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Inked Brotherhood #4
Dylan
From the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Jo Raven comes the fourth installment in the Inked Brotherhood series which began with ASHER.
When you’ve tried your best for years and never managed to please your demanding parents… When you’ve fallen head over heels for someone who keeps ignoring you… When you’ve hit rock bottom.
Tessa is this close to giving up – on her authoritative parents and their demands, on her studies, on everything in her life.
Including Dylan. The one boy she has loved since she can remember. The one who dated her and promised her forever when they were fourteen, and then dumped her without an explanation only to ignore her ever since.
The one who shows up to save her from violence before the stroke of midnight, who kisses her and holds her close, only to tell her in the course of the same night he doesn’t love her.
Tessa knows Dylan has gone through some tough times, and they’re only getting tougher - but is he telling the truth about his lack of feelings for her, or is he running from his own demons?
The way Tessa sees it, she has two options: run away, leaving it all behind - or stay to fight against her controlling family, and win back Dylan. She has a feeling he needs her, and how can she leave when he's the only man who’s ever made her feel alive?
Standalone novel. No cliffhanger.
*Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Mature readers only. Not intended for young readers.*
When you’ve tried your best for years and never managed to please your demanding parents… When you’ve fallen head over heels for someone who keeps ignoring you… When you’ve hit rock bottom.
Tessa is this close to giving up – on her authoritative parents and their demands, on her studies, on everything in her life.
Including Dylan. The one boy she has loved since she can remember. The one who dated her and promised her forever when they were fourteen, and then dumped her without an explanation only to ignore her ever since.
The one who shows up to save her from violence before the stroke of midnight, who kisses her and holds her close, only to tell her in the course of the same night he doesn’t love her.
Tessa knows Dylan has gone through some tough times, and they’re only getting tougher - but is he telling the truth about his lack of feelings for her, or is he running from his own demons?
The way Tessa sees it, she has two options: run away, leaving it all behind - or stay to fight against her controlling family, and win back Dylan. She has a feeling he needs her, and how can she leave when he's the only man who’s ever made her feel alive?
Standalone novel. No cliffhanger.
*Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Mature readers only. Not intended for young readers.*
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2015
283 people are currently reading
1571 people want to read
About the author
Jo Raven
49 books2,781 followersBe the first to get your hands on Jo Raven’s new releases & offers, giveaways, previews, and more by signing up here ▶ http://bit.ly/1CTNTHM
Jo Raven is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, best known for her series Inked Brotherhood and Damage Control. She writes edgy, contemporary New Adult romance with sexy bad boys and strong-willed heroines. She writes about MME fighters and tattoo artists, dark pasts that bleed into the present, loyalty and raw emotion. Add to that breathtaking suspense, super-hot sex scenes and a happy ending, and you have a Jo Raven® story.
Meet Jo Raven online – on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJoRaven), chat with her on Twitter (@AuthorJoRaven) and join her readers group for sneak previews of her covers and stories (http://on.fb.me/1K2LvzO).
Jo Raven is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, best known for her series Inked Brotherhood and Damage Control. She writes edgy, contemporary New Adult romance with sexy bad boys and strong-willed heroines. She writes about MME fighters and tattoo artists, dark pasts that bleed into the present, loyalty and raw emotion. Add to that breathtaking suspense, super-hot sex scenes and a happy ending, and you have a Jo Raven® story.
Meet Jo Raven online – on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJoRaven), chat with her on Twitter (@AuthorJoRaven) and join her readers group for sneak previews of her covers and stories (http://on.fb.me/1K2LvzO).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
June 13, 2018
i read rafe by the same author. book 5 i think. i do not really particularly enjoy it. i think the characters are weak and the plot is also weak.
and after i finish dylan then it hits me. this book is slow burn steamy romance. its never meant to focus on story or the development of the character.
realizing that, i rate 3 stars. purely because of the slow burn steamy romance.
and after i finish dylan then it hits me. this book is slow burn steamy romance. its never meant to focus on story or the development of the character.
realizing that, i rate 3 stars. purely because of the slow burn steamy romance.
January 8, 2015
*ARC received in exchange for honest review*
Dylan Hayes is a man who can't have what he wants. A normal life. The woman of his dreams. A social life. He's busy looking after his two little brothers, Miles and Teo, after their dad walked out a year ago, suffering depression. As well as looking after the two boys, he holds down a job and college as well. How long will it take from him to break? Will and old high school girlfriend, Tessa, come back and save the day?
oh hot Damn! Jo has done it again! eeek! absolutely amazing! The storyline was strong, capitalising your attention from the get go. The writing style is perfection in itself. Oh how I love love love this series! looking forward to more!
Aimed at mature audiences of 18+ with mild violence and hot to trot sexual encounters ;)
Dylan Hayes is a man who can't have what he wants. A normal life. The woman of his dreams. A social life. He's busy looking after his two little brothers, Miles and Teo, after their dad walked out a year ago, suffering depression. As well as looking after the two boys, he holds down a job and college as well. How long will it take from him to break? Will and old high school girlfriend, Tessa, come back and save the day?
oh hot Damn! Jo has done it again! eeek! absolutely amazing! The storyline was strong, capitalising your attention from the get go. The writing style is perfection in itself. Oh how I love love love this series! looking forward to more!
Aimed at mature audiences of 18+ with mild violence and hot to trot sexual encounters ;)
June 1, 2017
very good!
January 22, 2015
HOLY MOTHER OF ALL AMAZING STORIES!!!!
Yes, all the boys have a story to tell. All of them have been amazing and have sucked me in. I have fallen in love, saved,cried, laughed with all of them. But... Dylan, oh Dylan. I felt you. You touched me and when I get touched I love harder, cry harder, and laugh, but I didn't laugh too much with you. Why? Well because I FUCKEN GOT YOU!!!
Once again our fearless and talented leader, Jo, has given a story worth reading, worth sharing worth holding close to our hearts. The love between Dylan and Tessa is undeniable, it was written in the stars. It was meant to hurt, meant to sting meant to be put through the hell it was; they came out on top!!!
Miles and Teo gained two people that will give everything for them and will never think twice. This book gave us what a real life relationship worth having and fighting for is about. The feeling, emotion, and writing shined through, things that a reader wants.
Jo, has grown as writer and it is evident in this book. She has always given us amazing reads. But, for me this book was one of her best. Zane got me but Dylan out did him. Maybe it was the personal connection of the story. But this couple has moved to the top of my list as a favorite.
Tessa is one badass chick. That girl is one strong female if I like one thing is a strong chick. Homegirl held her own and was able to carry her part beautifully. The girl is classy and man did she fight, never went down. Yes, she has her issues but show me a female that doesn't.
I love the bond that all the characters have and love how they are so tight with one another. A BROTHERHOOD!!!!
Jo, I applaud you and I look forward to the Rafe. You my dear a FOR SURE One-Click author.
Yes, all the boys have a story to tell. All of them have been amazing and have sucked me in. I have fallen in love, saved,cried, laughed with all of them. But... Dylan, oh Dylan. I felt you. You touched me and when I get touched I love harder, cry harder, and laugh, but I didn't laugh too much with you. Why? Well because I FUCKEN GOT YOU!!!
Once again our fearless and talented leader, Jo, has given a story worth reading, worth sharing worth holding close to our hearts. The love between Dylan and Tessa is undeniable, it was written in the stars. It was meant to hurt, meant to sting meant to be put through the hell it was; they came out on top!!!
Miles and Teo gained two people that will give everything for them and will never think twice. This book gave us what a real life relationship worth having and fighting for is about. The feeling, emotion, and writing shined through, things that a reader wants.
Jo, has grown as writer and it is evident in this book. She has always given us amazing reads. But, for me this book was one of her best. Zane got me but Dylan out did him. Maybe it was the personal connection of the story. But this couple has moved to the top of my list as a favorite.
Tessa is one badass chick. That girl is one strong female if I like one thing is a strong chick. Homegirl held her own and was able to carry her part beautifully. The girl is classy and man did she fight, never went down. Yes, she has her issues but show me a female that doesn't.
I love the bond that all the characters have and love how they are so tight with one another. A BROTHERHOOD!!!!
Jo, I applaud you and I look forward to the Rafe. You my dear a FOR SURE One-Click author.
April 17, 2015
One may ask why I keep doing this to myself and keep reading books in this series. I have a love/hate relationship with this series. The love part is that I find my self being very curious about the characters and what when on in their lives to make them the way they are. So I keep reading each book in the series to know about the characters. And I really want to know more about Rafe and his situation.
It's not that I just flat hate the series but like I have said before there is just something missing from each book.
The author takes the time out to tell us about things that has happened with these characters but when it comes time to put those things into the story and tell us about it just falls flat. Tessa went through some serious stuff but we don't really tackle those issues and what can steam from them. And also the situation with her dad was ever really happened with that. I also wondered about her sister would she ever reappear?
We definitely find out more about Dylan but there was something still missing. The situation with his mom and dad I just wanted more insight.
It's not that I just flat hate the series but like I have said before there is just something missing from each book.
The author takes the time out to tell us about things that has happened with these characters but when it comes time to put those things into the story and tell us about it just falls flat. Tessa went through some serious stuff but we don't really tackle those issues and what can steam from them. And also the situation with her dad was ever really happened with that. I also wondered about her sister would she ever reappear?
We definitely find out more about Dylan but there was something still missing. The situation with his mom and dad I just wanted more insight.
February 22, 2015
This is just another fantastic addition to the Inked Brotherhood series by Jo Raven. It’s filled with love and tenderness, but lots of push and pull of conflicting emotion. The book centers on two people that have loved each other since those young teenage years. Now at the age of nineteen, they look at each other with the longingness of “what could possibly be”. Neither one, though, is willing to take the chance of getting hurt once again. But, when they’re thrown together because of circumstances surrounding family, they can’t help but feel that pull of intimacy. Could this just be an attraction with benefits arrangement or is there more going on here?
Tessa has loved Dylan forever, but he broke up with her and she was devastated. She looks at him with that want to be with him. But, he doesn’t even look her way. Why? What did she ever do to him? Her life is just plain horrible. With a father who is nothing but condescending and not willing to even listen to what she wants to do with her life along with a mother who is nothing but a doormat and never willing to speak up, she just can’t stomach her parents anymore along with their controlling ways. She just wanted to live her own life. Make her own decisions. She wanted to have fun with her friends. Not go to charity events with stuck-up snobs. That life just wasn’t for her. She was meant to have a career. Everytime she thought of how her father treated her mother, she cringed. There was no way that that life was for her.
And, Dylan, he thinks of Tessa often, even going as far as staring at a picture of her on the wall of his room every day to remind him of what he’s lost. He has two younger brothers that need him. He’s all they’ve got. So, it’s his first priority to take care of them. He really is the best older brother ever. Such love and dedication he shows to his brothers, Miles and Teo. But, unfortunately, it’s wearing him down. He’s tired. He would do anything for those boys, though. I couldn’t help but feel my heart squeeze quite a bit for a young man that thinks of his younger brothers before himself. He might as well have been their dad. He sure acted like it. He was dependable and hard-working. Caring and considerate. One amazing man!
