10 artists auditioning for a shot at working with the Reed Brothers 10 skins, each with a story to tell10 perfect tattoos so they'll never forgetA little bit of healingA whole lot of heartAn anthology of ten short stories by ten different authors who are donating 100% of the proceeds to benefit Alzheimer's and brain health. Join Tammy Falkner, Jane Charles, Ava Stone, Marquita Valentine, Lexi Eddings, Lj Charles, Andris Bear, Jerrica Knight-Catania, Caren Crane and Diane Franks to help combat this terrible disease.Tammy Always, April- You probably love to hate her. She's the woman who broke Matt's heart and inspired that awesome letter in MMM. But whatever happened to her? Find out about the crazy dream that made her ditch her unfaithful husband in Scotland, and let's give her some closure, shall we? (Matt has a pretty big cameo in this one!)Andris Inked - The only thing officer Brent Copeland wants when he enters Reeds’ is some fresh ink to honor his fallen partner. But when he comes face to face with Honor Sloan, a hellcat he arrested six months ago, he must confront the mistakes of his past if he is to have any chance at a future.Jane Rattled - She enters the tattoo shop with an envelope full of memories and a heart filled with longing. What she leaves with is more than she dreamed of, and it just might be the first step to healing the wounds of the past.LJ Burned - Fred’s agony over past mistakes is so overwhelming he craves a reminder of them—one that will be burned into his flesh forever. Little does he know the past is about to explode into present-day reality.Ava Hold Me Tight - Film student Seth Elliott can hardly believe his luck when Molly Wolfe, a pretty face from his past, stumbles into the Reeds' looking for a tattoo to remember her brother. Finding her after so many years is even better than any of the classic movies he loves so much.Lexi Eddings - Coldwater Blues - Michael Evans is the poster boy for trouble on two legs. After losing the one person who ever believed he'd amount to anything, he hitches his way across country to the Big Apple, convinced he can outrun the mistakes that forced him to leave his hometown. But as his dear Gran always said, "Wherever you go, Mike, there you are..."Jerrica Knight The Knot - Ethan Masters never imagined he'd go for a girl with a tattoo, but when he learns the story behind Madison Kennedy's mysterious design, all he wants to do is take care of her. But Madison is still struggling with great loss in her life, and is terrified of getting close to anyone ever again, especially someone as perfect as Ethan Masters.Marquita Skin Deep - After one reckless night ends in tragedy, Scottish rugby player Maddox Stuart turned his back on his former life, leaving everything behind, but when the girl he left behind ends up as his client in the Reed Brother's shop, Maddox is forced to face his demons.Caren Lakewood Confidential - Tondra is struggling for attention on the New York art scene when a chance to ink notorious hip-hop legend Lakewood lands in her desperate hands. The reclusive rapper shares a part of his history he's never told anyone, forcing Tondra to choose between ensuring her own success and safeguarding Lakewood's secrets.Diane The Test of Time - He's not the man he used to be. She's desperate to find a way to bring him back to her. She needs a tattoo to help her remember. She needs a tattoo so he won't forget.
Tammy Falkner lives on a farm in a lovely, sprawling little town in rural NC with her beekeeper husband and a house full of boys, a few dogs, and a cat or two (or five – who has time to count?). As half of the Lydia Dare team, she has co-written ten books, including the Westfield Wolves series and the Gentlemen Vampyre series. A huge fan of Regency England, she often wonders what other kinds of magical, mythical and strange creatures might live and interact within the ton. Exploring the theory that the fae can walk between Regency England and their own land, Tammy spends as much time as possible with the lords and ladies of society, horse-drawn carriages, and elegant balls. Now add to that some faeries, a little murder, a bit of mayhem, and a troublesome garden gnome, and you have her exciting new series. She hopes you enjoys her world as much as she does.
Because, Lily, I choose to do it. I choose to love my husband in any shape he's in. That man chose to love me when I didn't even love myself. That man chose to love me when I was being difficult and stubborn and mean. That man chose to love me all his life. He was a good man, husband, and father. Even if he is no longer the same man I married, he is still the same man I choose to love with everything in me until I'm no longer on this earth to do it. No matter what difficult days lie ahead, and no matter if he has no clue who I am, I know who he is, and I know I love him."
