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Alchemy Ink #1
Open Liner
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26The firefighter who saves August from a kitchen grease fire happens to be hot, single…and his ex-girlfriend’s brother.
August
When Serena dumps me, I barely have time to process before a sexy firefighter busts into my kitchen. Mostly because of the grease fire, but damn, he snags my attention at once. Then I find out he’s Serena’s brother. And the hits keep coming, because my parents drop the news that they’re moving down South. I’m about to be utterly alone, and I’m tempted to move too.
Drake
I’m in a rut. Work is fine, but I’m just floating through it. Meanwhile, my siblings are out there changing the world. So when the fire chief asks me to come up with a new idea for our charity event, I jump in feet-first with a charity concert. Of course, the one person who can help me is the gorgeous tattoo artist my sister used to date.
Turns out, we get along too well. So well that I can’t stop thinking about him naked. So well that I want to spend every spare second with him.
Except he’s not looking to stay, and I can’t hurt my sister by crossing that line.
August
When Serena dumps me, I barely have time to process before a sexy firefighter busts into my kitchen. Mostly because of the grease fire, but damn, he snags my attention at once. Then I find out he’s Serena’s brother. And the hits keep coming, because my parents drop the news that they’re moving down South. I’m about to be utterly alone, and I’m tempted to move too.
Drake
I’m in a rut. Work is fine, but I’m just floating through it. Meanwhile, my siblings are out there changing the world. So when the fire chief asks me to come up with a new idea for our charity event, I jump in feet-first with a charity concert. Of course, the one person who can help me is the gorgeous tattoo artist my sister used to date.
Turns out, we get along too well. So well that I can’t stop thinking about him naked. So well that I want to spend every spare second with him.
Except he’s not looking to stay, and I can’t hurt my sister by crossing that line.
- GenresM M RomanceQueer
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 2, 2026
About the author
Katherine McIntyre
86 books742 followersGeeky Queer Romance.
Katherine McIntyre is feisty with a big attitude despite their short stature. They write stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to their own beat, they've made it their mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.
Katherine McIntyre is feisty with a big attitude despite their short stature. They write stories featuring snarky women, ragtag crews, and men with bad attitudes—high chance for a passionate speech thrown into the mix. As a genderqueer geek who’s always stepped to their own beat, they've made it their mission to write stories that represent the broad spectrum of people out there. Easily distracted by cats and sugar.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Open Liner is book #1 in the Alchemy Ink series but if you read the novella Ink Caps you’ll already be familiar with the themed tattoo shop. Also you’ll get to see characters from the Hot Under the Collarverse and Brannon Boys series. However, Open Liner is definitely a standalone and great start to the Alchemy Ink series.
Katherine McIntyre does low angst found family really well and their books are an automatic comfort read for me. I easily read this in a couple of sittings and didn’t want to put it down. There was funny banter, sweet and sexy characters, and punk music! The characters shared love of punk music was refreshing and inspiring as I also love punk. It’s been ages since I’ve been to a show and it was nice to see queer punks who didn’t need to hide their queer identity. There was also an “ex-girlfriend’s brother” trope that was done in a sweet and fun way.
August is a golden retriever type tattoo artist that seems to fall fast and go all in with the people he dates. The book starts with him getting dumped by his girlfriend Serena. He’s really laid back and takes it in stride but he can’t help but be lonely and wonder why he can’t find someone that appreciates his clingy nature. Serena couldn’t even be bothered to return the stuff he left at her place herself and sends her hot firefighter brother to drop it off.
Drake never even got to meet the guy her sister had been dating and now he’s dropping off the guy’s stuff for her. They have a bit of a meet cute when Drake smells smoke and barges into August’s place. It turned out to be a kitchen fire that Drake easily put out. But then they start to fan the flames of attraction for each other.
At first both feel a bit guilty for acting on their attraction since they have Serena in common. But they can’t deny how right they feel for each other so they will eventually have to deal with it. I love how Katherine McIntyre always has well developed main and side characters. The love is generally sweet and low angst with plenty of spice. The settings are also fun with found family and close friends. This was a great start to the series and I can’t wait to read Caspian’s story next. Thank you for the ARC.
