Book One in the Tattooed Series, releasing September 17th, 2015
Raelyn Jennings has survived the unthinkable. She’s been given a second chance to live, to breathe, to feel. Her ability to overcome such a traumatic hurdle has created armor around her heart. But beyond her shield is fear, a consuming deep one, of the unknown. Raelyn vows to herself that she’ll solely focus on the one constant in her life, her career as the CEO for a prestigious accounting firm.
Damien Heathman’s unrelenting determination has made him a powerful, respected man. He’s sexy and confident and utterly breathtaking. His dominance and strength is evident in every purposeful stride, every meaningful look, and every soft caress.
Raelyn has worked with Damien’s company, Heathman Enterprises, for many years, but they’ve never crossed paths—until now. Damien’s presence fills a room. He steals Raelyn’s breath and sparks her broken heart back to life. Once Damien sets eyes on Raelyn, there is no turning back. He wants her, and he’ll stop at nothing to have her. Not even the dark secrets hidden behind his tattoos will stand in his way.
The chemistry is undeniable. The passion is palpable.
Can Damien convince Raelyn that he is worth the risk? Or will Raelyn allow her past to control her future, feeling the chance of another heartache is too great to bear?
Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.
Thank you to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing into my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo
Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.
Remember that time when I thought this was a standalone and I was 78% in and realized that there wasn’t enough book left for all the things that needed to happen and then silently screamed because I was so fucking invested in this story and I didn’t want to wait to find out what happened?! I DO.
So, friends. Not a standalone. WHICH IS OK. I’m just the idiot that didn’t realize it before I started. But now you know. So you can enter this fantastic story with the knowledge that it won’t be all wrapped up in this one.
I adore this story so much. It took me a minute to get into it, but by chapter 2 I was there: Raelyn was my girl and Damien soon became the CEO of my heart. Alpha male to the core, demanding and insistent, he burrowed under my skin. Raelyn is a strong girl who has survived both a brain tumor that had negligible odds and an ex-fiance who left her as she prepared to die. What an asshole.
I was a bit sad that everyone in Raelyn’s life is eligible for the Worst Human On The Planet award except for her roommate, Iris. Thank god for that girl. She’s fantastic. I was just as terrified as Raelyn that Damien was going to do something to let her down just like everyone else in her life. When Damien entered the picture the attraction is immediate and intense, just how I like it. He’s super overbearing, and persistent – refusing to take Raelyn’s hard ‘no’ for an answer.
While they both fall quickly into each other, they keep their secrets to themselves. Damien’s dark past is quickly entering his present and Raelyn’s own past may decide to rear its ugly head any day. I wanted to scream at the secrets, but it made for delicious drama. I loved the intensity & flaring heat between the characters. The passion fell off the pages and hooked me in.
This book has romance for days and screams sex. I wanted to simultaneously lick and hug it – and we KNOW I wanted it to last so much longer. Give me book 2!!! pretty please?! 4.5 stars!
5 massively huge stars doesn't even begin to sum up this book. Tattooed Emotions is BY FAR Alicia's best book! Tattooed Emotions is heartbreaking, devasting, beautiful, intense, raw and deep, just amazing!! Literally there aren't enough words. This book gripped me from page one, pulled at the deepest depths of my soul and twisted everything inside me. My heart broke and fell in love numerous times!
"As his eyes effectively wrecked me with their intensity, my breath was knocked clear out of my lungs." And my breath was knocked out too, Damien is everything you need. He screams dominance, Pleasure, intensity and he loves hard! The connection between Raelyn & Damien is fierce and deep, the heat they share burns the pages when they come together.
I can't wait until November to see what happens between these two. They have taken up camp in my heart and soul and I need more!!!
I received a copy of this book via Inkslinger promotions as part of a blog tour. Thank you so much!
:: 5 Tatted Stars ::
Woah. Talk about your gut wrenching, anxiety inducing read… This book is FABULOUS; even though I found myself teary eyed in the beginning and towards the end. Yikes! Alicia Rae really knows how to tug at her readers emotions. I felt all sorts of things while reading this book, pure devastation, happiness, excitement, and all sorts of swoony. It is passionate, sweet, beautiful, and spicy! I honestly cannot say enough good things about it so if you haven’t read this one yet than I highly suggest that you do! I have never read a book by Alicia Rae but this one will NOT be my last and I plan to dive head first into the next one. You need too… this one leaves you hanging!
Damien and Raelyn both have secrets. Some more devastating and life threatening than others. But when these two kindred souls connect there is no stopping the spark that will ignite into a fire. Is this love worth the risk of the pain? You’ll have to read to find out. –I keep my reviews cryptic because I don’t want to spoil the entire plot—your welcome!
Anway, this book has a lot of GREAT things going for it which just adds to the many reasons why it is a 5 star read. You’ve got your hot and sexy billionaire CEO. But not an arrogant-jerky one. This one is charming and sweet and can melt your panties with just a few words! Then you’ve got your sweet and kind heroine who you feel is your best friend. You connect with her in ways it is hard to do with book characters. You also become an emotional wreck when you find out her background story—ugh serious tears over here!—Then you have some sweet cars, boat rides, and beaches. What can be better than all of this wrapped into one little package of a book?
Overall this is a fantastic read- one I can personally (and highly) recommend. Be warned though once you read this one you will need to read the second book Tattooed Scars because this one does have a cliffhanger. Pick this one up readers. You will not be disappointed. I am now an instant fan girl of the author and cannot wait to pick up more of her books.
I have read all of Alicia's books, and I've loved every single one of them. She has a writing style that keeps you hooked. Tattooed Emotions is so unlike anything she's ever written. I couldn't get enough of Damien & Raelyn's story. When I read that last page, I messaged her on FB, and asked her to write more. Damien is a badass, but knows how to swoon. He just doesn't let anyone on his soft side. Raelyn has learned that life is short, and to live each day to it's fullest. Together, they are the perfect pair. You'll want to laugh, cry, and even scream at your Kindle. And for sure, you'll want more. I can't wait for book 2, I need me some more Damien. And this is me, laying my claim down on him ;)
Oh my Lord. I'm all over the place at the moment, this book just took me on a massive emotional ride.
Perfectly executed, lovingingly written, Rae and Damien's story was not a read that could be digested without being 100% immersed in them.
Damien, wow I love this man. He's tortured from his past, his tattoos the strength that covers the nightmare of his past. He's a book boyfriend through and through, easy to fall for, want the best for and would want to fall between the sheets with. I loved this man.
Raelyn, OMG this woman had me an emotional wreck. I felt all her pain, all her emotions, my mind absorbed them as though she were me. She is beautifully written and I'd be shocked at anyone that can't feel drawn to her on some level, well drawn to either of these characters on some level.
I didn't realise this is a two parter, I was arghhhh-ing massively at the end. I can't wait to find out what's in store for them next. I just hope Tattooed Scars has the same emotional vein running thick through it, I'm pretty certain it will, I can't see it being written any other way. I can't wait to get my mitts on that one too! Roll on November is all I can say ;-) !!
I received Tattooed Emotions to review, my reviews are my own and are 100% honest. I connected with this book and these characters and if you love heartfelt emotional reads, you will love it too.
Absolutely loved this book and all aspects of it! Damien is one hot CEO that is sure to melt your panties and Raelyn is one hell of a strong woman! You will be hooked from the first page, have you on the edge of your seat, and flipping pages for more! A gripping story that will twist all your emotions! A definite must read!
Get ready for an emotional read that will bring tears of both sadness and joy. The ride is so well worth it in the end!
Raelyn has been declared to be in remission after having a malignant brain tumor removed and undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Her fiance left her once the going got tough and she's learned to rely only on herself. She refuses to get close to anyone again in order to protect her heart, but also to protect them. The cancer could come back at any time and she doesn't want to risk being left again or end up leaving someone else if she were to lose her battle.
When she meets Damien all bets seem to be off. While she wears her scars on the inside, he wear his on his skin hidden beneath beautiful tattoos. She fails at her attempts to keep him at a distance but he still refuses to open up about his past or how he got his scars. She can't be too upset at him about that though because she hasn't opened up about her past health issues either.
They're both forced to reveal their truths after significant events take place that could alter both of their lives. Can Damien trust her not to leave him when she learns about his past and his family? Can he convince her that he loves her enough to be in it with her for the long haul, regardless of her health? They both try so hard to guard their own hearts while chipping away at the armor around the other's. You need to experience their story without any spoilers in order to feel the full brunt of emotions that it delivers. It's a beautiful love story with a perfect HEA, just what romance readers crave.
* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *
~ 5 Emotional Stars ~
Tattooed Emotions is exactly like the name infers. This book is packed with so many different emotions, you can't help but get swept away!!
This book starts off on a sad note but also a happy note, it's hard to explain that without spoiling the story for others. Just know that Alicia doesn't hold back the emotions for later in the book, she grabs at your heartstrings right from the beginning.
Tattooed Emotions is only the second book of Alicia's that I have read (even though I do have all her other books waiting on my kindle to be read). I enjoyed her first book so much, but I have to say that this book is by far my FAVORITE. There was something about this storyline and characters that just sucked me in and held me all the way to the end. I will say that there are aspects of this story that kind of reminded me of another book (hint: Christian Grey) but yet this story is so completely different. You will understand why I say this once you read the book. There were just certain things that brought me back to the Fifty Shades series. Now if you aren't a fan of that series don't worry this book and storyline is not like that one. So don't let my comment scare you off from reading this wonderful book!!!!
Tattooed Emotions is told completely from Raelyn's POV. I do wish that we would've gotten a little bit of Damien's POV, because there were times I wanted to know what he was thinking, but it in no way deterred me from enjoying this book!!! I will let you know that this book is NOT a stand-alone book. Now I wouldn't consider this ending a cliffhanger, because the ending wasn't shocking, it just left you wanting more. So to me it is a To Be Continued ending. The way it ends, you just know there is more to come. There are a lot of things that weren't covered in this book, so a second book is definitely needed. But I will say that I don't think Damien and Raelyn are going to have an easy road ahead of them. I also have a feeling the second book ( Tattooed Scars ) is going to heartbreaking, but I am hopefully that Alicia will mend are hearts by the end of the series.
What I loved the most about this book is that it wasn't saturated with a lot of drama. Alicia added just enough outside elements to keep you rooting for Damien and Raelyn, but it wasn't so much that I was frustrated by the end of the book. This book does end with Damien and Raelyn in a good place and looking towards the future. I also loved that this couple never had that crazy miscommunication and separation that we normally see in this type book. I loved that Damien never let Raelyn run very far or for very long. It was refreshing to see a couple actually work together to solve the issues they faced.
I would 100% recommend this book to everyone!!! I don't think it is necessary to wait for the next book to be released before reading this book. Just know going in that there is more to come. I know I can't wait until November for the next book. I really want to see this couple get their HEA!!! Raelyn and Damien both totally deserve one after everything they have had to endure.
Don't miss this AMAZING read!!! You won't be sorry.
Tattooed Emotions was my first book byAlicia Rae but certainly not my last -- especially since I want to see where the story's protagonists end up.
Although Tattooed Emotions shares a few story elements common in modern contemporary romance (damaged and dominant billionaire), Rae definitely changes the score a bit in the execution of the story thus creating a very unique and engrossing story of her own. Tattooed Emotions will keep you turning its pages as you try to figure out just what Damien's story is, what is happening with Raelyn, and what the heck Cale's deal really is.
I look forward to seeing what Rae has in store for the continuation of this series.
This book will hold your interest and keep you longing for more.
Raelyn has over come the impossible and she now has another chance to live. But she has built up steel walls and she doesn't want another heartbreak like she had before. So she sinks into her job where she is the CEO of an accounting firm. She has a new client come into her wanting her to take on his business herself. She doesn't want this because she is feeling a strong attraction to him that draws her to him. She has her walls up for a reason and now Damien wants to break them down.
Damien Heathman is a wealthy business man and has become very highly known and respected. He hasn't settled for one woman ever. He doesn't do relationships. But once he meets Raelyn and learns how she can deal with numbers he instantly likes her.
But with the numbers comes consequences that Raelyn has a hard time accepting them. So Damien figures a way out to meet up with her. His pickup line is "Numbers don't lie". Raelyns is hesitant. Damien has his own demons and hides behind his tattoos. Raelyn has her secrets The combination of these two will coz hardships between them.
The attraction between the both of them is so strong and the passion is there. Neither one is not sure of where their relationship should go. Does Damien let his guard down and show Raelyn his tattoos he keeps so well hidden? Does Raelyn let him break down her steel walls she has put around her heart?
This book will not let you go. I felt the passion of Raelyn and Damien. I could picture each scene in this book as I do with all of Alicia Rae's book. Each one is so descriptive you can see it all as you read about it. And with Tattooed Emotions my heart went out to Raelyn and Damien. I cant wait to read the next book of the series.
"Love is but a fuzzy feeling that fades when you need it most."
Raelyn Jennings thought she had found the love of her life. The one she was going to spend her forever with. Her happily ever after. One doctor's appointment changed the course of her forever and left her with a bad taste for love. She beat the odds and conquered the impossible. Now she is full bore into her career. She doesn't need or want love ever again.
Damien Heathman is a young CEO that has thrown himself into work and his company, forsaking love, for as long as he can remember. A past that he shares with no one has made him view love as an inconsequential thing that will only hurt you.
The connection is immediate and undeniable. Damien knows what he wants and he always gets what he wants. He wants Raelyn.
"This is happening between us, Raelyn, whether you like it or not, and I think we're both powerless to stop it."
What happens when two people with secret pasts they refuse to discuss come together? Throw in a deep betrayal from a mutual friend and undeniable chemistry. Raelyn and Damien are a force to be reckoned with. Damien is alpha to the core. Control is a must. Raelyn is no longer the shrinking violet she once was. Can she release her own control to give Damien what he needs while he gives her everything she needed but didn't know?
"You don't have to say anything else." He settled his body into me. "I'll be strong enough for both of us. I'll love you enough for both of us."
This book is AMAZING!! Alicia Rae knows how to hook you from page one and keep you hooked until long after the last page. This is a cliff hanger but book 2, Tattooed Scars is coming soon. I highly highly recommend this book!!!
My heart was in my throat from the very first chapter of this book. Alicia has once again delivered a phenomenal book that pulls at all your emotions. All I could do was keep reading and couldnt stop and when the end came i was like NOOOO I need more. I need to know what happens...
Raelyn is a survivor of the scariest thing ever and after going through this ordeal she has hardened her heart and her emotions. But when Damien comes into the picture he makes her feel things she has never had with any other person. Damien has a past that you can tell made him the Alpha he is today and you love him for it but hate that he keeps in it and you have no idea what he went through. You know it wasnt anything pretty and your heart hurts for what he must have endured in his past.
But Raelyn like Damien keeps their past hidden from one another. She has yet to tell him what she has gone through and him as well. What happens when what happend to Raelyn before could possibly be happening again? I wanted to scream at the end of this book. Impatiently waiting for the next book to find out what is going on with Raelyn and to find out more of Damien's secrets.
This is the first book I have read by Alicia Rae. I have several others of hers on my tbr and I am thinking I need to move them up. What can I say...I did not want this story to end. It is well written, and tugs at our heart in so many ways.
Raelyn Jennings had her entire life in front of her. She was planning her wedding and her future with her fiance Nick, when her world comes to a screeching halt. She is dealt with the worst nightmare she can imagine. Cancer. She is left fighting for her life, for her future, all without Nick. Other than her best friend and roommate Iris, she is all alone. Something she knows a lot about. At the age of eighteen her foster parents threw her out and washed their hands of her. Now she has managed to put herself through college and start her own business.
After fighting for three months through chemo and all the side effects of it, she has managed to beat the odds. She is in remission and slowly getting back on her feet. When she returns to work, she throws everything she has into building her partnership with her really good friend Cale Adams. When Cal asks her to take over their largest client, Rae finds herself being tested. There is no denying the attraction that she has for Damien Heathman.
Damien Heathman has spent his life trying to bury his past and fight for the future that e deserves and wants. So far he has done an amazing job of it. When he has a meeting with his best friends accounting partner, he feels this unbelievable pull towards her and pursues her, regardless of what she has to say about it. Can he show her that he can be the man she needs and crack the armor around her heart? Can he let her in and expose her to his harsh past? What ensues is nothing short of explosive.
I found Tattooed Emotions to be well written. It gave me the feels. I fell in love with the characters, especially Damien. His character is so broken. But I felt like there definitely needed to be more to both of their stories, pertaining to their pasts. I wanted to know more about what Raelyn's life was growing up. Why she ended up in foster care. I wanted to know why Damien was so beaten and scarred. But then again this may be what we will learn about in book 2. Can I say I needed this book the minute I finished Tattooed Emotions. I nearly threw my kindle across the damn room! I really enjoyed this book. I felt connected to the characters and was rooting for their happiness and success. I wanted them to find peace with their past so that they could find a future together. Is Raelyn strong enough to help Damien shoulder the pain of his past and is Damien strong enough to let her in to his world of heartache and pain. And when one of those closest to both of them deceives them, can they overcome it together? Go and grab your copy of this awesome book today and get sucked into the worlds of Damien and Raelyn. You will not be disappointed.
Panty Scorching-4 Storyline-4 Angst- 3 Tissues-0 Value- 4 Overall Rating- 4 Kindle eARC Reviewed by Jen
“You changed my world the second I laid eyes on you, Raelyn.”
Tattooed Emotions by Alicia Rae truly grips your heart and captures your attention from the very beginning. Its truly hard for me to feel something for a character within the first chapter because I like to get to know them see who they are and how they react to things however that was not the case with Raelyn. The moment I met her in the first chapter I immediately liked her and honestly wanted to befriend her. She was just so human, realistic and written is such a great way that throughout the book you witnessed her growth as a character. Raelyn wasn’t the only character who I took a liking to Damien was the other however we will get into him a little later.
Tattooed Emotions follows the story of Raelyn and Damien. The two meet and sparks flew under the least likely of instances. Both characters were not looking for each other however one cannot tell love when is a good time or bad time to come knocking on the door. Damien is a sexy confident businessman who knows what he wants and refuses to accept anything less of what he wants. As I stated the moment these two individuals met each other sparks flew. Their connection and chemistry never felt rushed or fake-it really felt natural and real. With all that Raelyn has death with in her life and overcome is she willing to allow Damien into her heart when she can’t promise control over the future? Will Damien help Raelyn realize that nothing is promised in life and sometimes taking a leap of faith is worth it?
“You changed my world the second I laid eyes on you, Raelyn… so, in my mind, you’re already mine.”
SWOON!! Gosh Damien whisper those sweet things in my ears please! I really liked this book and am so glad I was given the opportunity to read and review this book. The book just grips you from the beginning and doesn’t let you go. The moment I turned to the last page I wanted more and more!!! I loved the way Alicia was able to tell a story and let the characters grow naturally. I will definitely be looking for more books by Alicia Rae and can’t wait to read them. Raelyn and Damien’s story continues in the next installment “ Tattooed Scars” which will be released in November. I for one am counting down the days to November and will be anxiously awaiting the next book. You do not want to miss out on this story!
My goodness, I’m still feeling way too many emotions after reading this book! Alicia Rae has definitely earned her spot on a must read author for me when it comes to romance. This was my first by this author and now I totally know that I have been missing out, the writing, the intense romance and killer heart pumping moments are something that makes a great author.
Tattooed Emotions follows Raelyn after she has been told she is now in remission after her brain tumor was removed. Sadly her life has changed, her fiancé left her during that horrible time and now it has made it difficult for her to open up to people. She is worried about the tumor coming back and doesn’t want anyone to get close to her just in case. It seriously breaks my heart that this girl feels that way.
Raelyn meets Damien through a friend and her life takes another unexpected turn. She tries to not be open with him but he is similar to her and wont open up about his past either. Damien has many scars, his tattoos and dominating attitude reveals there is something hidden in him that is dark. I really was rooting for these two to figure out the whole communication thing, it’s definitely tough what they have gone through but they need to heal and need each other.
I was so not prepared for the ending though, I try my best to steer clear of cliffhangers, I’m usually one to wait until the whole series is out. But alas there is a cliffhanger!! Grr argh! Nonetheless this was a great introduction and I love the intense passion between the two.
Tattooed Emotions if the first book I have read by Alicia. And she has definitely left quite an impression on me.
Tattooed Emotions gutted me. Well, really Raelyn gutted me. But the whole story line grabbed me from the beginning and just took hold.
Raelyn is one hell of a fighter. She refuses to let anything beat her down. However, because what she has gone through, she refuses to allow anyone to get close to her. She's battled everything alone but also does it to protect them.
Damien has a rough past. He has focused on his work and company to prove that he can make it. We don't know too much about him, but we do know, will make you swoon. And will have you wanting to know more.
When these two meet, you can see the attraction. Part of me feels that it was too instantaneous, but everyone has their own opinion on that. I still really enjoyed the interactions between them and watch things blossom.
Overall, the book was written really well. Alicia allowed things to flow perfectly and move at a decent pace. I do wish we could have gotten to see things from Damien's POV, but the book was still really good. The ending - OMG - I am anxiously awaiting the next book to see where these two go!!
5 STAR READ!! (only because I cannot go higher than that!!)
I was instantly drawn to this book within the first chapter. This story hit home for me and that is part of what drew me into the book.
Raelyn has been had a horrible couple years. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor, but had it removed and was undergoing chemo and radiation. Her fiancé also left her once it started getting tough and he didn't think that she would make it. She is now in remission and knows that she can't trust any guys. She doesn't want to get to close to anyone just to have someone break her heart if the cancer was return. That is until she meets Damien. She wants to keep him at a distance, but finds it hard to do. The both have secrets; she hides them inside and he has them underneath his tattoos. They are both keep something from each other, but will it blow up in their faces?
I love, love, love this book. I hate the way it ended... only because I have to wait a couple months for the next book to come out. Damien is definitely my current book boyfriend! I cannot wait to see what Alicia comes up with next!
“One minute, Iris could be the sweet person someone had ever met, and the next, she would be a complete hard-ass. She was a teddy bear with a grizzly bear heart.”
“I felt like I was in high school on my first date again. Only this time, I didn’t have braces and untamed bangs.”
“Those gray eyes burned into mine, and then he kissed me so reverently that I thought my own heart might stop beating.”
“Damien wasn’t a man of many words, yet the few had spoken touched me in a way that no one had ever done before.”
My Review:
Tattooed Emotions was considerably angsty and a much heavier read than I was anticipating, I guess I should have expected that since the word “Emotions” is in the title. The story was well detailed, interesting, and a bit frustrating. This couple does not communicate well and hold back significant secrets from each other. But when they are in alignment it is enjoyable, sweet, and steamy. One item that continues to prod at me is the character’s love of toast with both butter and peanut butter, I have never heard of that before, yet cannot bring myself to try it.
Damien is really sweet and sexy, “and my only concern is getting you into the ocean with me”— he threw that shirt aside, too, as a mischievous slow grin spread across his features, knocking me back with its intensity—“naked.” I loved his sweet side, “I was gentle with you last time, Raelyn.” His palms firmly squeezed and kneaded my breasts. “I don’t think I have it in me to restrain myself this time..." Alrighty cliffhanger, thanks for making an appearance I hate you so much. Can the next book come out now I need more Damien he was just sweet and caring with a side of alpha bada**.
Oh. My. Gosh. What did you just do to me? Wow, I'm almost speechless. That was an amazing book! It made me have all the feels! & I loved it! This book was my first Alicia Rae book and I have to say, I'm so very excited to read more!
Would You Recommend this book to a friend? Heck yes! Would You Read Another Book From this Author? Yes! Does this book have a cliffhanger? Kind-of. I really wanna know what's next but I don't want to scream at anyone lol Are you glad you took the time to read this book? Yes
First off, I love the name Raelyn! I'm not sure I've ever read it in a book and I love that it's original to me. Damien is dominant and possessive which made his character very yummy to read. This is part one of what I assume is a two part story. It is not a simple love story but one full of secrets and emotional times. At first I felt like I was picking up Fifty Shades Of Grey vibes but then the story took a completely left and reminded me nothing of it. I will definitely be reading part two!
DAMN!!!! 100% amazing. This is the first book I read by Alicia and thought it was amazing. I love Raelyn from the moment I first started the book. What a strong woman she is. I was team Raelyn from the start.
This was such an AMAZING story!! Both being scarred from their past both physically and emotionally, Damien and Raelyn try to let their past stay in the past. But sometimes things can't stay hidden for long... I can't wait for book 2!! I have found my new favorite author!!!
I could NOT get enough of this story. Loved the characters and loved the story line. Just when you think everything will be told, WRONG! Alicia Rae, we need book 2 ASAP!!!
I've been a fan of Alicia Rae for quite a while and I knew this book was unlike anything she's ever written. As a voracious reader, I sometimes get worried when an author steps out of their comfort zone. Let me reassure you, that in this case, Alicia has more than succeeded in quashing my concerns. I absolutely LOVED this book. LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT!!!!
We have a story of two very tortured souls both for completely different reasons. For our Hero, we have Damien Heathman who is a man of few words and you can see and feel all his Alpha Maleness simmering just below the surface. Our heroine is Raelyn Jennings who is beautiful both on the inside and outside who has lived through the unthinkable, getting a second chance at life, but so afraid that it won't last, she's built a fortress around her heart not wanting to get hurt again. And I say again, because as we start the book we learn what has made her become so reticent to be vulnerable to really living her life to its fullest and letting love into her heart.
Our H/h are brought together for business purposes and when they first meet Rae has some reservations about working with Damien because he's one of her firms biggest clients and has always worked with her partner. Besides as Raelyn says, "Just hearing the name Damien Heathman made my nerves spike into overdrive." A precursor of the overwhelming reaction she has when they first meet and shake hands perhaps?
"His dark brown hair shone in the natural lighting beaming in through the glass, nearly making him glow.....His posture radiated strength and confidence that was palpable in the room"
Needless to say, when I read the above, in my mind, I said, "Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines, cuz it's ON!!!"
Damien is determined to explore this overpowering reaction they have to each other and he doesn't give up until Rae agrees to go out with him. On their first date, they both admit there's something between them....
"'It's not just me', he murmured quietly, his eyes piercing mine. 'You feel it, too, don't you?'" "'Yes,' I breathed, feeling my neck and cheeks heat"
As we move further into the story, we get a glimpse as to what has made Damien the man he is today, and why his oh so delicious upper body is covered in tattoos. Not only is his soul tortured, but it is clear his body has suffered the likes of something that is unspeakable. He's so self-conscious about these scars that he won't let Raelyn touch him while they're making love. He in fact does whatever he can to prevent her from touching him.
Raelyn on the other hand, vacillates between wanting to accept what Damien is offering and is so powerful between them, yet her fear of being hurt again creates a panic in her body that she tries to valiantly to fight...
"I'd be damned if he didn't stir a powerfully deep sense of desperation within me - to live, to feel alive,. With him, I felt like I was breathing for the first time."
Watching Damien and Raelyn move through those awkward moments we've all had when entering a new relationship was so beautiful to watch. To me, it's clear they belong together. They have many things to overcome if they want to make this work. Both of them struggle to let the other one in, but when they do, it's a moment of raw intensity that is beyond beautiful.
We see our H/h open up to each other unlike they've ever done before, accepting each other as they are today. There are so many moments in this book that made me laugh, get angry and even cry. I'm so rooting for their HEA and am anxiously awaiting to see what happens in the continuation of their story. I just hope I don't go crazy waiting for the conclusion to their story. I even told Alicia, she needs to hurry up and give us the next book because the wait is going to be tortuous!
This is a love story that MUST NOT BE MISSED. I say this with all honesty, Tattooed Emotions has made it onto my Top 10 list of most favorite books EVER!!! Go download this book today and get ready to be moved unlike any other book you've read before!
This is the first book I have read by Alicia Rae. I have several others of hers on my tbr and I am thinking I need to move them up. What can I say...I did not want this story to end. It is well written, and tugs at our heart in so many ways.
Raelyn Jennings had her entire life in front of her. She was planning her wedding and her future with her fiance Nick, when her world comes to a screeching halt. She is dealt with the worst nightmare she can imagine. Cancer. She is left fighting for her life, for her future, all without Nick. Other than her best friend and roommate Iris, she is all alone. Something she knows a lot about. At the age of eighteen her foster parents threw her out and washed their hands of her. Now she has managed to put herself through college and start her own business.
After fighting for three months through chemo and all the side effects of it, she has managed to beat the odds. She is in remission and slowly getting back on her feet. When she returns to work, she throws everything she has into building her partnership with her really good friend Cale Adams. When Cale asks her to take over their largest client, Rae finds herself being tested. There is no denying the attraction that she has for Damien Heathman. Can she mix business with pleasure?
Damien Heathman has spent his life trying to bury his past and fight for the future that e deserves and wants. So far he has done an amazing job of it. He has built a massive empire of wealth and his presence in the city is known. You could say he is one of the cities most eligible bachelors. When he has a meeting with his best friends accounting partner, he feels this unbelievable pull towards her and pursues her, regardless of what she has to say about it. Can he show her that he can be the man she needs and crack the armor around her heart? Can he let her in and expose her to his harsh past? What ensues is nothing short of explosive.
I found Tattooed Emotions to be well written. It gave me the feels. I fell in love with the characters, especially Damien. He is such a dirty talking alpha and he made me swoon. Yes I said swoon. I have a thing for the dirty talking bad boys. His character is so broken. But I felt like there definitely needed to be more to both of their stories, pertaining to their pasts. I wanted to know more about what Raelyn's life was growing up. Why she ended up in foster care. I wanted to know why Damien was so beaten and scarred. But then again this may be what we will learn about in book 2. Can I say I needed this book the minute I finished Tattooed Emotions. I nearly threw my kindle across the damn room! I really enjoyed this book. I felt connected to the characters and was rooting for their happiness and success. I wanted them to find peace with their past so that they could find a future together. Is Raelyn strong enough to help Damien shoulder the pain of his past and is Damien strong enough to let her in to his world of heartache and pain. And when one of those closest to both of them deceives them, can they overcome it together? Go and grab your copy of this awesome book today and get sucked into the worlds of Damien and Raelyn. You will not be disappointed.
*An ARC was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
So apparently, I have not been paying enough attention lately. This is the 2nd book in a matter of a few weeks that I didn't realize WASN'T a standalone. So, be forewarned!! This has a cliffhanger!! Beware!!
Ok, moving on. This book caught my attention immediately. Raelyn's storyline grabbed my heart. As a survivor of a extremely bleak prognosis Raelyn is excited to get back to her life. She knows she is lucky and is not taking anything for granted anymore. But as much of a miracle as her recovery is she has grown more weary. People who were close to her, people she loved hurt her deeply and she vows never to let that happen again. So she builds walls. The type of walls that would protect a medieval kingdom, much less her heart. She decides to dive headfirst back into her first love, her career. She is one of the CEOs and partners for an accounting firm, along with her longtime friend from college. She wants to put the past behind her and push forward.
And on one of her first days back, in strolls Damien Heathman. Owner and CEO in his own right, he is stern and blunt and strong-willed and immediately sets his sights on Raelyn. Exactly what she doesn't want. But he intrigues her. Pretty much immediately there are sparks.
Damien Heathman is the type of man that goes for what he wants. He is possessive and intense. All of the things that go along with an Alpha Male. And his is intent on bulldozing through Raelyn's walls. He wanted to be her love and her protector. But he has secrets. Ones that he refuses to go into, not even with Raelyn. They are both carrying their fair share of scars. Both emotional and physical.
I can't go into too much detail about the book, but here is a quick sum: The book will move you and you will be invested pretty early on. It's definitely hot and steamy. Lots and lots of feels will be had- so prepare yourself. Damien and Raelyn are a great couple. They each have their secrets, but it doesn't add unnecessary angst. Did I mention it's hot and steamy?
Not having read any of Alicia Rae’s works before, I didn’t know what to expect of the book and just the story as a whole. Needless to say, I was impressed with the characters and how swooned worthy Damien Heathman was going to be.
Right at the beginning of the book we meet Raelyn Jennings, she is a co-owner of a prestigious accounting firm who deals with a lot of people among them wealthy CEO, Damien Heathman. Her friend and co-owner has dealt with Damien for a very long time, but due to a traumatic health prognosis she had to take care of herself away from work. Now she is back and ready to tackle anything that comes her way along with a whole new outlook in life has also prevented her from letting anyone come closer to hurting her heart.
Yet when she gets back to the office she is a greeted with a new task of being responsible for Damien’s accounting holdings. Now she is about to meet the mysterious Damien that everyone has been talking about. But the minute she sees him there is an immediate attraction between the two that she can’t deny. After a series of events that later transpired throughout the book, they have to spend a lot more time together which leads to them discovering secrets about each other that may or may not affect their future.
Sparks really do fly all over the book, the characters have an undeniable connection from the very beginning and as they get to know each other the more steamy scenes we get. Although there is some type of progression in the characters throughout the book, towards the end everything felt a bit rushed for me. I was in a very good pace with the book when it ended very abruptly, which I did not like at all. I was hoping to get more answers or find out where their relationship was going, but I will have to wait for the next book to read what happened next. All in all, I would recommend the book it was romantic and easy to get into the story. It is no surprise now that it will end with a cliffhanger so be ready for that if you’re going to read the book. :)
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***