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Ink Beneath Starlight: A Heatwave Down Under Romance
One man is his awakening
One man is his catalyst
One man is his monster
And another man
is his soulmate, his home.
Eleven years have passed
since a young man
in the middle of nowhere
left it all behind
and created a new identity.
As two stories
unfold side by side,
so do the secrets
that he tried so hard to bury.
Paths cross.
Lives intertwine.
Past and present collide
when love conquers fear.
Amos is a flirty, easygoing tattoo artist with A-list clients and a cheeky sense of humour.
Marco is an uptight perfectionist event planner who likes everything to run according to schedule.
Getting a crush on his client was definitely not on his to-do list.
But their worlds entangle, and despite getting on each other's nerves, they can't resist temptation for long.
Naughty texts, stolen kisses, and undeniable chemistry lead to a whirlwind romance that risks exposing Marco's heaviest burden.
As they grow closer and Amos melts Marco's hardened shell, the truth can no longer be ignored.
Together they must face the shadows that still linger.
And with Amos by his side, love can overcome the darkness.
Hurt/Comfort
Tattoo artist x Event planner
Crushing on a client
Hidden past identity
Opposites attract
Small town vs Big city
Found family
Flirty banter & texting
Backstory flashbacks
Anxiety & panic rep
Still friends with his ex
Love triangle (no cheating)
Workplace romance
Healing through therapy
Role switching in the bedroom
Green flag MMC
No third act breakup
HEA
Spice Level 4 (but with a deep love story)
Dual POV
E-book has both first and third person options
BONUS: Recipe, map & roadtrip playlist included
Trigger warnings:
MMC - anxiety, panic attacks, scars and injuries (from an incident with a side character)
Side characters - alcoholic, addict, gambling, domestic violence, poverty, emotional abuse, homophobic slurs, cheating
One man is his catalyst
One man is his monster
And another man
is his soulmate, his home.
Eleven years have passed
since a young man
in the middle of nowhere
left it all behind
and created a new identity.
As two stories
unfold side by side,
so do the secrets
that he tried so hard to bury.
Paths cross.
Lives intertwine.
Past and present collide
when love conquers fear.
Amos is a flirty, easygoing tattoo artist with A-list clients and a cheeky sense of humour.
Marco is an uptight perfectionist event planner who likes everything to run according to schedule.
Getting a crush on his client was definitely not on his to-do list.
But their worlds entangle, and despite getting on each other's nerves, they can't resist temptation for long.
Naughty texts, stolen kisses, and undeniable chemistry lead to a whirlwind romance that risks exposing Marco's heaviest burden.
As they grow closer and Amos melts Marco's hardened shell, the truth can no longer be ignored.
Together they must face the shadows that still linger.
And with Amos by his side, love can overcome the darkness.
Hurt/Comfort
Tattoo artist x Event planner
Crushing on a client
Hidden past identity
Opposites attract
Small town vs Big city
Found family
Flirty banter & texting
Backstory flashbacks
Anxiety & panic rep
Still friends with his ex
Love triangle (no cheating)
Workplace romance
Healing through therapy
Role switching in the bedroom
Green flag MMC
No third act breakup
HEA
Spice Level 4 (but with a deep love story)
Dual POV
E-book has both first and third person options
BONUS: Recipe, map & roadtrip playlist included
Trigger warnings:
MMC - anxiety, panic attacks, scars and injuries (from an incident with a side character)
Side characters - alcoholic, addict, gambling, domestic violence, poverty, emotional abuse, homophobic slurs, cheating
- GenresM M Romance
506 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 17, 2026
**Review of advanced reader copy from the author**
Wow. This book was amazing. The story was written so beautifully and I just couldn’t get enough. A true raw, love story that hits you with all the emotions. I cried so many times while reading this book.
Marcos and Amos ❤️❤️ Marcos had such an emotional journey and my heart seriously broke for him so many times. When people say “emotional roller coaster,” this is the book I will forever picture. The mental health rep in this book and how Henley wrote it was so raw. The survival and healing for Marcos was real. I was so committed to this book from start to finish.
Also, Amos was seriously the greenest of all green flags for Marcos. He was so kind and supportive. You could truly feel the caring nature of him through the book.
I also loved the imagery the book showed of Australia. I was in Brisbane last year and it brought back tons of memories. The book was perfect with scenery, writing style and everything in between.
If you’re looking for a book that is filled with raw emotion, true love, and an overall rollercoaster of emotions, I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Wow. This book was amazing. The story was written so beautifully and I just couldn’t get enough. A true raw, love story that hits you with all the emotions. I cried so many times while reading this book.
Marcos and Amos ❤️❤️ Marcos had such an emotional journey and my heart seriously broke for him so many times. When people say “emotional roller coaster,” this is the book I will forever picture. The mental health rep in this book and how Henley wrote it was so raw. The survival and healing for Marcos was real. I was so committed to this book from start to finish.
Also, Amos was seriously the greenest of all green flags for Marcos. He was so kind and supportive. You could truly feel the caring nature of him through the book.
I also loved the imagery the book showed of Australia. I was in Brisbane last year and it brought back tons of memories. The book was perfect with scenery, writing style and everything in between.
If you’re looking for a book that is filled with raw emotion, true love, and an overall rollercoaster of emotions, I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of an advanced reader copy
I don't know where to begin with this book.
This review will most likely be all over the place, like my emotions!
The two main characters, Amos and Marco....wow, what a rollercoaster they went on. Their story is such an honest to goodness love story, I'm so glad they were there for eachother, specifically how Amos would've walked through fire for Marco.
Their whole relationship was so beautiful, the pure honest truth they gave eachother about their own pasts and relationships they had on the way was so very well written.
Henley touched on so many mental health difficulties with raw emotion, but she created a wonderful story and these difficulties were written with utmost care and love.
The side characters who are involved with Amos and Marco have helped them on their journey towards eachother, the term soulmates is for sure them.
The tattoos and constellations were such a fantastic topic, personally I love tattoos and have my own stars on my nape. I'm also a huge moon, star and sun lover (got those as tattoos as well lol).
I'm so happy to have been able to read this gorgeous book early, I knew I would love it, I really can't wait for it to be released so every book lover can delve right into it.
Congratulations Henley.....your book will stay with me, it's just amazingly beautiful.
I don't know where to begin with this book.
This review will most likely be all over the place, like my emotions!
The two main characters, Amos and Marco....wow, what a rollercoaster they went on. Their story is such an honest to goodness love story, I'm so glad they were there for eachother, specifically how Amos would've walked through fire for Marco.
Their whole relationship was so beautiful, the pure honest truth they gave eachother about their own pasts and relationships they had on the way was so very well written.
Henley touched on so many mental health difficulties with raw emotion, but she created a wonderful story and these difficulties were written with utmost care and love.
The side characters who are involved with Amos and Marco have helped them on their journey towards eachother, the term soulmates is for sure them.
The tattoos and constellations were such a fantastic topic, personally I love tattoos and have my own stars on my nape. I'm also a huge moon, star and sun lover (got those as tattoos as well lol).
I'm so happy to have been able to read this gorgeous book early, I knew I would love it, I really can't wait for it to be released so every book lover can delve right into it.
Congratulations Henley.....your book will stay with me, it's just amazingly beautiful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**This is my review for an ARC given by the author **
Maybe one of the easiest 5⭐️ rating I've ever given. It just made my list of Top 3 books pf 2026.
Amos and Marco's story was so beautifully written.
It is just so pure and full of love and healing.
Marco is a successful, by-the-book, event planner who has his life in order, until his very hot tattoo artist client walks in their meeting 40 minutes late. Assumptions are made, heated looks are exchanged, a green tie is worn, secret kisses are given.. and it is the start of something. Something that scares Marco... because Marco has demons that haunt him. he wants so badly to accept what Amos offers, but he doesnt know how to ask for it without breaking and risking losing it all.