Katherine McIntyre does low angst found family really well and their books are an automatic comfort read for me. I easily read this in a couple of sittings and didn’t want to put it down. There was funny banter, sweet and sexy characters, and punk music! The characters shared love of punk music was refreshing and inspiring as I also love punk. It’s been ages since I’ve been to a show and it was nice to see queer punks who didn’t need to hide their queer identity. There was also an “ex-girlfriend’s brother” trope that was done in a sweet and fun way.
August is a golden retriever type tattoo artist that seems to fall fast and go all in with the people he dates. The book starts with him getting dumped by his girlfriend Serena. He’s really laid back and takes it in stride but he can’t help but be lonely and wonder why he can’t find someone that appreciates his clingy nature. Serena couldn’t even be bothered to return the stuff he left at her place herself and sends her hot firefighter brother to drop it off.
Drake never even got to meet the guy her sister had been dating and now he’s dropping off the guy’s stuff for her. They have a bit of a meet cute when Drake smells smoke and barges into August’s place. It turned out to be a kitchen fire that Drake easily put out. But then they start to fan the flames of attraction for each other.
At first both feel a bit guilty for acting on their attraction since they have Serena in common. But they can’t deny how right they feel for each other so they will eventually have to deal with it. I love how Katherine McIntyre always has well developed main and side characters. The love is generally sweet and low angst with plenty of spice. The settings are also fun with found family and close friends. This was a great start to the series and I can’t wait to read Caspian’s story next. Thank you for the ARC.
Review of advance copy
Open Liner is the 1st book in Katherine McIntyre's Alchemy Ink series. If you have read their Hot Under the Collar or Brannon Boys series you will see some familiar faces.
I am so excited to be back in this world with Katherine McIntyre. These characters and this world are such a comfort to me.
Here we meet August and Drake. August is a tattoo artist and a complete ray of sunshine. He is lonely and looking for his person. Drake is a firefighter who is also lonely, but might not realize it before meeting August.
When Drake arrives at August's house with some of his belongings, he rushes in due to a kitchen fire. Drake's sister happens to be August's ex. These 2 connect with each other almost immediately. They meet up again for a concert and learn they have the same taste of music.
They continue to grow closer as they meet up for shows. Then they start to go on dates and spend more and more time together. Their feelings smash into them when there is a fire incident.
August wears his heart on his sleeve. He feels so deeply but I don’t think anyone has taken care of him as he should be until Drake. Drake honors him.
It’s clear that August’s parents love him but the guilt and pressure they put on him is too much. And it seems like they have no idea they are doing and how it’s affecting August.
August is a ray of sunshine. So is Drake, but not so out loud.
Steam: 4/5
Fun: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Thanks to GRR for providing an eARC and this is my honest review.
I am so excited to be back in this world with Katherine McIntyre. These characters and this world are such a comfort to me.
Here we meet August and Drake. August is a tattoo artist and a complete ray of sunshine. He is lonely and looking for his person. Drake is a firefighter who is also lonely, but might not realize it before meeting August.
When Drake arrives at August's house with some of his belongings, he rushes in due to a kitchen fire. Drake's sister happens to be August's ex. These 2 connect with each other almost immediately. They meet up again for a concert and learn they have the same taste of music.
They continue to grow closer as they meet up for shows. Then they start to go on dates and spend more and more time together. Their feelings smash into them when there is a fire incident.
August wears his heart on his sleeve. He feels so deeply but I don’t think anyone has taken care of him as he should be until Drake. Drake honors him.
It’s clear that August’s parents love him but the guilt and pressure they put on him is too much. And it seems like they have no idea they are doing and how it’s affecting August.
August is a ray of sunshine. So is Drake, but not so out loud.
Steam: 4/5
Fun: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Thanks to GRR for providing an eARC and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is the start of a new series, spawned from The Brannon Boys, which was itself spawned from the Hot Under The Collar series, and Ms McIntyre is now calling this the Hot Under The Collarverse and I love that!
I loved this book too!
What I'm loving most about these books, all of them, from both preious series, is how very low angst they are between the main characters, and the families! Both blood and found, the families of these men are amazing, Drake's sister, Serena, especially.