Will these two individuals find their way back to each other? Are they willing to take a chance on something so wonderful that they could possibly have? Ms. Raven writes a beautiful romantic story with good friends supporting them along the way. The reader will get glimpses of characters from past books' present lives as they attempt to protect their friends. The two main characters were both strong and resilient people. Willing to do what it took to find some sort of peace and happiness. They were both pretty stubborn, though, but they’ve been hurt, and it takes a lot to trust again. Whenever these two were near each other, you could just feel the heat in their stares and in their actions. And, when they got together, it was sizzling. It was way beyond hot! The author created such a swoon-worthy character in Dylan when she portrayed him as such a protective and dedicated young male. He really was such a nice guy. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him when all the responbility was left on him to raise his two young brothers. And, Tessa was all heart and spirit. She also loved those two little boys. And, if Dylan would just let her in, she would prove to him just how much she was willing to stick around and show him what he meant to her. Loved this couple! And, I was cheering for them to get their “happily ever after”. This was a quick read for me, and I can’t help but enjoy this series of books so much! Every book just sucks the reader in with awe and enjoyment. Each new story is painful but yet uplifting. Protection and honesty is key. And, love is in the background just waiting to be set free. Another winner by author, Jo Raven! Can’t wait for Rafe’s story to be told...
And, DAMN, another glorious cover!!! Where does Ms. Raven get these guys??? MUY CALIENTE!!!
Tessa has loved Dylan forever, but he broke up with her and she was devastated. She looks at him with that want to be with him. But, he doesn’t even look her way. Why? What did she ever do to him? Her life is just plain horrible. With a father who is nothing but condescending and not willing to even listen to what she wants to do with her life along with a mother who is nothing but a doormat and never willing to speak up, she just can’t stomach her parents anymore along with their controlling ways. She just wanted to live her own life. Make her own decisions. She wanted to have fun with her friends. Not go to charity events with stuck-up snobs. That life just wasn’t for her. She was meant to have a career. Everytime she thought of how her father treated her mother, she cringed. There was no way that that life was for her.
And, Dylan, he thinks of Tessa often, even going as far as staring at a picture of her on the wall of his room every day to remind him of what he’s lost. He has two younger brothers that need him. He’s all they’ve got. So, it’s his first priority to take care of them. He really is the best older brother ever. Such love and dedication he shows to his brothers, Miles and Teo. But, unfortunately, it’s wearing him down. He’s tired. He would do anything for those boys, though. I couldn’t help but feel my heart squeeze quite a bit for a young man that thinks of his younger brothers before himself. He might as well have been their dad. He sure acted like it. He was dependable and hard-working. Caring and considerate. One amazing man!
Will these two individuals find their way back to each other? Are they willing to take a chance on something so wonderful that they could possibly have? Ms. Raven writes a beautiful romantic story with good friends supporting them along the way. The reader will get glimpses of characters from past books' present lives as they attempt to protect their friends. The two main characters were both strong and resilient people. Willing to do what it took to find some sort of peace and happiness. They were both pretty stubborn, though, but they’ve been hurt, and it takes a lot to trust again. Whenever these two were near each other, you could just feel the heat in their stares and in their actions. And, when they got together, it was sizzling. It was way beyond hot! The author created such a swoon-worthy character in Dylan when she portrayed him as such a protective and dedicated young male. He really was such a nice guy. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him when all the responbility was left on him to raise his two young brothers. And, Tessa was all heart and spirit. She also loved those two little boys. And, if Dylan would just let her in, she would prove to him just how much she was willing to stick around and show him what he meant to her. Loved this couple! And, I was cheering for them to get their “happily ever after”. This was a quick read for me, and I can’t help but enjoy this series of books so much! Every book just sucks the reader in with awe and enjoyment. Each new story is painful but yet uplifting. Protection and honesty is key. And, love is in the background just waiting to be set free. Another winner by author, Jo Raven! Can’t wait for Rafe’s story to be told...
And, DAMN, another glorious cover!!! Where does Ms. Raven get these guys??? MUY CALIENTE!!!
January 14, 2015
And Jo Raven did it again!
I'm not surprised that I've fallen in love with Dylan. I love Jo's broken characters and seeing them overcome everything is pretty amazing. I always get her characters, from their feelings to their motivations and actions. It's not often that I sympathize to characters to such an extent, so it's always a wonderful journey for me. :)
If you're looking for some h-o-t scenes too, you won't be disappointed! I think I blushed at least once while reading. I'm not complaining here!
Dylan made me swoon with his little brothers. Tessa made me proud when she stood up for herself. Both characters together are a perfect match and I'm beyond delighted that I followed their adventure.
Thank you a lot, Jo Raven, for this amazing new book. Now, I'm sure you can guess what I'm about to write next... No?
I need RAFE! ;)
I'm not surprised that I've fallen in love with Dylan. I love Jo's broken characters and seeing them overcome everything is pretty amazing. I always get her characters, from their feelings to their motivations and actions. It's not often that I sympathize to characters to such an extent, so it's always a wonderful journey for me. :)
If you're looking for some h-o-t scenes too, you won't be disappointed! I think I blushed at least once while reading. I'm not complaining here!
Dylan made me swoon with his little brothers. Tessa made me proud when she stood up for herself. Both characters together are a perfect match and I'm beyond delighted that I followed their adventure.
Thank you a lot, Jo Raven, for this amazing new book. Now, I'm sure you can guess what I'm about to write next... No?
I need RAFE! ;)
January 8, 2015
Holy wow I have been waiting for Dylan's book and I can say I wasn't disappointed. Like all the guys in this series Dylan has had a pretty crap live which lead him to let go of the one person he truly cared for, Tessa. Tessa has been pinning for Dylan since she was younger but has finally decided enough is a enough until her ex shows up and Dylan is there to help her. No spoilers from me you just need to read this book when it goes live. It shows life isn't always easy and people make mistakes but there's always a second chance if you want something enough.
ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
Reviewer for Nerdy Book Freak
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ARC provided by the author for an honest review.
Reviewer for Nerdy Book Freak
Https://www.facebook.com/nerdybookfre...
January 14, 2015
***ARC provided by Author for honest review***
After reading Zane's book last year, I couldn't wait to learn more about Dylan & Tessa, and what their story was all about! I couldn't put this book down! I was so hooked on the story line and the characters! If you haven't started this series yet you need to. All the boys in the Inked Brotherhood will have you melting in no time, and Dylan was defiantly no exception. This series just keeps getting better and better. Now I cant wait for Rafe's book to come out next!
After reading Zane's book last year, I couldn't wait to learn more about Dylan & Tessa, and what their story was all about! I couldn't put this book down! I was so hooked on the story line and the characters! If you haven't started this series yet you need to. All the boys in the Inked Brotherhood will have you melting in no time, and Dylan was defiantly no exception. This series just keeps getting better and better. Now I cant wait for Rafe's book to come out next!
February 4, 2015
****There are spoilers in part of this review, I have indicated a safe stopping place in case you are interested in reading, but don't want to have the story line ruined****
I've truly enjoyed all of Jo Raven's books about the Inked Brotherhood and I was incredibly excited to start her newest novel Dylan.
Dylan's had a rough life. His mother abandoned him years ago and his father has struggled with depression ever since and is barely ever around. This leaves Dylan with a ton of responsibility as he takes on the role of guardian for his two younger brothers. To add to his burdens, he's been suppressing his feelings for the one girl who has always been it for him.
Tessa. She's always loved Dylan and despite what he thinks, her life has been far from easy. Her parents basically control every aspect of her life and it takes a rather dramatic event for her to see that it's time she start living for herself.
Now, I have to giver Jo Raven credit for the phenomenal characters she has created in all her books, but especially with these two. From the very start (Asher) I've been rooting for these two to finally get their act together and be happy just like all the others that have come before them. However, while I love these characters I feel as though this book didn't do them justice. STOP HERE TO AVOID SPOILERS!!!!
!!!!I SAID STOP HERE TO AVOID SPOILERS!!!
Now, my biggest complaint with this books is all of the details in the characters' lives that Jo fails to expand on. For example, pretty early on we learn than Tessa was raped shortly after she broke up with Dylan when she was 16. Now, this is a pretty traumatic experience that Jo could have really build up to give Tessa more depth (she still has depth) but instead it is swept under the rug until her rapist comes back into the picture. Even then, it's not so much an issue that she was raped, but that her rapist is back in town. This isn't the only place where Jo failed to define Tessa more. Between the issues with her parents, school, and even being cut off there was really little development of Tessa's problem. Unless, of course, you count her issues with trusting Dylan again.
Basically, I felt like this whole book was about Dylan without really building up the full picture of who Tessa was. I think that if Jo Raven had took more time to write about Tessa and her struggles to overcome her past then the book could have been even better. Don't get me wrong, it was great... but it could have been awesome. Instead it's my least favorite of the series. Mainly because all of Tessa's problems seem inconsequential; their easily handled and her life just lines up perfectly once she makes up with Dylan and decides to be with him. I think this approaches really takes away from her personal story and makes it seem like the struggles she encountered weren't that big of a deal.
I've truly enjoyed all of Jo Raven's books about the Inked Brotherhood and I was incredibly excited to start her newest novel Dylan.
Dylan's had a rough life. His mother abandoned him years ago and his father has struggled with depression ever since and is barely ever around. This leaves Dylan with a ton of responsibility as he takes on the role of guardian for his two younger brothers. To add to his burdens, he's been suppressing his feelings for the one girl who has always been it for him.
Tessa. She's always loved Dylan and despite what he thinks, her life has been far from easy. Her parents basically control every aspect of her life and it takes a rather dramatic event for her to see that it's time she start living for herself.
Now, I have to giver Jo Raven credit for the phenomenal characters she has created in all her books, but especially with these two. From the very start (Asher) I've been rooting for these two to finally get their act together and be happy just like all the others that have come before them. However, while I love these characters I feel as though this book didn't do them justice. STOP HERE TO AVOID SPOILERS!!!!
!!!!I SAID STOP HERE TO AVOID SPOILERS!!!
Now, my biggest complaint with this books is all of the details in the characters' lives that Jo fails to expand on. For example, pretty early on we learn than Tessa was raped shortly after she broke up with Dylan when she was 16. Now, this is a pretty traumatic experience that Jo could have really build up to give Tessa more depth (she still has depth) but instead it is swept under the rug until her rapist comes back into the picture. Even then, it's not so much an issue that she was raped, but that her rapist is back in town. This isn't the only place where Jo failed to define Tessa more. Between the issues with her parents, school, and even being cut off there was really little development of Tessa's problem. Unless, of course, you count her issues with trusting Dylan again.
Basically, I felt like this whole book was about Dylan without really building up the full picture of who Tessa was. I think that if Jo Raven had took more time to write about Tessa and her struggles to overcome her past then the book could have been even better. Don't get me wrong, it was great... but it could have been awesome. Instead it's my least favorite of the series. Mainly because all of Tessa's problems seem inconsequential; their easily handled and her life just lines up perfectly once she makes up with Dylan and decides to be with him. I think this approaches really takes away from her personal story and makes it seem like the struggles she encountered weren't that big of a deal.
August 23, 2015
******************** Reviewed for Our Kindle Konfessions ************************
Another great addition to this amazing series, the stories just keep on getting better and better !
As with all of Jo's books they evoke emotions of hopelessness and heartbreak often at the hands of those who should give us unconditional love.
As a reader of all of this series Dylan had appeared briefly throughout the series but we knew very little about him, apart from the fact Tessa loved him and had for a very long time. Usually it's the guys in this series that suffer the heartache. It was refreshing to see Tessa with all that money and security, struggle with who she is and what she really wants in life, battling against the life her parents have set out for her. Just as Tessa decides to give up on Dylan, Dylan's Life comes crashing down around him leading him to rely on Tessa and his friends to survive.
Dylan had me swooning, he's one hot guy who puts his family first, can cook, and make a girl feel like a million dollars ! Hell I wanted Dylan !!!!!!
We also get to see how the other couples are fairing too, which I loved and there's some exciting news from Asher and Audrey !
This book is a roller coaster of a read that will take you from the depths of despair to the heights of happiness - with some hot, was going to say bedroom scenes but they rarely made it to the bedroom !
Looking forward to Rafe's story now !!!!
Another great addition to this amazing series, the stories just keep on getting better and better !
As with all of Jo's books they evoke emotions of hopelessness and heartbreak often at the hands of those who should give us unconditional love.
As a reader of all of this series Dylan had appeared briefly throughout the series but we knew very little about him, apart from the fact Tessa loved him and had for a very long time. Usually it's the guys in this series that suffer the heartache. It was refreshing to see Tessa with all that money and security, struggle with who she is and what she really wants in life, battling against the life her parents have set out for her. Just as Tessa decides to give up on Dylan, Dylan's Life comes crashing down around him leading him to rely on Tessa and his friends to survive.
Dylan had me swooning, he's one hot guy who puts his family first, can cook, and make a girl feel like a million dollars ! Hell I wanted Dylan !!!!!!
We also get to see how the other couples are fairing too, which I loved and there's some exciting news from Asher and Audrey !
This book is a roller coaster of a read that will take you from the depths of despair to the heights of happiness - with some hot, was going to say bedroom scenes but they rarely made it to the bedroom !
Looking forward to Rafe's story now !!!!
June 10, 2015
WOW!!!!
First off it wasn't my favourite book within the series for me so far that was Zane. But I really liked the storyline and even though Dylan's dad sort of creeped me out a bit, it made the reader want to know more. At the same time I couldn't put it down, but I didn't want to carry on because I knew Dylan's dad would mess up. I loved the relationship between Dylan and Tessa, I think the way Jo Raven has built it up over the pass books, really helped the reader connect with them.
Dylan is so loveable as well with how he looks after his brothers and is basically a single parent of two. I really fell in love with him. However I think it dragged a bit at certain points where the other books in the series didn't. I also fully anticipated Sean coming back and causing havoc after the restraining order. I really ready for it and completely prepared myself ... And then it just never happened. I think it would have been good to dig into Tessa and Sean a bit further to find complete closure, even though it did States at the end that he moved back to England. But I really did enjoy this book guys so check it out!!
First off it wasn't my favourite book within the series for me so far that was Zane. But I really liked the storyline and even though Dylan's dad sort of creeped me out a bit, it made the reader want to know more. At the same time I couldn't put it down, but I didn't want to carry on because I knew Dylan's dad would mess up. I loved the relationship between Dylan and Tessa, I think the way Jo Raven has built it up over the pass books, really helped the reader connect with them.
Dylan is so loveable as well with how he looks after his brothers and is basically a single parent of two. I really fell in love with him. However I think it dragged a bit at certain points where the other books in the series didn't. I also fully anticipated Sean coming back and causing havoc after the restraining order. I really ready for it and completely prepared myself ... And then it just never happened. I think it would have been good to dig into Tessa and Sean a bit further to find complete closure, even though it did States at the end that he moved back to England. But I really did enjoy this book guys so check it out!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2015
4.5*
Dylan, an interesting and nice read.
From the start up to the last, I was hooked.
The story and the characters are great.
One thing that I like about this book is that I can easily feel the emotions of the characters and I was easily get attached to them.
The characters, Dylan and Tessa are great.
Dylan, an amazing brother but because of the responsibility that was thrown to him, he became somewhat detached to other people (especially Tessa).
Tessa, even though she has an amazing life, she’s a down-to-earth person and has a kind heart.
The story, it’s great.
I love how it made me interested and attached to it.
The drama/issue is amazing.
With the responsibilities that is thrown into Dylan’s way, he broke up with Tessa.
With Tessa’s problem with her parents, especially her dad, and with Dylan’s avoidance to her, she’s like thinking that she’s not perfect and good enough to be proud of and loved.
As the story goes, the two will learn to love and have a second chance but will their love be enough to have a happy ending?
The way the story ended is good.
Loved it!
Ms. Jo did it again!
Dylan, an interesting and nice read.
From the start up to the last, I was hooked.
The story and the characters are great.
One thing that I like about this book is that I can easily feel the emotions of the characters and I was easily get attached to them.
The characters, Dylan and Tessa are great.
Dylan, an amazing brother but because of the responsibility that was thrown to him, he became somewhat detached to other people (especially Tessa).
Tessa, even though she has an amazing life, she’s a down-to-earth person and has a kind heart.
The story, it’s great.
I love how it made me interested and attached to it.
The drama/issue is amazing.
With the responsibilities that is thrown into Dylan’s way, he broke up with Tessa.
With Tessa’s problem with her parents, especially her dad, and with Dylan’s avoidance to her, she’s like thinking that she’s not perfect and good enough to be proud of and loved.
As the story goes, the two will learn to love and have a second chance but will their love be enough to have a happy ending?
The way the story ended is good.
Loved it!
Ms. Jo did it again!
January 25, 2015
Dylan by Jo Raven is a good 4 star read. While this is a part of a series I enjoyed that it could be read as a standalone, that being said it was also nice to see characters from earlier in the series. Some pros of this book are its secondary characters that are able to complement the main couple. RAVEN was able to make a girl of privilege likeable and a boy from the wrong side of the tracks have depth and the potential to be more in the future. Dylan was able to be both an alpha male and family man. While both Dylan and Tessa are under 20 they didn’t come off as bratty teens in a NA novel. Raven was also able to make Dylan’s two brothers age appropriate without the need to constantly remind the reader that little children were in the room. Overall this is a well-developed book that I would recommend to others. I wish the ex-boyfriend line was more developed and went on a little longer for more drama. One last thing I noted was there were only a few grammatical errors that stood out or interfered with my reading which is always a plus. I’d recommend this read for any fans of Raven or anyone who would like a nice easy read.
November 8, 2015
Flove this series
I love these guys, each with their own issues and each needing a heroine to come in and sweep them off their feet. Each have their own battles and story to tell as to how they get there but the end results is the same and I love it.
Dylan was drowning in life, alone to look after his brothers, working,paying bills and didn't see himself as worthy of Tessa he let her go when his life started going downhill.
years later it seams Tessa also had her own struggles and faced with Dylan again once bitten twice shy she had been let down and let go by Dylan once was she brave enough to try again and would he let her help him.
A hot fast paced read with great characters can be read as a stand alone or you can follow the guys in the series as the other characters do make an appearance in each book.
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reviewed by fb and goodreads group BBBf & L.A B.B
I love these guys, each with their own issues and each needing a heroine to come in and sweep them off their feet. Each have their own battles and story to tell as to how they get there but the end results is the same and I love it.
Dylan was drowning in life, alone to look after his brothers, working,paying bills and didn't see himself as worthy of Tessa he let her go when his life started going downhill.
years later it seams Tessa also had her own struggles and faced with Dylan again once bitten twice shy she had been let down and let go by Dylan once was she brave enough to try again and would he let her help him.
A hot fast paced read with great characters can be read as a stand alone or you can follow the guys in the series as the other characters do make an appearance in each book.
https://www.facebook.com/sizzlereads/...
https://www.facebook.com/LoveABadBoy/...
reviewed by fb and goodreads group BBBf & L.A B.B
January 20, 2015
I have loved all of Jo's books and I have to say that this was my favourite. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dylan is a man who is struggling in life, having to look after his two younger brothers and fight his feelings for the woman he loves, he loves her so much that he pushes her away as he thinks its the best thing for her. He soon becomes her night in shining armour when she meets someone from her past, things get heated and passion soon flows. But they both still fight it.
Such a great book, well worth a read as are all the books in this series. It's easy to read and will have you turning pages late into the night.
I cant wait for Rafe's book.
Well done Jo
Dylan is a man who is struggling in life, having to look after his two younger brothers and fight his feelings for the woman he loves, he loves her so much that he pushes her away as he thinks its the best thing for her. He soon becomes her night in shining armour when she meets someone from her past, things get heated and passion soon flows. But they both still fight it.
Such a great book, well worth a read as are all the books in this series. It's easy to read and will have you turning pages late into the night.
I cant wait for Rafe's book.
Well done Jo
January 25, 2015
wow!!
I received this ARC'S for an honest review on behalf of louise 'loppylou' bailey book blog.
wow I fell in love with Dylan and Tess, I could relate to tess story from my own experiences, The book touch my heart, Think I have to say it is one of my favourite book's so far. Having to fight his feelings (Dylan) because he thought it was best, didn't want to fall in love for the risk of being empty soul like his Dad was when his Mum left. But it just made his life unhappy. I had to keep putting the book down just because I didn't want the book to end at all. so much care and attention to detail
All Jo Raven books I would highly recommend to read.....
I received this ARC'S for an honest review on behalf of louise 'loppylou' bailey book blog.
wow I fell in love with Dylan and Tess, I could relate to tess story from my own experiences, The book touch my heart, Think I have to say it is one of my favourite book's so far. Having to fight his feelings (Dylan) because he thought it was best, didn't want to fall in love for the risk of being empty soul like his Dad was when his Mum left. But it just made his life unhappy. I had to keep putting the book down just because I didn't want the book to end at all. so much care and attention to detail
All Jo Raven books I would highly recommend to read.....
March 1, 2015
Fantastic and steamy with great story behind it. Less than ideal parents, fab friends. Dylan has to takeover the parenting of his two younger siblings, with no money, sick brother, bills mounting, feeling washed out himself, you can feel his anguish, feel the love for his brothers, feel his pain, his fears! Will he be willing to give love to anyone but his two little brothers? This is a fantastic, heartwarming story, which will probably make you hold your breath, jump, smile, flinch and have many other feelings while reading it. Loved it
July 1, 2015
I can't put this series down! Love, love, love it. I have been waiting for Dylan's story since the beginning. It was everything I hoped it would be! Only one more to go....then the spinoff series!
July 12, 2016
For a tight knit brotherhood, when one of the "brothers" is in trouble, no one seems to be around to help, a common theme. Another is once they hook up with their dream girl, nothing and no one else matters. The bones of the story are solid, but the delivery falls short. Don't think I'll read Rafe.
June 11, 2017
Dylan was not the hero I expected--and I mean that in the best way! He'd been a little bit of an ass at times in other books, but no one knew what he was hiding. He had a lot on his plate: mom left, dad fell off the deep end, and two younger brothers who needed him. He did his best to step up and be there for them, but it was a lot for a young man his age.
He'd let go of his dreams--and one of them was Tessa. She didn't understand, was understandably hurt, and yet she couldn't quite let go. He was the best thing in her life, thanks to a controlling, overbearing father and mostly-absent mother. Worse, her father kept pushing a cruel, sadistic of a boyfriend at her. It was almost better to be ignored by Dylan and remember the love they once shared.
Dylan was afraid to try, Tessa was afraid to trust, but the feelings didn't go away. I loved how they worked their way through the pitfalls of the past and tried to establish a present--and future. Loved how the Brotherhood stepped in, loved Dylan's little brothers, and just the whole story worked for me.
Another winner from Jo Raven!
He'd let go of his dreams--and one of them was Tessa. She didn't understand, was understandably hurt, and yet she couldn't quite let go. He was the best thing in her life, thanks to a controlling, overbearing father and mostly-absent mother. Worse, her father kept pushing a cruel, sadistic of a boyfriend at her. It was almost better to be ignored by Dylan and remember the love they once shared.
Dylan was afraid to try, Tessa was afraid to trust, but the feelings didn't go away. I loved how they worked their way through the pitfalls of the past and tried to establish a present--and future. Loved how the Brotherhood stepped in, loved Dylan's little brothers, and just the whole story worked for me.
Another winner from Jo Raven!
September 2, 2017
I am so loving the Inked Brotherhood series. The connection between the male friends is deep and special. Each one, Dylan obviously in this book, has such a troubled, tragic background with which they are still struggling, and the girl they fall in love with just right for them and the healing love they share helps them to move forward with their life and find happiness. Tessa and Dylan were together for a year in high school before his issues caused him to break up with her and push her away. They are now part of the same general group of friends, but their ties are very superficial while they struggle to cope with the abiding feelings that still exist. Tessa has issues of her own dealing with family expectations and the desire to be accepted and shown affection by her rich but cold parents. Her father especially is truly awful. A well-written, beautiful love story. Now, I'm looking forward to Rafe's story.
August 24, 2018
This one wasn't so brutal in what was going on with Dylan as all the rest. In fact most of it was predictable from what was going on with Dylan, to what happened at the end to all of them. I did get a bit annoyed with Dylan for yo-yoing on Tessa, she deserved better. Glad Dylan got his shit figured out by the end.
October 17, 2016
Podéis leer mi reseña aquí: http://www.abrilcamino.com/2016/10/le...
January 8, 2017
This is the typical case of the boy that doesn't know what he has until he lost it. For years Tessa has been there for Dylan, while he ignores her, and when she finally gets tired and decides to move on, he decides that he wants her after all. I get that Dylan had a lot on his plate and that things were difficult for him, but he was a jerk. And it took her a long time, but Tessa finally stood up for herself, not only with her family, but with Dylan, and I liked that a lot, because it's hard to go against your instincts, and her instincts were to please everyone. It's one of those stories where I don't know if I'm glad they finally got together or be angry that they ended up together. But let's say that love won at the end.
This is the kind of book you read if you are already invested in the series or you don't mind getting into a few imaginary fights with the characters, you know, yelling at them for being so dumb, or ignoring things that are pretty obvious to you
This is the kind of book you read if you are already invested in the series or you don't mind getting into a few imaginary fights with the characters, you know, yelling at them for being so dumb, or ignoring things that are pretty obvious to you
November 6, 2020
Omg this book was good. This book shows just how powerful words can be. Tessa believed everything her parents have told her from the start. She also thought that the three people she wanted to care and notice her more than anything dont. By the end of the story two of the three have come around. I also feel sorry for Dylan. He has a bright future yet he has to take care of two young siblings and a dad who is depressed. Its not easy. But he pulled through. The imagery and the language. Very well written.
May 26, 2017
Ah, I loved this book! I have been ravenously consuming this series since I discovered the series a couple of days ago, and I swear each on is better than the last.
One of things that I love the most about this series is how strong the heroines are. And surprisingly, Tessa may be one of the strongest of them all, despite her seemingly not as bad of a past. But, something I've always believed, sometimes emotional and psychological abuse can be just as bad, if not worse, than physical abuse. And man, did she have emotional abuse in spades. I was nervous at first that she wouldn't grow a backbone and separate herself from her destructive relationships and ways of thinking, but I was pleasantly surprised when she became independent and found herself. So refreshing!
I wasn't sure how I felt about Dylan at first since he was such an epic asshole to Tessa for years, but once I learned more about everything he had been dealing with and the huge responsibilities he's had weighing on his shoulders for years, my opinion of him quickly changed. And he turned himself around and worked so hard to redeem himself with Tessa, I fell in love with him even more. Gotta love a Hero who gets his head out of his ass early on in the book and works to prove himself and repair his relationships with Tessa and his friends. And I loved how dedicated he was to his brothers. He put himself last after all of his other responsibilities, and he's so young! Seriously , why are there not more men like that!?!?!
I'm nervous about reading Rafe's book next; he definitely seems like the most fucked up out of all the Inked Brotherhood. But I will charge ahead full throttle because I cannot get enough of this series! I hope the spin off series is just as good!
One of things that I love the most about this series is how strong the heroines are. And surprisingly, Tessa may be one of the strongest of them all, despite her seemingly not as bad of a past. But, something I've always believed, sometimes emotional and psychological abuse can be just as bad, if not worse, than physical abuse. And man, did she have emotional abuse in spades. I was nervous at first that she wouldn't grow a backbone and separate herself from her destructive relationships and ways of thinking, but I was pleasantly surprised when she became independent and found herself. So refreshing!
I wasn't sure how I felt about Dylan at first since he was such an epic asshole to Tessa for years, but once I learned more about everything he had been dealing with and the huge responsibilities he's had weighing on his shoulders for years, my opinion of him quickly changed. And he turned himself around and worked so hard to redeem himself with Tessa, I fell in love with him even more. Gotta love a Hero who gets his head out of his ass early on in the book and works to prove himself and repair his relationships with Tessa and his friends. And I loved how dedicated he was to his brothers. He put himself last after all of his other responsibilities, and he's so young! Seriously , why are there not more men like that!?!?!
I'm nervous about reading Rafe's book next; he definitely seems like the most fucked up out of all the Inked Brotherhood. But I will charge ahead full throttle because I cannot get enough of this series! I hope the spin off series is just as good!
July 3, 2017
I dislike this book so much that I felt the need to comment on it. This is what I should expect from a writer who "likes torturing pretty boys" or whatever her Amazon profile says.
Dylan is annoying and standoffish and I don't like him. And I don't like Tessa either. I can identity with her character on a few levels and yet the whole white, blond, blue eyes, super rich thing just doesn't do it for me. Essentially she says that she wants to go to "third world countries" and dig up their artifacts while using "the locals" for labor. I have always frowned at white people in archeology and anthropology. The whole "Yes money is important because you need to buy stuff with it" mentality is so ugh and she agrees with her father. So Tessa is everything I hate about entitled rich white people.
Compared to Tyler, Zane, and Asher, this is the worst. The writing is almost sloppy. I skipped most of the sex scenes. There are typos. The comment Asher makes about Audrey being his "toys" to the football team makes me feel gross. And how does Dylan have all this energy to have sex every time Tessa is around if he's about to blackout every time he moves??? How is Tessa even interested in sex RIGHT after getting attacked and being stalked by the guy who raped her? It didn't seem right to me the way it was written.
This might be the first time I've seen a Black character in these books at all, minor or major in status. Alonzo. And guess what he is? A football player, of course! Talk about stereotypes and typecasting.
Its not that I like these kinds of books but I'm desperate for something solid, sexy, and romantic to read, which is surprisingly hard to come by. I appreciate Raven's attempt to portray characters who's lives aren't perfect and feel it all the way through them. I read it but I would never recommend it.
Dylan is annoying and standoffish and I don't like him. And I don't like Tessa either. I can identity with her character on a few levels and yet the whole white, blond, blue eyes, super rich thing just doesn't do it for me. Essentially she says that she wants to go to "third world countries" and dig up their artifacts while using "the locals" for labor. I have always frowned at white people in archeology and anthropology. The whole "Yes money is important because you need to buy stuff with it" mentality is so ugh and she agrees with her father. So Tessa is everything I hate about entitled rich white people.
Compared to Tyler, Zane, and Asher, this is the worst. The writing is almost sloppy. I skipped most of the sex scenes. There are typos. The comment Asher makes about Audrey being his "toys" to the football team makes me feel gross. And how does Dylan have all this energy to have sex every time Tessa is around if he's about to blackout every time he moves??? How is Tessa even interested in sex RIGHT after getting attacked and being stalked by the guy who raped her? It didn't seem right to me the way it was written.
This might be the first time I've seen a Black character in these books at all, minor or major in status. Alonzo. And guess what he is? A football player, of course! Talk about stereotypes and typecasting.
Its not that I like these kinds of books but I'm desperate for something solid, sexy, and romantic to read, which is surprisingly hard to come by. I appreciate Raven's attempt to portray characters who's lives aren't perfect and feel it all the way through them. I read it but I would never recommend it.
February 12, 2015
Words can not explain how much I LOVED Dylan!!!! He has gone through a lot, rough childhood, pain, abandonment, betrayal and through it all he has had more responsibility than a kid his age should have. OMG... the love he felt for his brother.. it literally moved me to tears to read how he dealt with things. I won't say anything else because that would spoil the read for others. Dylan has a lot of pride and maybe nothing else. He's pretty close to giving up and pushes away any help offered.
Tessa is awesome, she's strong and she's great for Dylan. She sees all thing and keeps her distance, silently supporting him. Tessa is so lucky... if Dylan loves his brothers that big, imagine how much love he has to offer her if he lets himself go.
This series just gets better as books are released. Its more than just a romance book. Ms. Raven will get you emotionally invested in these characters but also in the world around you. I read this book and really thought about people going through these situations. It made me as a reader think about the less fortunate, how not to judge without knowing the circumstances. Bravo Jo Raven!!! Not only entertaining us with a great story but bring awareness to issues that sometimes... many times are ignored!
Tessa is awesome, she's strong and she's great for Dylan. She sees all thing and keeps her distance, silently supporting him. Tessa is so lucky... if Dylan loves his brothers that big, imagine how much love he has to offer her if he lets himself go.
This series just gets better as books are released. Its more than just a romance book. Ms. Raven will get you emotionally invested in these characters but also in the world around you. I read this book and really thought about people going through these situations. It made me as a reader think about the less fortunate, how not to judge without knowing the circumstances. Bravo Jo Raven!!! Not only entertaining us with a great story but bring awareness to issues that sometimes... many times are ignored!
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