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Midnight Ink
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2026
About the author
Sophie Quinn
8 books97 followersSophie Quinn writes queer romances with the belief that love is best served with a side of chaotic friendships and found families.
Their books are known to have equal parts snark, swoon, and spice. You can follow her on Instagram and Tiktok @Sophiequinnwrites
Their books are known to have equal parts snark, swoon, and spice. You can follow her on Instagram and Tiktok @Sophiequinnwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 11, 2026
5⭐️
I’m crying so hard I can’t breathe
Where do I even begin 😭😭
This was everything and more. The grief and pain in this book was so strong to me I felt everything that Ian was going through. But not only Ian but everyone in this book the emotions in this book was so powerful so strong so intense but it felt soo real to me. This book honestly broke my heart I just wanted to hug everyone in this book so bad .
The grief and pain shown in this book really sheds light on how grief is in real life. How it’s something that never goes away even years after losing someone you love or you know. It’s a constant wave of emotions that can come and go but it doesn’t go away.
Julian and Ian ughh my heart my soul and my tears go to these two. They are everything. We got to see their relationship blossom and grow but we got to witness real emotions that were written so incredibly beautiful but also so genuine you could feel what they both were experiencing and it just elevated this whole thing for me and I just couldn’t stop crying and just loving Ian and Julian and their relationship and everything.
Grief never goes away, that pain really never goes away.
Ughh I can’t stop crying my heart this was everything and more it captured my heart so fast and instant tears and I fell in love with these characters
Please check the tw on this one
HEA!!
I’m crying so hard I can’t breathe
Where do I even begin 😭😭
This was everything and more. The grief and pain in this book was so strong to me I felt everything that Ian was going through. But not only Ian but everyone in this book the emotions in this book was so powerful so strong so intense but it felt soo real to me. This book honestly broke my heart I just wanted to hug everyone in this book so bad .
The grief and pain shown in this book really sheds light on how grief is in real life. How it’s something that never goes away even years after losing someone you love or you know. It’s a constant wave of emotions that can come and go but it doesn’t go away.
Julian and Ian ughh my heart my soul and my tears go to these two. They are everything. We got to see their relationship blossom and grow but we got to witness real emotions that were written so incredibly beautiful but also so genuine you could feel what they both were experiencing and it just elevated this whole thing for me and I just couldn’t stop crying and just loving Ian and Julian and their relationship and everything.
Grief never goes away, that pain really never goes away.
Ughh I can’t stop crying my heart this was everything and more it captured my heart so fast and instant tears and I fell in love with these characters
Please check the tw on this one
HEA!!
April 18, 2026
Beta read
July 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
Midnight Ink was my first MM romance and my first Sophie Quinn book, and I can honestly say I was not disappointed on either front!
This book follows Ian and Julian, and their love story was so special. Ian is struggling with grief and trying to figure out how to love again after experiencing loss. His journey was both heartbreaking and beautiful, especially as we watched him slowly come to terms with his true feelings for Julian.
And Julian… 🥹 He has been yearning for Ian for years, and his patience throughout their story made their relationship that much more meaningful. I really loved the push and pull between these two and how well they balanced each other.
One thing I really appreciated about this book was the way it explored grief, heartbreak, and the impact they can have on your life and relationships when you don’t fully deal with them. Ian’s journey really showed how difficult it can be to move forward while still carrying the weight of the past.
Overall, I thought this was such a beautiful story about love, loss, grief, healing, and learning to open your heart again. As my first MM romance, Midnight Ink was a great introduction to the genre, and Sophie Quinn has definitely gained a new reader! 💕
Midnight Ink was my first MM romance and my first Sophie Quinn book, and I can honestly say I was not disappointed on either front!
This book follows Ian and Julian, and their love story was so special. Ian is struggling with grief and trying to figure out how to love again after experiencing loss. His journey was both heartbreaking and beautiful, especially as we watched him slowly come to terms with his true feelings for Julian.
And Julian… 🥹 He has been yearning for Ian for years, and his patience throughout their story made their relationship that much more meaningful. I really loved the push and pull between these two and how well they balanced each other.
One thing I really appreciated about this book was the way it explored grief, heartbreak, and the impact they can have on your life and relationships when you don’t fully deal with them. Ian’s journey really showed how difficult it can be to move forward while still carrying the weight of the past.
Overall, I thought this was such a beautiful story about love, loss, grief, healing, and learning to open your heart again. As my first MM romance, Midnight Ink was a great introduction to the genre, and Sophie Quinn has definitely gained a new reader! 💕
August 8, 2026
‼️SPOILERS‼️
I don’t know why I’m always surprised by Sophie’s books but I will say that I think this might be my favorite one out of all of her books. I’m such a fan of a character getting a second chance at love with a different love interest.
Ian lost Maddox and hasn’t healed properly like he should have. After all, it’s been years. Everyone deals with healing in very different ways and I really loved how emotional this book was. Ian just felt like he was betraying Maddox in all the ways if he did something that might make him happy.
My heart broke because he never let anyone use Maddox’s station.
The yearning that Julian had for Ian. I fell for Julian in how he took care of him when he had to cancel appointments when he saw him passed out in his chair. When he commented he didn’t see his special toy, I laughed!
The trip that Ian and Julian took to spread Maddox’s ashes but things get derailed, which Ian wasn’t happy about.
I loved this book so much. As much as the emotion hit hard, there were also so many amazing and funny scenes. The bed scene had me giggling because the aftermath. The “not date” scene had me giggling too.
When Ian snapped at Jamie in the beginning of the book and said some words he didn’t mean, it was so hard. I was so glad that Ian later did apologize what he said but he really did hurt him.
I love the moments we saw with Maddox and Ian. My favorite was when he showed up at Ian’s door and Ian pretended he didn’t know who he was.
The last chapter had to be my favorite. The beginning of Ian and Julian. From the moment they met, he was completely engrossed in his skills.
I just loved the found family as usual. Sophie has probably one of the best found families I’ve ever read and I just loved to see all these characters give each other the little push and nudge as well.
I’m a fan of books that break your heart and put it back together throughout the entirety of this book. I just love how grief and the healing process was handled. It made me want more and more but I cannot wait for more in the series from the potential couple we get at the end of the book. Makes me very curious.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I don’t know why I’m always surprised by Sophie’s books but I will say that I think this might be my favorite one out of all of her books. I’m such a fan of a character getting a second chance at love with a different love interest.
Ian lost Maddox and hasn’t healed properly like he should have. After all, it’s been years. Everyone deals with healing in very different ways and I really loved how emotional this book was. Ian just felt like he was betraying Maddox in all the ways if he did something that might make him happy.
My heart broke because he never let anyone use Maddox’s station.
The yearning that Julian had for Ian. I fell for Julian in how he took care of him when he had to cancel appointments when he saw him passed out in his chair. When he commented he didn’t see his special toy, I laughed!
The trip that Ian and Julian took to spread Maddox’s ashes but things get derailed, which Ian wasn’t happy about.
I loved this book so much. As much as the emotion hit hard, there were also so many amazing and funny scenes. The bed scene had me giggling because the aftermath. The “not date” scene had me giggling too.
When Ian snapped at Jamie in the beginning of the book and said some words he didn’t mean, it was so hard. I was so glad that Ian later did apologize what he said but he really did hurt him.
I love the moments we saw with Maddox and Ian. My favorite was when he showed up at Ian’s door and Ian pretended he didn’t know who he was.
The last chapter had to be my favorite. The beginning of Ian and Julian. From the moment they met, he was completely engrossed in his skills.
I just loved the found family as usual. Sophie has probably one of the best found families I’ve ever read and I just loved to see all these characters give each other the little push and nudge as well.
I’m a fan of books that break your heart and put it back together throughout the entirety of this book. I just love how grief and the healing process was handled. It made me want more and more but I cannot wait for more in the series from the potential couple we get at the end of the book. Makes me very curious.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
August 12, 2026
✨ ARC review ✨
🖤 Midnight Ink by Sophie Quinn 🖤
“Ian loves big, and Maddox will always hold the biggest parts of him, I think. I just want to know if maybe there’s some room for me too.”
SOPHIE. everyone in this book needs therapy and now I DO TOO 😭 ugh! what an emotional rollercoaster of a book, in the BEST way. sooo many tears shed. ever since Midnight Ink was announced, i have been beyond excited to read about Ian and Julian’s love story.. but i was surprised (and so so happy) that Maddox’s pov from ‘before’ was included too. I loved him so much.
so! Midnight Ink brings us Ian, who is still grieving the loss of his boyfriend, Maddox, who passed away in a car wreck seven years ago. as if that wasn’t hard enough, Ian is having to keep alive Maddox’s dream - Madd Ink, the tattoo shop he bought and fought with Ian about before his passing. now poor Ian is drowning, and Julian, his best friend/coworker, suggests that he needs a vacay after seeing how run down Ian is. when Ian flat out refuses, Julian gives him an ultimatum; go on the vacation, or he quits. well, he can’t let Julian go, so what happens on vacation? and is it really a vacation when the grief follows him no matter where he goes? you’ll have to read to find out!
the way grief was dealt with here was so realistic. something Ian said that really spoke to me was, “there’s no right way to grieve, but there is a wrong way to live. and the way I’ve been living… this isn’t who I want to be.”
I’ve lived this.
the characters in this book were amazing, and even though there were multiple side characters, it never felt overwhelming. Anna was such a badass and god do i feel for her. it was nice to see Jamie and Noah again, and to see the protective side come out of Noah hehe. Mr. Perfect Elijah and Miles has something going on at the end there, I wonder what it is hmmmm 👀 and of course i fell in love with all of our main characters; Ian the pessimistic Tattoo Daddy (thanks Noah), Julian the optimistic cinnamon roll, and Maddox the spontaneous, daring dreamer.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
some tidbits:
🖤 tattoo shop
🖤 grief and healing
🖤 found family
🖤 ADHD rep
🖤 pretty colored dildos HAHAHA
🖤 vers kings
🖤 love after loss ❤️🩹
🖤 Midnight Ink by Sophie Quinn 🖤
“Ian loves big, and Maddox will always hold the biggest parts of him, I think. I just want to know if maybe there’s some room for me too.”