It's steamy and smexy, these two hit it off, right from the start, and the attraction burns hot the whole way through. It's emotional: both Drake and August carry some baggage, and there is also Serena to deal with, which turns out to be not needed to be dealt with at all!
It's fun! The group of people in Alchemy Ink are a lot of fun, as friends, and as the support August needs when his parents drop their bombshell. But the guys tease and joke, as well as support.
Rory and Wyatt (Direct Nailing, Brannon Boys #3) take part, as Rory works at Alchemy, and there are hints to their story, but you don't need to read it for this to make sense. It's recapped enough.
These books are easy reads, and I mean that in the best way, and if you need a light and fluffy, but steamy read, these book are for you. The Brannon Boys and the Hot Under The Collar books, all of them!
5 full and super shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book is the start of a new series, spawned from The Brannon Boys, which was itself spawned from the Hot Under The Collar series, and Ms McIntyre is now calling this the Hot Under The Collarverse and I love that!
I loved this book too!
What I'm loving most about these books, all of them, from both preious series, is how very low angst they are between the main characters, and the families! Both blood and found, the families of these men are amazing, Drake's sister, Serena, especially.
It's steamy and smexy, these two hit it off, right from the start, and the attraction burns hot the whole way through. It's emotional: both Drake and August carry some baggage, and there is also Serena to deal with, which turns out to be not needed to be dealt with at all!
It's fun! The group of people in Alchemy Ink are a lot of fun, as friends, and as the support August needs when his parents drop their bombshell. But the guys tease and joke, as well as support.
Rory and Wyatt (Direct Nailing, Brannon Boys #3) take part, as Rory works at Alchemy, and there are hints to their story, but you don't need to read it for this to make sense. It's recapped enough.
These books are easy reads, and I mean that in the best way, and if you need a light and fluffy, but steamy read, these book are for you. The Brannon Boys and the Hot Under The Collar books, all of them!
5 full and super shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
April 28, 2026
I am honored to have received this book as an ARC from the GRR team, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and views are my own. Let’s get into it.
• I struggle with lust filled stories being marketed as a romance. I did not really believe nor feel the romance between both MC’s. They went on and on about some “amazing connection” and how “deep they felt connected” and how they “were falling in love” but that was NO where on page. I have a problem, if as a reader, I can’t feel or see that romance on page. It was very lusty, full of pretty good spice scenes 🤌🏽, but there was no real romance.
• the found/forged family aspect is always my favorite and I love that both MC’s had the support. I think August’s codependency in general…. Is weird. In a relationship, in a friendship, and most definitely with his parents. At times he read like a teenager rather than a grown adult. I understand both men had insecurities that they needed to work through, but it kind of felt like “loving August or loving Drake” fixed me and my insecurities and I don’t really vibe with thoughts like that.
Overall, it was an okay book. There were lots of side characters that made it enjoyable and when the spicy scenes came around, they never disappointed. I wish the author the best of luck on their upcoming release.
• I struggle with lust filled stories being marketed as a romance. I did not really believe nor feel the romance between both MC’s. They went on and on about some “amazing connection” and how “deep they felt connected” and how they “were falling in love” but that was NO where on page. I have a problem, if as a reader, I can’t feel or see that romance on page. It was very lusty, full of pretty good spice scenes 🤌🏽, but there was no real romance.
• the found/forged family aspect is always my favorite and I love that both MC’s had the support. I think August’s codependency in general…. Is weird. In a relationship, in a friendship, and most definitely with his parents. At times he read like a teenager rather than a grown adult. I understand both men had insecurities that they needed to work through, but it kind of felt like “loving August or loving Drake” fixed me and my insecurities and I don’t really vibe with thoughts like that.
Overall, it was an okay book. There were lots of side characters that made it enjoyable and when the spicy scenes came around, they never disappointed. I wish the author the best of luck on their upcoming release.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2026
4.5/5. ”I wanted to suck his dick, but romantically.” I mean, that pretty much sums up the whole vibe. Then there was the double lol moment of ”Middle names are like taints, in between the important shit.” I’ll let you connect the dots yourself because jokes aren’t funny if you have to over-explain them to death.
The whole thing was just too fucking cute. They were the sweetest, most precious dudes, and the satellite characters are always the best. The story was lovely, had all the good steam and heart this author is well-versed in, and it gave comfy-cosy sweater energy throughout. My only gripe is the same one I always have with their books, and that’s repetition. Editors, do better. Y’all must’ve had at least two teachers/professors who drilled it in you, because I didn’t have a single one let it slide. I’m getting real tired of feeling mad on behalf of bank accounts that don’t belong to me. This isn’t the journey I signed up for.
Anyway. I loved it and now I’m going to abuse my aching traps with water that wants to be lava when it grows up. 😗🫶
—I received an ARC from the author’s ARC team. All ratings, reviews, and unwanted opinions are my own. Clearly.—
The whole thing was just too fucking cute. They were the sweetest, most precious dudes, and the satellite characters are always the best. The story was lovely, had all the good steam and heart this author is well-versed in, and it gave comfy-cosy sweater energy throughout. My only gripe is the same one I always have with their books, and that’s repetition. Editors, do better. Y’all must’ve had at least two teachers/professors who drilled it in you, because I didn’t have a single one let it slide. I’m getting real tired of feeling mad on behalf of bank accounts that don’t belong to me. This isn’t the journey I signed up for.
Anyway. I loved it and now I’m going to abuse my aching traps with water that wants to be lava when it grows up. 😗🫶
—I received an ARC from the author’s ARC team. All ratings, reviews, and unwanted opinions are my own. Clearly.—
Review of advance copy
4.25⭐️
Super cute and easy to read (I read this in a day) - August and Drake have great chemistry off the bat, first meeting when Drake’s dropping off his sister’s ex boyfriend’s stuff and August is almost burning his place down. Lucky Drake’s a firefighter.
August’s adorable - quirky, needy and unlucky in love, Drake is finding himself wanting something more than a hook up, and they have to try to work out their attraction whilst knowing August’s ex is Drake’s sister and August considering a move interstate.
I really enjoyed this. It’s super hot and swoony, both boys are gorgeous, vulnerable and sweet - Drake with the filthiest mouth. The Alchemy Ink crew is great too - I’m excited to see their stories play out.
This is the first 1st book in a series of McIntyre’s I’ve read - I always come in mid way or on the last book. I’ve read Rory’s story in the Brennan Boys series and it was good to see him in this again - I’ll need to finish that series and Hot Under the Collar before the next in this is out. Can’t wait.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Super cute and easy to read (I read this in a day) - August and Drake have great chemistry off the bat, first meeting when Drake’s dropping off his sister’s ex boyfriend’s stuff and August is almost burning his place down. Lucky Drake’s a firefighter.
August’s adorable - quirky, needy and unlucky in love, Drake is finding himself wanting something more than a hook up, and they have to try to work out their attraction whilst knowing August’s ex is Drake’s sister and August considering a move interstate.
I really enjoyed this. It’s super hot and swoony, both boys are gorgeous, vulnerable and sweet - Drake with the filthiest mouth. The Alchemy Ink crew is great too - I’m excited to see their stories play out.
This is the first 1st book in a series of McIntyre’s I’ve read - I always come in mid way or on the last book. I’ve read Rory’s story in the Brennan Boys series and it was good to see him in this again - I’ll need to finish that series and Hot Under the Collar before the next in this is out. Can’t wait.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so much fun to read! The chemistry! The banter! The innuendos! 😂
The two MMCs, Drake and August, are just so lovable it is unreal.
And seriously, were there ever two more perfectly matched MCs? And what about that "not-your-run-of-the-mill" meet-cute? 😅
I really loved the dynamic between these two and how they were willing to risk getting burned as opposed to dousing the flames of passion between them (did you guys see what I did there?! 😉😅)
And the spice!?!??!?! OMG! Red hot! And soooo good! Especially since both guys were most definitely getting exactly what they had been craving all along!
"God, you're everything I've ever wanted." - Who doesn't want to hear something so profound, especially when battling self-doubt?
And the family and found family in this book are just amazing! The crew at Alchemy Ink just loves to meddle, but their hearts are in the right place and the support from them and both Drake's and August's families means everything.
The two MMCs, Drake and August, are just so lovable it is unreal.
And seriously, were there ever two more perfectly matched MCs? And what about that "not-your-run-of-the-mill" meet-cute? 😅
I really loved the dynamic between these two and how they were willing to risk getting burned as opposed to dousing the flames of passion between them (did you guys see what I did there?! 😉😅)
And the spice!?!??!?! OMG! Red hot! And soooo good! Especially since both guys were most definitely getting exactly what they had been craving all along!
"God, you're everything I've ever wanted." - Who doesn't want to hear something so profound, especially when battling self-doubt?
And the family and found family in this book are just amazing! The crew at Alchemy Ink just loves to meddle, but their hearts are in the right place and the support from them and both Drake's and August's families means everything.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is really hot but also very sweet. August is an only child and when his girlfriend breaks up with him, and he finds out his parents are moving to Florida, he’s afraid he’s going to be left all alone. Drake is feeling a bit inadequate because his siblings are all very successful with professional careers and he thinks he’s coasting by only being a firefighter.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts. Unfortunately, Drake is August’s ex-girlfriend’s brother and Drake doesn’t want to hurt his sister. Well, turns out that they can’t keep their hands off of each other and one thing leads to another.
I loved reading this low-angst rom-com and I’m looking forward to reading more in the series.
Amazon says this will release on June 2, 2026.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts. Unfortunately, Drake is August’s ex-girlfriend’s brother and Drake doesn’t want to hurt his sister. Well, turns out that they can’t keep their hands off of each other and one thing leads to another.
I loved reading this low-angst rom-com and I’m looking forward to reading more in the series.
Amazon says this will release on June 2, 2026.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Cute! Fun! Super spicy romance between tattoo artist August and fireman Drake.
August's breakup with Serena leads him to meet her brother, Drake. There's instant chemistry between the 2. All August has to do is figure out if he wants to move to Florida with his parents, or stay where's he at now - with all his friends, his great job at Alchemy Ink, and now his new boyfriend, Drake. I don't think his final choice was much of a surprise, but it took awhile for him to realize what he should be doing. The 2 of them were also afraid Serena might be annoyed by them dating.
Great chemistry between everyone in the book - especially August and Drake. Found family, fast (& hot) burn, and lots of spice (this is a 4-star for me because there's more spice than I like in a book - easily 5 stars if you appreciate 'more').
Great series opener - I'd be eager to read the next one.
August's breakup with Serena leads him to meet her brother, Drake. There's instant chemistry between the 2. All August has to do is figure out if he wants to move to Florida with his parents, or stay where's he at now - with all his friends, his great job at Alchemy Ink, and now his new boyfriend, Drake. I don't think his final choice was much of a surprise, but it took awhile for him to realize what he should be doing. The 2 of them were also afraid Serena might be annoyed by them dating.
Great chemistry between everyone in the book - especially August and Drake. Found family, fast (& hot) burn, and lots of spice (this is a 4-star for me because there's more spice than I like in a book - easily 5 stars if you appreciate 'more').
Great series opener - I'd be eager to read the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
4.75 star:
I was happy to spend more time with the Alchemy Ink crew (as seen in The Brannon Boys series) and there's just something so warm and uplifting about the found family/group of "misfits" trope that I can not get enough!
August and Drake were super sweet, a bit spicy, and just cozy low angst vibes. Despite meeting in less than ideal circumstances; August is dumped...by Drake's sister and when Drake gets tricked into returning August's things post break up? There's a grease fire in the kitchen. It's truly a comedy of errors and miscues! Yet they banter, they spark, and they just seem to get each other from moment one.
If you are looking for an easy read, gentle on the brain, low angst with found family and a solid dash of spice? This might be the read for you.
*GRR Advanced reader. Thoughts and opinions my own*
I was happy to spend more time with the Alchemy Ink crew (as seen in The Brannon Boys series) and there's just something so warm and uplifting about the found family/group of "misfits" trope that I can not get enough!