Wow I normally don't read Anthology books, because I like my stories to be longer with more depth. But when I seen this book on netgalley, I requested it because I love Tammy Falkner and the Reed Brothers Series, and it was for a great cause. I can't even begin to tell how cute and moving this book was. I liked each story. A few of them I really loved, and the last one brought me to tears. Before I had my son, I work for 9 years as a CNA in nursing homes. So to say that I have seen Alzheimers, and the effect it has on families up close and personal is a understatement. So I really respect all of the authors that give their time, and talent to write this book. They are donating 100% of the proceeds to benefit Alzheimer's and brain health. Each story tied in well to one another and felt deep even though they were short stories. This book introduced me to a few new authors that I have never heard before, but will be checking out after this! There was a few stories that stood out to me more than the others. I really enjoyed Madison and Ethan and his stalker like determination to get Madison to give him a chance. I thought Seth and Molly were cute. I wanted more of Maddox and Cadence's story it was my 2nd favorite in the whole book, but my favorite was Ken and AnnMaire's story. Ken and AnnMaire's story was the one that made me cry. Their's story was a very realistic look at Alzheimers from the pov of both the person with Alzheimers and the spouse. It was deeply touching and I just loved it.
This book was a great read. I recommend it to anyone who likes cute quick reads!
"Exactly. But I am not the only one who bears a deep wound. Every soul on earth has a secret that, if you only knew it, it would break your heart. We are all broken in some way. Damaged. Everyone has something to get over."
Ten stories of the heart, tattooed on skin to be forever witness of their accounts. It’s the perfect way to meet new authors, get wonderful stories from authors you already know and series you love and give to a worthy cause. The perfect 10 for a collection you will no soon forget.
An anthology of ten short stories by ten different authors who are donating 100% of the proceeds to benefit Alzheimer's and brain health.
Still within the Reed world, all of the stories in this anthology are poignant and uplifting. It was a joy reading each one. My review though, will focus on Tammy Falkner’s “Always April” who, still with her signature writing style, created a very different kind of story than what she’s previously written and I loved it.
We still have that humor and wit I love about Tammy, we also have a happy ending. But Always April is only told from April’s point of view but alternates from present to past. And it’s about a character I didn’t know all that well and hadn’t realized I’d like to know more about.
Do you remember the girl that broke up with Matt Reed while he was fighting cancer? Yep, that’s the same April. Her life has not been easy or kind. As she recounts her journey towards happiness in order for her tattoo artist to create her piece, we get to live through her wrong turns, her bad and good stops. I really liked the people she met along the way and loved where she ended up, in a place where she sought forgiveness and got it.
Always April is a beautiful short read about understanding and forgiveness with a bit a drama and lots of love, sexiness and humor Tammy Falkner style.
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Night Shift Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
I am often drawn to anthologies for one particular author and then tend to not read the rest of the anthology. I’m so happy I took the time to read all of the wonderful stories in Remembering Those We Have Lost. This collection was filled with great characters and touching stories. I really liked the way the anthology was tied together through Tammy Falkner’s fictional tattoo shop, Reed's. Despite each story taking place in the same setting, I found the stories to be unique, each with their own special story to tell.
I now have some “new-to-me” authors to check out, based on the sampling I got to read in this anthology. Great read!!!
Wonderful stories that are profoundly moving and provide a wide variety of characters that share why they are there at the Reed’s tattoo parlor for unique designs to be inked on their skin to commemorate something or someone important in their life. The artists and the clients all played parts in this book and all of the stories left me feeling better for having read them.
It was a pleasure and an honor to read each of these beautiful stories and I thank NetGalley and Night Shift Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I really couldn't wait to dive into 10 individual stories by 10 different authors all based on people from different walks of life and they all share one thing in common, all want to remember their own story by getting inked up at the Reed's Tattoo Shop.
Each story had a story to tell whether that be to remember a loved one or a second chance at romance.
All 10 tattoo artists had a place to fight for, auditioning not just for a job working with the Reed's but also for a place on their reality television show, so now the pressure is on to prove that their own design is worthy of first place.
If you enjoyed Tammy's Reed Brother series which is amazing, then this anthology is for you, if you haven't met them yet then you need to one click!!
I have now gained nine new authors to check out due to this anthology, i felt like this was a taster book for me as all the authors apart from Tammy were unknown to me.
Worthwhile book to one click as the proceeds go to a worthy cause Alzheimer's and Brain health.
This anthology was amazing. It was heartwarming and such an eye-opener. I can truly say I loved every single story however the last one with Annmarie and Ken, brought me to tears.
This is a compilation of ten short stories about people who are getting meaningful tattoos by artists associated with Reeds, a famous tattoo parlor in New York from Tammy Falkner's Reed Brothers Series. Originally they were published in the above book for charity but now are only available individually. They can be read as stand alones and are a perfect opportunity to discover authors you haven't read. My ratings are at the end of each story review.
"Always April" by Tammy Falkner is a sweet, sentimental love story about mistakes, forgiveness, and starting over. It ties into the Reed Brothers Series, but works as a stand alone. I love anything to do with the Reed Brothers, so this was a treat. 4 Stars
"Rattled" by Jane Charles is a beautiful story about a mother's love and selfless sacrifice. Through the story, a man learns to let go of the pain and resentment that's colored his life and opinions. 5 Stars Available in April 2016
"Inked" by Andris Bear is a great story about how first impressions can be very misleading. A cop wants a special tattoo and is unpleasantly surprised that the artist is someone he definitely didn't want to meet again. 4 Stars
"Burned" by LJ Charles is the moving tale of an emotionally scarred man in his seventies wanting to commemorate a special day that happened fifty years ago with a tattoo. He had no idea that he and the artist had shared a past that had affected them both profoundly. 4 Stars
"Coldwater Blues" by Lexi Eddings was disappointing. It was hard to take the characters seriously because they came off like caricatures of stereotypes. It's a shame because it detracted from serious issues in the story like Alzheimer's, dyslexia, drug addiction and child trafficking. 2 Stars
"Lakewood Confidential" by Caren Crane. Tondra, an artist, has an opportunity to work with a famous rapper, Lakewood, who would like her to design a tattoo for him representing his beginnings. Listening to his story, she realizes some of the mistakes he made along the way are things she wants to avoid. In turn, the tattoo inspires Lakewood to make some changes in his life. This is a sweet story but didn't make much of an impression. 3 Stars
"The Knot" by Jerrika Knight Catania. Madison's parents died when she was a little girl and she grew up in foster care. At 18, she decides to get a tattoo of a special gift they gave her. She didn't count on meeting a persistent boy in the process who wouldn't take no for an answer. 3 Stars
"Hold Me Tight" by Ava Stone. During a trip to New York, Molly wants to get a tattoo to remember her late brother by. She runs into her brother's friend while there and it looks like the two might share more than fond memories of her brother. 3 Stars
"Skin Deep" by Marquita Valentine. Maddox and Cadence share a past...and a lot of heat. When she shows up to get a tattoo from him, it's time to deal with it, whether he wants to or not. 3 Stars
"The Test of Time" by Diane Franks. AnnMarie's husband has Alzheimer's, so she's getting a tattoo to remind herself of all the wonderful years they've had together. She shares their heartwarming story with the tattoo artist, which has unexpected benefits. This story is a great reminder to appreciate the people you love and the good times in life while you can. 4 Stars
Merged review:
"Coldwater Blues" by Lexi Eddings was disappointing. It was hard to take the characters seriously because they came off like caricatures of stereotypes. It's a shame because it detracted from serious issues in the story like Alzheimer's, dyslexia, drug addiction and child trafficking.
Merged review:
Maddox and Cadence share a past...and a lot of heat. When she shows up to get a tattoo from him, it's time to deal with it, whether he wants to or not.