SOPHIE. everyone in this book needs therapy and now I DO TOO 😭 ugh! what an emotional rollercoaster of a book, in the BEST way. sooo many tears shed. ever since Midnight Ink was announced, i have been beyond excited to read about Ian and Julian’s love story.. but i was surprised (and so so happy) that Maddox’s pov from ‘before’ was included too. I loved him so much.
so! Midnight Ink brings us Ian, who is still grieving the loss of his boyfriend, Maddox, who passed away in a car wreck seven years ago. as if that wasn’t hard enough, Ian is having to keep alive Maddox’s dream - Madd Ink, the tattoo shop he bought and fought with Ian about before his passing. now poor Ian is drowning, and Julian, his best friend/coworker, suggests that he needs a vacay after seeing how run down Ian is. when Ian flat out refuses, Julian gives him an ultimatum; go on the vacation, or he quits. well, he can’t let Julian go, so what happens on vacation? and is it really a vacation when the grief follows him no matter where he goes? you’ll have to read to find out!
the way grief was dealt with here was so realistic. something Ian said that really spoke to me was, “there’s no right way to grieve, but there is a wrong way to live. and the way I’ve been living… this isn’t who I want to be.”
I’ve lived this.
the characters in this book were amazing, and even though there were multiple side characters, it never felt overwhelming. Anna was such a badass and god do i feel for her. it was nice to see Jamie and Noah again, and to see the protective side come out of Noah hehe. Mr. Perfect Elijah and Miles has something going on at the end there, I wonder what it is hmmmm 👀 and of course i fell in love with all of our main characters; Ian the pessimistic Tattoo Daddy (thanks Noah), Julian the optimistic cinnamon roll, and Maddox the spontaneous, daring dreamer.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
some tidbits:
🖤 tattoo shop
🖤 grief and healing
🖤 found family
🖤 ADHD rep
🖤 pretty colored dildos HAHAHA
🖤 vers kings
🖤 love after loss ❤️🩹
July 24, 2026
Firstly, thank you to Sophie for the ARC in return for an honest review.
This is such a beautifully written book focusing on grief, death and the emotions it leaves behind for their loved ones. The way that Ian and Jules are written and their emotional connection that developed throughout the chapters really stuck with me.
I was gripped with this story from the start. Sophie has done an amazing job with making you feel fully immersed in their world, and how it feels like you’re stood in the room with them with such realism and honesty to the writing. The perfect second chance at love, forced proximity and friends to lovers story.
The book was a tad slow toward the 75-100% mark and was more focused on wrapping up the HEA. Which I can appreciate and definitely worked. Overall doesn’t take away from the beautiful story and the ending was so touching in a change and grow kind of way.
This is such a beautifully written book focusing on grief, death and the emotions it leaves behind for their loved ones. The way that Ian and Jules are written and their emotional connection that developed throughout the chapters really stuck with me.
I was gripped with this story from the start. Sophie has done an amazing job with making you feel fully immersed in their world, and how it feels like you’re stood in the room with them with such realism and honesty to the writing. The perfect second chance at love, forced proximity and friends to lovers story.
The book was a tad slow toward the 75-100% mark and was more focused on wrapping up the HEA. Which I can appreciate and definitely worked. Overall doesn’t take away from the beautiful story and the ending was so touching in a change and grow kind of way.
July 15, 2026
ARC review:
Where to begin? This book is a heavy read for the grief it portrays. But just as equally light in the love it shows. Ian starts out so gruff, sad, guilty, just drowning in his grief. Julian is his sunshine. His best friend. The one thing that helps keep him sane. I love the writing in this book how you can gradually see Ian come to terms to acceptance. It’s not written where he just magically gets over it. Or he moves on when he goes to therapy. It’s slow. And healing from grief is not linear. Sometimes he goes back. But Julian is there through it all. Supporting him. Giving him grace. This book is beautiful and sad. It is light at the end of the tunnel. It’s hope and not giving up.
Where to begin? This book is a heavy read for the grief it portrays. But just as equally light in the love it shows. Ian starts out so gruff, sad, guilty, just drowning in his grief. Julian is his sunshine. His best friend. The one thing that helps keep him sane. I love the writing in this book how you can gradually see Ian come to terms to acceptance. It’s not written where he just magically gets over it. Or he moves on when he goes to therapy. It’s slow. And healing from grief is not linear. Sometimes he goes back. But Julian is there through it all. Supporting him. Giving him grace. This book is beautiful and sad. It is light at the end of the tunnel. It’s hope and not giving up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one was a sad one but a goodie. I adore Sophie’s style of writing, and she managed to hit me where it hurt with the emotion in this book.
Following the death of his boyfriend, Maddox, seven years ago, Ian’s struggling to process his grief. He’s stuck, drowning in all the overwhelming feelings, including guilt for his attraction to his best friend, Julian, whom he met three months after Maddox passed away, and had an instant rapport with. Over the years their friendship has only grown closer and the attraction between them only becomes more and more obvious.
Poor Ian, he works far too much to distract himself and puts a lot of pressure on himself to ensure he’s continuing Maddox’s dream of running a tattoo shop. He’s kind, loyal and just the right amount of stubborn. I absolutely melted at how wonderful Ian was with Julian while they were travelling when the other man was so anxious. I’ll admit I did also love his cute little jealous moments over Julian’s friendship with Elijah.
And gorgeous, sweet, patient Julian. He’s a blooming diamond, I tell you, for always being there for Ian, despite knowing that he will likely never be more than his friend. I adore Julian’s nerdy side and the fact he loves animated movies, plus how incredibly understanding he is about Ian’s situation. I did feel for him with his anxiety, but his positivity was infectious and exactly what Ian needed in his life.
Oh, the yearning! It’s so clear these two want each other – in the tattoos they give each other, in the time they spend together and how couply they act, in the fact that Ian never talks to Maddox’s grave about the other man – but Ian’s guilt holds him back from trying to seek happiness again with anyone else. Everyone around them can see how they are meant to be but these two have held themselves back for far too long. I was so impatient for Ian to finally accept his feelings and not overthink things.
And OMG, Jamie! I was absolutely devastated for that man and everything he’s been through 😭 You can be sure I’ll be reading his book at some point.
I did really appreciate being able to read flashbacks from Maddox’s POV of his relationship with Ian and seeing how much they were in love, but it did make the situation even more heartbreaking, and I’ll admit when I first saw his name at the top of the chapter, I did have to mentally prepare myself because I knew it would hurt even more after getting to know him. Sophie led me into a definite gut punch there 😭
But how I relished seeing how Julian helps Ian to get his spark back and seeing the shop and Ian ready for the future. So happy that these two beautiful men with big hearts finally get their HEA together.
------
Some of my favourite quotes
“You don’t have to be brave right now. I’ll be brave for us both.”
He’s my best friend. Trying to explain how much he means to me would be impossible. He’s the light that keeps me going through things I don’t really talk about.
“I can think of a million worse things than being alone here with you,” “I can think of a million things worse than being here with you too. Being stuck here with you might actually be the best thing that could’ve happened to me.”
“It’s you, Jules. I’m doing this because I want you so bad and I’m tired of pretending I don’t. I’m tired of letting my head keep me from what I really want, and I’ve wanted you for as long as I can remember.”
Fuck he’s cute. This boy with a heart so goddamn big. I just hope there’s a little room in there for me too. Just a little.
I want to tell him I love him. I want to hold him every day. Sleep next to him, wake up with him. I want to touch him without thinking twice. I want to kiss him every time I see him. I want him so bad it hurts.
Loving him is more terrifying than the height. If he doesn’t feel the same, and this is all temporary vacation fun, I don’t think I’ll survive the fallout.
“I’m bad at this. But I’m done running. Physically and emotionally. I love you, Jules. Not because I’m scared or lonely or trying to replace anything. I love you because you’re you. I choose you. Completely.”
This feeling is unreal, unmatched. It’s Julian. It’s the way he makes me feel. Maybe the way he’s always made me feel. He makes me feel like I’m home.
This man found me when my heart was shattered and patiently helped me put the pieces back together.
“When you came into the shop it was like I took my first real breath of air in months.”
Following the death of his boyfriend, Maddox, seven years ago, Ian’s struggling to process his grief. He’s stuck, drowning in all the overwhelming feelings, including guilt for his attraction to his best friend, Julian, whom he met three months after Maddox passed away, and had an instant rapport with. Over the years their friendship has only grown closer and the attraction between them only becomes more and more obvious.
Poor Ian, he works far too much to distract himself and puts a lot of pressure on himself to ensure he’s continuing Maddox’s dream of running a tattoo shop. He’s kind, loyal and just the right amount of stubborn. I absolutely melted at how wonderful Ian was with Julian while they were travelling when the other man was so anxious. I’ll admit I did also love his cute little jealous moments over Julian’s friendship with Elijah.
And gorgeous, sweet, patient Julian. He’s a blooming diamond, I tell you, for always being there for Ian, despite knowing that he will likely never be more than his friend. I adore Julian’s nerdy side and the fact he loves animated movies, plus how incredibly understanding he is about Ian’s situation. I did feel for him with his anxiety, but his positivity was infectious and exactly what Ian needed in his life.
Oh, the yearning! It’s so clear these two want each other – in the tattoos they give each other, in the time they spend together and how couply they act, in the fact that Ian never talks to Maddox’s grave about the other man – but Ian’s guilt holds him back from trying to seek happiness again with anyone else. Everyone around them can see how they are meant to be but these two have held themselves back for far too long. I was so impatient for Ian to finally accept his feelings and not overthink things.
And OMG, Jamie! I was absolutely devastated for that man and everything he’s been through 😭 You can be sure I’ll be reading his book at some point.
I did really appreciate being able to read flashbacks from Maddox’s POV of his relationship with Ian and seeing how much they were in love, but it did make the situation even more heartbreaking, and I’ll admit when I first saw his name at the top of the chapter, I did have to mentally prepare myself because I knew it would hurt even more after getting to know him. Sophie led me into a definite gut punch there 😭
But how I relished seeing how Julian helps Ian to get his spark back and seeing the shop and Ian ready for the future. So happy that these two beautiful men with big hearts finally get their HEA together.
------
Some of my favourite quotes
“You don’t have to be brave right now. I’ll be brave for us both.”
He’s my best friend. Trying to explain how much he means to me would be impossible. He’s the light that keeps me going through things I don’t really talk about.
“I can think of a million worse things than being alone here with you,” “I can think of a million things worse than being here with you too. Being stuck here with you might actually be the best thing that could’ve happened to me.”
“It’s you, Jules. I’m doing this because I want you so bad and I’m tired of pretending I don’t. I’m tired of letting my head keep me from what I really want, and I’ve wanted you for as long as I can remember.”
Fuck he’s cute. This boy with a heart so goddamn big. I just hope there’s a little room in there for me too. Just a little.
I want to tell him I love him. I want to hold him every day. Sleep next to him, wake up with him. I want to touch him without thinking twice. I want to kiss him every time I see him. I want him so bad it hurts.
Loving him is more terrifying than the height. If he doesn’t feel the same, and this is all temporary vacation fun, I don’t think I’ll survive the fallout.
“I’m bad at this. But I’m done running. Physically and emotionally. I love you, Jules. Not because I’m scared or lonely or trying to replace anything. I love you because you’re you. I choose you. Completely.”
This feeling is unreal, unmatched. It’s Julian. It’s the way he makes me feel. Maybe the way he’s always made me feel. He makes me feel like I’m home.
This man found me when my heart was shattered and patiently helped me put the pieces back together.
“When you came into the shop it was like I took my first real breath of air in months.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
“You don’t have to be brave right now,” I whisper to him. “I’ve got you.”
I had the privilege of Beta reading this magnificent story and Midnight Ink, for me, is the best book she has ever written. I will never stop recommending it!! Ian and Julian will live in my heart forever.
7 years ago, Ian experienced the loss of Maddox, the love of his life in a terrible accident. Their hopes and dreams died the night that Maddox did and Ian has been stuck in his grief since that horrible day struggling to move forward.
Julian has been by Ian's side helping maintain Maddox's tattoo shop since his death. He has also been in love with Ian pretty much the entire time - suffering in silence because he has accepted that Ian will never move on from the loss of Maddox. So instead he has been Ian's best friend and his constant for years but has reached his breaking point.
With the business beginning to suffer and Ian struggling, Julian gives him an ultimatum - take time to figure out what you really want with his life and business or Julian is walking away. With Ian agreeing to take the vacation to spread Maddox's ashes in his favorite spot a storm derails their plans and lands them in a quaint little bed and breakfast where true feelings and love are brought to the surface.
Ian is so sweet and vulnerable I could feel his pain through the pages, he just wants to do right by Maddox by honoring his wishes meanwhile beginning to fall in love with Julian and not knowing how to process his feelings and the guilt he feels for wanting to move on. And Julian, sweet perfect man!! All he needs is for Ian to wake up and see what is right in front of him. His love for Ian in his actions, his caring demeanor and his support of accepting Maddox by always being there for Ian in any capacity is so gut wrenching, his loyalty had me in tears.
This book will have you sobbing and rooting for these two to be the best versions of themselves with the love that has always been there. The exploration of grief, heartache, healing and the struggle to find new love is so beautifully written.
We are also introduced to Anna who was Maddox's best friend. She is over the top, unapologetically chaos and genuinely a good person with a very black cat exterior. You will immediately fall in love with her and her crazy!! As well as a return of a couple of past favorites - Jamie and everyone's favorite comic relief, Noah.
Sophie Quinn is one of those amazing authors that anything she writes, I will read. I love her stories, her character's depth from serious to hilarious, their struggles, the found family aspect and just the all around goodness that each of her people bring to the table.
This is the first book in the Inked Heart series, looking forward to the new characters and stories to come.
I had the privilege of Beta reading this magnificent story and Midnight Ink, for me, is the best book she has ever written. I will never stop recommending it!! Ian and Julian will live in my heart forever.
7 years ago, Ian experienced the loss of Maddox, the love of his life in a terrible accident. Their hopes and dreams died the night that Maddox did and Ian has been stuck in his grief since that horrible day struggling to move forward.
Julian has been by Ian's side helping maintain Maddox's tattoo shop since his death. He has also been in love with Ian pretty much the entire time - suffering in silence because he has accepted that Ian will never move on from the loss of Maddox. So instead he has been Ian's best friend and his constant for years but has reached his breaking point.
With the business beginning to suffer and Ian struggling, Julian gives him an ultimatum - take time to figure out what you really want with his life and business or Julian is walking away. With Ian agreeing to take the vacation to spread Maddox's ashes in his favorite spot a storm derails their plans and lands them in a quaint little bed and breakfast where true feelings and love are brought to the surface.
Ian is so sweet and vulnerable I could feel his pain through the pages, he just wants to do right by Maddox by honoring his wishes meanwhile beginning to fall in love with Julian and not knowing how to process his feelings and the guilt he feels for wanting to move on. And Julian, sweet perfect man!! All he needs is for Ian to wake up and see what is right in front of him. His love for Ian in his actions, his caring demeanor and his support of accepting Maddox by always being there for Ian in any capacity is so gut wrenching, his loyalty had me in tears.
This book will have you sobbing and rooting for these two to be the best versions of themselves with the love that has always been there. The exploration of grief, heartache, healing and the struggle to find new love is so beautifully written.
We are also introduced to Anna who was Maddox's best friend. She is over the top, unapologetically chaos and genuinely a good person with a very black cat exterior. You will immediately fall in love with her and her crazy!! As well as a return of a couple of past favorites - Jamie and everyone's favorite comic relief, Noah.
Sophie Quinn is one of those amazing authors that anything she writes, I will read. I love her stories, her character's depth from serious to hilarious, their struggles, the found family aspect and just the all around goodness that each of her people bring to the table.
This is the first book in the Inked Heart series, looking forward to the new characters and stories to come.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a hard read, and by hard read, I mean emotionally devastating. I found myself crying through much of this book.
Following Ian's story after everything that happened in the previous books, I already knew this wasn't going to be an easy read. The impact Maddox had on Jamie, seeing Ian's interactions with him, and knowing that he's still carrying so much grief made it impossible not to feel every emotion right alongside him. Literally the entire book.
In Splintered Hearts, we got a glimpse of where things were headed with Julian and Ian, but we still didn't know the full scope of their story. I loved that while Noah and Jamie were present, they were there in just the right amount. They never overshadowed Julian and Ian, whose story deserved to take center stage.
Their best-friends-to-lovers romance was absolutely beautiful. It was built through years of grief, healing, and unconditional, unwavering support. Ian's journey of finding himself again wasn't rushed, and I enjoyed that. This book did such a wonderful job portraying the reality that grief isn't linear. For some people, it's two months; for others, six months; and for many, it's years. Even then, you never become the person you were before. Instead, you slowly learn who this new version of yourself is and how to keep living while carrying the people you've lost with you.
Julian was everything Ian needed. He was patient, kind, understanding, and endlessly loving. He never tried to force Ian to heal on anyone else's timeline or Julian’s timeline. He became the perfect addition to the Madd Ink family, and I loved watching him become the glue that helped hold everyone together, even angry Anna.
What this book did for me was provide a sense of closure while also reopening cutting open the wounds from book 1. The additional chapters from Maddox's point of view were incredibly difficult to read. Knowing how his story ends made every single moment bittersweet, and I found myself crying through those chapters because I already knew what was coming. They were beautifully written, but that did not make it any easier to get through.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It reminded me of everything I fell in love with when I first read Splintered Hearts. That's not to say there was anything wrong with the books in between; I enjoyed them as well, but this one captured the same emotional depth and connection that made me fall in love with this series in the first place.
Sophie absolutely delivered with Julian and Ian's story, and now I'm even more excited to learn more about the crew.
Following Ian's story after everything that happened in the previous books, I already knew this wasn't going to be an easy read. The impact Maddox had on Jamie, seeing Ian's interactions with him, and knowing that he's still carrying so much grief made it impossible not to feel every emotion right alongside him. Literally the entire book.
In Splintered Hearts, we got a glimpse of where things were headed with Julian and Ian, but we still didn't know the full scope of their story. I loved that while Noah and Jamie were present, they were there in just the right amount. They never overshadowed Julian and Ian, whose story deserved to take center stage.
Their best-friends-to-lovers romance was absolutely beautiful. It was built through years of grief, healing, and unconditional, unwavering support. Ian's journey of finding himself again wasn't rushed, and I enjoyed that. This book did such a wonderful job portraying the reality that grief isn't linear. For some people, it's two months; for others, six months; and for many, it's years. Even then, you never become the person you were before. Instead, you slowly learn who this new version of yourself is and how to keep living while carrying the people you've lost with you.
Julian was everything Ian needed. He was patient, kind, understanding, and endlessly loving. He never tried to force Ian to heal on anyone else's timeline or Julian’s timeline. He became the perfect addition to the Madd Ink family, and I loved watching him become the glue that helped hold everyone together, even angry Anna.
What this book did for me was provide a sense of closure while also reopening cutting open the wounds from book 1. The additional chapters from Maddox's point of view were incredibly difficult to read. Knowing how his story ends made every single moment bittersweet, and I found myself crying through those chapters because I already knew what was coming. They were beautifully written, but that did not make it any easier to get through.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It reminded me of everything I fell in love with when I first read Splintered Hearts. That's not to say there was anything wrong with the books in between; I enjoyed them as well, but this one captured the same emotional depth and connection that made me fall in love with this series in the first place.
Sophie absolutely delivered with Julian and Ian's story, and now I'm even more excited to learn more about the crew.
August 11, 2026
5⭐️
“Finding the love of your life is a rare thing. I’m lucky to have found two.”
I want to start off by saying thank you to Sophie Quinn for sending me the eARC of ‘Midnight Ink’. This has truly been an experience for me and I absolutely loved this book. To start off Sophie Quinn specializes in queer romances with a guaranteed happily ever after so if you’re interested in dipping your toes into M/M romances definitely check the author out because her writing is just beautiful and will keep you captivated throughout the entire book.
I was originally going to rate this a four star, but decided to go up to a five star; but I want to share some of the things that almost made me take a star off. One of them being that it seems repetitive a few times throughout the book not just once but a few times. Also, I felt there was a lack of diversity for the characters in the book and while I understand that this is a queer romance, I don’t necessarily think that every single character needs to be queer or along those lines. I would’ve liked a bit more diversity, BUT I fell in LOVE with all the characters. Also almost all of the characters were tattoo artists. It would’ve been nice to see maybe side characters that had different hobbies/interests. And my last bone to pick (and I know all these are kind of small/nitpicky) but when I was reading the different point of views, I was almost forgetting who’s point of view I was reading so it did get a bit confusing on keeping track of like little details of each character that I wanted to remember.
Now enough about the negativity…this book was so good and I don’t think I’ve read an M/M romance before so this might be my first or it’s been a very long time since I’ve read one and while my boat personally doesn’t rock that way, I am not against the LGBTQ* community I fully support that.
Before reading this, please look at the content warnings. There is a page laid out, and there are trigger warnings that include but are not limited to grief, homophobia, self harm, etc.. I really enjoyed this book because it was so unique and there were so many representations within the characters like LGBTQ* community, mental health awareness and even ADHD representation.
Some tropes and micro tropes that are in this book are:
M/M Romance
One Bed
Forced Proximity
Miscommunication
Multi-POV
Dual Timeline
HEA
Beware because this might be an addicting read. The best part is that this is going to be a series. I need book two NOW.
“If I have it my way, you’ll never forget me.”
“Finding the love of your life is a rare thing. I’m lucky to have found two.”
I want to start off by saying thank you to Sophie Quinn for sending me the eARC of ‘Midnight Ink’. This has truly been an experience for me and I absolutely loved this book. To start off Sophie Quinn specializes in queer romances with a guaranteed happily ever after so if you’re interested in dipping your toes into M/M romances definitely check the author out because her writing is just beautiful and will keep you captivated throughout the entire book.
I was originally going to rate this a four star, but decided to go up to a five star; but I want to share some of the things that almost made me take a star off. One of them being that it seems repetitive a few times throughout the book not just once but a few times. Also, I felt there was a lack of diversity for the characters in the book and while I understand that this is a queer romance, I don’t necessarily think that every single character needs to be queer or along those lines. I would’ve liked a bit more diversity, BUT I fell in LOVE with all the characters. Also almost all of the characters were tattoo artists. It would’ve been nice to see maybe side characters that had different hobbies/interests. And my last bone to pick (and I know all these are kind of small/nitpicky) but when I was reading the different point of views, I was almost forgetting who’s point of view I was reading so it did get a bit confusing on keeping track of like little details of each character that I wanted to remember.
Now enough about the negativity…this book was so good and I don’t think I’ve read an M/M romance before so this might be my first or it’s been a very long time since I’ve read one and while my boat personally doesn’t rock that way, I am not against the LGBTQ* community I fully support that.
Before reading this, please look at the content warnings. There is a page laid out, and there are trigger warnings that include but are not limited to grief, homophobia, self harm, etc.. I really enjoyed this book because it was so unique and there were so many representations within the characters like LGBTQ* community, mental health awareness and even ADHD representation.
Some tropes and micro tropes that are in this book are:
M/M Romance
One Bed
Forced Proximity
Miscommunication
Multi-POV
Dual Timeline
HEA
Beware because this might be an addicting read. The best part is that this is going to be a series. I need book two NOW.
“If I have it my way, you’ll never forget me.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Why am I crying at the 2% mark?!? What is happening! I’ve read all the books in this series and the Wicked Games series. I absolutely fell in love with Noah from the first 2 pages of the first book. I’m we’ll versed in this little family’s history and what they went through so I knew that when I saw Maddox had his own chapters here, I was gonna get the shit kicked out of me. I didn’t sign up to be emotionally bludgeoned by a book but I really wouldn’t have it any other way. (We get to see Maddox’s inner plans, that he wanted to give new artists a starting place, to expand, to grow. He wanted what Ian thought was to be avoided.)
Ian is shown how he basically became grief itself. No acceptance so that he could move on, just let the bitterness and hurt overtake him so he became pain personified, unable to live, just surviving. He didn’t know himself when he wasn’t with Madd. Madd was his first everything, so when he was stolen away, Ian was basically stolen away as well. He was in this limbo, stuck. Unwilling to move forward because that would be a betrayal, which he couldn’t do to Madd. It hurt when Ian said he knew Madd wouldn’t have taken this long to get over him if he died. This line stuck with me. Ian put his blinders on because accepting reality and that he could live and love again was stomping on their memory together. Tragic is such an understatement here. Ian is loyal but in a way that consumes and chips away at himself. He’s a worrier, a planner, determined, caring, has the ability to love so intensely but then shut everything out around it. It makes his pessimism worse. Jules is loyal, patient, tender and sweet, selfless but in a different way from Ian. He’s empathetic, he’s comfort an sunshine.
The pining and the yearning is off the charts, coupled with their hesitancy and doubt. You wanna bop them both on the head more than once. It’s a great start to a new series in this world since we needed Madd and Ian’s story. I truly love every book in this world and can’t praise them enough. 5 rubber duckies!!!!!
“I’m going to love for me, and I’ll carry you with me like I always do”
Infinity with you
Est. August eighth (this made me cry again!)
*Review has been posted a bit delayed, apologies*
Ian is shown how he basically became grief itself. No acceptance so that he could move on, just let the bitterness and hurt overtake him so he became pain personified, unable to live, just surviving. He didn’t know himself when he wasn’t with Madd. Madd was his first everything, so when he was stolen away, Ian was basically stolen away as well. He was in this limbo, stuck. Unwilling to move forward because that would be a betrayal, which he couldn’t do to Madd. It hurt when Ian said he knew Madd wouldn’t have taken this long to get over him if he died. This line stuck with me. Ian put his blinders on because accepting reality and that he could live and love again was stomping on their memory together. Tragic is such an understatement here. Ian is loyal but in a way that consumes and chips away at himself. He’s a worrier, a planner, determined, caring, has the ability to love so intensely but then shut everything out around it. It makes his pessimism worse. Jules is loyal, patient, tender and sweet, selfless but in a different way from Ian. He’s empathetic, he’s comfort an sunshine.
The pining and the yearning is off the charts, coupled with their hesitancy and doubt. You wanna bop them both on the head more than once. It’s a great start to a new series in this world since we needed Madd and Ian’s story. I truly love every book in this world and can’t praise them enough. 5 rubber duckies!!!!!
“I’m going to love for me, and I’ll carry you with me like I always do”
Infinity with you
Est. August eighth (this made me cry again!)
*Review has been posted a bit delayed, apologies*
August 11, 2026
Moving forward after losing your person
What an introduction to Sophie Quinn. This was a very emotional read dealing with the effects of grief and still trying to live the life they had envisioned even though it needed to change since the characters were no longer the same.
Man the characters in this story have really been through something so tragic. I just wanted to hug them all. Ian is so sweet but losing Madds derailed everything for him. He is stuck in place because he is still living the life they dreamed up together even though he isn't there to share the burden. I'm so glad Julian walked into his life because he never would have made it as far as he had without him.
Every time Ian felt something for Julian he was so filled with guilt. I just wanted him to go get some help because 7 years was too long to hold so tightly to someone who was never coming back. The love him and Madds had was beautiful and would always remain but Ian was killing himself trying to live for someone who wasn't alive. This broke my heart.
I adored Julian. He made a judgement call that saved them both. They were drowning in bookings and grief. They were stuck and needed to move forward. A vacation to let go was the idea though fate intervened. Bad weather lands the guys at a cute little B&B needing help just as much as the shop did.
I loved these two getting to know each other outside of the shop and without Madds being so heavy on them (even though he was always there). I love how much Julian accepted that Madds would always hold a piece of Ian's heart and never tried to overshadow that. These two were pining it's just one of them was too afraid to move forward.
I loved the tattoo shop and all the tattoos sound amazing. I loved how the 8th became so significant to the story and was honored in beautiful ways. I also love that even till the end of the story it was still being honored and Julian was happy to see that tradition continue but in a healthier way. This is a brutal story steeped in grief and trying to hold onto the past but still move forward. Life is about finding a balance and letting yourself live and love again.
I'm super excited to see what is next in this series. Maybe without so many tears. lol
What an introduction to Sophie Quinn. This was a very emotional read dealing with the effects of grief and still trying to live the life they had envisioned even though it needed to change since the characters were no longer the same.
Man the characters in this story have really been through something so tragic. I just wanted to hug them all. Ian is so sweet but losing Madds derailed everything for him. He is stuck in place because he is still living the life they dreamed up together even though he isn't there to share the burden. I'm so glad Julian walked into his life because he never would have made it as far as he had without him.
Every time Ian felt something for Julian he was so filled with guilt. I just wanted him to go get some help because 7 years was too long to hold so tightly to someone who was never coming back. The love him and Madds had was beautiful and would always remain but Ian was killing himself trying to live for someone who wasn't alive. This broke my heart.
I adored Julian. He made a judgement call that saved them both. They were drowning in bookings and grief. They were stuck and needed to move forward. A vacation to let go was the idea though fate intervened. Bad weather lands the guys at a cute little B&B needing help just as much as the shop did.
I loved these two getting to know each other outside of the shop and without Madds being so heavy on them (even though he was always there). I love how much Julian accepted that Madds would always hold a piece of Ian's heart and never tried to overshadow that. These two were pining it's just one of them was too afraid to move forward.
I loved the tattoo shop and all the tattoos sound amazing. I loved how the 8th became so significant to the story and was honored in beautiful ways. I also love that even till the end of the story it was still being honored and Julian was happy to see that tradition continue but in a healthier way. This is a brutal story steeped in grief and trying to hold onto the past but still move forward. Life is about finding a balance and letting yourself live and love again.
I'm super excited to see what is next in this series. Maybe without so many tears. lol
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.25⭐️
This was an emotionally devestating introduction to Sophie Quinn’s books. I spilled so.many.tears reading this story of learning to love after loss and learning to live in the throughs of grief.
This is a best friends to lovers romance featuring Julian and Ian who work together as tattoo artists. Ian lost the love of his life seven years earlier and has never let himself move on - if he feels happy, he feels guilty; if he makes a change to the tattoo shop they owned together, he feels guilty.
Ian met Julian three months after Maddox died and he instantly felt comfortable around him and knew he wanted him around more. Julian is everything Ian needed. He was patient, understanding, kind and not scared off by the fact that Ian would always love Maddox in some way. Julian never tried to force Ian to feel any certain way and was always willing to help hold Ian together.
Ian struggled with his feelings for Julian - pushing him away and lashing out in anger, mostly because of his struggles with feeling guilt. When he finally realized he deserves to be happy because he is still here and Maddox isn’t coming back.. it was really beautiful. He finally got some healing.
Julian and Ian together were so sweet and the connection was fire. The spice was top tier and you really felt like they were meant to be together. Their connection only grew throughout the story and I loved them together.
There were additional chapters from Maddox’s view point before the accident and they were great to get a snapshot of what Ian lost. I really liked these chapters and I felt like they added to the story.
The found family aspect of this story was phenomenal. It shows how family argues, says hurtful things, struggles.. and yet, they come together to love and support their people. I loved this whole group and I can’t wait to see more of them.
What you’re getting: workplace romance | best friends to lovers | found family | love after loss | grief representation | one bed | vacation mishaps | HEA | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was an emotionally devestating introduction to Sophie Quinn’s books. I spilled so.many.tears reading this story of learning to love after loss and learning to live in the throughs of grief.
This is a best friends to lovers romance featuring Julian and Ian who work together as tattoo artists. Ian lost the love of his life seven years earlier and has never let himself move on - if he feels happy, he feels guilty; if he makes a change to the tattoo shop they owned together, he feels guilty.
Ian met Julian three months after Maddox died and he instantly felt comfortable around him and knew he wanted him around more. Julian is everything Ian needed. He was patient, understanding, kind and not scared off by the fact that Ian would always love Maddox in some way. Julian never tried to force Ian to feel any certain way and was always willing to help hold Ian together.
Ian struggled with his feelings for Julian - pushing him away and lashing out in anger, mostly because of his struggles with feeling guilt. When he finally realized he deserves to be happy because he is still here and Maddox isn’t coming back.. it was really beautiful. He finally got some healing.
Julian and Ian together were so sweet and the connection was fire. The spice was top tier and you really felt like they were meant to be together. Their connection only grew throughout the story and I loved them together.
There were additional chapters from Maddox’s view point before the accident and they were great to get a snapshot of what Ian lost. I really liked these chapters and I felt like they added to the story.
The found family aspect of this story was phenomenal. It shows how family argues, says hurtful things, struggles.. and yet, they come together to love and support their people. I loved this whole group and I can’t wait to see more of them.
What you’re getting: workplace romance | best friends to lovers | found family | love after loss | grief representation | one bed | vacation mishaps | HEA | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this book in one sitting, sobbed an ungodly amount of tears and have thought about it daily since. It truly had a profound effect on me and I am not sure I have related to something more than Ian's grief disorder or a certain part of Julian's ADHD.
This book is incredibly written, it's unique and the emotions in it are so raw you feel like you are experiencing them in real life for yourself. It is one of those books that breaks you but then stitches you back together and I sobbed through a lot of the book but it is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.
Ian lost his partner Maddox seven years previous to the story's starting point yet he is still completely drowning in his grief, Ian is utterly broken desperately trying to hold his life together. The journey he goes on to heal was so beautifully written and with such depth. I loved his character and I understood his character better than any I have ever read. It was well paced and so detailed you truly went on an emotional rollercoaster with him. I loved how Sophie weaved Maddox into this story and how unique that was. I grieved him as well in the end.
Julian is a stunning character who is secretly in love with Ian and also goes through his own grief. His angst and yearning were palpable in the story. I loved how he took control for his own sanity as well as helping Ian. Julian also has ADHD and has his own demons regarding that, this was represented so well in this story and was so very relatable to me as I am sure it will be to others.
This book is filled with yearning, angst, grief, and healing. It also has forced proximity, moment of laughter and a growing found family. I can't wait to see where this series goes next.
This book shows how truly devastating grief can be and how your grief affects those who love you, I can't put into words how well this book was written or how utterly beautiful the story was.
Thank Sophie for this arc 💜
This book is incredibly written, it's unique and the emotions in it are so raw you feel like you are experiencing them in real life for yourself. It is one of those books that breaks you but then stitches you back together and I sobbed through a lot of the book but it is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.
Ian lost his partner Maddox seven years previous to the story's starting point yet he is still completely drowning in his grief, Ian is utterly broken desperately trying to hold his life together. The journey he goes on to heal was so beautifully written and with such depth. I loved his character and I understood his character better than any I have ever read. It was well paced and so detailed you truly went on an emotional rollercoaster with him. I loved how Sophie weaved Maddox into this story and how unique that was. I grieved him as well in the end.
Julian is a stunning character who is secretly in love with Ian and also goes through his own grief. His angst and yearning were palpable in the story. I loved how he took control for his own sanity as well as helping Ian. Julian also has ADHD and has his own demons regarding that, this was represented so well in this story and was so very relatable to me as I am sure it will be to others.
This book is filled with yearning, angst, grief, and healing. It also has forced proximity, moment of laughter and a growing found family. I can't wait to see where this series goes next.
This book shows how truly devastating grief can be and how your grief affects those who love you, I can't put into words how well this book was written or how utterly beautiful the story was.
Thank Sophie for this arc 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, I am still in awe. This was beautiful, amazing, perfect and heartbreaking all at the same time.God!! I loved this book. I can tell just how much effort the author put to bring these characters and their story alive. It was difficult not to love them, not to root for them. Ian and Julian stole my heart with their story.
This is the kind of story that is slow and steady throughout giving you time to experience all the emotions you feel while reading. Did I tell you I loved this book? 💓.
Ian was so heartbroken,scared and guilty. I couldn't even fault him for feeling that way.People process grief differently and I am glad he finally saw the need to start living for himself again.
Julian, sweet sweet Julian. This guy stole my heart without my permission like, he was perfect. He loved a lot but also set boundaries in order to protect himself even he over thinks it every time. He was literally perfect and the ADHD rep 😍.
Their relationship was beautiful. The slow build up to finally accepting each other was amazing. And people around them were so supportive. Anna my fav, Jamie and Noah and I even the new members to this family at the end of the story. The found family was perfect. Let's not forget Xia ,Alexander and Violet. We are definitely not jumping on beds anymore, lol.
Yes, there were ups and downs with Ian struggling, but I am glad he was able to work it out and take accountability. I would have cried otherwise.
The fact that the author gives us Maddox's point of view was perfect. I needed that. The author handled everything perfectly. Maddox was never replaced. Ian just chose a new path with Julian. It was beautiful. I think I am using the word beautiful too much today.
Read this book guys!! If you like a slow burn friends to lovers with a lot of sweet moments,Then this book is definitely for you. This was an ARC Read!
This is the kind of story that is slow and steady throughout giving you time to experience all the emotions you feel while reading. Did I tell you I loved this book? 💓.
Ian was so heartbroken,scared and guilty. I couldn't even fault him for feeling that way.People process grief differently and I am glad he finally saw the need to start living for himself again.
Julian, sweet sweet Julian. This guy stole my heart without my permission like, he was perfect. He loved a lot but also set boundaries in order to protect himself even he over thinks it every time. He was literally perfect and the ADHD rep 😍.
Their relationship was beautiful. The slow build up to finally accepting each other was amazing. And people around them were so supportive. Anna my fav, Jamie and Noah and I even the new members to this family at the end of the story. The found family was perfect. Let's not forget Xia ,Alexander and Violet. We are definitely not jumping on beds anymore, lol.
Yes, there were ups and downs with Ian struggling, but I am glad he was able to work it out and take accountability. I would have cried otherwise.
The fact that the author gives us Maddox's point of view was perfect. I needed that. The author handled everything perfectly. Maddox was never replaced. Ian just chose a new path with Julian. It was beautiful. I think I am using the word beautiful too much today.
Read this book guys!! If you like a slow burn friends to lovers with a lot of sweet moments,Then this book is definitely for you. This was an ARC Read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Even while reading Jamie and Noah’s book, I already had a feeling that this story wasn’t going to be an easy one. And when I saw that Maddox would have chapters of his own? I just knew I was going to cry, because I was going to feel everything. And yeah… I absolutely did. 😭
Ian is grieving, trying to survive, and trying to figure out how he could ever love someone again after losing the man he loved so deeply. His desperation and sadness run so deep that he ends up hurting not only Julian, but also Jamie, Maddox’s former best friend, even when that was never his intention…
Julian has been yearning for Ian for years, and yet he supports him, stays by his side, and is patient with him in a way anyone would envy. I think that patience and unwavering support are part of what makes their relationship so beautiful. That is, until he finally decides to take matters into his own hands…
I really loved the way Sophie portrayed grief and heartbreak, and how she showed the way grief can affect every single part of your life. Ian keeps trying to move forward, but his immeasurable love for Maddox keeps pulling him back, even though he knows Maddox would never want him to live like this.
I also loved that Ian realized he needed professional help. And I especially loved that falling in love with someone else, and having that person love him back, didn’t mean that his love for Maddox disappeared. His grief didn’t just vanish, and his heart didn’t magically heal overnight.
There were funny moments, sweet moments, and moments where I was literally crying my eyes out. 🥹
This definitely isn’t an easy read because of its subject matter, but it was absolutely beautiful and so worth it.
Sophie, I’m incredibly grateful that I got the chance to read this book. Once again, you didn’t disappoint. Thank you for giving us this story. 💖
Ian is grieving, trying to survive, and trying to figure out how he could ever love someone again after losing the man he loved so deeply. His desperation and sadness run so deep that he ends up hurting not only Julian, but also Jamie, Maddox’s former best friend, even when that was never his intention…
Julian has been yearning for Ian for years, and yet he supports him, stays by his side, and is patient with him in a way anyone would envy. I think that patience and unwavering support are part of what makes their relationship so beautiful. That is, until he finally decides to take matters into his own hands…
I really loved the way Sophie portrayed grief and heartbreak, and how she showed the way grief can affect every single part of your life. Ian keeps trying to move forward, but his immeasurable love for Maddox keeps pulling him back, even though he knows Maddox would never want him to live like this.
I also loved that Ian realized he needed professional help. And I especially loved that falling in love with someone else, and having that person love him back, didn’t mean that his love for Maddox disappeared. His grief didn’t just vanish, and his heart didn’t magically heal overnight.
There were funny moments, sweet moments, and moments where I was literally crying my eyes out. 🥹
This definitely isn’t an easy read because of its subject matter, but it was absolutely beautiful and so worth it.
Sophie, I’m incredibly grateful that I got the chance to read this book. Once again, you didn’t disappoint. Thank you for giving us this story. 💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m still sitting here in awe because WOW. I really, really love Sophie Quinn’s writing. There’s so much emotion in this story from the beginning, and somehow she made me feel every bit of it.
Ian is carrying so much grief over his late lover, and watching him struggle to find the will to move forward, while still being so deeply affected by his past absolutely broke my heart. Then there’s Julian, who has loved Ian through all of this yet was scared to make a move because he knew where Ian’s heart still belonged. He was scared of getting hurt. Their disaster vacation and forced proximity slowly give them the space to finally see each other differently and just… be themselves.
I loved the way their story unfolded, especially because we get Julian’s POV, Ian’s POV, and Maddox’s POV from the past. The way Maddox’s story was revealed made everything hit so much harder. I loved how that was a way of revealing his past to us.. I got so emotional 😭.
And the tattoo shop, the friendships, and especially the found family here were such a beautiful part of the story. Julian was so sweet and so thoughtful toward Ian, and I’m really glad Ian finally chose himself and moved forward instead of letting his grief hurt the people closest to him. He needed to stop letting the past consume him, and seeing him finally take that step meant so much.
This was beautifully written, heartbreaking, sweet, emotional, and yes… there’s plenty of spice too 👀. Sophie Quinn writes her characters with so much depth that I felt completely immersed in their lives. I loved Ian and Julian, and honestly, I need MORE. I’m already looking forward to what comes next. 🥹🫶🏻
Ian is carrying so much grief over his late lover, and watching him struggle to find the will to move forward, while still being so deeply affected by his past absolutely broke my heart. Then there’s Julian, who has loved Ian through all of this yet was scared to make a move because he knew where Ian’s heart still belonged. He was scared of getting hurt. Their disaster vacation and forced proximity slowly give them the space to finally see each other differently and just… be themselves.
I loved the way their story unfolded, especially because we get Julian’s POV, Ian’s POV, and Maddox’s POV from the past. The way Maddox’s story was revealed made everything hit so much harder. I loved how that was a way of revealing his past to us.. I got so emotional 😭.
And the tattoo shop, the friendships, and especially the found family here were such a beautiful part of the story. Julian was so sweet and so thoughtful toward Ian, and I’m really glad Ian finally chose himself and moved forward instead of letting his grief hurt the people closest to him. He needed to stop letting the past consume him, and seeing him finally take that step meant so much.
This was beautifully written, heartbreaking, sweet, emotional, and yes… there’s plenty of spice too 👀. Sophie Quinn writes her characters with so much depth that I felt completely immersed in their lives. I loved Ian and Julian, and honestly, I need MORE. I’m already looking forward to what comes next. 🥹🫶🏻
August 12, 2026
There is so much to say about this book and I am unsure where to start. I was lucky enough to be provided an arc of Midnight Ink by and it took me quite a bit of time to get through it. Talk about an emotional roller-coaster. From beginning to end I was on a ride and at times it was bumpy and I was unsure if I wanted to continue on this journey. Grief is such a difficult subject, in my opinion, to read about and I imagine a difficult thing to write about as well. Grief is experienced differently for everyone and it isn't linear and it isn't pretty and people process things in their own way.
What I loved about this story was that you were also able to see how a person's grief can affect those around them, who love them and want to help in whatever way they can but don't always know how best to do so. Especially when it comes to the anger part and you are lashed out at through no fault of your own. I was so glad that Julian, while understanding, didn't just let himself be the metaphorical punching bag. He let Ian feel what he did and process his emotions but at the same time gave him some hard truths.
Ian thought he was betraying Maddox by falling for Julian. He felt like he was betraying him by even hiring Julian. He had so many emotions swirling around him the entire book and you truly felt his grief. I am not a big crier when it comes to reading but I definitely got truly emotional at times. I love how everything came together in the end. I loved how you got to experience the love of a found family. Sophie doesn't miss. I cannot wait to dive further in to this new series
What I loved about this story was that you were also able to see how a person's grief can affect those around them, who love them and want to help in whatever way they can but don't always know how best to do so. Especially when it comes to the anger part and you are lashed out at through no fault of your own. I was so glad that Julian, while understanding, didn't just let himself be the metaphorical punching bag. He let Ian feel what he did and process his emotions but at the same time gave him some hard truths.
Ian thought he was betraying Maddox by falling for Julian. He felt like he was betraying him by even hiring Julian. He had so many emotions swirling around him the entire book and you truly felt his grief. I am not a big crier when it comes to reading but I definitely got truly emotional at times. I love how everything came together in the end. I loved how you got to experience the love of a found family. Sophie doesn't miss. I cannot wait to dive further in to this new series
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is so different than anything I’ve ever read. It had grief, hilarious banter, mental health rep and so much more.
Ian was struggling so much from the loss of his boyfriend Maddox who passed and he was basically living half of a life. Not fully giving his all to anyone but Julian changed that for him and made him see that he deserves love again.
Julian saw how much Ian was struggling and gave him an ultimatum: take a break from the tattoo shop and give himself time to breathe or he would have to remove himself from the environment. Julian couldn’t bear to see Ian run himself ragged the way he had been and he needed to see him get better.
Julian was so patient, loving and supportive of Ian every step of the way. What an angel. I loved him so much but I also love that he stood up for himself. He was accepting of the fact that Ian would always love Maddox but he also wanted pieces of his heart too.
Their trip at the bed and breakfast was exactly what they needed. It really brought them closer and I loved seeing Ian’s walls come down. The feelings he had for Julian had always been there but he just felt like he wasn’t allowed to feel them which absolutely broke my heart.
I know this book is about Julian and Ian but by the end of it I also felt so much sadness about Maddox passing. What a beautiful soul he was and I know that Maddox would want Ian to be his happiest with Julian.
I cried a lot during this for many reasons but it was so worth the tears. A beautiful read and I’m excited to see what is next in this series!
Ian was struggling so much from the loss of his boyfriend Maddox who passed and he was basically living half of a life. Not fully giving his all to anyone but Julian changed that for him and made him see that he deserves love again.
Julian saw how much Ian was struggling and gave him an ultimatum: take a break from the tattoo shop and give himself time to breathe or he would have to remove himself from the environment. Julian couldn’t bear to see Ian run himself ragged the way he had been and he needed to see him get better.
Julian was so patient, loving and supportive of Ian every step of the way. What an angel. I loved him so much but I also love that he stood up for himself. He was accepting of the fact that Ian would always love Maddox but he also wanted pieces of his heart too.
Their trip at the bed and breakfast was exactly what they needed. It really brought them closer and I loved seeing Ian’s walls come down. The feelings he had for Julian had always been there but he just felt like he wasn’t allowed to feel them which absolutely broke my heart.
I know this book is about Julian and Ian but by the end of it I also felt so much sadness about Maddox passing. What a beautiful soul he was and I know that Maddox would want Ian to be his happiest with Julian.
I cried a lot during this for many reasons but it was so worth the tears. A beautiful read and I’m excited to see what is next in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Midnight Ink by @sophiequinnwrites
🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
💧💧💧
Will start off saying I'm a huge Sophie fan. I absolutely love her and all her work. I think this may be my new favorite, (sorry Noah still I love you the most)!!
Ian and Julian's story was an emotional and beautiful journey. Poor Ian was dealt with so much heartbreak and trauma before even meeting Julian. I loved how we got to meet Maddox and get a glimpse of him and Ian's relationship and also their story. Ian is a great guy and is working himself too much It's hurting not only himself but those around him that love him.
Ian meets Julian at a time in his life where he really needs a friend. Julian is so sweet and such an amazing friend and coworker. This story definitely had me tearing. Especially when it comes to Ian and Jamie's friendship and everything they went through not only in the past but also fresh wounds in the story. The ending was beautiful and heartfelt. Sophie did a great job bringing closure to Ian and letting him have his HEA that he and both Julian well deserved.
I loved everything about this story from the characters, to the bed and breakfast and the no "jumping on the bed" rule, being able to see the past and how everything happened and shaped each character. Also I freaking LOVE Anna, she is everyone's best friend. Again Sophie did a great job creating another found family and giving us more people to add to it!
Can't wait for book 2!!
#sophiequinn #midnightink #queerromance #foundfamily
Midnight Ink by @sophiequinnwrites
🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
💧💧💧
Will start off saying I'm a huge Sophie fan. I absolutely love her and all her work. I think this may be my new favorite, (sorry Noah still I love you the most)!!
Ian and Julian's story was an emotional and beautiful journey. Poor Ian was dealt with so much heartbreak and trauma before even meeting Julian. I loved how we got to meet Maddox and get a glimpse of him and Ian's relationship and also their story. Ian is a great guy and is working himself too much It's hurting not only himself but those around him that love him.
Ian meets Julian at a time in his life where he really needs a friend. Julian is so sweet and such an amazing friend and coworker. This story definitely had me tearing. Especially when it comes to Ian and Jamie's friendship and everything they went through not only in the past but also fresh wounds in the story. The ending was beautiful and heartfelt. Sophie did a great job bringing closure to Ian and letting him have his HEA that he and both Julian well deserved.
I loved everything about this story from the characters, to the bed and breakfast and the no "jumping on the bed" rule, being able to see the past and how everything happened and shaped each character. Also I freaking LOVE Anna, she is everyone's best friend. Again Sophie did a great job creating another found family and giving us more people to add to it!
Can't wait for book 2!!