Marco's journey is one of hope after despair, healing after pain. a journey of love found in all shapes and forms.
I absolutely adored this book, its writing style, the cadence, the imagery made me feel i was travelling in th Australian outback too. I took my time reading it. Savouring every chapter, every moment. Some sweet, some funny, others painful, some also deliciously spicy ones and best of all, some beautiful and poignant moments that made my heart ache in the best way. I cannot recommend this story enough.
Oh! AND THIS BOOK HAS A MAP!! AND A PLUM COBBLER RECIPE! 🙂↕️
ALSO, the cover is absolutely STUNNING 😍
Maybe one of the easiest 5⭐️ rating I've ever given. It just made my list of Top 3 books pf 2026.
Amos and Marco's story was so beautifully written.
It is just so pure and full of love and healing.
Marco is a successful, by-the-book, event planner who has his life in order, until his very hot tattoo artist client walks in their meeting 40 minutes late. Assumptions are made, heated looks are exchanged, a green tie is worn, secret kisses are given.. and it is the start of something. Something that scares Marco... because Marco has demons that haunt him. he wants so badly to accept what Amos offers, but he doesnt know how to ask for it without breaking and risking losing it all.
Marco's journey is one of hope after despair, healing after pain. a journey of love found in all shapes and forms.
I absolutely adored this book, its writing style, the cadence, the imagery made me feel i was travelling in th Australian outback too. I took my time reading it. Savouring every chapter, every moment. Some sweet, some funny, others painful, some also deliciously spicy ones and best of all, some beautiful and poignant moments that made my heart ache in the best way. I cannot recommend this story enough.
Oh! AND THIS BOOK HAS A MAP!! AND A PLUM COBBLER RECIPE! 🙂↕️
ALSO, the cover is absolutely STUNNING 😍
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't even know what to say. This was easily a 6 star read for me.
When I received this ARC, I honestly had no idea what to expect. What I found instead was one of the most beautiful stories I've read all year. This is a story about survival, strength, healing, and finding a way forward even when life has stacked every odd against you.
At the heart of the story are Marcos and Amos. Marcos carries a past that has shaped so much of who he is and how he views the world. Watching his journey unfold was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Then there's Amos, the tattoo artist who may just be one of the biggest green flags I've ever read. His patience, kindness, and unwavering support made him impossible not to love.
The emotional journey Marcos goes on from beginning to end had me absolutely bawling my eyes out, both from heartbreak and from joy. There were moments that shattered me and others that put all the pieces back together again. Henley Prosher handled Marcos's healing with so much care, and I found myself completely invested in every step of his journey.
I loved every single minute of this book. My only complaint? I wanted more. More Marcos. More Amos. More of their life together.
If you're looking for an emotional, deeply moving romance that will stay with you long after you finish the last page, Ink Beneath Starlight is one I cannot recommend enough.
When I received this ARC, I honestly had no idea what to expect. What I found instead was one of the most beautiful stories I've read all year. This is a story about survival, strength, healing, and finding a way forward even when life has stacked every odd against you.
At the heart of the story are Marcos and Amos. Marcos carries a past that has shaped so much of who he is and how he views the world. Watching his journey unfold was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Then there's Amos, the tattoo artist who may just be one of the biggest green flags I've ever read. His patience, kindness, and unwavering support made him impossible not to love.
The emotional journey Marcos goes on from beginning to end had me absolutely bawling my eyes out, both from heartbreak and from joy. There were moments that shattered me and others that put all the pieces back together again. Henley Prosher handled Marcos's healing with so much care, and I found myself completely invested in every step of his journey.
I loved every single minute of this book. My only complaint? I wanted more. More Marcos. More Amos. More of their life together.
If you're looking for an emotional, deeply moving romance that will stay with you long after you finish the last page, Ink Beneath Starlight is one I cannot recommend enough.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story has genuinely entered my top 10 of the year. Not only is this book incredibly well written, it’s soft, it’s slow-paced, it’s tender, and I highlighted many many quotes that read out loud like swoon worthy poetry. I know what it’s like to be in Marco‘s situation to have no contact with family members. Some people think the hardest part is having no contact but actually the hardest part is confronting those Demons and getting the closure that you need. Not only am I proud of Marco for taking that step but it’s just inspirational as someone myself who has not taken that step yet. I’m happy with the way it ended because not everything is so easy when it comes to domestic violence. I’m glad that you left it open ended; Louise has her own life and maybe we’ll see more of her book two, but it would take so much time and it would just be a culture shock for her so I’m glad you left it where it was.
Just a gorgeous piece of literature and I’m going to constantly be promoting this because people deserve to hear Henley’s story. I’m glad that you have found a vessel through which to express what you went through and I always want other people to find books to find themselves. This is one of those books. You damn well outdid yourself. Five fucking billion stars; or however many there were in Jundah.
Just a gorgeous piece of literature and I’m going to constantly be promoting this because people deserve to hear Henley’s story. I’m glad that you have found a vessel through which to express what you went through and I always want other people to find books to find themselves. This is one of those books. You damn well outdid yourself. Five fucking billion stars; or however many there were in Jundah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2026
*Arc Reader Review*
This was such a fantastic book! Such an emotional rollercoaster. But in a good way.
I just absolutely love these two guys! Marco had to overcome so much, but no matter what Amos was there for him through the thick and thin.
I loved the interactions between each other and the inner monologues of each others thoughts especially at the beginning with Marco planning Amos' event. The love between these two is very tender and heartwarming. No matter what they stuck with each other.
This book was so beautifully written! The way everything just flowed. Utter perfection! The way Henley has me giggling, crying..My heart really went through it. But this book was worth the emotional rollercoaster! If I could rate it more than 5* I would. Definitely the best book I've read this year. So much so I've read it twice in 48 hours!! Never done that before either!
The way she has captured these two men, Marco's past.. it's just done so well.
The spice was perfect! Just the right amount.
Everything about this book is just utter perfection. Highly recommend it! It's honestly worth it!
I'm so excited for future work! Book 2 with Porter and Deacon is gonna be an absolute journey.. and I literally cannot wait. It's been such an honour to read this book early, give my opinions and thoughts on each scene.
This was such a fantastic book! Such an emotional rollercoaster. But in a good way.
I just absolutely love these two guys! Marco had to overcome so much, but no matter what Amos was there for him through the thick and thin.
I loved the interactions between each other and the inner monologues of each others thoughts especially at the beginning with Marco planning Amos' event. The love between these two is very tender and heartwarming. No matter what they stuck with each other.
This book was so beautifully written! The way everything just flowed. Utter perfection! The way Henley has me giggling, crying..My heart really went through it. But this book was worth the emotional rollercoaster! If I could rate it more than 5* I would. Definitely the best book I've read this year. So much so I've read it twice in 48 hours!! Never done that before either!
The way she has captured these two men, Marco's past.. it's just done so well.
The spice was perfect! Just the right amount.
Everything about this book is just utter perfection. Highly recommend it! It's honestly worth it!
I'm so excited for future work! Book 2 with Porter and Deacon is gonna be an absolute journey.. and I literally cannot wait. It's been such an honour to read this book early, give my opinions and thoughts on each scene.
June 12, 2026
─── 📖✒️⭐️
Review of Advance Readers Copy from Author
Before writing this review, I had to take a day to sleep on it but only because I was still stuck in Lala land with my new book boyfriend Amos and his boyfriend Marco.
Now that I’ve had time to digest this book, I have to say Ink Beneath Starlight is truly a five star read. I loved everything about this book… okay, not everything… (I’m looking at you Ray 👀🤬)
I loved the backdrop of the Australian outback with its gorgeous painted skies, and the charming towns that guide Marco’s journey from young man to adulthood. I also enjoyed the wonderful cast of side characters who aren’t just there for the sake of it but to help us get to know and understand our MMC’s in a more intimate way. I loved the way that Amos and Marco fell in love, It wasn’t always pretty or easy but everything they went through lead to a beautiful ending.
