith to step in. But between damage control, furious clients and hot tempered owners Meredith has her work cut out for her. Add in the tension that is immediate between her and Luke and she might just crash and burn.
But love will throw them a curveball neither could see from a mile away but they will have to learn that building a future means risking their hearts.
I absolutely loved this storyline. It was very well written and has you engaged from beginning to end. It really tells the story of how these two had a one night stand and held on to those feelings and rekindled them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But love will throw them a curveball neither could see from a mile away but they will have to learn that building a future means risking their hearts.
I absolutely loved this storyline. It was very well written and has you engaged from beginning to end. It really tells the story of how these two had a one night stand and held on to those feelings and rekindled them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2026
PRETTY IN PAINT is part of the multi-authored Side Hustle series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, forced-proximity, curvy girl gets her blue collar hunk romance. Meredith is sassy, funny, curvy girl who was recently fired from her job in Vegas. She has moved to Canada to be with her friends (and indirect reason she was fired). Luke is a hunky car paint specialist and tattoo artist. His art has been an escape since his difficult childhood. He and Meredith had a hot one-night stand 6 months ago but both haven't stopped thinking about the other. Now she has been hired by the tattoo shop he works at to help with some marketing issues after a string of unfounded bad reviews. Will they get a second-chance chance for something real? YES! I was so excited for their story after meeting them in Asher and Violetta's book and it did not dissapoint. Their chemistry was smoldering and the ending was so happy. I loved it so much!!
February 1, 2026
What a fun story!
Meredith just got fired from her job and she found a short term fill in by not in Vegas. No, she is heading back to Springwood, back to where she met Luke last summer.
Helping fix an issue with a tattoo shop was not her dream job but it was something and she was with her friends. When Luke walks in, everything stops. She didn't know he worked there.
Luke knows the shop is in trouble but seeing Meredith again, that is a whole different kind of trouble. He has never forgotten her and was upset he didn't at least get a number. But she is here now.
Drawing has been looks peace and now the one thing important to him is in jeopardy. Can Meredith save the shop? Will he get another chance with her?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Meredith just got fired from her job and she found a short term fill in by not in Vegas. No, she is heading back to Springwood, back to where she met Luke last summer.
Helping fix an issue with a tattoo shop was not her dream job but it was something and she was with her friends. When Luke walks in, everything stops. She didn't know he worked there.
Luke knows the shop is in trouble but seeing Meredith again, that is a whole different kind of trouble. He has never forgotten her and was upset he didn't at least get a number. But she is here now.
Drawing has been looks peace and now the one thing important to him is in jeopardy. Can Meredith save the shop? Will he get another chance with her?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2026
Blue Collar Romance.
Luke has always worked as a car painter, but for the past few months he's been working at a tattoo parlor. Unfortunately, after a bad review, business is plummeting, so his boss calls on Meredith, a beautiful woman with whom he had a fling, to boost the parlor's reputation.
Meredith is a young woman who has just been fired by wealthy heiresses while she needs a break. She finds herself back in her friends' small town, this time helping out at a tattoo parlor. She certainly didn't expect to see Luke again.
Will Meredith and Luke have a beautiful romance, or will turning the tattoo parlor around prove more difficult than anticipated….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luke has always worked as a car painter, but for the past few months he's been working at a tattoo parlor. Unfortunately, after a bad review, business is plummeting, so his boss calls on Meredith, a beautiful woman with whom he had a fling, to boost the parlor's reputation.
Meredith is a young woman who has just been fired by wealthy heiresses while she needs a break. She finds herself back in her friends' small town, this time helping out at a tattoo parlor. She certainly didn't expect to see Luke again.
Will Meredith and Luke have a beautiful romance, or will turning the tattoo parlor around prove more difficult than anticipated….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2026
Karma has a way of messing with your life, Meredith lost her job when her charges went against what their parents wanted. She is a problem solver and hears of a job to help out a tattoo parlor that has gotten some bad reviews. Little did she know the man who rocked her world moths ago, works at the same shop.
Luke has not forgotten Meredith and wants more with her but her job with the tattoo parlor puts has her pulling back. Can he convince her that what they could have is worth staying for? These two just fit together.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Luke has not forgotten Meredith and wants more with her but her job with the tattoo parlor puts has her pulling back. Can he convince her that what they could have is worth staying for? These two just fit together.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is part of a multi author series called Side Hustle. Tropes: mechanic, tattoo apprentice, one night stand, and media specialist. Meredith is moving to Canada to be with her besties and take on a new job at a tattoo shop to help their ratings. Luke is a car painter by day and a tattoo apprentice during his spare time. I enjoyed Luke and Meredith's sexual banter especially knowing they have a past history together. Enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2026
Love this short, steamy second chance romance. Meredith has just lost her job but another opportunity comes along. Moving to Canada to help a tattoo shop with a PR nightmare. Luke is an apprentice tattoo artist. When he enters a meeting to discuss the issue with the media and poor review ratings, he is shocked to come face to face with the women he had a one-night stand with and never could forget.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2026
'Some mistakes you can erase. Others get under your skin.'
The plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was solidly drawn. The characters carried the story and they were so very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was solidly drawn. The characters carried the story and they were so very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2026
Another cute story from Springwood. With the girls now both in Springwood, Meredith loses her job. She comes back to help the tattoo shop only to find Luke working there. As they navigate working together and saving the shop, they fall again. This time they will work together to make a life with their found family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a quick read. These two had a fling the last time she was in town now she has to work with him. She is in town to save the tattoo shop he works at. Can they put their feelings on the back burner while the work together? I enjoyed their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2026
It's not a distraction....
It's their forever.
Luke and Meredith just need to be brave enough to grab it with both hands and hold on tight. They need to trust their hearts and trust each other.
There's plenty of flirting, lots of steamy moments and some sweet heart to hearts, a lovely read on Kindle Unlimited.
It's their forever.
Luke and Meredith just need to be brave enough to grab it with both hands and hold on tight. They need to trust their hearts and trust each other.
There's plenty of flirting, lots of steamy moments and some sweet heart to hearts, a lovely read on Kindle Unlimited.
January 15, 2026
The way Alana wrote this book is like putting a puzzle together. Meredith and Luke fit together perfectly and by the end of the book they deliver a beautiful and romantic picture. This is my first time reading a book by Alana and I am hooked with her writing style and talent at creating a page turning storyline.
January 20, 2026
Meredith's life in Vegas is toast, and she knows exactly where her fresh start needs to be. Springwood with her best friends and the ever so distracting Luke. Temptation in the workplace has never been so good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2026
A new job, to start fresh, only someone from her past comes with the job. Liked the banter with the witty comebacks as the chemistry between them is evident. Enjoyed how each opened up and let their own stories come out and figured a way forward with their relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Side Hustle story of Luke and Meredith. I have to say I really enjoyed the passion for his craft and the integrity both characters bring to their jobs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like dhow Luke and Meredith reconnect and make it permanent as they fall in love. I liked how Meredith helped the tattoo shop.
January 20, 2026
A likeable story with good friends, good colleagues, a new start, and a great chance for permanent happiness when the protagonists meet again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2026
This is a sweet, steamy second chance romance. With a great story and character's that I would absolutely recommend adding to your TBR list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2026
Luke and Meredith are great characters, Each having problems when she comes to do damage control she and Luke have a instant connection, A great read,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2026
Enjoyed reading the book, and it is a great addition to the series wth some other great authors. amazing read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews