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Karma #4
Dead Ink
Within the walls of his tattoo shop, Dead Ink, Lars hides in plain sight from the past he walked away from. But he still battles every day with the dark urges that drove him from his position as the Grim Reaper. Then Faith Dover appears, seeking his aid, and Lars discovers that he isn’t as hardened as he thought.
On the run from her kidnapper, Faith stumbles into Dead Ink, towing in enough secrets and baggage to weigh down the dead. But Lars isn’t the savior she hopes him to be. Dark and seductive, he might be more dangerous than the people she’s running from.
When he discovers her suspicious ties to a crew of murderers, will he help her or cast her out to the craziness that has overtaken the world? Can Faith win the heart of a soul incapable of trust?
A note from the author: This is a companion romance novel that takes place in the Karma urban fantasy world. It runs parallel to Fated's timeline. It can be read alone or in addition to the series as the final book.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 67,000 words
On the run from her kidnapper, Faith stumbles into Dead Ink, towing in enough secrets and baggage to weigh down the dead. But Lars isn’t the savior she hopes him to be. Dark and seductive, he might be more dangerous than the people she’s running from.
When he discovers her suspicious ties to a crew of murderers, will he help her or cast her out to the craziness that has overtaken the world? Can Faith win the heart of a soul incapable of trust?
A note from the author: This is a companion romance novel that takes place in the Karma urban fantasy world. It runs parallel to Fated's timeline. It can be read alone or in addition to the series as the final book.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 67,000 words
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2015
115 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 3, 2015
Dead Ink
Donna Augustine
Donna Augustine continues her dark paranormal romance Karma series with Dead Ink staring Lars the tattoo artist aka Grim Reaper, retired who’ve readers have met before and brand new heroine Faith, a murder victim who ends up immortal instead of dead. Her world building is an alarming portrait of our current world in a whole lot of trouble, and rocks. Her dialogue is a heady mix of street-wise gritty and quirky humor and her characters range from funny to scary and are all exceptionally well rounded. It was nice reconnecting with friends from past tales and getting to know the stars of this story. I especially love the bittersweet love story and the hope Donna instills in the tale and the series in spite of all the hopelessness.
The universe is going to hell in a hand basket and usually, Lars the immortal formerly known as death is on the periphery of all the madness of whatever is screwing with the balance between good and evil, just minding his own business running his tattoo shop, Dead Ink, I mean he is retired. Then she walked into his parlor looking like a deranged wood nymph and mentions the name of his and apparently the world’s newest worst immortal enemy.
Faith Dover’s had a rough week, first she died even though she’s still a little foggy about how it all happened. Then she ends up in the lair of a diabolical bad guy named Malokin, who apparently wants her to work for him, doing what she’s so not going to find out. So when she finds a chance to escape she takes it along with the name and address of a man on Malokin’s hit list. Now here she is, staring at said man on said list and it’s looking like she’s jumped from one scary frying pan into a blazing inferno.
Donna Augustine
Donna Augustine continues her dark paranormal romance Karma series with Dead Ink staring Lars the tattoo artist aka Grim Reaper, retired who’ve readers have met before and brand new heroine Faith, a murder victim who ends up immortal instead of dead. Her world building is an alarming portrait of our current world in a whole lot of trouble, and rocks. Her dialogue is a heady mix of street-wise gritty and quirky humor and her characters range from funny to scary and are all exceptionally well rounded. It was nice reconnecting with friends from past tales and getting to know the stars of this story. I especially love the bittersweet love story and the hope Donna instills in the tale and the series in spite of all the hopelessness.
The universe is going to hell in a hand basket and usually, Lars the immortal formerly known as death is on the periphery of all the madness of whatever is screwing with the balance between good and evil, just minding his own business running his tattoo shop, Dead Ink, I mean he is retired. Then she walked into his parlor looking like a deranged wood nymph and mentions the name of his and apparently the world’s newest worst immortal enemy.
Faith Dover’s had a rough week, first she died even though she’s still a little foggy about how it all happened. Then she ends up in the lair of a diabolical bad guy named Malokin, who apparently wants her to work for him, doing what she’s so not going to find out. So when she finds a chance to escape she takes it along with the name and address of a man on Malokin’s hit list. Now here she is, staring at said man on said list and it’s looking like she’s jumped from one scary frying pan into a blazing inferno.
July 21, 2023
Dead Ink is a spin-off set in the Karma world centering around Lars who is a side character in the main trilogy, it takes place at the same time as Fated, the last book in the trilogy. I think it is appropriate for Lars to have his own book; he was the most intriguingly mysterious side character in the main trilogy. And the story is nice enough but as I said in one of my reviews for the Karma trilogy, it shows that these are some of this author's earlier work: seeds of some of the greatness of the later series, but not quite as captivating/entertaining yet.