So this is the second book that has taken me back to my grandma this week...
I got this book for an Honest review on Netgalley and since its full of stories I first thought about saying a little bit about each.
But first and most important, this book was published to raise awareness on Alzheimer and raise money to help in the research of finding a cure to this disease.
I myself have been touched by this horrible disease, my grandma who was the most important person in the world for me, suffered from it some years years ago, and watching her suffer and loosing herself without being able to do anything to help her was one of the worst things that has ever happened to me.
We need a cure now!
As I said before, I was going to write about each short story in the book, but after I finished reading it I realized that the beauty of this book relies on the reasons behind its publication.
The stories are beautiful and amazingly written and I'm sure you will cry your little heart out on the last one like I did, but what's most important is the fact that by reading it you will have a bigger understanding of how devastating this disease really is, it takes away the people you love.
From personal experience I can say that the earlier times of the disease are the worst for the person suffering them, being conscious that you don't remember the people that are in front of you and realizing that you are slowly slipping away.
Then afterwards there's a time when the person in front of you is no longer the person you love, and even though they can't talk anymore you can see they are suffering and the pain comes from the fact that there's nothing you can do about it.
I hope you will read this book and help in any way that you can, cause we need all the help we can get to fight this!
Being a HUGE fan of Tammy Falkner and the Reed brothers I was super excited to see both Tammy and other authors take on the chairs at the Reed’s tattoo shop and get some heartfelt and uplifting stories out of them. Telling the tales of 10 people getting tattoos to commemorate something special to them we meet a large ensemble of characters. With 10 new artists auditioning for a chair at the Reeds shop as well as a spot on their reality show, they must prove themselves by delivering the best tattoo they have ever done.
The anthology starts off with a bang with Tammy Falkner’s story featuring the much hated, April (Matt’s ex-girlfriend who left him when he got sick) but each story that follows is just as gripping and all of them are topped full of emotion. Having never read most of these authors I can honestly say I have now added a ton of their books to my TBR since each story in this set was artfully written and impossible to put down.
I initially got this book because it's by Tammy Falkner and I love her stuff. Then I found out the money I spent on it goes for a great cause, which I was totally game for. In fact, this was available on NetGalley, but I didn't even try to request it because I wanted to help this charity.
So I'm going to break this down into each story with the star value that I would give them individually. I don't know if they average out to 4 stars total, but I really liked this compilation of books and have decided 4 stars is a great star value to give :)
Always April by Tammy Falkner 5 stars This was a great novel. Falkner once again took something that happens in every day life and makes the reader see it in a different life. April needed to get forgiveness for her past sins with Matt, especially when she seems Kenneth in a whole new light. But Matt didn't have to give her forgiveness because she needed to give it to herself. I loved the tattoo that she got with her new story of her love-ever-after. Of course I loved it - Tammy Falkner wrote it :)
Rattled by Jane Charles 4.5 stars This story was about foster care - Kelsey and Alex both went through the system and have different viewpoints on a subject matter that Kelsey decided to do when they were in college. Now, years later, Kelsey wants a tattoo of it and is stuck with Alex to create what she needs to help her through the process. And Alex needs to get over his personal issues in order to help Kelsey and understand where she is coming from in her choices. Really enjoyed this and how each character realized their mistakes but also saw the light from each other's background.
Inked by Andris Bean 2 stars Honor is trying to get a spot at Reed's Tattoo Shop, but when her client walks in, she wants nothing to do with Police Officer Brent who arrested her wrongly. But she needs to figure out exactly how the night went for both parties to understand the mistake, and also find a creative way to make Brent's tattoo. Not as good as the other stories - short - didn't really think the tattoo she created was that creative or unique. Abrupt ending.
Burned by L.J. Charles 4 stars This was a unique story that I think could have great potential to continue on. Fred/Andrew walks in and needs a tattoo of his late wife's necklace. He was an undercover agent and needed to keep his story on the down low since people were still looking for him from past missions. Sadie, the tattoo artist, was one of the people Fred/Andrew helped on a mission and knew more of his story than he realized. Very intriguing - really enjoyed it.
Coldwater Blues by Lexi Eddings 2 stars This was very odd. Michael is homeless, gets dragged out of a line he thinks is for a homeless shelter only to realize it's to get a tattoo at Reed's Tattoo Shop. Jadis is his tattoo artist and she is very stilted, tense, and "helps" Michael but really I think it was just a weird situation from start to finish. This was short, no romance, not really a story. I did like the story about Michael's grandmother, but that was about it.
Lakewood Confidential by Caren Crane 3 stars Sam (or better known as Lakewood) wants a tattoo and wants Tondra to do it because she can keep a secret. Because the hip-hop artist has a story to tell about his past that is not know to the public eye and would ruin his image to his fans. And by the end of the story, Tondra realizes that the key to happiness doesn't mean she has to give up everything. Cute novel. If I read more of the series it might make more sense, but it was enough for a short story.
The Knot by Jerrica Knight Catania 3 stars Madison wanted a tattoo of a necklace her mother gave her that was stolen in foster care. She meets Ethan and Evie, rich kids from a wealthy family and assumes the worst about them. There was an instant connection between the two characters - Madison and Ethan - and I loved Madison sticking to herself and not letting anyone take care of her. I also was excited to read this because the author's name is Jerrica - the only author with a version of my name who is very popular. While this was just a 3 star, I won't let that deter me from reading more of her novels!
Hold Me Tight by Ava Stone 4 stars Molly and Seth bump into each other in New York, even though they grew up with each other in Coralville, IA. Both are in college pursuing their dreams, but Molly needs to get a tattoo that will remind her of her brother, who just died in the war. Seth decides to get a tattoo as well, but really he wants a second chance with Molly, no matter what the obstacles may bring. This was a really cute story that had some meat into the short story and I think it could continue into a series :)
Skin Deep by Marquita Valentine 5 stars Maddox is working at Reed's Tattoo Shop, but gets wrangled into the contest of other aspiring tattoo artists and needs to do a tattoo for a client. What he doesn't realize was that Cadence needed him to do the tattoo, and to bring him back home where their familes are in Scotland. But Maddox is dealing with guilt over an accident and needs to face his demons. Cadence is by far my favorite character. She has spunk and class and she is going after what she wants. And I loved the ending of this novel. I may have to see if more is written about these characters :)
The Test of Time by Diane Franks 5 stars AnnMarie comes into the tattoo shop and talks about her life with her husband, Ken, who know has Alzheimer's Disease. Reading about their life together is so inspiring knowing that people will go to the ends of the earth for the one they love. And Ken did that for AnnMarie. She when he is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, AnnMarie decides she needs to figure out a way to help Ken find his way back to her. This was the sweetest story and I loved how the tattoo worked for AnnMarie. I also love Friday in this story - it's so Friday!
This was a great compilation of stories that were uplifting and talk about diseases that people go through everyday. So glad I bought it to help the cause and look forward to more by Tammy Falkner :)
These were very moving and heartfelt stories to read! As I have seen Alzheimer’s up close and personal so I know the devastation that it can do! So this book means a lot to me!
Tammy Falkner and friends have compiled this emotional anthology to honor those we have lost to Alzheimers, Brain Injuries, and Brain Health. It is a tribute to the family members and loved ones lost within themselves. It's a reminder that they still remain in our hearts forever.
Forget Me Not Anthology is based around the Reed Tattoo Shop and their reality television show. Ten tattoo artist are vying for a permanent position with the Reeds. Each artist is presented with a challenge and paired up with a new client. The artist are challenged to create a personal tattoo for their client in an allotted amount of time in front of the camera. Each client has a story that they want inked on their skin. It is the artist job to listen and create a design that will pay tribute to the story they are told. At the end of the contest the Reeds will select the next new artist to join their team.
Ten authors created heartrending emotional stories that were phenomenal considering the each story was novella length. It's hard to deliver a compelling story with such short page space and word usage. Each author did a superb job gave the reader an emotional ride. Some of the characters are based off of characters in their own series or created specifically for this series. Each character comes to life and their stories capture your heart. There were a few that left me an emotional wreck and a stack of used tissues.
Each author had a snippet of one of the Reeds in the story but they were only supporting characters to overall setting of the story. I will say that each author captured their personality and their compassionate hearts.
My favorite stories were by LJ Charles- Burned, Jane Charles-Rattled, and Diane Franks-The Test of Time. These stories were gut wrenching and had me in tears. The tattoos they received were a glorious tribute to those they had loved and lost.
Buy this book... not only will you get 10 fantastic stories... you are also supporting a great cause.
Fans of Tammy Falkner’s “The Reed Brothers” will especially like this one. I believe the current sequel count of that series is 17 (including novellas) and more are planned. What does that tell you? No author could have that kind of success without having a lot of literary talent. Throw in Ava Stone, who writes contemporary (Desolate Sun series), as well as Regency historical romance, and those two authors alone should tempt you to give this anthology a try. Plus, there are eight more authors for you to explore here, as well.
Do you have to read any of The Reed Brothers first? No, the characters here are potential newbies to the ink shop owned by these fictional characters. Honestly though, I highly recommend you read them. Maybe Matt’s Miracle (Book 4) was one of my favorites. His strength and endurance while battling cancer and finding true love after being dumped by his girlfriend, who couldn’t deal with his illness, will stay with you long after you read his story. Btw, that remorseful girlfriend, who has learned her lesson the hard way, gets her HEA in one of these short stories.
Can any reviewer guarantee you will like all of them? Of course not. But for only $.39 a short story, what do you have to lose? If nothing else, your purchase will go towards supporting a very worthy charity.
Title: Forget Me Not, Pages: 417, 10 novellas/10 authors.
(This review is based on NetGalley ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)
Forget Me Not is a fantastic anthology. It is a collection of stories from 10 amazing authors all coming together to support Alzheimers and Brain Health. Not only is this a great cause but each novella is an amazing read. Among the amazing authors are Tammy Falkner and Marquia Valentine, both of which have written stories that tie brilliantly into both this anthology and other series they have written.
The premise of these stories follow Tammy Falkner's Reed Brothers Series. Each story takes place in their Tattoo shop and each character is auditioning to be a tattoo artist. Each author has written a different story which heartstakenly tells the background story as to why the tattoo they are receiving is important to each character.
There were many times I laughed, cried and fell completely in love with each individual character as I read this incredible anthology. I would highly recommend this to everyone. It is great for your heart as well as for a terrific cause! Do not miss out!
I absolutely LOVED this anthology. I bought it because I am a big fan of Tammy Falkner's Reed Brothers series and any mention of them makes it a must read for me. I loved that you got so many interesting stories that were all different. I liked how some of them were romantic, connecting with old friends, gaining a friend and getting a second chance and understanding people better all while getting a tattoo. I love the guest appearances of some of the Reeds and loved discovering new authors.
However I do wonder if we ever get to find out the winner of the auditions to work at Reeds. I loved this anthology so much as it offered variety and lovely stories in many shapes and sizes, a great read.
Oh my good lord!!!!! Anything to get my closer to the Reed brothers and the Fall from Zero gang is an automatic win in my book.... But that being said... I really enjoyed this anthology and completely respect and understand why it is being written.... I loved the undertones and the messages that every single author wrote into their novella, it all tied in and gave me complete and total warm fuzzies. There was on story in particular that surprised me and that was involving Fred and Nan.... It was an amazingly sweet story and I really enjoyed the complexity within it... But as always I really love anything written by Tammy Falkner and in my eyes she can do no wrong... This is a must read along with every other book in her series!!!!
What an amazing collection of stories. I originally decided to read this anthology due to it being based around the Reed brothers, but it way surpassed my expectations. The stories were so varied and so interesting. I was introduced to new authors that I would probably never have come across otherwise. My favourite story is the very last one, The Test of Time by Diane Franks. This is such a real portrayal of what life is like with a partner who suffers from Alzheimers. My heart just broke for AnnMarie and Ken. They have such a strong love and commitment to each other. They choose to love each other. And the letter that Ken wrote to her at the end. Oh my. This may have been a short story, but it sure packed a huge punch.
Grab your tissues, this collection will move you to tears be it through laughter, sorrow, or the power of deep and abiding love. The writers have clearly had some experience with what it is to have your life touched by Alzheimer's or Dimentia and they write with all that it deserves. In some stories, neuroheath plays a larger role than in others; however, in every story, love is what is at the heart of it. Whether they are addressing second chances, pain a character lived with as they had to deal with the long goodbye these conditions bring, or what it is to learn how to forgive yourself for being human and all it entails, there is a rawness and honesty that touches the heart and keeps you turning the pages well into the night...or early morning hours.
Fans of Tammy Falkner's Reed Brothers series will definitely appreciate these ten short stories. Basically each story has a tie in with the tattoo parlor looking for a new regular artist by having reality show auditions. Each story has a unique romance, some as a second chance and others a random meeting. I have only read two of these authors previously and am pleased to say I have plenty of new ones to follow. If you need a quick story to fill in between novels just grab this and read one or two at a time. Some of them are novellas from a series, but were easily readable as standalones. My copy was given by the publisher through Netgalley for my honest review.
If you like quick reads and supporting a great cause this is the book for you. The proceeds are going to benefit Alzheimer's and brain health. This book is also a great way to get introduced to new authors or get a quick fix from a favorite author. I love Marquita Valentine’s Holland Springs series so I knew this would enjoy her selection. In Skin Deep by Marquita Valentine, you get a piece of Holland Springs with Maddox Steward and Cadence Romanov. Cadence stirs up all feelings when she comes into the tattoo shop where Maddox is currently working. I find it interesting that the stories revolve around tattoos.
I didn't enjoy some of the stories. The authors took liberties with secondary characters that the Reeds wouldn't be down with having around their family. Also the inconsistency of minor over lapping plot points was annoying. The authors all should have come to an agreement on how the "auditions" would be handled with the film crew etc. They didn't and one went so far as to make them sinister and Hollywood type people, while normally the Reeds are all about making someone comfortable and safe this author took it upon herself to just make 'Reeds' seem seedy.
Although I am not generally a short story fan unless the story is connected with a series I follow, I loved most of the stories in this collection. Most of the stories fell between really good and amazing although the first book, while a good story, wasn't to my taste. Only one of the stories focused on Alzheimer's and a few touched on the connection but they were all intended to be hopeful. For many of them, I now want to check out the connected series!
What a wonderful edition to the Reed Brothers stories. All of these short stories start out at the tattoo shop we all love. We see a bit of Friday, a bit of Matt. The story behind each persons tattoo will capture you. Some are sweet, some are heart wrenching. Wonderful cause for this anthology. Thank yo to all these authors for not only bringing to life some wonderful characters but also supporting Alzheimers awareness.
This book was so much fun to read each story unique and interesting and I really enjoyed every one of them i must admit the last one bought tears to my eyes . I found some new authors that I haven't read before and I look forward to reading other works by each and every one in this book
This is a fantastic read! I seldom like all books in an anthology, but these are all wonderful. The common theme is getting a tattoo at Reed's, but that's where the similarity between the stories stops. People of all ages and walks of life feature in these stories. Will definitely be looking for other -connected- books by these authors.
Absolutely loved this book. I loved how they incorporated the Reeds throughout the book. I recommended Tammy Faulkner. I've red the read the Reed Brothers series. I've enjoyed all the other authors. Marquita Valentine is excellent author and incorporated the Romanov family into it. Recommend that series too. The last author made me cry
I adored this anthology! I was originally drawn to it as a fan of Tammy Falkner, she was the only author I had previously read and I've loved every one of her books. I now have plenty of new authors to be a fan of after reading this. Every novella included in this book was wonderful! A variety of sweet, funny, and some that definitely require tissues.