First Time Ink

by Toby Wise

Jin loves life. He loves new experiences, trying new things, and meeting new people. During a fair at the mall, he gets a tattoo that’s supposed to connect him to his soulmate. The only problem? The tattoo is a fiery pair of wings that look exactly like his own. Does this mean he’s destined to be alone?

Leo is stuck in a rut. His life isn’t bad but it’s also boring and gray. That is, until he runs into Jin quite literally. Their connection is instantaneous, adding sunshine and colors to Leo’s life. So what’s the deal with Jin’s soulmate tattoo?

Everything comes to a head when Leo goes into an unexpected heat, brought on by being around Jin.

First Time Ink is a book in the shared world Love Sync Ink, brought to you by some of your favorite mpreg authors. This low angst romance features a soulmate misunderstanding, a Seraphim, an omega phoenix shifter, trying new things together, first times, stealing the other person’s clothes, nesting, a first time heat, eggpreg, cameos from past characters you love, and of course, a Toby Approved Happily Ever After! Love Sync Ink stories is a collection of standalone romances, but why stop at one?

Genres: Omegaverse, Fantasy, Romance, Shapeshifters, M M Romance

135 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2026

About the author

Toby Wise is a stay at home parent who hails from a tiny town in Wisconsin. Contrary to popular Wisconsin stereotypes, he’s not a cheese-head who enjoys beer but rather an introvert who spends all his time on the internet, drinking coffee, spending time with his kid, and cooing about his adorable cat, Pikachu.

In April of 2019, A Collection of Strays was born after the world of fanfiction drew him back into his love of writing. Now he’s writing all things omegaverse as long as it includes silly moments and found family.

Reviews

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this low angst, sweet and fluffy PNR. I felt compelled to read it from beginning to end in one sitting. Jin and Leo are both lovable characters and they are an adorable pair. Leo is an omega pheonix, but he doesn't share this important fact with Jin until much later. Jin is a Seraphim who truly loves life and finds joy in all the little things. He gets a tattoo that is supposed to guide him to his mate, but he can't understand why the wings look like his own. It's funny how oblivious both of the MCs are, and it was great when they finally figured things out. The rest of the characters are utterly delightful and so is their storyline. As usual, the author's imagination and world building are exceptional. If you are feeling down, this story is a great pick-me-up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi-author love Sync Ink series. Each book is a standalone read and features a different couple. This is the story of Jin and Leo. Jin is sunshine personified. He wants to spread happiness throughout while experiencing every new thing that he can. With a soul mate tattoo artist in town, Jin cannot wait to get his own personalized tattoo. He desperately wants a sign as to who his future mate will be. But when he receives a fiery pair of wings that match his own, Jin is confused. As a Seraphim he has his own pair of wings. Does this mean he is unmatchable? Leo is an omega phoenix shifter. While life isn't bad, he is definitely in a rut. He needs something to shake it up. Luckily he runs into Jin. And all of a sudden, his life isn't colorless anymore. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This book is a sweet and fluffy romance. Light and low angst. Perfect for a relaxing read. I really enjoyed this book.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

"First Time Ink" is the sweetest story in the multiauthor Love Sync Ink series. Which might be prejudice, as a new favorite author. Although, full disclosure, all the other Love Sync books I've read are by authors I enjoy. Sooooo, sweetest book in the series!
Seraphin and phoenix shifters are not the usual flavor of supe that authors chose. And I've never seen them as fated pair MCs. But Jin, alpha seraphin, and Leo, omega phoenix , are a delightful pairing. Imagine fiery wings flying together in the night sky. Le sigh.
I like the idea of a travelling soul mate tattoo artist. Jin and Leo meet cute, actually running into the other. Which bursts their worlds into brilliant color. Nice plot device, Toby Wise.
Lite and floophy. Little angst, mostly due to the tattoo looking exactly like Jin's wings. But no worries, Fate and Toby Wise would nevah evah make a character have no mate. There are also cameos, characters from earlier TW books. Less worldbuilding needed means more room for story content. Yay!
Very enjoyable read. All the books have been. Hope there'll be another season to come.
I received an advanced copy from the author and this is my review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

AWWWWW...this was cute. This series is definitely just too cute. I'm glad Toby participated.

I absolutely loved Jin and his wonderful outlook on life. What would just be the topping to his fantastic life is to have a mate to enjoy it with. I will tell you when he was bummed out after receiving his fated mate tattoo I was right there with him...his shine dimmed a little until he met Leo. Leo was kind of a bittersweet character and Jin is just the person to lighten up his dull and boring life. Yeah he got friends but he needs his special person...and them meeting was soooooooo cute and sweet. Just a little miscommunication which I guess put a little angst into the mixed but once Leo's heat hit...all thing was made right. Love their journey and their HEA. I recommend.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Toby has created yet another sweet, and fluffy romance book. I love Toby's writing, it's always so sweet and full of found family goodness. Jin and Leo were no exception, they too were full of adorableness, had found family moments, and were just absolutely precious together!

I thought the idea of a magical tattoo leading Jin to his mate was a really unique and fun concept! I really liked the creativity with that and how it was apart of the story but not the main focus. The main focus was Jin and Leo building up their relationship, which I LOVED!

I really enjoyed getting to see the Demons from the candy shop again, I love it when past characters make an appearance in a new book!

Overall, I thought this was a great, short, and sweet, fated mates romance story!

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Time Ink is part of the multi author Love Sync Ink series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the story of Jin a Seraphim and Leo an omega phoenix shifter. This was a fun quick read with lots of sweet moments. I loved Jin and Leo because they felt like they were real. The blurb gives you a great idea of what to expect in the story. I also loved the fact that both guys hadn't been with anyone else because it makes their coming together special. This was just the kind of light low angst story I enjoy. I would definitely recommend this book.
received a free review copy

[Scatteredashes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun story that features Jin, a seraphim, and Leo, a phoenix shifter. This world is familiar if you've read Toby's An Incubus' Mate series. We get some fun cameos while Leo and Jim spend time together. Jin's a little ball of chaos, but he just wants to try everything. Leo's been around for a while but seems stuck in a rut and sticks to his routine. These two compliment each other very well and there isn't much drama overall. These guys do take a while to get on the same page, but it's not dragged out. The spice is fairly low but the characters are a lot of fun and Toby's stories are always a good time!

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jin is the epitome of sunshine and joy, when he appears to live his life, all he can think to do is try all the new things and spread joy to those around him. With a soul mate tattoo artist in town showing those willing to see a glimpse of their future mate inked on their skin, Jin cannot help but partake in another new experience. Then we have Leo who is in a rut, life is not per se bad, just monotonous until Jin arrives to town. The connection is immediate, even with the innocence of two men who don't understand their connection they just know they want to be around one another. With the help of certain set of triplets and their mates from 'The Devil's Sweet Tooth' help the find their way together will a Toby worthy HEA to boot. It was an absolute delight to visit with our old friends and see their connection grow deeper as they got to know one another. With a dash of eggpreg, sit back and enjoy this sweet story.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet read and features Jin and Leo. Leo is a phoenix and Bren’s best friend. When the mall held a festival with different kiosks. Jin is a seraphim who came to life before winter set in. Now with warmer weather coming, he leaves his place and goes to the mall. After visiting different stores, he ends up looking at a ceramic mug. Leo helped him, but they were both tongue tied. This started their story of how they first became friends and having all their firsts together. I cannot wait to read more by this author.

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of a multi author series, with a tattoo and mpreg in common.
Toby Wise brings us back to the mall with the demon owned candy store, with plenty of cameos of old characters.
Jin was a very sweet and refreshing alpha, very personable and the perfect complement to Leo, bringing new light to his boring life.
A short story with well built characters, a world built throughout many books and solid writing and editing.
If you like your books sweet and spicy this is for you. Don't miss this one

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author’s books. They are always so sweet and full of love. A perfect palate cleanser for reality. Seriously. This story is set in the same world as the Incubus trilogy - which I also loved. Jin is a seraphim and Leo a Phoenix, just like Bren. I adored watching Leo and Jin figure things out. It took them a hot minute though because Jin didn’t think of the fact that others might have flaming wings too and thought he was meant to be alone.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most adorable read of the series. I adored jubilant Jin and sweet, lonely Leo. My favorite part of their romance was of course that a magical tattoo brought them together, but beyond that it was the fact they were both so pure and innocent. They experienced cuddles and so much more for the first time together

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jin is a wild and free type and getting a soulmate tattoo is just the latest new experience. Even if the tattoo design is a surprise.
Leo is more the boring stick in the mud type. I love opposites attract romance. When they collide with each other their chemistry is obvious and immediate. Mates, low angst, nesting and HEA.
Love Sync Ink world of multiple authors is keeping me hooked.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I absolutely loved this story. This was such a wonderful and heartwarming story. These two were absolutely so sweet together and I loved how everything just fell into place. All of the characters were so interesting and I really enjoyed all of the different species.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jin & Leo

This was such a sweet story and a good addition to this series. I liked Jin for Leo. His sunshine personality was just what Leo needed. I enjoyed their story.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Elise H · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,25⭐️

[Emma Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute read! I adored Jin. He’s like a breath of fresh air. As for Leo I just wanted to hug him. The way the connected was beautifully written. Adoring this series!

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So cute. Seriously. The two biggest cinnamon rolls fall in love. 😍

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A SUPER SWEET AND LOVELY READ!

Jin and Leo, I love them so much! From their first meeting/ run-in, I was a fan. Very good story and wonderful characters! This is an ARC review.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

a sweet book to read

[Shelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This couple is too sweet. I love that both of them have never been with anyone else. It kind of makes their mating even more special. Jin is so quirky, sunshiny, and happy. Leo is cute, uptight and terribly lonely. Their gradual move towards mating is filled with little adventures and cuddles. Nice and quick read that captures this series so well.
I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[FHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tattoo that leads one to their mate, Jin is happy to get that boost in life.
Leo is stuck in the monotony of his life, when he meets Jin, that quickly changes and the need to always be around him cannot be ignored.

A fated mates, led by ink, with some egg -reg and cameos from past characters in this story to make it an interesting read. Definitely a recommended read.