While Ink Beneath Starlight is a beautiful love story it also deals with plenty of difficult topics including abuse, neglect, trauma and mental health yet somehow it is hopeful and inspiring at the same time.
All around, a gorgeous read. Bravo Henley!
Review of Advance Readers Copy from Author
Before writing this review, I had to take a day to sleep on it but only because I was still stuck in Lala land with my new book boyfriend Amos and his boyfriend Marco.
Now that I’ve had time to digest this book, I have to say Ink Beneath Starlight is truly a five star read. I loved everything about this book… okay, not everything… (I’m looking at you Ray 👀🤬)
I loved the backdrop of the Australian outback with its gorgeous painted skies, and the charming towns that guide Marco’s journey from young man to adulthood. I also enjoyed the wonderful cast of side characters who aren’t just there for the sake of it but to help us get to know and understand our MMC’s in a more intimate way. I loved the way that Amos and Marco fell in love, It wasn’t always pretty or easy but everything they went through lead to a beautiful ending.
While Ink Beneath Starlight is a beautiful love story it also deals with plenty of difficult topics including abuse, neglect, trauma and mental health yet somehow it is hopeful and inspiring at the same time.
All around, a gorgeous read. Bravo Henley!
June 18, 2026
Oh. My. Absolute. God!
I had the absolute pleasure of being an ARC Reader for Henley on her new book, and I cannot express how much of a beautiful opportunity it was.
She has brought to life one of the most beautiful loves stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
The story follows Marco and Amos from their instant connection right through the completely unbreakable love that they have for each other.
It features tropes such as hurt/comfort, past trauma, and found family.
What I’m particularly enjoyed whilst reading this book was the style in which it is written. The flow of it was so beautiful. The story progressing, the love, and some of the side characters you absolutely adore.
I can’t wait to read further novels written by Henley and be apart of her journey to becoming a successful author!!
100% beautiful read and I will scream it from the top of this hill!
I had the absolute pleasure of being an ARC Reader for Henley on her new book, and I cannot express how much of a beautiful opportunity it was.
She has brought to life one of the most beautiful loves stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
The story follows Marco and Amos from their instant connection right through the completely unbreakable love that they have for each other.
It features tropes such as hurt/comfort, past trauma, and found family.
What I’m particularly enjoyed whilst reading this book was the style in which it is written. The flow of it was so beautiful. The story progressing, the love, and some of the side characters you absolutely adore.
I can’t wait to read further novels written by Henley and be apart of her journey to becoming a successful author!!
100% beautiful read and I will scream it from the top of this hill!
June 22, 2026
If there’s one book you need to read this year, it’s Ink Beneath Starlight. This beautifully written story will tug at your heartstrings in more ways than one. Every character is richly developed, with compelling backstories and personal struggles that feel authentic and deeply relatable. From the very first page, you become completely immersed in the story, unable to pull yourself away.
Henley masterfully balances the emotional complexities of a relationship with the intense physical desire that accompanies it, creating a romance that feels both raw and genuine. The connection between Marco and Amos is simply extraordinary—powerful, unforgettable, and filled with undeniable chemistry. Ink Beneath Starlight is the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page.
Henley masterfully balances the emotional complexities of a relationship with the intense physical desire that accompanies it, creating a romance that feels both raw and genuine. The connection between Marco and Amos is simply extraordinary—powerful, unforgettable, and filled with undeniable chemistry. Ink Beneath Starlight is the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was absolutely a 5 star read!! The complex characters and impeccable writing brought this story of love and healing to life so beautifully. Marco and Amos' love story is one that will not leave me, such heartbreak but so much healing and finding a love that conquers it all! Even the side characters were written to perfection, I won't spoil anything but please check any content warnings and read this book, Henley is someone to look out for, this was immaculate!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where to begin because there's just so much to say. I loved every minute of reading this book. Reading Marco's backstory was so incredibly sad and I wish I could punch Ray straight in the nose for what he has done. The ending is so sweet and it ties their story together so beautifully. Not going to spoil anything but there's a scene in the book, certain tree scene 👀👀 (iykyk) that's my favourite scene of the book. I do hope Louise makes that decision for a better life.
June 19, 2026
ARC READ: This book was absolutely STUNNING! Mark has endured a lifetime of hurt. Escaping a prison of abuse and neglect and survived broken hearts. A story of found family and beautiful healing love. Set in Brisbane it was refreshing reading Aussie lingo instead of American for a change. Had me SMILING🥰 and CRYING 😭 .
Poor upbringing
Found family
First times
Heartbreak
Instant chemistry
Yearning
Exhibitionism
Panic attacks
Switch
No 3rd act break up
Poor upbringing
Found family
First times
Heartbreak
Instant chemistry
Yearning
Exhibitionism
Panic attacks
Switch
No 3rd act break up
June 19, 2026
Low angst but all the feels
I was able to read this as an arc. I really enjoyed this story,the love between Amos and Marco was so beautiful,i enjoyed watching them develope their love story. The story itself and writing were good. I enjoyed the flow of the story. Low angst but high feelings. Marco deserves Amos and his pure love. Very enjoyable story and lovely characters,looking forward to book 2.
I was able to read this as an arc. I really enjoyed this story,the love between Amos and Marco was so beautiful,i enjoyed watching them develope their love story. The story itself and writing were good. I enjoyed the flow of the story. Low angst but high feelings. Marco deserves Amos and his pure love. Very enjoyable story and lovely characters,looking forward to book 2.
June 20, 2026
Review from an advanced reader copy
This is such a cute but very emotional Story. I love Amos a lot and Marco just destroyed me in so many ways 🥲
Their dynamic is fantastic and the book is beautifully written.
A little jealousy? I'm in.
But you can fell the bond between the characters from the start <3
All of the characters are portrayed well and the author makes you hate the right ones ;)
This book will not only take you to Australia but also play with you emotions.
Such a great book ✨️
This is such a cute but very emotional Story. I love Amos a lot and Marco just destroyed me in so many ways 🥲
Their dynamic is fantastic and the book is beautifully written.
A little jealousy? I'm in.
But you can fell the bond between the characters from the start <3
All of the characters are portrayed well and the author makes you hate the right ones ;)
This book will not only take you to Australia but also play with you emotions.
Such a great book ✨️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a beautiful story and just the perfect amount of hurt/comfort. Both Amos and Marco knew what they wanted, knew what they had to offer, and delivered! This story touches on mental health, addiction, abuse, manipulation and starting over. Henley did such an amazing job telling these hardships and making you feel the emotions throughout the book! So good!
June 19, 2026
10/10!!! ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE EVER READ 😍
Whether you like MM or not, this is a MUST. Such a beautiful story between Marco and Amos, I cried SO much during this book. It blew me away.
I will be recommending this book to EVERYONE!!
Whether you like MM or not, this is a MUST. Such a beautiful story between Marco and Amos, I cried SO much during this book. It blew me away.
I will be recommending this book to EVERYONE!!
June 19, 2026
I didn''t like the writing and definitely not the story.
June 20, 2026
Looooooved this book!! It had all the feels. I didn’t want it too end. The way these two loved each other. Perfection
June 21, 2026
Did not want this book to end. Amos and Marco are walking green flags. Beautiful story with a good balance of a painful past, good humor, tender moments and the perfect amount of spice. Easy 5 star
June 21, 2026
Such a beautiful story enjoyed it a lot. Can’t wait for book two.
June 15, 2026
I wasn’t expecting the raw emotions this book pulled from me… it was sweet and fun, sexy, nostalgic, and downright heartbreaking while stitching you back together again. An mm romance must read! I need more from this author immediately!!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews