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Fill In My Blanks
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26She came home to bury her past. She didn't expect to find her future.
Tattooist Quinn Ashford hasn't set foot in her hometown since her father disowned her and her twin brother over a decade ago. But when her eldest brother calls with news of their father's death, she returns to Corvin Creek for one reason closure.
After a heated encounter at a dive bar with a pierced, quietly intense mechanic with a wry smile, no tattoos, and a motorcycle that makes her miss her own, Quinn is shocked to discover the stranger is her brother's best friend, Conner. And her new housemate while she's in town.
With her LA life on pause and her family's finances in chaos, Quinn reluctantly agrees to stay to help her brothers. But as sparks continue to fly with Conner, and old wounds resurface amid the crumbling remains of fractured sibling ties, Quinn must decide if she's finally ready to stop running.
Can healing really be found in choosing to stay?
Tattooist Quinn Ashford hasn't set foot in her hometown since her father disowned her and her twin brother over a decade ago. But when her eldest brother calls with news of their father's death, she returns to Corvin Creek for one reason closure.
After a heated encounter at a dive bar with a pierced, quietly intense mechanic with a wry smile, no tattoos, and a motorcycle that makes her miss her own, Quinn is shocked to discover the stranger is her brother's best friend, Conner. And her new housemate while she's in town.
With her LA life on pause and her family's finances in chaos, Quinn reluctantly agrees to stay to help her brothers. But as sparks continue to fly with Conner, and old wounds resurface amid the crumbling remains of fractured sibling ties, Quinn must decide if she's finally ready to stop running.
Can healing really be found in choosing to stay?
- GenresRomance
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Jessica S. Taylor
10 books324 followersJessica was born and raised in Kentucky, but has been moving with the waves and is currently residing in southern Maine with her husband and cat, Nebula.
As a child, Jessica all but lived at her local library, devouring whatever books she could get her hands on. When that wasn't enough, she began writing her own. After countless notebooks were filled with short stories and novels that would never see the light of day, Jessica took the plunge and began delving into the world of publishing.
Jessica's favorite things include anything mermaids or pirates, tattoos, music, things that smell nice (especially bookish candles), and anything shiny!
As a child, Jessica all but lived at her local library, devouring whatever books she could get her hands on. When that wasn't enough, she began writing her own. After countless notebooks were filled with short stories and novels that would never see the light of day, Jessica took the plunge and began delving into the world of publishing.
Jessica's favorite things include anything mermaids or pirates, tattoos, music, things that smell nice (especially bookish candles), and anything shiny!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Emo elder millennials assemble! Here be a tattoo artist and a mechanic falling in love while navigating family drama and small town shenanigans. Quinn and Conner’s chemistry and emotional connection is gorgeous (and I can’t wait for the other Ashford siblings to get their HEAs!).
This is an open-door bi4bi romance with excellent disability rep—if you want to get in your feels while also feeling seen, pick up this beautiful book 🥰
PS: As someone who has struggled with migraines for years, I LOVED that scene (so well depicted and utterly immersive), and the hurt/comfort care throughout was beautiful ❤️🥹
This is an open-door bi4bi romance with excellent disability rep—if you want to get in your feels while also feeling seen, pick up this beautiful book 🥰
PS: As someone who has struggled with migraines for years, I LOVED that scene (so well depicted and utterly immersive), and the hurt/comfort care throughout was beautiful ❤️🥹
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adored Quinn and Conner’s story! Their chemistry was electric, and the way they could read and truly see each other was incredible.
The disability rep was fabulous, and the family trauma and drama were super relatable.
I loved the black cat tattoo artist x golden retriever mechanic vibes. Conner being such a walking green flag was so refreshing.
If you like small-town romance with an emo twist, don’t sleep on this one!
And Jess set us up beautifully to continue the series with the rest of the Ashford siblings. I’m so excited for book two!
The disability rep was fabulous, and the family trauma and drama were super relatable.
I loved the black cat tattoo artist x golden retriever mechanic vibes. Conner being such a walking green flag was so refreshing.
If you like small-town romance with an emo twist, don’t sleep on this one!
And Jess set us up beautifully to continue the series with the rest of the Ashford siblings. I’m so excited for book two!
October 7, 2026
ARC REVIEW
È stato come leggere il copione di una romcom, e questo è stato sia un vantaggio che uno svantaggio. Mi spiego.
I nostri protagonisti, Quinn e Conner, si incontrano nell’infelice giorno del funerale del padre alcolista di Quinn. Nonostante Quinn non sia davvero triste per la morte di un uomo che l’ha cacciata di casa da piccola, tornare in una città piena di brutti ricordi dopo dieci anni la lascia con un buco nello stomaco.
Buco che viene riempito dal nostro impavido meccanico Conner, sorriso smagliante e sempre la risposta giusta pronta.
Si verrà poi a scoprire che Connor non solo si è innamorato a prima vista della nostra protagonista, ma è anche il migliore amico di suo fratello maggiore (grande cliché, ma noi lo AMIAMO).
Quinn, a causa di problemi con il passaggio dell’eredità, sarà obbligata a rimanere più a lungo di quanto sperasse.. e proprio in casa dell’uomo che il suo cuore tanto desidera.
Dovrà inoltre affrontare un conto in sospeso con i suoi fratelli, con cui si è allontanata dopo essersi trasferita a Los Angeles per seguire il suo sogno da tatuatrice ed essere andata contro i “desideri” (se così si possono chiamare) di un padre a cui non interessava nulla di lei.
Ora, cosa è stato bello e cosa meno?
Partiamo dal positivo. Ho apprezzato che non è stata creata la solita diatriba del “eh ma lei la mia sorellina, non la puoi toccare bla bla bla”, cosa che purtroppo succede spesso e odio con tanto fervore. Il rapporto tra Quinn e la migliore amica Lennox, nelle loro imperfezioni sono sempre riuscite a esserci l’una per l’altra. La relazione tra Quinn e Connor è stata, per quanto frettolosa, carina nei piccoli momenti di intimità.
Cosa invece non mi ha convinto? Purtroppo non mi piace l’instalove nelle storie, lo trovo insensato e non necessario. Mi è inoltre mancato un vero confronto tra lei e i fratelli, insomma dopo dieci anni avrei voluto qualche spiegazione in più di un semplice “scusa”. La questione dell’eredità è stata pompata tantissimo fino a metà libro e poi droppata con una facilità che non mi aspettavo, perché farne una questione così grande se poi è stata risolta così? Ma penso che la cosa che mi ha fatto storcere di più il naso sia stato il carattere monotematico di Connor, con una palese sindrome della crocerossina, si è totalmente cancellato in funzione delle persone che ama.. e questo purtroppo coinvolge anche Quinn, che viene tratta come un cerbiatto spaventato che può fuggire da un momento all’altro.. perché? ti prego fai qualcosa anche per te stesso!!!! il third act breakup è stato inoltre un po’ inutile se chiedete a me, ma non sono un fan in generale.
Insomma, sarebbe stato un bel film da guardarsi in un’ora e mezza.. ma come libro verso la fine inizi ad annoiarti un pochino. Aveva potenziale, ma non lo ha raggiunto completamente.
È stato come leggere il copione di una romcom, e questo è stato sia un vantaggio che uno svantaggio. Mi spiego.
I nostri protagonisti, Quinn e Conner, si incontrano nell’infelice giorno del funerale del padre alcolista di Quinn. Nonostante Quinn non sia davvero triste per la morte di un uomo che l’ha cacciata di casa da piccola, tornare in una città piena di brutti ricordi dopo dieci anni la lascia con un buco nello stomaco.
Buco che viene riempito dal nostro impavido meccanico Conner, sorriso smagliante e sempre la risposta giusta pronta.
Si verrà poi a scoprire che Connor non solo si è innamorato a prima vista della nostra protagonista, ma è anche il migliore amico di suo fratello maggiore (grande cliché, ma noi lo AMIAMO).
Quinn, a causa di problemi con il passaggio dell’eredità, sarà obbligata a rimanere più a lungo di quanto sperasse.. e proprio in casa dell’uomo che il suo cuore tanto desidera.
Dovrà inoltre affrontare un conto in sospeso con i suoi fratelli, con cui si è allontanata dopo essersi trasferita a Los Angeles per seguire il suo sogno da tatuatrice ed essere andata contro i “desideri” (se così si possono chiamare) di un padre a cui non interessava nulla di lei.
Ora, cosa è stato bello e cosa meno?
Partiamo dal positivo. Ho apprezzato che non è stata creata la solita diatriba del “eh ma lei la mia sorellina, non la puoi toccare bla bla bla”, cosa che purtroppo succede spesso e odio con tanto fervore. Il rapporto tra Quinn e la migliore amica Lennox, nelle loro imperfezioni sono sempre riuscite a esserci l’una per l’altra. La relazione tra Quinn e Connor è stata, per quanto frettolosa, carina nei piccoli momenti di intimità.
Cosa invece non mi ha convinto? Purtroppo non mi piace l’instalove nelle storie, lo trovo insensato e non necessario. Mi è inoltre mancato un vero confronto tra lei e i fratelli, insomma dopo dieci anni avrei voluto qualche spiegazione in più di un semplice “scusa”. La questione dell’eredità è stata pompata tantissimo fino a metà libro e poi droppata con una facilità che non mi aspettavo, perché farne una questione così grande se poi è stata risolta così? Ma penso che la cosa che mi ha fatto storcere di più il naso sia stato il carattere monotematico di Connor, con una palese sindrome della crocerossina, si è totalmente cancellato in funzione delle persone che ama.. e questo purtroppo coinvolge anche Quinn, che viene tratta come un cerbiatto spaventato che può fuggire da un momento all’altro.. perché? ti prego fai qualcosa anche per te stesso!!!! il third act breakup è stato inoltre un po’ inutile se chiedete a me, ma non sono un fan in generale.
Insomma, sarebbe stato un bel film da guardarsi in un’ora e mezza.. ma come libro verso la fine inizi ad annoiarti un pochino. Aveva potenziale, ma non lo ha raggiunto completamente.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.75 stars! Thank you so much to Jessica Taylor for this arc <3
I loved reading Quinn and Connor's story. While I felt like this was a cozy read, we also get some much heavier topics in regards to family issues/estrangement, alcoholism and more. Both Quinn and Connor come from families with different types of complications and I feel like this is one of the things that brings them so close together. Even though their pain is different, it's so familiar.
Quinn is coming back home where she hasn't been in a long time due to the passing of her father and reconnects with 2 of her brothers that she has also not really been in contact with. While their relationship is strained I did really love the look into Quinn and her brothers trying to mend their relationship since their father is now gone and not in the way.
Connor, who is Declan's (Quinn's brother) best friend has his own family troubles with a dad who has left a gaping hole in his family. Connor's role has been to step up and be the glue and the support for his mom and two younger sisters.
From the start, Connor and Quinn's initial interaction is electric and it made me think....when will it be my turn??? lol
I loved the way they learned about each other through 2 truths and a lie and the difficult conversations they had.
I also loved the small town feel and that this will be an interconnected series because I NEED the other siblings stories now!
The only reason I gave this 4.75 stars instead of 5 is because
I loved reading Quinn and Connor's story. While I felt like this was a cozy read, we also get some much heavier topics in regards to family issues/estrangement, alcoholism and more. Both Quinn and Connor come from families with different types of complications and I feel like this is one of the things that brings them so close together. Even though their pain is different, it's so familiar.
Quinn is coming back home where she hasn't been in a long time due to the passing of her father and reconnects with 2 of her brothers that she has also not really been in contact with. While their relationship is strained I did really love the look into Quinn and her brothers trying to mend their relationship since their father is now gone and not in the way.
Connor, who is Declan's (Quinn's brother) best friend has his own family troubles with a dad who has left a gaping hole in his family. Connor's role has been to step up and be the glue and the support for his mom and two younger sisters.
From the start, Connor and Quinn's initial interaction is electric and it made me think....when will it be my turn??? lol
I loved the way they learned about each other through 2 truths and a lie and the difficult conversations they had.
I also loved the small town feel and that this will be an interconnected series because I NEED the other siblings stories now!
The only reason I gave this 4.75 stars instead of 5 is because
Review of advance copy received from Author
I needed to sit with this one for a few days because I feel so conflicted.
Firstly the title and the cover completely drew me in, it’s so stunning! The premise was also so interesting: we follow Quinn, a tattoo artist, who has been estranged from her family for 10 years. After her father passes away, she returns home with conflicted feelings to sort everything out. She meets Conner, who she instantly connects with, only to find out he’s her brother best friend. She ends up staying with them and the story follows them navigating family, life, light suspense and romance.
I really liked how genuinely slow-paced this was. It’s the kind of story where it feels like nothing is happening, but somehow you still get so much. I really appreciated the representation of bisexual characters, chronic pain, and disability.
My biggest conflict was Conner. He’s such a sweetheart, and as the eldest, he carries a lot of responsibilities while still showing up for everyone. This trait seem to be so coded into his DNA. So when his personality changed during a conflict, it felt very out of character for him. I understand people can make choices that aren’t like them, but this one didn’t quite work for me along with the miscommunication between the characters.
That said, I’m invested in this family and will definitely continue the series — 3.5 stars!
Thank you to Jessica S Taylor for the ARC, all thoughts are my own.
Firstly the title and the cover completely drew me in, it’s so stunning! The premise was also so interesting: we follow Quinn, a tattoo artist, who has been estranged from her family for 10 years. After her father passes away, she returns home with conflicted feelings to sort everything out. She meets Conner, who she instantly connects with, only to find out he’s her brother best friend. She ends up staying with them and the story follows them navigating family, life, light suspense and romance.
I really liked how genuinely slow-paced this was. It’s the kind of story where it feels like nothing is happening, but somehow you still get so much. I really appreciated the representation of bisexual characters, chronic pain, and disability.
My biggest conflict was Conner. He’s such a sweetheart, and as the eldest, he carries a lot of responsibilities while still showing up for everyone. This trait seem to be so coded into his DNA. So when his personality changed during a conflict, it felt very out of character for him. I understand people can make choices that aren’t like them, but this one didn’t quite work for me along with the miscommunication between the characters.
That said, I’m invested in this family and will definitely continue the series — 3.5 stars!
Thank you to Jessica S Taylor for the ARC, all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book broke me, in the best way possible.
I felt everything the characters were going through. It's like the author ripped my own trauma straight out of my head, and gave it to the characters. I've never related more in my life. Which is why I sobbed my way through this book.
But I enjoyed every second of it.
The book was an emotional roller coaster, of giggling and reading about two adorably broken people falling in love, but also watching them struggle to work through their own individual trauma.
I loved that the MMC was so patient with the FMC. He is a natural savior, but I like that in the end he didn't save the FMC, but let her save herself.
Their dynamic was a mixture of perfect for each other, but also learning how to just be with another person. I love watching all the little things they did for one another, and watching them fumble learning how to be with someone. It felt raw and real.
Definitely be mindful of the mindset you're in before you dive in, as this is an emotional as hell book. But it's absolutely worth the read and I absolutely love the characters and their story. And I cannot WAIT to continue the story and get more of them and the brothers!
I felt everything the characters were going through. It's like the author ripped my own trauma straight out of my head, and gave it to the characters. I've never related more in my life. Which is why I sobbed my way through this book.
But I enjoyed every second of it.
The book was an emotional roller coaster, of giggling and reading about two adorably broken people falling in love, but also watching them struggle to work through their own individual trauma.
I loved that the MMC was so patient with the FMC. He is a natural savior, but I like that in the end he didn't save the FMC, but let her save herself.
Their dynamic was a mixture of perfect for each other, but also learning how to just be with another person. I love watching all the little things they did for one another, and watching them fumble learning how to be with someone. It felt raw and real.
Definitely be mindful of the mindset you're in before you dive in, as this is an emotional as hell book. But it's absolutely worth the read and I absolutely love the characters and their story. And I cannot WAIT to continue the story and get more of them and the brothers!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Quinn returns home for her estranged father's funeral only to stick around to help her brother's sort through the mess he left behind. Conner, her brother's best friend, is the bring spot in all the chaos and their chemistry is something she can't deny.
Read if you like:
-Tattoo Artist x Mechanic
-Black Cat x Golden Retriever
-Deaf MMC
-Complicated Family Dynamics
I love Jessica's fantasy/romantasy novels so I am so excited for her contemporary romance series. Fill in My Blanks has all Jessica's signature chemistry mixed with some elder emo vibes. And I'm here for it. And not just for Quinn and Conner either, but for all the Ashford siblings. The epilogue for Fill in My Blanks set up the next book and I'm so excited so it!
What I enjoyed most about Quinn and Conner's story was their quite moments; particularly their games to two truths and a lie. It became their escape and their way to reach each other among the family chaos. Because both of them had a little family chaos going on. And I loved that Conner let Quinn tattoo him.
Read if you like:
-Tattoo Artist x Mechanic
-Black Cat x Golden Retriever
-Deaf MMC
-Complicated Family Dynamics
I love Jessica's fantasy/romantasy novels so I am so excited for her contemporary romance series. Fill in My Blanks has all Jessica's signature chemistry mixed with some elder emo vibes. And I'm here for it. And not just for Quinn and Conner either, but for all the Ashford siblings. The epilogue for Fill in My Blanks set up the next book and I'm so excited so it!
What I enjoyed most about Quinn and Conner's story was their quite moments; particularly their games to two truths and a lie. It became their escape and their way to reach each other among the family chaos. Because both of them had a little family chaos going on. And I loved that Conner let Quinn tattoo him.
October 2, 2026
4.75*
I loved this book, the only reason it is a 4.75 not a 5 is because I felt like the reconciling season was too fast and forgiven to easily, I wanted to see a bit more come from that scene personally. But, aside from that I loved the chemistry between the two characters, they both had such interesting back stories. I loved Quinn’s character and seeing her mind trying to come to terms with being back in the town she ran from, seeing her internal struggle with everything going on was written so well. Conner’s character was similar in regards to I loved reading about his inner turmoil over his family situation, I also loved the disability rep this book provided, it was such good representation! I liked the plot a lot, it kept me engaged and managed to read 70% of it in one sitting, the lead up for book two was also very well written and I’m very excited to read the next one (although I’m unsure how it would top this one), overall, I really loved this book a lot and would recommend it in the future.
I loved this book, the only reason it is a 4.75 not a 5 is because I felt like the reconciling season was too fast and forgiven to easily, I wanted to see a bit more come from that scene personally. But, aside from that I loved the chemistry between the two characters, they both had such interesting back stories. I loved Quinn’s character and seeing her mind trying to come to terms with being back in the town she ran from, seeing her internal struggle with everything going on was written so well. Conner’s character was similar in regards to I loved reading about his inner turmoil over his family situation, I also loved the disability rep this book provided, it was such good representation! I liked the plot a lot, it kept me engaged and managed to read 70% of it in one sitting, the lead up for book two was also very well written and I’m very excited to read the next one (although I’m unsure how it would top this one), overall, I really loved this book a lot and would recommend it in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It has been a while since I've read a small town contemporary romance, and I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed this one. I am all here for the whole brother's best friend, forced proximity thing! I loved getting to know the characters and I liked that we were given chapters from both main characters points of view. We've got our hyper-independent tattoo artist fmc, Quinn and our super protective, deaf mechanic mmc, Conner. I liked seeing all the different sides of them, and I absolutely adored the two of them together. The story contains multiple different representations that some readers can relate to, for instance: bi characters, disability rep like hearing loss and migraines, and complicated family dynamics.
I'm excited that this isn't the end for these characters! Fill In My Blanks is the start of a new series. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of the characters more.
I'm excited that this isn't the end for these characters! Fill In My Blanks is the start of a new series. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of the characters more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much for the ARC and the chance to read this early!
This was such a cute and enjoyable read! I really loved Quinn and Conner as characters and getting to know them throughout the story. Their chemistry was so good, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop and seeing them work through their own struggles.
I thought this was really well written and I found myself genuinely invested in the characters and their story. It was an easy book to get lost in, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it.
4.75 stars from me! I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next. 💕📖
This was such a cute and enjoyable read! I really loved Quinn and Conner as characters and getting to know them throughout the story. Their chemistry was so good, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop and seeing them work through their own struggles.
I thought this was really well written and I found myself genuinely invested in the characters and their story. It was an easy book to get lost in, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it.
4.75 stars from me! I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next. 💕📖
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a cute read!
I really liked the characters, and watching them navigate their traumas (like real people, they were not perfect, and that's more than ok).
I think the only thing that kept this from being 5 stars for me was Connors behavior in the "3rd act" didn't really make any sense, and kinda felt like conflict for conflicts sake rather than adding to the story at all.
Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed it and am so grateful to the author for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!!
I really liked the characters, and watching them navigate their traumas (like real people, they were not perfect, and that's more than ok).
I think the only thing that kept this from being 5 stars for me was Connors behavior in the "3rd act" didn't really make any sense, and kinda felt like conflict for conflicts sake rather than adding to the story at all.
Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed it and am so grateful to the author for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!!
Review of advance copy received from Auteur
Thanks to Jessica S. Taylor for the ARC! 🫶
Connor and Quinn's story was adorable. If you love a golden retriever x black cat + a slow burn, you'll love this book.
I absolutely love Connor, full of green flags and hotness. Quinn is hot too, though, and has a very interesting back story with her brothers.
I'm eager to read the next book in this series!
Tropes to look for:
🔧 Mechanic x Tattoo artist
🔧 Golden retriever x Black cat
🔧 Small-town romance
🔧 Motorcycle
🔧 Brother's best friend
🔧 Disability rep
3🌶️
Connor and Quinn's story was adorable. If you love a golden retriever x black cat + a slow burn, you'll love this book.
I absolutely love Connor, full of green flags and hotness. Quinn is hot too, though, and has a very interesting back story with her brothers.
I'm eager to read the next book in this series!
Tropes to look for:
🔧 Mechanic x Tattoo artist
🔧 Golden retriever x Black cat
🔧 Small-town romance
🔧 Motorcycle
🔧 Brother's best friend
🔧 Disability rep
3🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review to come!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews