Of Ink and Alchemy: The Black Rabbit, Book 1

Black Rabbit #1

by Sloane St. James, Chloe Ryan (Narrator), James Cassidy (Narrator)

Sound interesting? The author thinks so too! Listen to Of Ink and Alchemy and experience a compelling story coming in February 2026.

Genres: Dark Romance, Friends To Lovers, Romance, Dark, Workplace, Contemporary Romance, Workplace Romance

Audible Audio

Expected publication February 3, 2026

About the author

Sloane St. James began writing in 2022, it combines two of her favorite things, books and getting plowed. She enjoys writing strong, witty females and the dirty-talking men that love them--with a little suspense tossed in wherever she can. As an avid hockey fan, her Lakes Hockey series was a natural place to start and debuted in March 2023.

When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and, of course, reading romance.

Reviews

[sashenka 🖤]

Got the ARC 💕

Thanks to Netgalley, Podium Publishing and Sloane St. James for the free copy.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: steals her from OM, mutual pining
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

RTC

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

okay WOW! I mean, I know we all love Sloane (how could you not?!) but is this her best book yet?! THE PLOT HAD ME SCREAMING!!! FULL RTC when I get my shit together after LOSING IT over this book!

[Noi (in & out)]

You don't even know how loud I squealed when I found out about this. Words are just not enough.

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan + Kelly

-friends to lovers
-grumpy/sunshine
-workplace romance
-boss’ daughter
-“it’s always been you”

ohhh i'm so happy to be back in another sloane world! her yearning & angst is soooo good!! & the way logan was DOWN BAD & would orchestrate the most elaborate situations to make certain things happen to pull kelly in his direction was amazing!! haha

[ras 🔻 · Rating 1 out of 5]

i wasn’t hating this until the random exhibitionism bit with a coworker, no warning nothing 😐 i hate being taken off guard with something like that

[LauraxChristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

*NetGalley ARC review*
Thanks to Netgalley, Podium Publishing and Sloane St. James for the free copy.

"Sweetheart, we're alchemy"

Where do I even start?! I guess the best place would be to announce that this is my favorite book in this genre of all of 2025, and I have read 530 books this year.

MMC, Logan Teller, is basically a 6'4 Jax Teller from Son's of Anarchy with glasses (Swoon!). Silent in the streets and feral in the sheets. This man is delicious. Pulse raced and thighs clenched throughout every spicy scene. They were top-notch and will live rent free in my head for eternity. Is he a walking red flag? 🚩 Absolutely. And I am 100% here for it. There are red flags we ignore, and red flags we barrel into like a bull lips first and Logan is the latter.

FMC Kelly Everhart is the tattooed girl next door who has a dark side underneath her smiley exterior. As far as FMCs go, LOVE her!! She is absolutely someone I would have in my corner. I couldn't imagine having the strength she possesses to get through losing her father and receiving Logan's "gifts" through big events. Those gifts by the way, LOVED that being woven into the storyline. The author made Clyde a present character with that one simple addition.

To the plot! Solid. Freaking. Gold. I loved every bit of the friends to lovers. The yearning from Logan. The sneaking. The plotting behind the scenes. ALL OF IT!! There's mystery, suspense, romance, spice. Have I mentioned I highly recommend it enough yet? 🥵🤣

I dont want to spoil anything, so I'll just encourage you (again) to read this by saying I immediately went and purchase the deluxe edition of this book because it HAS to live on my shelf. I would absolutely read it again even knowing what happens. If this gets an audiobook, I will buy that too. And probably replay certain parts an ungodly amount of times.

If I had to pick a negative thing to say, the use of the term "inked" or "tatts." As someone who has about 80% of her body tattooed, majority of modified people CRINGE at those words. It didnt start until about 50% in, but if I could change a single thing it would be that. Edit all "inked" and "tatts" references to just good ol TATTOOS.

NOTE WORTHY QUOTES
"The things I imagine doing with you are so fucking unfriendly" - SCREAMS!!! 🥵🥵

"This is my dog" my heart melted!!! 🥹🖤

**I could read their "first fight" over and over!!!** - MATRIMONY

I cannot wait for Casper's book. All signs point to his book being up next. Also hoping for a Thor book and a Frankie book!!

[kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Logan Teller (yes, brother to Camden) owns the Black Rabbit, a very famous tattoo shop in Minnesota? Anyways, he’s seriously in love with his dead mentor’s daughter, Kelly, who is also his employee! Logan also has a serious lack of boundaries, installing censors in houses and secretly binding people to permanent contracts. Kelly has always had a thing for Logan too but has more or less given up, seeing him as merely a best friend but Logan has been biding his time (he promised her dad after all!). The novel kicks into action once Kelly decides to get serious with her lame boyfriend and Logan decides to tap into his manipulative side!

This was a super fun and very spicy read! Logan was extremely possessive but that also made him extremely charming too? I felt like he become much more unhinged at the end which mirrored how Kelly also become much more possessive and unhinged. The suspense was a fun element and while it was a bit obvious, I had fun with the ending! I like how it sets up future books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!

[Paige Wuerdemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Podium Entertainment and Sloane St. James for the ARC copy!

I will admit I've never actually picked up anything from this author before and was highly influenced by the cover. I'll definitely need to pick up more from this author because I devoured this book and could not get enough of the banter and interactions between the MMC Logan and the FMC Kelly.

Logan has known Kelly for years but has pushed his feelings to the side due to her being younger at first and then his promise to her father. Kelly has ALWAYS had feelings for Logan but after a previous interaction she put those feelings to the side.

But now she's back and Logan cannot let those feeling slide anymore. He's been hopelessly in love with her for years so there's some of that painful pining- and he will do anything to resolve it. Sloane St. James absolutely knows how to write a sinful, dirty talking man, I'm kind of feral for Logan to be honest. The chemistry between the two MCs are absolutely off the charts.

This story absolutely edges into darker territory but I'm living for it. Choices were made by some of the characters that people will not agree with but it definitely added a layer to the story. I loved just about every character and the banter and humour between them all. The setting of the tattoo parlour business fit in perfectly with this series!

I'm honestly so excited to see what comes next in the Black Rabbit series!

[Hannah Ladd · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
Logan Teller you dirty dog!! And I mean this in a “holy shit the mouth on this man” way, but also in a “I’m sorry you did what?!” way… 👀🤣

I’ve been so excited for Logan and Kelly’s story since Stand and Defend and they absolutely did not disappoint. This was definitely different than what Sloane has written before, but my god it was amazing!! I need all the morally grey mmcs from Sloane. Please and thank you 🙏🏼

When I tell you this man is obsessed with her and does anything to make her his 🤭
“I’m a man who knows what he wants. For years I’ve stood in the background, biding my time while you chased flings. It wasn’t patience, it was discipline. The way I wanted you never grew stronger—it grew darker. There’s no one else for me. You’re it.”

Kelly is an absolute firecracker and I love her!! They both complimented each other so well. And the banter that’s more like foreplay was chefs kiss.

The spice do be spicing because it’s Sloane of course 🥵 it’s always the quiet ones that have the filthiest mouths 😏
“I wanted everyone to see Black Rabbit’s legacy turn into my needy little slut who cries and begs.”
And you’re done. 🥵🥵🥵

I loved the suspense part of this storyline and I feel so proud of myself that I picked up on who the stalker was 🤣

All of the Lakes Hockey cameos made my life 😭 and I’m excited for more of them hopefully in book 2 🤭

Thank you so much Sloane for this ARC!! 🫶🏼

[Anja]

Beta read. DEVOURED.
Full RTC closer to release day.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloane St James but make it darker. ARC review!

TLDR; read this to get your heart pumping (from both suspense and spice). I’ll probably buy the audiobook too 🫠
5⭐️

Ok, if you loved her Lakes Hockey series, especially how Camdens story was on the darker side, you’ll love this. It feels like a CR Jane book, but maybe slightly more realistic and not sports 🤪

I already know I’m going to love this series. Between the humor, the spice, the suspense and how educated I now feel about frenulum piercings 😳😅 This story had such a good balance of humor, suspense, spice. That final conflict… such an unexpected and engaging way to throw readers. 👏🏼

You’ve got an FMC who is processing the loss (off page) of her only real parent. Her dad happened to be a very famous tattoo artist, so she’s trying to make a name for herself while also admitting she’s ready to look for a serious relationship. ❤️ she’s not a dumb, damsel in distress FMC, the way she’s written really made be feel like she’s not one to fuck around with.