August 9, 2017
Lars is the ultimate alpha that we all secretly want lol
December 7, 2016
A fabulous addition to Donna Augustine's Karma series!
Could you even kill a dead girl?
OMG! Dead Ink is a fabulous addition to Donna Augustine's Karma series! It's listed as the fourth installment in that series, but it could also work as a standalone, if that is your preference. However, there's no doubt that your enjoyment of Dead Ink will be multiplied exponentially, if you have previously feasted on Donna's paranormal urban fantasy series Karma first. You should know that I considered Karma such an incredible, highly-imaginative series that I listed it in my top ten reads in CY2015. So…. It was truly a treat to revisit the Karma world as I dived headfirst into Lars' and Faith's story.
Lars is Death aka the Grim Reaper. He is also a talented tattoo artist and the owner of Dead Ink, a unique tattoo shop in a deranged and dangerous world rocked by chaos and riots. If you have read the earlier books, you will remember Lars. Fate had enlisted him to tattoo Karma to block the evil villains from being able to monitor her movements. Lars is a cocky, quiet and brooding dark hero that you will undoubtedly want to drool over.
Lars’ universe is turned topsy turvy when Faith appears in his shop seeking asylum from Malokin and Keith, Malokin’s second-in-command – both extremely despicable characters. Faith is in serious trouble and doesn’t know where to turn for help. She desperately needs a safe haven. So… she turns to Lars who scares her. She can feel the danger rolling off of him, but she is also fiercely drawn to him. Lars fights their chemistry tooth and nail.
Fate and Karma both make appearances in Dead Ink. Yay! I miss them so much!!!!!! I really, really hope that Donna returns to this world again with more great stories. I’m not ready to let it go. We get down and dirty with Lars’ best friends. Cutty was my favorite of the bunch.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Dead Ink:
The biggest question she had was how do you rebuild a life when you aren't a person anymore?
---
For someone who had died not long ago, she felt more alive with him than ever.
---
She was slowly being overwhelmed by his scent, the feel of his hands on her and the taste of him. His arms tightened around her until she felt almost weightless on her toes. His lips moved along her neck and she heard the soft sigh of pleasure escape her lips and realized there was no choice for her to make. She'd already made it the day she'd met him.
Dead Ink has it all: a steamy romance, a great plot line, delicious and snarky humor, thrilling suspense, dangerous fast-paced action sequences, and more... Dead Ink hit all the paranormal gritty urban fantasy romance notes for me. Donna’s writing makes the whole story so believable. The characters seem alive! The threats to them seem so real! I hung on their every word. Honestly, I could not put this book down staying up into the wee hours to finish it. I cannot recommend the whole series enough. If you are a fan of paranormal urban fantasy romances, do yourself a favor and dive into the Karma series!!!!
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: https://www.facebook.com/donna.august...
Could you even kill a dead girl?
OMG! Dead Ink is a fabulous addition to Donna Augustine's Karma series! It's listed as the fourth installment in that series, but it could also work as a standalone, if that is your preference. However, there's no doubt that your enjoyment of Dead Ink will be multiplied exponentially, if you have previously feasted on Donna's paranormal urban fantasy series Karma first. You should know that I considered Karma such an incredible, highly-imaginative series that I listed it in my top ten reads in CY2015. So…. It was truly a treat to revisit the Karma world as I dived headfirst into Lars' and Faith's story.
Lars is Death aka the Grim Reaper. He is also a talented tattoo artist and the owner of Dead Ink, a unique tattoo shop in a deranged and dangerous world rocked by chaos and riots. If you have read the earlier books, you will remember Lars. Fate had enlisted him to tattoo Karma to block the evil villains from being able to monitor her movements. Lars is a cocky, quiet and brooding dark hero that you will undoubtedly want to drool over.
Lars’ universe is turned topsy turvy when Faith appears in his shop seeking asylum from Malokin and Keith, Malokin’s second-in-command – both extremely despicable characters. Faith is in serious trouble and doesn’t know where to turn for help. She desperately needs a safe haven. So… she turns to Lars who scares her. She can feel the danger rolling off of him, but she is also fiercely drawn to him. Lars fights their chemistry tooth and nail.
Fate and Karma both make appearances in Dead Ink. Yay! I miss them so much!!!!!! I really, really hope that Donna returns to this world again with more great stories. I’m not ready to let it go. We get down and dirty with Lars’ best friends. Cutty was my favorite of the bunch.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Dead Ink:
The biggest question she had was how do you rebuild a life when you aren't a person anymore?
---
For someone who had died not long ago, she felt more alive with him than ever.
---
She was slowly being overwhelmed by his scent, the feel of his hands on her and the taste of him. His arms tightened around her until she felt almost weightless on her toes. His lips moved along her neck and she heard the soft sigh of pleasure escape her lips and realized there was no choice for her to make. She'd already made it the day she'd met him.
Dead Ink has it all: a steamy romance, a great plot line, delicious and snarky humor, thrilling suspense, dangerous fast-paced action sequences, and more... Dead Ink hit all the paranormal gritty urban fantasy romance notes for me. Donna’s writing makes the whole story so believable. The characters seem alive! The threats to them seem so real! I hung on their every word. Honestly, I could not put this book down staying up into the wee hours to finish it. I cannot recommend the whole series enough. If you are a fan of paranormal urban fantasy romances, do yourself a favor and dive into the Karma series!!!!
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: https://www.facebook.com/donna.august...
June 23, 2015
What a wonderful addition to the Karma Series! If you are an urban fantasy fan then I sincerely hope you've read the Karma Series. While Dead Ink is labeled as a romance and can be read as a stand-alone novel, for me, it was a wonderful addition to the series! I love a romance and this is one that doesn't loose its gritty urban fantasy feel. It was the best of both genres combined in one book!
Dead Ink is a unique tattoo shop that is a small haven in a world gone crazy. Lars, the owner, is deliciously bad and just the kind of dark hero I love to drool over when I read a book. From the moment Faith shows up in his shop his safe little world is threatened, and I'm not just talking about his store.
As in all Ms. Augustine's books the dialogue is spot on. It's always a pleasure when an author writes dialogue in such a way that it feels natural. And because it does flow so well the characters come alive, another plus. Which is especially true with one of Lars' best friends, Cutty. I Love Cutty! Heck, I loved the book!
This is an easy book for me to Highly Recommend to anyone 18 and older.
Dead Ink is a unique tattoo shop that is a small haven in a world gone crazy. Lars, the owner, is deliciously bad and just the kind of dark hero I love to drool over when I read a book. From the moment Faith shows up in his shop his safe little world is threatened, and I'm not just talking about his store.
As in all Ms. Augustine's books the dialogue is spot on. It's always a pleasure when an author writes dialogue in such a way that it feels natural. And because it does flow so well the characters come alive, another plus. Which is especially true with one of Lars' best friends, Cutty. I Love Cutty! Heck, I loved the book!
This is an easy book for me to Highly Recommend to anyone 18 and older.
September 13, 2015
Dead Ink by Donna Augustine
I thoroughly enjoyed this side of Lar’s life which is in essence book 3 in the Karma series ‘Fated’.
Lars still is working in his Tattoo shop whilst the world falls apart in all the chaos, riots and anger that is spreading through the world, though life for him has just got more complicated when Faith falls into his shop after running away from Malokin and his second in command Keith.
Lars is suspicious of the whole story that Faith has told them, though as Keith is keen to get her back, Lars and the guys are adamant to keep hold of her as well.
The longer that Faith stays with Lars, (who incidentally has the safest place), the stronger the feelings they both develop for each other, even if they are not admitted, though with trust issues and bad attitudes, will both of them find their happy ever after.
Written in both Lars and Faiths POV, this is a great addition to the Karma series and I highly recommend reading it, though I would suggest if you haven’t already, read the Karma Series first, as it will make more sense.
I thoroughly enjoyed this side of Lar’s life which is in essence book 3 in the Karma series ‘Fated’.
Lars still is working in his Tattoo shop whilst the world falls apart in all the chaos, riots and anger that is spreading through the world, though life for him has just got more complicated when Faith falls into his shop after running away from Malokin and his second in command Keith.
Lars is suspicious of the whole story that Faith has told them, though as Keith is keen to get her back, Lars and the guys are adamant to keep hold of her as well.
The longer that Faith stays with Lars, (who incidentally has the safest place), the stronger the feelings they both develop for each other, even if they are not admitted, though with trust issues and bad attitudes, will both of them find their happy ever after.
Written in both Lars and Faiths POV, this is a great addition to the Karma series and I highly recommend reading it, though I would suggest if you haven’t already, read the Karma Series first, as it will make more sense.
June 12, 2015
I have read the Karma series and was excited about Lars story! I started reading and could not put down. I found Lars super sexy which was interesting considering his old job.I really would like to see the other guys have a stories of their own. This one was more romance with some Paranormal but more romance . I really enjoyed it! I have liked all of Donna Augustine's books so looking forward to more books to read!
September 29, 2015
thid author never fail.
July 19, 2015
4.5. Love Augustine's work.
December 4, 2017
Loved this one!!!
Wow I loved this one so much. The emotion and feelings in it were over the top. There were a few I guess typos, words that should have been different words but only a few. I guess her editor wasn't feeling well or was in a hurry on this one? Anyway, I loved this series and I hope there are going to be more to it. I love reading about how each person is a actual thing like death or karma. I'd love to read about more of them and more about when karma and fate go back to work for the universe if they do, I really loved their characters in the other books. I also loved death but Cutty may be interesting to find out more about or one of the others we haven't even read about yet, or they what about a new person that gets added in? Anyways great story, had a bit of a different feel than the last three did but that might be because of the change of scene. If you want to read this book read the other books in this series first or you will be missing out on a lot and not understand what's happening and what has happened to karma and fate and just who Paddy really is.
Wow I loved this one so much. The emotion and feelings in it were over the top. There were a few I guess typos, words that should have been different words but only a few. I guess her editor wasn't feeling well or was in a hurry on this one? Anyway, I loved this series and I hope there are going to be more to it. I love reading about how each person is a actual thing like death or karma. I'd love to read about more of them and more about when karma and fate go back to work for the universe if they do, I really loved their characters in the other books. I also loved death but Cutty may be interesting to find out more about or one of the others we haven't even read about yet, or they what about a new person that gets added in? Anyways great story, had a bit of a different feel than the last three did but that might be because of the change of scene. If you want to read this book read the other books in this series first or you will be missing out on a lot and not understand what's happening and what has happened to karma and fate and just who Paddy really is.
August 15, 2024
Love Donna Augustine, but I didn’t like this
Great premise! Great world! Great idea!
Awful execution and so disappointing. This book feels like she ran out of time to make the book good and rushed the resolution so you feel like someone is playing you for a fool.
Spoilers!
The Hero is man whore and the heroine is a sucker. It’s one thing to have faith and another thing to be a chump. I think I wouldn’t be so harsh is it didn’t have so much potential for being an awesome story.
Great premise! Great world! Great idea!
Awful execution and so disappointing. This book feels like she ran out of time to make the book good and rushed the resolution so you feel like someone is playing you for a fool.
Spoilers!
The Hero is man whore and the heroine is a sucker. It’s one thing to have faith and another thing to be a chump. I think I wouldn’t be so harsh is it didn’t have so much potential for being an awesome story.
December 12, 2018
Don't have words...?
Loved the whole series including the last book with Faith and Lars...but the wisdom and tense storyline made me happy that I bought them so I can go back and contemplate. When I am afraid to take risks, I realize it's from lack of trust in myself and that bleeds over in my relationships. This story is truly about hope and faith. With a romance as well even in apocalyptic times. Enjoy..
Loved the whole series including the last book with Faith and Lars...but the wisdom and tense storyline made me happy that I bought them so I can go back and contemplate. When I am afraid to take risks, I realize it's from lack of trust in myself and that bleeds over in my relationships. This story is truly about hope and faith. With a romance as well even in apocalyptic times. Enjoy..
May 13, 2017
5 stars for the entire series!
I have read every book written by the amazing Donna Augustine. I would highly recommend each and every one. My only complaint is that they are over & there aren't more of them. If your looking for a wonderful break from reality where Death walks among us & Fate & Karma are real, I recommend you give the Karma series a try
I have read every book written by the amazing Donna Augustine. I would highly recommend each and every one. My only complaint is that they are over & there aren't more of them. If your looking for a wonderful break from reality where Death walks among us & Fate & Karma are real, I recommend you give the Karma series a try
December 25, 2017
Intriguing and so romantic!
I gave 5 stars because it is captivating and I couldn't put it down. It's part of a trilogy and connects very well with Karma; I found out the "other side of the story".
I gave 5 stars because it is captivating and I couldn't put it down. It's part of a trilogy and connects very well with Karma; I found out the "other side of the story".
May 21, 2019
Please give us more!
This is the second book in the series and I couldn’t put it down. I am waiting with bated breath to see if there will be a third one. I’m dying to know more of Fate and Karma, Lara and Faith.
This is the second book in the series and I couldn’t put it down. I am waiting with bated breath to see if there will be a third one. I’m dying to know more of Fate and Karma, Lara and Faith.
August 4, 2019
I enjoyed this installment of the series. Lars was a different kind of hero. Faith was not a fleshed out as I would have liked her to be. Her personality was missing after reading Karma. Still was a good read.