August and Drake were super sweet, a bit spicy, and just cozy low angst vibes. Despite meeting in less than ideal circumstances; August is dumped...by Drake's sister and when Drake gets tricked into returning August's things post break up? There's a grease fire in the kitchen. It's truly a comedy of errors and miscues! Yet they banter, they spark, and they just seem to get each other from moment one.
If you are looking for an easy read, gentle on the brain, low angst with found family and a solid dash of spice? This might be the read for you.
*GRR Advanced reader. Thoughts and opinions my own*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Open Liner
Alchemy Ink Book 1
Katherine McIntyre
August and Drake
Sisters ex-boyfriend
Oral fixation
Hottie firefighter
Golden retriever tattoo artist
Perfect for each other
These two meet in an awkward meet-cute that ends up with them becoming friends. After a breakup with Drake's sister, August finds something in Drake he has never had with anyone else before.
I love how they matched each other's energies. They are perfect for each other. I loved them so much.
For so long August felt like he was too much. Drake matched his intensity in the best way. They found their person for sure in each other.
This was so good. I just loved them so much. My heart hurt for August, he needed someone to see him, to love him… and phew sheesh … these two were so hott like fire.
Drake's mouth was filthy in the best way ughhh Katherine can write kink and spice so so so good.
They were perfect for each other. I ate this up in one day. Cannot wait to read more from this world.
So thankful for this arc
Alchemy Ink Book 1
Katherine McIntyre
August and Drake
Sisters ex-boyfriend
Oral fixation
Hottie firefighter
Golden retriever tattoo artist
Perfect for each other
These two meet in an awkward meet-cute that ends up with them becoming friends. After a breakup with Drake's sister, August finds something in Drake he has never had with anyone else before.
I love how they matched each other's energies. They are perfect for each other. I loved them so much.
For so long August felt like he was too much. Drake matched his intensity in the best way. They found their person for sure in each other.
This was so good. I just loved them so much. My heart hurt for August, he needed someone to see him, to love him… and phew sheesh … these two were so hott like fire.
Drake's mouth was filthy in the best way ughhh Katherine can write kink and spice so so so good.
They were perfect for each other. I ate this up in one day. Cannot wait to read more from this world.
So thankful for this arc
Review of advance copy
This was a quick little read with a very satisfying amount of smuttiness in it! If you're in the mood for dirty talk, give thsi one a go! I have some familiarity with Katherine McIntyre's other series (specifically, the Brannon Boys), so a few familiar characters did crop up in this, which was nice, but you definitely don't need to have read those linked series to follow-along with this story. I was a little worried with the basic premise of August having dated Drake's sister immediately prior to meeting and then getting together with Drake, but it was surprisingly and pleasantly low drama! I'm excited to continue reading the series.
***
I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
***
I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy
Open Liner - August & Drake - Something True
‘I swallowed hard and settled into bed and tugged August in with me. He toppled over me, and we were a tangle of limbs, of skin, of heat. I kissed him for all I was worth, wishing, hoping he could somehow feel how much he meant to me through it. How his simple acceptance meant the world to me.’
August, sweet and chaotic tattoo artist, feels as though everyone he becomes close to leaves him. When his ex -girlfriend’s firefighter brother shows up to put out a fire, August fire begins to burn.
A wonderful feel good romance that leaves readers giggling, angsty, burning up, and ahhhhhing over Katherine McIntyre’s book one in the Alchemy Ink series!
My heart was on fire, Kat!
‘I swallowed hard and settled into bed and tugged August in with me. He toppled over me, and we were a tangle of limbs, of skin, of heat. I kissed him for all I was worth, wishing, hoping he could somehow feel how much he meant to me through it. How his simple acceptance meant the world to me.’
August, sweet and chaotic tattoo artist, feels as though everyone he becomes close to leaves him. When his ex -girlfriend’s firefighter brother shows up to put out a fire, August fire begins to burn.
A wonderful feel good romance that leaves readers giggling, angsty, burning up, and ahhhhhing over Katherine McIntyre’s book one in the Alchemy Ink series!
My heart was on fire, Kat!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25/5 I loved seeing August and Drake find one another and find the acceptance they craved. People getting the space and acceptance to be themselves always makes me happy.
I liked their shared interests as well as the ways they’re different and just figure out how to make that work—strange hours, quirky, danger, whatever it is. As a personal preference, I would have preferred a little less spice abd a little more other intimacy, but that’s just what I like best and nothing against the book. There’s a good mix overall.
The Alchemy Ink found family is awesome, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of them.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
I liked their shared interests as well as the ways they’re different and just figure out how to make that work—strange hours, quirky, danger, whatever it is. As a personal preference, I would have preferred a little less spice abd a little more other intimacy, but that’s just what I like best and nothing against the book. There’s a good mix overall.
The Alchemy Ink found family is awesome, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of them.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book. Devoured it in one afternoon. Both main characters suffer from "not enough" syndrome. Poor August has a day of being broken up with and then finding out that his parents are leaving, too! In comes Drake. Hot firefighter and all around good guy. The chemistry is immediate and their relationship builds from a fire to an inferno.
Enjoy this spinoff series in which we also get to see old friends.
Enjoy this spinoff series in which we also get to see old friends.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book one of a new series from Katherine and I can’t wait for the rest of the series just based on this book! This was a funny and sweet book to read. I loved the banter that these two had between each other. I loved Drake and August were prefect together! I loved the instant attraction and longing but how they held back as much as they could. I think that they distance that they tried to keep was what helped deepen their book and mad their chemistry scorching hot! Their personalities were opposites of each other but they would perfectly together. Drake and August get a shock of their lives towards the end of the book and it had me laughing so much. I am so glad that these two got an HEA they needed and served.
I received an ebook copy of this book and I am voluntary leaving my honest review.
I received an ebook copy of this book and I am voluntary leaving my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what a fun book!
The first in the Alchemy Ink series (the tattoo studio we already got to know from the Brannon Boys series).
The book tells the story of the relationship between August (Rory’s roommate from Direct Nailing) and Drake. The main issue in the story is that Drake is August’s ex-girlfriend’s brother.
I loved their dynamic and how well they suited each other, even in moments of personal insecurity.
A funny book, with emotion and very steamy scenes.
Highly recommended.
The first in the Alchemy Ink series (the tattoo studio we already got to know from the Brannon Boys series).
The book tells the story of the relationship between August (Rory’s roommate from Direct Nailing) and Drake. The main issue in the story is that Drake is August’s ex-girlfriend’s brother.
I loved their dynamic and how well they suited each other, even in moments of personal insecurity.
A funny book, with emotion and very steamy scenes.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you've read the author's other series Hot Under the Collar and Brannon Boys you'll recognize a few names. Love the worlds Katherine has built for these books.
Enjoyed the glimpse into the lives of August (tattoo artist at Alchemy Ink) and Drake (hottie firefighter). The pairing and personality of these two are just Chef's Kiss 💋 🔥 and they also have fantastic taste in music!
Enjoyed the glimpse into the lives of August (tattoo artist at Alchemy Ink) and Drake (hottie firefighter). The pairing and personality of these two are just Chef's Kiss 💋 🔥 and they also have fantastic taste in music!
Review of advance copy
What a wonderful story. Two souls finding each other. Although in the beginning they struggle to admit that they feel more for each other than just passion.
But love cannot be denied. So fortunately, they dare to admit that they love each other, so that nothing stands in their way anymore.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
But love cannot be denied. So fortunately, they dare to admit that they love each other, so that nothing stands in their way anymore.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wonderful story of August, a tattoo artist and Drake, firefighter who meet at a fire. That's when the flames start between these two, but being an ex of your sister just might douse it. Loved the characters and how they were together. Highly recommend.
May 6, 2026
Absolutely loved August and Drake’s story. It’s sweet, fun, with amazing characters, terrific banter, instant attraction, low angst, and sizzling chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, one click today, you won't regret it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed Drake and Auggie, despite the questionable names. I liked that they were exactly what the other needed, and were just right for each other, despite being too much for their former partners. Lovely MCs and a good low-angst read.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
FRTF
Review of advance copy received from Author
Auch an adorably sweet story. I love August and Drake so much! I cannot get enough of the found family in this series
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