You’ve got an MMC who meddles to get what he wants and does EXTREMELY questionable stuff all in the name of saving the FMC from problems she doesn’t even KNOW she has. He has found himself near the top of my favorite book boyfriends list 🥇
- And truthfully, I might be tough, Chaos, but I’m not strong enough to say those words to you and not hear them echoed back.”
- “I love you.” I lift her thigh and sink into her until I’m buried deep where I belong. “Maybe not in the way good men do . . . but in a way that wants me to be a better one.”

And all of the side characters. They are the perfect mix of funny, dangerous and endearing. This found family has each other’s backs no matter what it takes.

And don’t even get me STARTED on the letters from dad 😭:
- “PS I’m not sure what condition Logan was in when he handed this envelope to you, but in my heart of hearts, I hope like hell he was smiling when he gave it to you . . . and if he wasn’t, go easy on the man today.”
- “He once told me that eating pussy was an art form, it should start like a butterfly landing on a flower and end like a bulldog eating a bowl of oatmeal.”

That first fight scene 🥵🔥
The giant ass dog he secretly adopted for her 😭

Casper in the second epilogue has be giddy waiting for book 2 to come out 🥵🤭
- “Beside me, my date quietly eats like she’s hoping nobody notices her at all—unfortunately for Anna, I do. With curiosity and a chub.”
- “We’ll sew your mouth shut just for interrupting her, which honestly, is the most us move ever.”
- “I want romance with a dark side, in a window-watcher kind of way. Deranged, but sexy deranged.”

[Jess Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love. Love. Love.

I genuinely do not have enough words for what this book did to me, except that it dragged me out of a brutal reading slump and reminded me exactly why I love reading. From page one, it felt different. Fresh. Not recycled. Not predictable.

The characters are brilliant, layered, flawed, and achingly real. The plot is constantly evolving, with so many moving parts that somehow never feel overwhelming. You are always oriented, but never comfortable, because you truly do not know where the story is going to land. And I loved that!!

Yes, the book starts slower. There is intentional world building, character groundwork, and careful plot setup, clearly laying the foundation for what I am confident will be at least a three book series. But please, see it through. Take in the small details. Pay attention. Trust the process. I promise you, everything starts to click into place, and when it does, it is worth it!

Now let us talk about the spice, because it spiced. Bloody hell, it was good. Dark, jagged, intense, but never at the expense of the story. It complemented the story instead of drowning it. The overall vibe leans romance thriller, suspenseful and emotionally loaded, yet softened by quieter, more tender moments that hit just as hard. My heart was confused in the best way. I was sad. On edge. In awe. Fully consumed.

The MMC and FMC are beautifully constructed and feel so real it hurts. Their dynamic pulled me in completely. The main side characters are equally strong. And I loved the FMC’s dad and neighbor, who played small but impactful roles. The ending left me devastated, because now I have to wait for book two, when this one dosnt even release for another two months!

This is my first Sloane St. James book, and I am already going back to devour the rest of her catalog, especially to get more backstory on some of these side characters. If this is the standard, I am all in.
Of Ink and Alchemy had me hooked, wrecked, and feral. I loved every part of it.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read Stand and Defend and have been waiting for Logan and Kelly's story they have ARRIVED, and they did not disappoint!

Kelly's fire is a perfect match for Logan's still water.

Logan's still waters run deep. On the surface Logan is a man who prefers to be quiet and observe. A man of a few words. Underneath the surface are his strong feelings for Kelly. For him it's Kelly or no one. He's been biding his time until she's ready for him, now he will go to any length to make Kelly his. The lengths he goes to are shocking at times, and the man hides his red flags very well.

Kelly has a fiery personality. She can be unpredictable. She believes in fate. She had a childhood crush on Logan. Before she went to college she opened up to Logan about her crush but the rejection stung. She is still attracted to him, and the originally rejection still lingers years later. She believes they are destined to just be friends. Until fate manipulated by Logan changes their platonic relationship into an inferno.

Kelly and Logan have known each other for so long they can communicate without actually having a conversation. They are just in sync with each other. It's the small, silent gestures that I love. The gesture Logan has been doing for years to communicate his true feelings that Kelly never picked up on. She thinks he doesn't reciprocate her feelings, but if anyone fell harder it was Logan.

Kelly and Logan's friendship is playful, and joking. She does all the talking, and he does all the listening and observing. Their playful banter turns into foreplay. Sometimes through their art. Sometimes in the workplace. lesson learned do not call Logan's bluff because he will deliver.

Their first fight was one of the most memorable moments. Kelly really brings the fury to their one-sided argument. Logan is unfazed by her fury and doesn't think he crossed the line because they are inevitable. At the end of the day they choose each other, they choose to be each other's chaos and calm.

As always, Sloane's stories include a small thriller element that no matter how hard I try to figure it out she always has something up her sleeve that I never see coming. I was proud of myself for guessing the stalker correctly, but Sloane threw a wrench in my celebration with a small twist.

If you are a fan of Sloane's Lake Hockey series, some of your favorites might be making appearances in her Black Rabbit series. I already love the ones we had in Of Ink and Alchemy, but I'm excited for the cameos in book 2!

Thank you Sloane St. James, Podium Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions, and a review.

[Chelsea Mansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Ink and Alchemy by Sloane St. James eARC Review 🖤

When we first found out Logan would be getting a book I needed to know when and where to sign up immediately. Logan Teller and the man that you are. 😮‍💨

Possessive.
Obsessive.
Filthy.
Down BAD for our girl, Kelly.

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect with this book. It took me a minute to get fully invested but at about the half way point the plot picked up and I couldn’t put the book down. Logan and Kelly are inevitable, she just doesn’t exactly know it yet. Logan makes it his job to make sure Kelly is his woman. Absolutely nothing and no one is going to come between her becoming his.

We have stalker vibes, suspense, Sloane spice (which we know always hits) and emotional aspects as well. We definitely got vibes that Casper’s book might be next so fingers crossed for that!

What to expect:
Grump x sunshine
Friends to lovers
Workplace romance
Forced proximity
Boss’s daughter
Obsessed MMC

Thank you so much Sloane and Podium for the ARC!

[Amanda Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
4🌶

Yessss. YES. YES! What a way to start my new year. I would except nothing less from Sloane but this was actual perfection. I loved EVERY single second. This was a dark romantic suspense on steroids and I ate it up.

Logan FREAKING Teller, are you kidding me?! He he is a MAJOR red flag, but you can't help but be obsessed with him. Everything he did, he did because of his obsession with Kelly. These Teller men are such dirtyyy dawgs and the spice is so damn hott. 🥵🥵🥵 I love how he was so unapologetic about the things he did too. He was like yeah, I did that and I'm not sorry about it.

Kelly was a freaking badass FMC. She didn’t always make it easy for Logan and her fire came out a few times that gave him a run for his money.

I can not WAIT for Casper & Thor's books. 🙌🫶

[Jade Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a self proclaimed Camden Teller girlie, I was super intrigued when we met his brother Logan, and he's a tattoo artist! are you kidding me!
This one did not disappoint, it's got Sloane's classic morally grey but not like super crazy morally grey MMC, and the fmc wasn't a wet lettuce either 😂
Great start to the series, and loved the little hints dropped throughout for the next book

[Molly Greden · Rating 5 out of 5]

SLOANE I AM SO READYYYYYYYYY!

[Michelle Brashars · Rating 5 out of 5]

INSANELY GOOD OMG
The spice my god the spice
No one writes spice or dirty talk the way Sloane does!
Bow down to the queen

[book.obsessed.jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 ⭐️
?/5 🌶️

DNF’d at 42%.

I was so excited for this one. For one, the cover is absolutely 🔥. & two, tattoo artists falling in love?! Say less. I had read Sloane’s hotshots book and already knew I liked her writing style, etc.

However, unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me a bit. In the 42% I read, there wasn’t a ton of plot movement - it seemed very focused around Kelly’s & Logan’s relationship. Which is fine, but I found that fell a bit flat and one dimensional. There didn’t seem to be a lot of depth to Kelly besides the fact that she is grieving - but even that seemed kind of a cursory detail. Then there’s Logan - wayyy too much of a red flag for me, I’m sorry (and y’all know I love a morally grey man so that’s saying something). I couldn’t get past how stalkerish & manipulative he portrayed. Some of the things he did to manipulate FMC just didn’t seem needed in my opinion. All in all, wasn’t for me.

Thank you so much to Netgalley & Podium Entertainment for the eARC! Opinions are my own.

[Kayla Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I have a new favorite St James book. 🤭

This one’s for the girls with pierced 🍒.

Logan Teller… Logan MF’ Teller. 🥵

The perfect amount of sexy and SIN.

Sloane did such a good job with the plot, perfect amount of spicy and actual story telling.

There were still some predictable scenarios, especially if you’re a crime show slut like me.

Instant pre-order for me.

I also enjoyed getting to peak at previous characters.

Now I need more, right now. 😅

[Natasja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure what to think about this book.

It was spicy and unhinched. The first half was missing a bit of plot, which got way better in the second half.

I liked Kelly, she was fierce and overall just a lovely character. Logan on the other hand was just a walking red flag. I like the mmc to be morally grey, but this was just a whole new level. The manipulation, doing (nasty) stuff without consent, the way he spoke to her. Nope.. not my cup of tea. Which also counts for the spicy scènes. They were just too rough for my liking and it felt disrespectful.

The plot twist at the end was really cool though, I loved how that turned out!

I did enjoy reading this book, it just wasn't completely to my liking.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me this eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jayme Muraco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan Teller has everything in his life all mapped out, even when it comes to his future with Kelly Everhart…a future that she isn’t even aware about. After crushing on him since she was a little girl, Kelly finds out that Logan feels the exact same way about her. I mean how can you not have feelings for someone who is in your vicinity every single day, saying the most perfect things, knowing you better than you know yourself, and looking like a god damn snack. They also have the same goal of living up to Kelly’s father’s legacy and making their
Tattoo shop, the Black Rabbit, better than ever. You will go nuts over their sexual tension and insane chemistry they have. No one, not even their stalker will keep them apart.

I can’t really say that I’m surprised that this book got all the stars. Sloane makes every book she writes so addictive and entertaining, her FMC’s are so strong and bad ass, and she makes THE BEST fictional boyfriends. Logan Teller’s character is perfection, and THE MOUTH ON HIM!!! OH MY GOD! I felt like I was right at the movies with my popcorn in my hand, blushing and laughing so hard at these scenes. The vibrator scene is PURE GOLD! I don’t think my jaw ever dropped as far as it did for this scene. Also, THE SUSPENSE!!! There’s someone leaving anonymous notes for the FMC, Kelly Everhart, that becomes very concerning. I was super pumped I figured out who was behind all of this, but it’s still a fun guessing game on top of swooning hard over their love story. I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on this!!

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled with how to rate this book. On one hand, I liked the suspense part of this story. The second half of the book was really interesting and action packed. On the other hand, Logan is too problematic. Like, giant red f-ing flag. Everything he did was an issue and he didn’t really redeem himself. In the end, I just sat there not wanting him to be with Kelly. She deserved better. That wasn’t love, but stalkerish, controlling, manipulative infatuation. Additionally, this is a very spicy book, but the spice is rough in nature, which isn’t my thing. I knew this would have heat, but this was not my flavor. No shame if it’s what you like. In the end, this wasn’t for me. It was well written, but the MMC’s behavior was so troubling that I couldn’t get behind it.

Thank you, Podium Entertainment, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Melissa (BWM) Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You're a blaze, my girl, just like your mom. You've always been the best part of both of us. I'm sure you look beautiful today in your dress just like she did. I know you. You don't do anything halfway, Not ink, nor art. You go all in every time. And if you're with who I hope you are, your fire is an equal match for his deep water. Still, I hope you let him burn every once in a while. People think love just happens, like you could trip and fall into it—but the real kind, the kind that lasts, is raw and deliberate. I know you know how to love because I’ve seen it. Love him the way you deserve to be loved —loud, fierce, and unapologetic.
"So now, I'm talking to your groom.”

HOLY. HECKING. WOW. This book was soooo good! I've been excited about this book since Sloane first teased it and I knew I had to get my grimy hands on it! And then I got the AR and I told myself I was reading I ASAP. And look at me! Reading it over a month before release day! (That will give me time to make all the edits cause WHAT a vibeeeee of a book! I laughed, cried, kicked my feet, gasped, and blushed throughout this book. It was so fun and I fully plan to recommend this more once it’s out! 

“She’s not only my chaos, she’s my calm - and my obsession for her is as gentle as it is destructive.”

Where do I start in what was great about this book? 
* Logan being ABSOLUTELY DOWN BAD for Kelly? Ijust love a man obsessed, and while his actions were normal person crazy, in a darker romance, I ate it up! Loved all the crazy obsessive things he does to get Kelly and just had a blast of a time
* Kelly and Logan being so emotionally vulnerable in their grief for her dad? The letters from her dad? Cause all of that had my eyes oddly watering about 2-3 times throughout this book 
* The romantic suspense components? THAT ENDING was a twisty turn I did not expect! 
* The found family? I loved all the tattoo shop members and hope and pray they are all going to get their own love story! 
* All the cameos from the Lakes Hockey boys? Hehehehe a a certain man being competitive and wanting a certainnnnn (lots) of piercings. Yummy. 
* Literally learning soooo much about tattoos and....piercings 😏 It was just fun to be actually educated. 

"Our gazes lock, and for a brief second I drown in him—his stare dark and savage. He drives his c**k inside me, stealing my breath. The growl that tears from his throat is menacing. My jaw slackens at the fullness he provides.
He runs his thumb over my bottom lip, smudging my chin with remnants of paint, and grins. "You want obsession? Look at my face," he snarls. "You're more than a masterpiece, more than a muse, or all the ways you torment me. You and I are more powerful than art, sweetheart—we're alchemy."

🖤Friends to Lovers 
💛 Man Obsessed/ Unhinged 
🖤Workplace Romance 
💛Romantic Suspense

"Over the years, I’ve watched her tattoo hundreds of times, but this is different because I am the one under her needle. She’s done work on her friends and the other guys in the shop with little things for practice, but I didn’t want her to mark me until she was ready for more than just practice. This is about permanence.”

Final Rating: 4.75⭐, 3.75🌶️

Thank you NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

[Krysten MA · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHHHH! What does Sloane put in her books?! First of all, I was so excited for this couple when I met them in Stand and Defend. Which is by far my favorite book in that series, so getting a little update in Camden and Jordan was really amazing. You don’t need to meet Logan and Kelly there in order to start their story here. I do highly recommend the series though cause it’s incredible.
Logan is an award winning tattoo artist and owner of a world famous tattoo shop that Kelly’s Dad opened. We immediately know this (one of my favorite troupes) is a friends to lovers situation. Logan Teller has been in love with his best friend and former boss’s daughter for years. He’s finally done waiting and puts his master plan into action. Kelly is completing her own tattooing apprenticeship with the enormous pressure of being her father’s daughter but her best friend has been her steadfast support since his death. What begins with amazing banter and a solid foundational friendship slowly simmers into a this nuclear explosion. Logan is down so bad for Kelly. A lot of his actions are rather questionable and Sloane even surprised me with one of them which is hard to do. Kelly knows deep down Logan is the only man for her but she’s a stellar female lead. Totally baddie with a fierce determination and incredible emotional range. Then there is their chemistry. The mouth on Logan Teller. AHHH! I was unwell only to get gobsmacked again by Kelly not only demanding but taking what she wants from her man. It was incredibly satisfying. There over arching story is suspenseful and has creepy edge to it. One of those were you feel like looking over your shoulder but then tell yourself it’s nothing. I absolutely love that we stayed in the Lakes universe but these new characters already have me so curious about them. Which says a lot when you’re genuinely excited for the next couple’s book. I loved this book and I cannot wait to see where Sloane goes next.

[morgs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

UNREAL

The plot was perfect. I was hooked from the very beginning, and the entire time was also trying to figure out who the stalker was!! I was SO CLOSE but I still didn’t get it quite right, the reveal was executed SO well and made so much sense😭.

Then there was the relationship development. The way Logan manoeuvred bits & pieces so things started to develop between them, it was funny how natural their relationship felt even if it was started from such a morally-grey way. Not everyone will like reading about some of Logan’s actions, but I think it added another layer to the plot and relationship and really deepened their bond in the long-term.

Logan - a massive 🚩in some ways, but a complete sweetheart in others. He would do ANYTHING for Kelly and I love that in an MMC, purely obsessed and intoxicated by her as a person❤️‍🔥.
Kelly - adored her. We really saw her strength through the way she grieved and her love and passion for what she was doing (and I loved that she had a lil dark side😈)

Their chemistry - no notes. The flirting, the banter, the tension, the YEARNING from Logan, the SPICE had me flustered🌶️🥵.

One other thing I loved was the way Clyde’s letters were incorporated into the story and the milestones in it. It made him feel like a present character and I had such a soft spot for his love for both Kelly and Logan🥹.

The only negative I have is a few teeny lil quotes had me slightly cringing. But overall I loved the plot, the characters & the romance!

[Knjiska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Podium Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own :)

Kelly Everhart has always relied on Logan Teller. First as her father’s apprentice, now as the man running the Black Rabbit tattoo shop with her at his side. He’s her mentor, her friend, and the crush she’s long since buried. At least, she thinks she has. Until Logan starts sabotaging her relationship with her bland boyfriend and Kelly realizes Jason can’t compare to the man who has been quietly, intensely in her orbit for years. But just as their relationship turns deliciously sinful, Kelly begins receiving anonymous messages containing secrets only a select few, including Logan, could know. Can she trust him when everything points in his direction?

This was my first tattoo artist romance, and honestly, the setting was such a refreshing change. I loved how unique and atmospheric the Black Rabbit shop felt, and Sloane St. James’ writing style made it incredibly immersive. After reading this and Sky Ridge Hotshots, I definitely want to explore more of her books.

The characters were a highlight, especially Logan. I loved his quiet possessiveness, intense but caring, and the way he’d clearly been yearning for Kelly for years. Their dynamic had that simmering tension that really pays off once things finally shift between them. And once the plot hits the halfway mark? I was glued to my seat. It becomes gripping, twisty, and much more unpredictable than I expected.

However, the first 40% dragged a bit for me. The pacing felt slow, and I struggled to fully connect at the start. I also wasn’t a fan of how many major secrets Logan kept from Kelly, especially considering they were all about her. It created unnecessary frustration and made some of his choices feel harder to root for.

Still, Of Ink and Alchemy ended up being a compelling, steamy, emotionally charged romance with a twisty edge. If you love possessive heroes, slow-burn yearning, tattoo shop vibes, and a plot that hits hard in the second half, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

[Lynzee Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ for me here! These two were a vibe. I think this one is going to be perfect for those just wanting to step into some darker romance. It’s got those elements but isn’t TOO cray cray.

Per usual, I went into this one blind. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where both MCs are tattoo artists. Let alone an apprentice and teacher sorta thing. Really enjoyed that. One thing I adore about Sloane’s writing is that I feel like she must do loads of research on her subjects she includes. I remember that from her firefighter book as well. It doesn’t feel like the characters job is just there to sell the book…but actually a part of that character. A certain piercing scene had me like…Sloane…maam did you intern at a parlor ooooor 👀

We had our major red flags in our MMC but hey, that’s my vibe. He’s unchecked and unhinged. There were a couple things that fell flat for me, hence a little lower rating along with the fact that friends to lovers aren’t my favorite in general. But all in all a great spicy read that I think would be perfect for someone stepping their toes into darker romance. I can’t wait for Casper’s story

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page, this book basically said:
“Sit down. You’re mine now!”
Black Rabbit had me kicking my feet and clutching my Kindle…. Logan Teller has a filthy mouth!

Set in a tattoo parlor thick with tension and bad decisions waiting to happen, this story thrives on morally gray obsession, slow-burn pining, and a chemistry that goes from simmering to absolutely feral.

Kelly is doing her apprenticeship at her dad’s tattoo studio, Black Rabbit, that her mentor and family friend Logan is now the owner of. They’ve been friends for years, he was her rock when her dad passed away. She’s currently dating a new guy and thinking of getting more serious and Logan hates this guy!

Little does Kelly know Logan has been in silent, feral love with her for YEARS and is officially done playing calm.

The pining? Unhinged.
The sabotage? Art.
The dirty talk? 🤤

Throw in a stalker and we have dark romance gold!
It’s messy, addictive, morally questionable, and I ate it up like a gremlin at 2 a.m.
Does Logan pull some seriously red flag moves? YES!
But I was here for it.

I loved the close friendships with Thor and Casper and cant wait for them to get their book.