#sophiequinn #midnightink #queerromance #foundfamily
August 13, 2026
This was such a beautiful story Ian has been dealing with the passing of his partner Maddix who he also had a tattoo shop with. After losing Maddix, Ian was in a very bad place he felt like his life was over. Then Julian walked into his tattoo shop and from there they became the best of friends. The only thing Julian is in love with Ian like that soul crushing, heart stopping love. Julian knows what Maddix meant to Ian and he knows he can't replace him he doesn't want to. After 7 years of being being there for Ian and keeping his feelings hidden it's becoming harder to hide. When Ian and Julian end up stranded in NC during a hurricane do feelings begin to be explored. What Julian thought would never happen begins to and when he says how he feels things take a turn.
I loved this book I could feel Ian's grief in my bones it was like a constant weight. That is the thing with grief it doesn't care it clings to you and drags you to the depths where you think you can never come back. Julian respected Ian's relationship with Maddix he never wanted to replace him and he always made sure to keep his memory alive. Ian needed Julian together they could heal while at the same time preserving the memory of Maddix. What I loved was the fact that Sophie showed the ugliness of grief and how it can strangle you until you become someone you don't know anymore. I felt like this story resonated with me I have felt the sting of grief and I understand how Ian felt. Also showing the respect Julian had for Maddix memory. I will be rereading this that is for sure.
I loved this book I could feel Ian's grief in my bones it was like a constant weight. That is the thing with grief it doesn't care it clings to you and drags you to the depths where you think you can never come back. Julian respected Ian's relationship with Maddix he never wanted to replace him and he always made sure to keep his memory alive. Ian needed Julian together they could heal while at the same time preserving the memory of Maddix. What I loved was the fact that Sophie showed the ugliness of grief and how it can strangle you until you become someone you don't know anymore. I felt like this story resonated with me I have felt the sting of grief and I understand how Ian felt. Also showing the respect Julian had for Maddix memory. I will be rereading this that is for sure.
August 17, 2026
Sophie was able to balance the ugliest sides of grief and the beauty of becoming yourself again after losing the love of your life...
and I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that there were shed tears for one or another reason in EVERY DAMN CHAPTER. Even though it was emotionally a lot to bear... I loved every second of it.
Ian and Jules are - again - two throughout mindfully written characters.
The contrast between Ian’s tendency to immediately assume the worst and
Julian’s ability to break down his fears with him and, by reasoning them out, make them feel less suffocating was very realistic, especially in terms of the
ADHD representation—which, by the way, was brilliant—because when it comes to his own fears, Julian unfortunately can’t do that at all, and that rings very true for me.
Maddox... Oh, my dear Maddox.
The second I saw his name in the content-list, I knew I was in trouble.
Thanks to the Splintered Universe I already knew Maddox is someone I would’ve admired deeply and would miss just as painfully as Jamie, Ian, and Anna do.
Reading about how much he loved Ian and his people, and what his plans for their future were,... it added a lot more depth to their whole story.
It was an honor to get to know him better.
The Inked Hearts crew has definitely some new stories to tell, and I'm eager to discover more about all these interesting characters They seem as colorful and vibrant as all of Sophie's other characters.
I already know I will fall so hard for Miles, just like I fell while Midnight Ink for Anna.
and I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that there were shed tears for one or another reason in EVERY DAMN CHAPTER. Even though it was emotionally a lot to bear... I loved every second of it.
Ian and Jules are - again - two throughout mindfully written characters.
The contrast between Ian’s tendency to immediately assume the worst and
Julian’s ability to break down his fears with him and, by reasoning them out, make them feel less suffocating was very realistic, especially in terms of the
ADHD representation—which, by the way, was brilliant—because when it comes to his own fears, Julian unfortunately can’t do that at all, and that rings very true for me.
Maddox... Oh, my dear Maddox.
The second I saw his name in the content-list, I knew I was in trouble.
Thanks to the Splintered Universe I already knew Maddox is someone I would’ve admired deeply and would miss just as painfully as Jamie, Ian, and Anna do.
Reading about how much he loved Ian and his people, and what his plans for their future were,... it added a lot more depth to their whole story.
It was an honor to get to know him better.
The Inked Hearts crew has definitely some new stories to tell, and I'm eager to discover more about all these interesting characters They seem as colorful and vibrant as all of Sophie's other characters.
I already know I will fall so hard for Miles, just like I fell while Midnight Ink for Anna.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Midnight Ink is a story about love, loss, and the possibility of moving forward after grief. The tattoo shop setting was one of my favorite parts of the book, and I also enjoyed the premise and several of the characters, especially Anna, who was an easy favorite. I stayed engaged throughout and genuinely wanted to see how Ian and Julian’s relationship would unfold. I also appreciated that the side characters had personalities of their own and left me curious to learn more about them.
For me, the story didn’t quite reach the place I was hoping it would by the end. While I appreciated its themes of healing and second chances, I never quite felt the level of growth I was hoping to see. I also felt that a few of the intimate scenes disrupted the pacing rather than strengthening the overall narrative.
Even with those critiques, I never found myself wanting to put the book down, and there were enough moments that kept me turning the pages. By the final chapter, I was left with just enough curiosity about what’s next that I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes.
In the end, Midnight Ink was an enjoyable read that simply didn’t resonate with me as much as I’d hoped. If you enjoy M/M romances that explore grief, healing, and second chances, this one may be worth adding to your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨(3.5/5)
Midnight Ink is a story about love, loss, and the possibility of moving forward after grief. The tattoo shop setting was one of my favorite parts of the book, and I also enjoyed the premise and several of the characters, especially Anna, who was an easy favorite. I stayed engaged throughout and genuinely wanted to see how Ian and Julian’s relationship would unfold. I also appreciated that the side characters had personalities of their own and left me curious to learn more about them.
For me, the story didn’t quite reach the place I was hoping it would by the end. While I appreciated its themes of healing and second chances, I never quite felt the level of growth I was hoping to see. I also felt that a few of the intimate scenes disrupted the pacing rather than strengthening the overall narrative.
Even with those critiques, I never found myself wanting to put the book down, and there were enough moments that kept me turning the pages. By the final chapter, I was left with just enough curiosity about what’s next that I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes.
In the end, Midnight Ink was an enjoyable read that simply didn’t resonate with me as much as I’d hoped. If you enjoy M/M romances that explore grief, healing, and second chances, this one may be worth adding to your TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨(3.5/5)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This wasn’t just a romance. It was a story of grief, recovery and moving on all while not quite letting go. Sophie wrecked my heart and put it back together again. How can you make me fall in love with Maddox and Ian AND Ian and Julian??? This was such a beautiful story and Ian will forever be in my heart.
There were so many parallels between Maddox & Jules. I love how the Sophie shows us flashbacks through Maddox who truly and undeniably loved Ian. In the present, we see Ian struggling with his grief as well as his friendship with Jules. He’s denying what he’s feeling for Jules. His grief and guilt is too strong that he hasn’t really allowed himself to be with anyone. Meanwhile, Jules is tragically in love with Ian and would go to the ends of the earth for him. Ian is also hopelessly in denial of Jules’ feelings.
I FREAKING LOVE Anna! From her snark to the way she plots to finally get these two together is awe inspiring. She’s hurting too over Maddox’s death because they were friends since they were teenagers. She also sees Ian’s pain and dedication to Maddox. All she wants is his happiness and she wants that for Jules too. Maddox’s love for Ian pours out of the page in his chapters. It’s so bittersweet. Meanwhile, Jules is the most patient, tender walking green flag. He would hurt just to be near Ian even if it’s only as friends. I just love this whole book. I really hope we get more from these characters in future books.
There were so many parallels between Maddox & Jules. I love how the Sophie shows us flashbacks through Maddox who truly and undeniably loved Ian. In the present, we see Ian struggling with his grief as well as his friendship with Jules. He’s denying what he’s feeling for Jules. His grief and guilt is too strong that he hasn’t really allowed himself to be with anyone. Meanwhile, Jules is tragically in love with Ian and would go to the ends of the earth for him. Ian is also hopelessly in denial of Jules’ feelings.
I FREAKING LOVE Anna! From her snark to the way she plots to finally get these two together is awe inspiring. She’s hurting too over Maddox’s death because they were friends since they were teenagers. She also sees Ian’s pain and dedication to Maddox. All she wants is his happiness and she wants that for Jules too. Maddox’s love for Ian pours out of the page in his chapters. It’s so bittersweet. Meanwhile, Jules is the most patient, tender walking green flag. He would hurt just to be near Ian even if it’s only as friends. I just love this whole book. I really hope we get more from these characters in future books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ooof, this was a tough read (in the best possible
way).
For those familiar with Sophie Quinn, we first met Ian briefly in Splintered Hearts (focused on Jamie and Noah’s relationship). Now, in Midnight Ink, we finally get his full story.
Midnight Ink takes place about seven years after the accident in which Maddox (Ian’s boyfriend and Jamie’s best friend) was suddenly killed in a car accident. While Jamie has finally been able to move on with Noah, Ian is still stuck in his grief. Working himself to the bone to make Maddox’ tattoo shop successful, he is finally at a breaking point. His fellow tattoo artist and closest friend Julian (who is secretly in love with him), can’t bear to watch him destroy himself any longer, and gives Ian an ultimatum - take a break or he will quit. What follows is an unexpectedly derailed vacation in which Ian is finally forced to confront his grief, and his feelings for Julian.
Midnight Ink is a story that doesn’t shy away from the realities of grief, and the difficulties of reconciling moving on while still carrying love for those who’ve passed. It is tragic and hopeful, emotional yet funny, and shows how finding new love doesn’t devalue that from the past.
Like everything from Sophie Quinn, Midnight Ink is well written, and filled with wonderful side characters and found family. Can’t wait for more in this series 💕
way).
For those familiar with Sophie Quinn, we first met Ian briefly in Splintered Hearts (focused on Jamie and Noah’s relationship). Now, in Midnight Ink, we finally get his full story.
Midnight Ink takes place about seven years after the accident in which Maddox (Ian’s boyfriend and Jamie’s best friend) was suddenly killed in a car accident. While Jamie has finally been able to move on with Noah, Ian is still stuck in his grief. Working himself to the bone to make Maddox’ tattoo shop successful, he is finally at a breaking point. His fellow tattoo artist and closest friend Julian (who is secretly in love with him), can’t bear to watch him destroy himself any longer, and gives Ian an ultimatum - take a break or he will quit. What follows is an unexpectedly derailed vacation in which Ian is finally forced to confront his grief, and his feelings for Julian.
Midnight Ink is a story that doesn’t shy away from the realities of grief, and the difficulties of reconciling moving on while still carrying love for those who’ve passed. It is tragic and hopeful, emotional yet funny, and shows how finding new love doesn’t devalue that from the past.
Like everything from Sophie Quinn, Midnight Ink is well written, and filled with wonderful side characters and found family. Can’t wait for more in this series 💕
August 4, 2026
Was I snottin and BAWLING on the airplane home making my son and husband super concerned?? Omg how did you know?!?!? 🥲😅
✨Spoiler free ARC review✨
5 ⭐️ x ♾️
(Even writing the infinity symbol has the tears starting again so let’s see if I can do this y’all)
New Roman Empire ✔️
Found Family ✔️✔️
Positive representation of a Black man ✔️✔️✔️
Our tatted hotties are Ian and Julian, both tattoo artists at a super popular, hot-in-demand shop where Ian is the owner.
But Ian is a complicated man dealing with grief from a tragic accident that cost him the love of his life, Maddox, years ago. While Julian is the ray of light who stumbled upon the shop one day and hasn’t looked back since.
Only Julian is madly in love with Ian, but Ian has never fully embraced the reality of his grief 💔
Ian is burning himself out trying to honour his love Maddox 🥺 but destroying himself in the process. Julian is sick of seeing Ian become a shell of himself, so he does the only logical thing he can think of: give him an ultimatum. Take a vacation with him or he walks from the shop for good🫣
OBVIOUSLY Ian’s a fool, but he’s got some sense in him. So he agrees 😅 But what’s supposed to be an honourable vacation to scatter Maddox’s ashes is short lived when an unexpected storm reroutes them to North Carolina ⛈️🌪️🤦🏾♀️
There is soo so sooo much more to these two and their story and I’m trying SO HARD to keep this spoiler free 😭😅
I absolutely lovedddd seeing the OG characters from the Splintered Hearts series 🫶🏽
Grief is a powerful thing, so please keep in mind it looks different for everyone. @sophiequinnwrites did a beautiful job handling such a delicate and fragile subject with the most sincere care 🫶🏽
Do I have an ♾️ tattoo? Why yes yes I do 😭 So if you’re seeing this, I’m calling it fate because clearly you need to read this book (iykyk) 🥹🫶🏽
Ian and Julian’s beautiful story is yours August 11th
ONE WEEK YALL ♾️😭🙌🏽
✨Spoiler free ARC review✨
5 ⭐️ x ♾️
(Even writing the infinity symbol has the tears starting again so let’s see if I can do this y’all)
New Roman Empire ✔️
Found Family ✔️✔️
Positive representation of a Black man ✔️✔️✔️
Our tatted hotties are Ian and Julian, both tattoo artists at a super popular, hot-in-demand shop where Ian is the owner.
But Ian is a complicated man dealing with grief from a tragic accident that cost him the love of his life, Maddox, years ago. While Julian is the ray of light who stumbled upon the shop one day and hasn’t looked back since.
Only Julian is madly in love with Ian, but Ian has never fully embraced the reality of his grief 💔
Ian is burning himself out trying to honour his love Maddox 🥺 but destroying himself in the process. Julian is sick of seeing Ian become a shell of himself, so he does the only logical thing he can think of: give him an ultimatum. Take a vacation with him or he walks from the shop for good🫣
OBVIOUSLY Ian’s a fool, but he’s got some sense in him. So he agrees 😅 But what’s supposed to be an honourable vacation to scatter Maddox’s ashes is short lived when an unexpected storm reroutes them to North Carolina ⛈️🌪️🤦🏾♀️
There is soo so sooo much more to these two and their story and I’m trying SO HARD to keep this spoiler free 😭😅
I absolutely lovedddd seeing the OG characters from the Splintered Hearts series 🫶🏽
Grief is a powerful thing, so please keep in mind it looks different for everyone. @sophiequinnwrites did a beautiful job handling such a delicate and fragile subject with the most sincere care 🫶🏽
Do I have an ♾️ tattoo? Why yes yes I do 😭 So if you’re seeing this, I’m calling it fate because clearly you need to read this book (iykyk) 🥹🫶🏽
Ian and Julian’s beautiful story is yours August 11th
ONE WEEK YALL ♾️😭🙌🏽
August 1, 2026
**ARC Review** 3.8⭐️ < no AI was used in the write up of this review >
I truly enjoyed this book. Characters were relatable and the story was real. Ian put me on an emotional roller coaster and I found myself comparing his situation to my own life. The detail of the emotions were so thorough and comparable to the reality that people often face. Spicy scenes were very well placed and described - they didn’t feel forced like some others I’ve read. And the tattoo descriptions were great! Had me thinking of ones I’ve seen and ideas I’ve had for myself.
That being said, the layout of the book was a bit choppy. Going between characters and before and present made it a bit challenging to follow at times. I feel like there were 2 climaxes to the storyline - the admission of 2nd love and the breakdown of the night 1st love died. (Trying not to be too descriptive and spoil). The dialog vs internal monologue was a bit repetitive. There were times where I thought I was accidentally reading the same pages over again because of the repetition. It slowed down the flow a bit.
Overall, I do want to continue following the characters into other books in the series. I’m looking forward to book 2.
I truly enjoyed this book. Characters were relatable and the story was real. Ian put me on an emotional roller coaster and I found myself comparing his situation to my own life. The detail of the emotions were so thorough and comparable to the reality that people often face. Spicy scenes were very well placed and described - they didn’t feel forced like some others I’ve read. And the tattoo descriptions were great! Had me thinking of ones I’ve seen and ideas I’ve had for myself.
That being said, the layout of the book was a bit choppy. Going between characters and before and present made it a bit challenging to follow at times. I feel like there were 2 climaxes to the storyline - the admission of 2nd love and the breakdown of the night 1st love died. (Trying not to be too descriptive and spoil). The dialog vs internal monologue was a bit repetitive. There were times where I thought I was accidentally reading the same pages over again because of the repetition. It slowed down the flow a bit.
Overall, I do want to continue following the characters into other books in the series. I’m looking forward to book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(ARC)
This book was beautiful. Grief is such a hard thing and it can completely take over a person. I already knew going into this book who Maddox was and the whole situation because of Jamie and his book but i simply was not as prepared as i thought i was for just how hard this book was going to hit me. In this book we get glimpses of the past from Madd's perspective, which just added to the emotion of it all because we already knew the outcome for him. We got to see the love between Ian and Maddox and how much of a light he was, which made it so much easier to grasp the effect he left on the ones who loved him. We get to see just how much Ian's grief affects him and the way he treats the people around him and it is really hard, and by the end we see him learn to live again and it is beautiful. Julian is also a great character; he is that steady rock throughout the whole book but he is also just a man in love watching the one he loves go through all of this. One thing i really liked about Jules is that although he loved Ian, he still stood his ground when needed to and didn't try to replace Maddox or force Ian to move on. He knew when to walk away and he wouldn't sit there and watch Ian be unhappy or hurt him just because he was hurting.
Overall, I loved this book. I knew i would because i simply love the way Sophie writes characters and relationships, but this one is a special one for me and i can't wait for what's next.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(ARC)
This book was beautiful. Grief is such a hard thing and it can completely take over a person. I already knew going into this book who Maddox was and the whole situation because of Jamie and his book but i simply was not as prepared as i thought i was for just how hard this book was going to hit me. In this book we get glimpses of the past from Madd's perspective, which just added to the emotion of it all because we already knew the outcome for him. We got to see the love between Ian and Maddox and how much of a light he was, which made it so much easier to grasp the effect he left on the ones who loved him. We get to see just how much Ian's grief affects him and the way he treats the people around him and it is really hard, and by the end we see him learn to live again and it is beautiful. Julian is also a great character; he is that steady rock throughout the whole book but he is also just a man in love watching the one he loves go through all of this. One thing i really liked about Jules is that although he loved Ian, he still stood his ground when needed to and didn't try to replace Maddox or force Ian to move on. He knew when to walk away and he wouldn't sit there and watch Ian be unhappy or hurt him just because he was hurting.
Overall, I loved this book. I knew i would because i simply love the way Sophie writes characters and relationships, but this one is a special one for me and i can't wait for what's next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was a hard read. So emotionally devastating. I was sobbing throughout the book. It was also so so beautiful. Ian and Julian are truly meant to be. Ian’s journey with grief after losing Maddox is devastating, and goes to show that there truly is no timeline on grief and that grief is not linear. It is constant, and some days are worse than others. It took a lot for Ian to finally start to accept what had happened and Julian was there for it all.
Julian is everything Ian needed. His best friend. The sunshine in his darkness. The one who made Ian feel like acceptance was even remotely possible. He was patient, and kind. He was also understanding, he knew and accepted that Ian would never be able to let Maddox go completely. The lows hurt, and seeing Ian hurt his loved ones and lash out really will make your chest ache.
Finally seeing Julian and Ian together is amazing. They are so sweet together and truly have such a great connection. The spice was also incredible. It’s one of those books where you truly feel the connection and how much the characters are meant to be together. I love them so much.
This was a hard read. So emotionally devastating. I was sobbing throughout the book. It was also so so beautiful. Ian and Julian are truly meant to be. Ian’s journey with grief after losing Maddox is devastating, and goes to show that there truly is no timeline on grief and that grief is not linear. It is constant, and some days are worse than others. It took a lot for Ian to finally start to accept what had happened and Julian was there for it all.
Julian is everything Ian needed. His best friend. The sunshine in his darkness. The one who made Ian feel like acceptance was even remotely possible. He was patient, and kind. He was also understanding, he knew and accepted that Ian would never be able to let Maddox go completely. The lows hurt, and seeing Ian hurt his loved ones and lash out really will make your chest ache.
Finally seeing Julian and Ian together is amazing. They are so sweet together and truly have such a great connection. The spice was also incredible. It’s one of those books where you truly feel the connection and how much the characters are meant to be together. I love them so much.
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