September 26, 2019
Seriously read this series
If you read book one or any of these than your not looking at this review because your hooked like everyone else. Now of you just so happen to find this book before book 1 go and get book 1 and fall in love with the series.
If you read book one or any of these than your not looking at this review because your hooked like everyone else. Now of you just so happen to find this book before book 1 go and get book 1 and fall in love with the series.
November 10, 2025
One of the best
This is by far one of the best series I have read in a long time. I wasn't completely into this last book, it took me longer than I expected to get into it. But its still great and I wish it would continue. Thank you Donna.
This is by far one of the best series I have read in a long time. I wasn't completely into this last book, it took me longer than I expected to get into it. But its still great and I wish it would continue. Thank you Donna.
August 18, 2017
Great Series
I love Donna Augustine! I've read almost all of her books. The Karma series was another great read! On to the next!
I love Donna Augustine! I've read almost all of her books. The Karma series was another great read! On to the next!
November 23, 2017
Dead Ink.
What a great read. Filled in some blanks from the other three books. I loved it. Same story , but from a different perspective.
What a great read. Filled in some blanks from the other three books. I loved it. Same story , but from a different perspective.
December 28, 2017
Great continuation to the Karma series! I’m ready for the stories for Cutty, Bic, and Angus!
February 11, 2018
Another will they won’t they where you want to smack their heads together.
March 14, 2018
Amazing
My boyfriend got me started on this series about 2 weeks ago and I haven't been able to put them down because I want to know more about what happened to the characters.
My boyfriend got me started on this series about 2 weeks ago and I haven't been able to put them down because I want to know more about what happened to the characters.
September 1, 2018
Amazing 4th book
I loved this follow up book for Lars and Faith. I wish there were more for so many of the characters in the Fated Series.
I loved this follow up book for Lars and Faith. I wish there were more for so many of the characters in the Fated Series.
May 1, 2019
Bleh
Too much left unexplained just one big entanglement of lust and oh yea bad guys are involved. Book really goes nowhere
Too much left unexplained just one big entanglement of lust and oh yea bad guys are involved. Book really goes nowhere
March 8, 2020
Nice adjacent storyline
Any one that reads the Karma trilogy should make sure to add this to their to be read list. Same quality writing in this book as the others.
Any one that reads the Karma trilogy should make sure to add this to their to be read list. Same quality writing in this book as the others.
July 9, 2021
Really enjoyed this little spinoff.
paranormal
November 13, 20211
July 23, 2025
Book four in Karma's series focuses on Lars and Faith. Some scenes from this book were introduced in book three, especially those involving Karma, so the timeline aligns with that period.
The story doesn’t revolve around major events but instead focuses on the emotional conflicts and trust issues between Faith and Lars. If you're a fan of the side characters, this book delves deeper into them, and you should definitely read it.
Personally, the most intriguing part for me was discovering the power held by the ex-grim reaper, while the most disappointing aspect was not finding out what Faith could do 😅.
The story doesn’t revolve around major events but instead focuses on the emotional conflicts and trust issues between Faith and Lars. If you're a fan of the side characters, this book delves deeper into them, and you should definitely read it.
Personally, the most intriguing part for me was discovering the power held by the ex-grim reaper, while the most disappointing aspect was not finding out what Faith could do 😅.
June 19, 2015
Faith needs help and doesn’t know where to turn. She decides the enemy or her enemy seems like a good place to start. When Faith first laid eyes on Lars she wasn’t sure if she should stay or run. He was dangerous that much she was sure of, but she was still so drawn to him. Even though she didn’t have anywhere else to go she felt safe with the guys and would do anything for them.
Another excellent book by Donna Augustine! Love this series and was not disappointed. One of my favorite things with a series is when the author does side books and lets us see more about some of the supporting characters and Dead Ink was spot on! I’d like to see the stories that go with Cutty, Bic, and Angus as well. My heart hurt in so many places with the stupidity of two people so in love they didn’t see it. Fabulous love story without disconnecting from the rest of the books. I know that Augustine said it’s a standalone read if you want it to be, but I think that by reading the rest of the books in this series first it makes this book all the more enjoyable!
Another excellent book by Donna Augustine! Love this series and was not disappointed. One of my favorite things with a series is when the author does side books and lets us see more about some of the supporting characters and Dead Ink was spot on! I’d like to see the stories that go with Cutty, Bic, and Angus as well. My heart hurt in so many places with the stupidity of two people so in love they didn’t see it. Fabulous love story without disconnecting from the rest of the books. I know that Augustine said it’s a standalone read if you want it to be, but I think that by reading the rest of the books in this series first it makes this book all the more enjoyable!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews