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Rock 'n' Ink #2
Beautiful Mess
When attorney Jami Dillon strides into the conference room to meet her new client, she's stopped in her tracks by an all-too familiar figure. Jackson Paige. He's her tall, tattooed, and sexy as sin hook up from law school—who also broke her heart. But when he sees the look on her face when she realizes who her new client is, Jax wonders if maybe being this close to her again isn't such a great idea. The explosive chemistry is there, but so are the dark secrets… Beautiful Crazy (Book 1) Beautiful Mess (Book 2)
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2017
29 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Kasey Lane
4 books75 followersAward-winning author Kasey Lane writes sexy romances featuring alpha males and the strong women that bring them to their knees. A California transplant, she lives with her high school crush turned husband, two smart, but devilish kids, two dumb-as-rocks Papillons, and a bunch of bossy chickens in the lush Oregon forest. Visit her on line at www.kaseylane.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, or Instagram (@authorkaseylane) where you’ll find her swearing too much and talking about hockey, music, and happily ever afters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 14, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher for an honest review.
2.5 rating
Jamie and Jackson had a short month long affair while in law school together. But one day Jackson is gone and out of her life with no explanation or reason.
Each face hardship and make life altering decisions. Jamie does all she can to please her parents, follow the rules and lives an orderly "quiet" life. Jackson followed his dreams and became a tattoo artist and musician. Jamie never knew why Jackson disappeared out of her life and Jackson never forgot Jamie.
Years later (five to be exact) they meet again and both are very different people. Jackson realizes he missed Jamie and wants her back. Jamie is hurt and her walls are up, she's not going to trust so easily this time. Jackson works hard at regaining Jamie's trust but he's go his work cut out for him.
Jamie struggles with a lot of confidence and trust issues almost to the point that it became the focal point of the story. Her "problems" seemed to be so regurgitated and repetitive that I lost interest in the story at times. I also found the beginning to be very s l o w and didn't hold much of my attention ( had to put it down and come back to it in the span of a week) until a third of the way into the story. I found the writing to be somewhat inconsistent with the characters thoughts and what was then played out throughout the story. The secondary characters were likable, except for Jamie's parents of course.
2.5 rating
Jamie and Jackson had a short month long affair while in law school together. But one day Jackson is gone and out of her life with no explanation or reason.
Each face hardship and make life altering decisions. Jamie does all she can to please her parents, follow the rules and lives an orderly "quiet" life. Jackson followed his dreams and became a tattoo artist and musician. Jamie never knew why Jackson disappeared out of her life and Jackson never forgot Jamie.
Years later (five to be exact) they meet again and both are very different people. Jackson realizes he missed Jamie and wants her back. Jamie is hurt and her walls are up, she's not going to trust so easily this time. Jackson works hard at regaining Jamie's trust but he's go his work cut out for him.
Jamie struggles with a lot of confidence and trust issues almost to the point that it became the focal point of the story. Her "problems" seemed to be so regurgitated and repetitive that I lost interest in the story at times. I also found the beginning to be very s l o w and didn't hold much of my attention ( had to put it down and come back to it in the span of a week) until a third of the way into the story. I found the writing to be somewhat inconsistent with the characters thoughts and what was then played out throughout the story. The secondary characters were likable, except for Jamie's parents of course.
March 10, 2017
Slick's review:
3.5 stars
I’m a sucker for books with musicians so when this book was offered up I jumped at it plus it filled my need to read a new to me author. Beautiful Mess was entertaining with a great hero, a heroine that drove me nuts, secondary characters I want to hang out with, and a reunited lovers story with a twist.
Jackson Paige (aka Jax Pain) is a talented tattoo artist and the drummer for Manix Curse, an up and coming band. He has a half sister he adores, parents he barely tolerates, and a group of friends he considers more family than friends, and ne never lacks for female companionship although he’s beginning to find that a bit old. The last person he ever expects to see walking into the shop he works in is the woman he walked away from 5 years ago and to find out she is one of his best friend’s sister makes life a bit more complicated.
JamiLynn Dillon will do anything to please her parents, seriously ANYTHING and that includes tracking down her former CEO brother, Mason in a tattoo parlor of all places. (Let me say that I found Jami’s inability to tell her parents no and her ridiculous need to make up for something that happened back when she was a teenager tedious especially given that the is a hard working attorney.) Finding her brother in the chair of Jackson, the man who left her back in law school without so much as a word throws her life into a tailspin, and while this Jackson is a bit different from the one she use to know, her body is screaming that he’s exactly the man she needs.
I really liked the overall story in this book, but it was very slow to start and it was repetitive. I often felt like I was being beat over the head with the same problem/arguments. While this couple had history, I had issues that the hero didn’t come clean soon after they reunited with what happened in the past and I could not understand how someone out of law school and supporting herself continued to let her parents run her life. I was happy to see JamiLynn grow a pair, but for me it was too little too late by the time she did.
Beautiful Mess was a good story that could have been a great one with just a bit more polishing.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
3.5 stars
I’m a sucker for books with musicians so when this book was offered up I jumped at it plus it filled my need to read a new to me author. Beautiful Mess was entertaining with a great hero, a heroine that drove me nuts, secondary characters I want to hang out with, and a reunited lovers story with a twist.
Jackson Paige (aka Jax Pain) is a talented tattoo artist and the drummer for Manix Curse, an up and coming band. He has a half sister he adores, parents he barely tolerates, and a group of friends he considers more family than friends, and ne never lacks for female companionship although he’s beginning to find that a bit old. The last person he ever expects to see walking into the shop he works in is the woman he walked away from 5 years ago and to find out she is one of his best friend’s sister makes life a bit more complicated.
JamiLynn Dillon will do anything to please her parents, seriously ANYTHING and that includes tracking down her former CEO brother, Mason in a tattoo parlor of all places. (Let me say that I found Jami’s inability to tell her parents no and her ridiculous need to make up for something that happened back when she was a teenager tedious especially given that the is a hard working attorney.) Finding her brother in the chair of Jackson, the man who left her back in law school without so much as a word throws her life into a tailspin, and while this Jackson is a bit different from the one she use to know, her body is screaming that he’s exactly the man she needs.
I really liked the overall story in this book, but it was very slow to start and it was repetitive. I often felt like I was being beat over the head with the same problem/arguments. While this couple had history, I had issues that the hero didn’t come clean soon after they reunited with what happened in the past and I could not understand how someone out of law school and supporting herself continued to let her parents run her life. I was happy to see JamiLynn grow a pair, but for me it was too little too late by the time she did.
Beautiful Mess was a good story that could have been a great one with just a bit more polishing.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
March 13, 2017
Originally posted at SmexyBooks
Jackson Paige AKA Jax Pain. Drummer of the up and coming metal band- Manix Curse. Jackson shocked to see his old lover walk through the door of his tattoo shop after he left her with no explanation five years earlier and never looked back. Time hasn’t dulled his feelings for her and he wants back in her life but once she hears his reasons for leaving, she may be the one this time who leaves and never looks back.
Jami Dillon. A contract attorney who always follows the rules. She never expected to see her greatest heartbreak when she comes looking for her younger brother, Mason, concerned over some of the choices he’s making in his life (book one-Beautiful Crazy). She is stronger this time around but still hiding some pretty deep scars. She can’t/won’t allow Jax to break her heart again…because this time she won’t survive it.
I was really looking forward to reading this installment after reading book one, Beautiful Crazy, and briefly meeting our leads. Second chance romances with an opposite attraction trope and buoyed by some serious undertones? Sign. Me. Up. Unfortunately, what should be an emotionally complicated and extremely sexy romance struggles under the weight of too many tropes, an underdeveloped storyline, repetitive dialogue, and two characters who romance I didn’t buy.
The beginning starts off on a high note as our hero and heroine run into one another for the first time in five years. It’s deliciously tense scene with plenty of sexually fueled anger and shock. We learn that Jackson and Jami were fellow law students and lovers. Jackson lets us know right off that he left her one night without so much as a goodbye and that she deserved it. And you believe it because Jami comes off rather snobbish in her attitude and dialogue. Right away Lane sets up the dichotomy between this couple- giving more credence to Jackson’s claims. Jami is so uptight and rigid while Jackson seems to go with the flow. Jami followed her parent’s demands and became an attorney while Jackson grabbed his dreams with both hands and is a talented artist and musician. I liked the tone of this couple and was ready to see how Lane was going to break them and then put them back together whole.
Their next meeting is at Jami’s brother’s engagement party and that’s the beginning of where the story started to fail for me. Jackson and Jami have an interlude in the guest bedroom and while it was H.O.T. as all get out, it felt manipulative. Jami doesn’t say boo to Jackson over his disappearance five years ago but we are suppose to believe she will fall into bed with him a few days after seeing him again?
From there the relationship picks back up with Jackson and Jami bobbing and weaving; unsure if this was the route they wanted to take again. It made me nervous too. We really don’t get to see what they were like previously nor do we get to see the fallout so I never got a good feel for how they were compared to now. Also, while the chemistry between them is smoking -Jackson is quite the bossy boy with the dirty mouth- I was more weary of what kept the attraction alive for five years of no contact and how easily it was for them to fall back into it.
Jami and Jason’s reconnection is littered with numerous pitfalls. Jami is a control freak who lacks self-confidence and self-esteem due to her parents’ constant emotional attacks on her. They really are awful people. She develops some coping mechanisms but they aren’t healthy. Jackson also suffers from some self-esteem issues. When we learn exactly why Jackson left Jami five years ago, it explains some things but also makes him look like a huge arse and I lost respect for him. Lane does an admirable job of facilitating communication between Jami and Jackson over Jami’s many issues but they seem to rehash the same things over and over with no real insight or resolution. Lane truly misses an opportunity to dig in and extract more from both characters. As it was, they stay pretty much one dimensional and boring.
I did enjoy seeing some familiar faces from Beautiful Crazy. Kelvin and Mason are still crazy in love and the band is on its way to stardom. Mason and Jami have a wonderfully close sibling connection and their interactions are where she seems to really shine. Lane gives just enough interaction with various other the secondary characters to ensure fans there is more Rock and Ink to come.
Beautiful Mess suffers from the dreaded sophomore slump and is sadly not of the same quality as the first book in the series. It does have a solid base, strong writing, and plenty of potential so I hope this was just an anomaly and book three brings back quality I know Lane is capable of.
RATING: D
Jackson Paige AKA Jax Pain. Drummer of the up and coming metal band- Manix Curse. Jackson shocked to see his old lover walk through the door of his tattoo shop after he left her with no explanation five years earlier and never looked back. Time hasn’t dulled his feelings for her and he wants back in her life but once she hears his reasons for leaving, she may be the one this time who leaves and never looks back.
Jami Dillon. A contract attorney who always follows the rules. She never expected to see her greatest heartbreak when she comes looking for her younger brother, Mason, concerned over some of the choices he’s making in his life (book one-Beautiful Crazy). She is stronger this time around but still hiding some pretty deep scars. She can’t/won’t allow Jax to break her heart again…because this time she won’t survive it.
I was really looking forward to reading this installment after reading book one, Beautiful Crazy, and briefly meeting our leads. Second chance romances with an opposite attraction trope and buoyed by some serious undertones? Sign. Me. Up. Unfortunately, what should be an emotionally complicated and extremely sexy romance struggles under the weight of too many tropes, an underdeveloped storyline, repetitive dialogue, and two characters who romance I didn’t buy.
The beginning starts off on a high note as our hero and heroine run into one another for the first time in five years. It’s deliciously tense scene with plenty of sexually fueled anger and shock. We learn that Jackson and Jami were fellow law students and lovers. Jackson lets us know right off that he left her one night without so much as a goodbye and that she deserved it. And you believe it because Jami comes off rather snobbish in her attitude and dialogue. Right away Lane sets up the dichotomy between this couple- giving more credence to Jackson’s claims. Jami is so uptight and rigid while Jackson seems to go with the flow. Jami followed her parent’s demands and became an attorney while Jackson grabbed his dreams with both hands and is a talented artist and musician. I liked the tone of this couple and was ready to see how Lane was going to break them and then put them back together whole.
Their next meeting is at Jami’s brother’s engagement party and that’s the beginning of where the story started to fail for me. Jackson and Jami have an interlude in the guest bedroom and while it was H.O.T. as all get out, it felt manipulative. Jami doesn’t say boo to Jackson over his disappearance five years ago but we are suppose to believe she will fall into bed with him a few days after seeing him again?
From there the relationship picks back up with Jackson and Jami bobbing and weaving; unsure if this was the route they wanted to take again. It made me nervous too. We really don’t get to see what they were like previously nor do we get to see the fallout so I never got a good feel for how they were compared to now. Also, while the chemistry between them is smoking -Jackson is quite the bossy boy with the dirty mouth- I was more weary of what kept the attraction alive for five years of no contact and how easily it was for them to fall back into it.
Jami and Jason’s reconnection is littered with numerous pitfalls. Jami is a control freak who lacks self-confidence and self-esteem due to her parents’ constant emotional attacks on her. They really are awful people. She develops some coping mechanisms but they aren’t healthy. Jackson also suffers from some self-esteem issues. When we learn exactly why Jackson left Jami five years ago, it explains some things but also makes him look like a huge arse and I lost respect for him. Lane does an admirable job of facilitating communication between Jami and Jackson over Jami’s many issues but they seem to rehash the same things over and over with no real insight or resolution. Lane truly misses an opportunity to dig in and extract more from both characters. As it was, they stay pretty much one dimensional and boring.
I did enjoy seeing some familiar faces from Beautiful Crazy. Kelvin and Mason are still crazy in love and the band is on its way to stardom. Mason and Jami have a wonderfully close sibling connection and their interactions are where she seems to really shine. Lane gives just enough interaction with various other the secondary characters to ensure fans there is more Rock and Ink to come.
Beautiful Mess suffers from the dreaded sophomore slump and is sadly not of the same quality as the first book in the series. It does have a solid base, strong writing, and plenty of potential so I hope this was just an anomaly and book three brings back quality I know Lane is capable of.
RATING: D
March 21, 2017
2.5 Stars
I have wanted to read this series since the first time I saw the cover for book 1. The cover art is truly beautiful! But I forgot to go back to read the first so I picked up this second one instead (another cover that I loved!) I tend to love stories centered around tattoo artists and I was expecting a bit of that, mixed in with a “good” girl needing to loosen up a bit. Sadly, as much as I wanted to really like this story, I just couldn’t connect with it.
The first thing I was a bit thrown off by is the mesh of tropes thrown in here! The hero is a law school dropout turned tattoo artist (apparently a really good one) plus he’s the drummer of a up and coming (on the verge of massive success) band. I wish there would’ve been less there to deal with. Otherwise, I really liked Jackson’s character. Well, that is until we figure out why their relationship failed in the past. This is after all a second chance story and I couldn’t help but get a bit pissy about the reasons why he couldn’t stick around and make their relationship work. Honestly, I just lost some respect for him.
Jami, our heroine, is now practicing law and letting her family dictate how she lives her life. Always has. Her true passion is something she barely even considers for herself. I wanted more from her character. There were a lot of things that could’ve made the story more emotional and deeper in her backstory and issues. They’re only touched on superficially and I think that may have been a missed opportunity on getting more meat from the story. She seemed a bit naive and one dimensional.
In the end, I found this story was lacking something to get me interested in the characters and I was never invested in the outcome. It’s not a bad story, it was just okay and not much about it stood out to me. I wanted the emotions to run deeper and in the end I didn’t get that out of this book.
I have wanted to read this series since the first time I saw the cover for book 1. The cover art is truly beautiful! But I forgot to go back to read the first so I picked up this second one instead (another cover that I loved!) I tend to love stories centered around tattoo artists and I was expecting a bit of that, mixed in with a “good” girl needing to loosen up a bit. Sadly, as much as I wanted to really like this story, I just couldn’t connect with it.
The first thing I was a bit thrown off by is the mesh of tropes thrown in here! The hero is a law school dropout turned tattoo artist (apparently a really good one) plus he’s the drummer of a up and coming (on the verge of massive success) band. I wish there would’ve been less there to deal with. Otherwise, I really liked Jackson’s character. Well, that is until we figure out why their relationship failed in the past. This is after all a second chance story and I couldn’t help but get a bit pissy about the reasons why he couldn’t stick around and make their relationship work. Honestly, I just lost some respect for him.
Jami, our heroine, is now practicing law and letting her family dictate how she lives her life. Always has. Her true passion is something she barely even considers for herself. I wanted more from her character. There were a lot of things that could’ve made the story more emotional and deeper in her backstory and issues. They’re only touched on superficially and I think that may have been a missed opportunity on getting more meat from the story. She seemed a bit naive and one dimensional.
In the end, I found this story was lacking something to get me interested in the characters and I was never invested in the outcome. It’s not a bad story, it was just okay and not much about it stood out to me. I wanted the emotions to run deeper and in the end I didn’t get that out of this book.
March 8, 2018
A good rock and roll romance has to follow a certain set of traits and the same goes for a second chance novel, when meshing those you need to be careful not to go to deep into either side of the line, both strings need an equal amount of attentions.
I won’t repeat the plot in my blurb – as some reviews do – but I will tell you what I felt. Kasey Lane really used some great skills to mesh those genre’s together when she wrote “Beautiful Mess”.
What else could I say without spoilers, the reader will find well developed characters with secrets. Their developing relationship will draw you in. I liked almost everything about the book which is why this is a solid 4 star read.
The missing 5th star only comes with my missing emotions during the reading, so there were no loud bursts of laughter or silent river of tears.
But there was a solid and well developed plotline that I can recommend to lovers of both genre’s with a slight preference on the lovers of the music romance genre
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March 5, 2017
'Beautiful Mess' by Kasey Lane is book Two in the "Rock 'n' Ink' series. This is the story of Jackson 'Jax' and Jami. I haven't yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book. This was a book about second chances at love. Jax and Jami had dated for about a month when she was in school to become a lawyer and Jax thought he wanted to be a lawyer. They were hot and heavy and Jami fell in love but then Jax up and left school...which ended their brief time together. Now, years later they meet again when Jami learns that her brother and Jax are friends. Jami meets Jax again when she goes to stop her brother from getting a tattoo which she find is Jax is the Tattoo technician. Jami is thrown off but has her guard up as she doesn't want to be hurt by him again. Jax realizes that he wants to be with Jami. Can these two work out the past to move forward into the future?
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December 15, 2016
The reaction Jax had to Jami's cat was funny, "...the world’s biggest cat— was that even a cat?— pummeled his knee with what looked like its head. “What the eff is this thing, Jami?” he yelled as the animal continued to aggressively request petting by slamming its enormous head into his knee." Jax could be so thoughtful, “I’m bringing you lunch. Duh.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek before settling into the chair across from her. “Of course, I’d really like to just throw you across your desk and bury my ***k in your hot..." I loved this book, this is turning out to be a favorite series of mine.
January 18, 2017
Both Jax and Jami are a mess. But I think that the trophy goes to Jami. She has been so concerned with what her parents think that she has molded her life to fit their expectations. It takes Jax to finally realize that she wants something different.
Beautiful Mess is a great second chance book with a bad boy trying to get his good girl to loosen up.
Beautiful Mess is a great second chance book with a bad boy trying to get his good girl to loosen up.
February 23, 2017
This was an extremely spicy ride that you will not want to put down. However if you do not like sex, and a lot of fun times then this is not the book for you. Also a little warning from me to you. Don't read this in a place were your family may start talking to you because you will blush scarlet red and they will ask.... and it will be awkward for everyone.
Jaimi Dillon has had a lot of hard hits it her life. Starting with her family and ending with a lot of heartbreak from her ex's. But the most recent hit is when her boyfriend/tutor abandoned her at school and never told her what she did wrong. Thanks to that heartbreak she is now exactly what her parents wanted her to be. And exactly who she is not. But maybe just maybe Jax Pain will be the one to change all that, if she can get over their shared past.
Jackson Paige is having fun with his friends and his band mates, but the partying and a new girl every night is getting old. So when Jaimi walks into his tattoo parlor in her prissy and sophisticated getup he thinks this is it. Its his chance to right the wrongs from his past, starting with telling Jaimi the truth about why he left without a word to her. And ending with some sexy fun times. After all, she always did love it when he took control. But how will she react after he tells her everything, and keeps her stuck with him through a contract with Jax Pain AKA Jackson Paige.
This was a great story that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good second chance romance and sexy times. And I can not wait for the next book in the series because I absolutely love the characters in this book and I can not wait to learn more about QUIRK.
~A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.
Jaimi Dillon has had a lot of hard hits it her life. Starting with her family and ending with a lot of heartbreak from her ex's. But the most recent hit is when her boyfriend/tutor abandoned her at school and never told her what she did wrong. Thanks to that heartbreak she is now exactly what her parents wanted her to be. And exactly who she is not. But maybe just maybe Jax Pain will be the one to change all that, if she can get over their shared past.
Jackson Paige is having fun with his friends and his band mates, but the partying and a new girl every night is getting old. So when Jaimi walks into his tattoo parlor in her prissy and sophisticated getup he thinks this is it. Its his chance to right the wrongs from his past, starting with telling Jaimi the truth about why he left without a word to her. And ending with some sexy fun times. After all, she always did love it when he took control. But how will she react after he tells her everything, and keeps her stuck with him through a contract with Jax Pain AKA Jackson Paige.
This was a great story that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good second chance romance and sexy times. And I can not wait for the next book in the series because I absolutely love the characters in this book and I can not wait to learn more about QUIRK.
~A Book Obsessed Chicks Review Team Selection.
March 12, 2017
After reading the first installment in the Rock 'n' Ink book series I couldn't wait to return to the world of Manix Curse with the band's tattooed rockers looking for love. In this story of opposites attracting Ms. Lane not only beautifully balances the sweet and sexy romance but also addresses the issue of domestic violence in a respectful yet deeply affecting way. It all adds up to a compelling read with a delicious drummer who claimed my heart and a frustrating at times heroine trying to find herself.
Jackson Paige came from a family of money who expected him to be a good boy and become a lawyer to aid in their political aspirations. What Jackson wanted though was to create art which made school a lonely place to be until he found Jami Dillon. Their month-long relationship changed both of their lives irrevocably but her parent's machinations, and his belief that he's not good enough for her, had him vanishing without a word. Fate drove him further away from her and towards a life of art and music, a music career that has his band on the cusp of fame. Fate intervenes once again though by bringing Jami back which gives him the chance to make things up to her and claim her as he always wanted to in a story of putting the past behind you and fighting for your own HEA. Jackson's a sexy beast, with his tatted-up body and sensual smirk, and I couldn't help being drawn to him. He's flirty and a master at dirty talk which had me blushing during some of his and Jami's erotic encounters. He's the quintessential book boyfriend for always saying the right thing and is quick to be there for Jami when she needs support. He knows he let fear rule him their first time around but he's all-in now and proclaims his love loudly and often which endeared him to me. He embraced the possibilities of what they could be as opposed to her, who felt their love was fleeting which left me frustrated by her oftentimes.
Jami Dillon's home life was one of towing the line, constant criticism, and fear of repercussions as her wealthy parents always found fault with her and her brother. Her attraction to the inappropriate Jackson, followed by a painful and emotionally scarring relationship with another, brought her to a very low point that changed her completely. Her once lively personality morphed into a buttoned-up and judgmental duplicate of her parents. She fought to keep in control and make her parents proud despite how unhappy she was becoming. Her brother's unexpected connection to Jackson though reawakens all the emotions she once had for him in a sensual tug-of-war that leaves her questioning everything she thought was right. Jami's a bit cold and condemning when readers first meet her, lonely with few friends as all she does is work on not disappointing her parents. Her life is regimented along with a style that is severe and warns others to stay away. Her only joy early on is her work at a domestic abuse shelter. Being with Jackson though brings out a softer side, a playful side that has her becoming a part of his group of friends who are more like family. She never wanted help or support before, but this edgy and eclectic group unselfishly help her at every turn which shows her that you can't judge a book by its cover. Because of her fears and self-doubts though their relationship doesn't run smoothly. She always assumes the worst and lets her parents manipulate her despite how loudly she proclaims herself to be a strong-willed woman. I was often frustrated by her being ruled by her past, not wanting to commit fully out of fear, and felt that she didn't deserve the near-perfect Jackson. It's not until very late in the story that she proves herself worthy of him, and even then he makes it very easy for her to make amends, which made me love him even more. Ultimately she's not a perfect heroine, but one who's flawed and who learns to love through friendship and the unconditional acceptance of a drool-worthy drummer who wears his heart on his sleeve.
From start to finish I found myself fully immersed in this story for its engaging main couple and angsty journey to HEA. I enjoyed their crackling connection and combustible encounters in and out of the bedroom and the straight forwardness of Jackson in dealing with their issues. Once he committed to their being a couple he never ran, despite how hard she tried to push him away. Along with this appealing main couple came a delightful cast of secondary characters who were supportive and gave a unique definition to family. The glimpses of the women who worked at the shelter showed women with painful pasts that they're still dealing with but not being defined by. Seeing the other members of Manix Curse gives readers lots of delectable eye candy as they're a self-assured group of talented men, a bit cocky as well when it comes to Marco especially, and I look forward to them being brought down by love. The character that most captivated me though was Bowen, a recovering addict trying to make amends for his past of hurting others. He's more contemplative and quiet this time around, weighed down by his past with his pain and uncertainties palpable. I look forward to seeing more of his road to recovery as he finds a worthy woman of his own. This was a solid read that stands nicely on its own, but reading the previous installment will help in understanding the family dynamics that drive Jami. Ms. Lane nicely balanced the serious issue of domestic abuse with an erotically-charged romance, and a delicious hero who I still see in my dreams, and I'm greatly anticipating the next installment set in the sensual world of tattoos and rock 'n' roll.
Jackson Paige came from a family of money who expected him to be a good boy and become a lawyer to aid in their political aspirations. What Jackson wanted though was to create art which made school a lonely place to be until he found Jami Dillon. Their month-long relationship changed both of their lives irrevocably but her parent's machinations, and his belief that he's not good enough for her, had him vanishing without a word. Fate drove him further away from her and towards a life of art and music, a music career that has his band on the cusp of fame. Fate intervenes once again though by bringing Jami back which gives him the chance to make things up to her and claim her as he always wanted to in a story of putting the past behind you and fighting for your own HEA. Jackson's a sexy beast, with his tatted-up body and sensual smirk, and I couldn't help being drawn to him. He's flirty and a master at dirty talk which had me blushing during some of his and Jami's erotic encounters. He's the quintessential book boyfriend for always saying the right thing and is quick to be there for Jami when she needs support. He knows he let fear rule him their first time around but he's all-in now and proclaims his love loudly and often which endeared him to me. He embraced the possibilities of what they could be as opposed to her, who felt their love was fleeting which left me frustrated by her oftentimes.
Jami Dillon's home life was one of towing the line, constant criticism, and fear of repercussions as her wealthy parents always found fault with her and her brother. Her attraction to the inappropriate Jackson, followed by a painful and emotionally scarring relationship with another, brought her to a very low point that changed her completely. Her once lively personality morphed into a buttoned-up and judgmental duplicate of her parents. She fought to keep in control and make her parents proud despite how unhappy she was becoming. Her brother's unexpected connection to Jackson though reawakens all the emotions she once had for him in a sensual tug-of-war that leaves her questioning everything she thought was right. Jami's a bit cold and condemning when readers first meet her, lonely with few friends as all she does is work on not disappointing her parents. Her life is regimented along with a style that is severe and warns others to stay away. Her only joy early on is her work at a domestic abuse shelter. Being with Jackson though brings out a softer side, a playful side that has her becoming a part of his group of friends who are more like family. She never wanted help or support before, but this edgy and eclectic group unselfishly help her at every turn which shows her that you can't judge a book by its cover. Because of her fears and self-doubts though their relationship doesn't run smoothly. She always assumes the worst and lets her parents manipulate her despite how loudly she proclaims herself to be a strong-willed woman. I was often frustrated by her being ruled by her past, not wanting to commit fully out of fear, and felt that she didn't deserve the near-perfect Jackson. It's not until very late in the story that she proves herself worthy of him, and even then he makes it very easy for her to make amends, which made me love him even more. Ultimately she's not a perfect heroine, but one who's flawed and who learns to love through friendship and the unconditional acceptance of a drool-worthy drummer who wears his heart on his sleeve.
From start to finish I found myself fully immersed in this story for its engaging main couple and angsty journey to HEA. I enjoyed their crackling connection and combustible encounters in and out of the bedroom and the straight forwardness of Jackson in dealing with their issues. Once he committed to their being a couple he never ran, despite how hard she tried to push him away. Along with this appealing main couple came a delightful cast of secondary characters who were supportive and gave a unique definition to family. The glimpses of the women who worked at the shelter showed women with painful pasts that they're still dealing with but not being defined by. Seeing the other members of Manix Curse gives readers lots of delectable eye candy as they're a self-assured group of talented men, a bit cocky as well when it comes to Marco especially, and I look forward to them being brought down by love. The character that most captivated me though was Bowen, a recovering addict trying to make amends for his past of hurting others. He's more contemplative and quiet this time around, weighed down by his past with his pain and uncertainties palpable. I look forward to seeing more of his road to recovery as he finds a worthy woman of his own. This was a solid read that stands nicely on its own, but reading the previous installment will help in understanding the family dynamics that drive Jami. Ms. Lane nicely balanced the serious issue of domestic abuse with an erotically-charged romance, and a delicious hero who I still see in my dreams, and I'm greatly anticipating the next installment set in the sensual world of tattoos and rock 'n' roll.
March 10, 2017
Jax is a talented artist/tattoo artist along with being the drummer of the band Manix Curse that is just ready to break out. What happens when his best friend’s sister who he walked away from five years ago comes into his shop? Jami is a hard working attorney who has family issues and those issues ended up chasing Jax away all those years ago. Is Jami ever going to stick up for herself and is Jax deserving of a second chance?
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for a freely given and honest review.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for a freely given and honest review.
March 7, 2017
Originally posted on NallaReads
**ARC received from the author for an honest review**
Welcome to the world of crazy rock and roll where ink meets paper! I was so excited to read Jax's story. I was a little skeptic as book 1 felt a little immature for me but I still loved it. But Jax and Jami....oh these two are HOT!
I knew Jax had something up his sleeve going on during book 1. I had no idea that little Jami and him would've had some insane past that could've been so much more! This story was filled with so much delicious drama and hopefulness! This is a second chance romance for the books. Jax really is a good man at heart, despite being a rocker, and I wanted Jami to so badly see that he could be it. He WAS it. I was so nervous for the mega twist though. I won't spoil it but oh my I was so worried! Some things aren't easily forgivable. but Jax is perfectly capable of winning Jami over.
I love that Lane's characters always butt heads! It makes for such good entertainment. And ugh the whole will they /won't they scenario is perfect here! Definitely can't wait for book 3: Beautiful Wreck for Bowen! THAT is going to be the king of comeback stories!
January 5, 2017
Totally loved this book! Great writing, editing etc - solid second chance romance.. Just a brief summary of the story- don't want to spoil it for anyone that's why... Jami and Jax met each other while in law school. They had a month long fling before Jax disappeared from Jami's life without any explanation.. As in leaves the door one minute and poof! the next, gone... 5 years after, they meet again.. Although this time around, Jami is a totally different person ( there's a reason behind it of course) ... she leads a structured life - she has rules to follow... She believes that if you deviate from said rules, bad things will follow... Jax meanwhile dropped out of law school to pursue his dreams of being a tattoo artist and a musician.. He never got over Jami.. His way of surviving without her was having a lot of hookups and getting drunk which got old pretty fast.. He also happens to be one helluva hot drummer of a metal band on the brink of hitting it big.. They hire Jami to be their lawyer and the story takes off from there... loved it!
I'd like to thank NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Ms. Kasey Lane for providing me with an ARC
I'd like to thank NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Ms. Kasey Lane for providing me with an ARC
January 10, 2017
I loved this book. It isn't one of my all time favorites because I felt like there wasn't enough drama or suspense. I did feel like Jamie was a little naive but I loved it and I loved Jackson. I love how he was the one who brought her out of her shell and made her who she was and I liked the fact that she completely changed at the end instead of continuing being the uppity girl she was in the beginning.
October 8, 2016
Jax! What else can I say. Well except cocky, hot drummer & more tattoos.
August 14, 2017
This is drama packed from the get go. Yet, there are so many fun, sexy, and erotic times too. This is the world of tattoos, metalheads, and rock & roll.
It is also the world of mismatched family, friendships, love, caring hearts, and charity. Everything most of them didn’t get at home. They all come in carrying some heavy loads of baggage from their past lives. Some, with lies, secrets, and a lot of pain, fears, and guilt.
None more than Jami Lynn Dillon a woman who when you look at her outside you would say, “Yeah, she has it all together.” Even when you would look at her portfolio, the same. Job, attorney, check. Owns a home, check. Volunteers her time, check. Yet, she carries a sadness that is so large no smile reaches her eyes.
It came from loving two men giving herself totally to them thinking they loved her too. Only to have them take her heart and more. Love wasn’t worth it for her so men were not in her future. You see Jackson Paige the last one she met as a freshman year at law school he was the one and he broke her heart when he just walked away without so much as a good bye. Their wonderful month together meant nothing to him. No, goodbye. No, I hate you. No, anything.
So, her parents were right she needed to follow their words and guidance. It seemed everything she went against them on it back fired and she always lost a part of herself. She guessed they knew best. Even though it robbed her of friendships, dates with meaning, with men that just were in good standing with her father, and a life of her own.
Well, her brother had broken free of her parents quit his CEO position and open his own entertainment promotion business with his now fiancé, Kevan. A woman who looked like a rockabilly pinup model with tattoos and blue hair. To her amazement, Jami really has started to like her. Even though she still can’t believe her brother quit his job.
So, when she hears her brother’s getting another tattoo she heads to the tattoo shop to try and talk him out of it. When she gets there, it is busy and all the chairs are full so she waits. The music is blaring and the song that comes on reminds her of Jackson. In the middle of her flashback, she hears his voice say, “I’ll be right with you.” Her traitorous body reacts and all her lady parts come alive.
She can’t believe it That baritone voice has it acting like a traitor they're at full attention. She’s trying to decide to stay or go when she hears her brother say, “Jami! What are you doing here? Come and meet Jax.” Holy Sh--! His Jax is her Jackson. All this time. That means he’s in the wedding party too! Jax turns, “Hey! Sunshine!” “Hey, Jackson.”
This was a really good story It was filled with so much it was so worth the read. Funny stuff. The one thing I did have a problem with is that this was a woman who was struck by a man from her inner circle and she works with battered women and yet she didn't call the cops on him. It's not the man she's in love with either. I just could not understand this. Loved it. I give this: 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
It is also the world of mismatched family, friendships, love, caring hearts, and charity. Everything most of them didn’t get at home. They all come in carrying some heavy loads of baggage from their past lives. Some, with lies, secrets, and a lot of pain, fears, and guilt.
None more than Jami Lynn Dillon a woman who when you look at her outside you would say, “Yeah, she has it all together.” Even when you would look at her portfolio, the same. Job, attorney, check. Owns a home, check. Volunteers her time, check. Yet, she carries a sadness that is so large no smile reaches her eyes.
It came from loving two men giving herself totally to them thinking they loved her too. Only to have them take her heart and more. Love wasn’t worth it for her so men were not in her future. You see Jackson Paige the last one she met as a freshman year at law school he was the one and he broke her heart when he just walked away without so much as a good bye. Their wonderful month together meant nothing to him. No, goodbye. No, I hate you. No, anything.
So, her parents were right she needed to follow their words and guidance. It seemed everything she went against them on it back fired and she always lost a part of herself. She guessed they knew best. Even though it robbed her of friendships, dates with meaning, with men that just were in good standing with her father, and a life of her own.
Well, her brother had broken free of her parents quit his CEO position and open his own entertainment promotion business with his now fiancé, Kevan. A woman who looked like a rockabilly pinup model with tattoos and blue hair. To her amazement, Jami really has started to like her. Even though she still can’t believe her brother quit his job.
So, when she hears her brother’s getting another tattoo she heads to the tattoo shop to try and talk him out of it. When she gets there, it is busy and all the chairs are full so she waits. The music is blaring and the song that comes on reminds her of Jackson. In the middle of her flashback, she hears his voice say, “I’ll be right with you.” Her traitorous body reacts and all her lady parts come alive.
She can’t believe it That baritone voice has it acting like a traitor they're at full attention. She’s trying to decide to stay or go when she hears her brother say, “Jami! What are you doing here? Come and meet Jax.” Holy Sh--! His Jax is her Jackson. All this time. That means he’s in the wedding party too! Jax turns, “Hey! Sunshine!” “Hey, Jackson.”
This was a really good story It was filled with so much it was so worth the read. Funny stuff. The one thing I did have a problem with is that this was a woman who was struck by a man from her inner circle and she works with battered women and yet she didn't call the cops on him. It's not the man she's in love with either. I just could not understand this. Loved it. I give this: 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
August 14, 2017
This is drama packed from the get go. Yet, there are so many fun, sexy, and erotic times too. This is the world of tattoos, metalheads, and rock & roll.
It is also the world of mismatched family, friendships, love, caring hearts, and charity. Everything most of them didn’t get at home. They all come in carrying some heavy loads of baggage from their past lives. Some, with lies, secrets, and a lot of pain, fears, and guilt.
None more than Jami Lynn Dillon a woman who when you look at her outside you would say, “Yeah, she has it all together.” Even when you would look at her portfolio, the same. Job, attorney, check. Owns a home, check. Volunteers her time, check. Yet, she carries a sadness that is so large no smile reaches her eyes.
It came from loving two men giving herself totally to them thinking they loved her too. Only to have them take her heart and more. Love wasn’t worth it for her so men were not in her future. You see Jackson Paige the last one she met as a freshman year at law school he was the one and he broke her heart when he just walked away without so much as a good bye. Their wonderful month together meant nothing to him. No, goodbye. No, I hate you. No, anything.
So, her parents were right she needed to follow their words and guidance. It seemed everything she went against them on it back fired and she always lost a part of herself. She guessed they knew best. Even though it robbed her of friendships, dates with meaning, with men that just were in good standing with her father, and a life of her own.
Well, her brother had broken free of her parents quit his CEO position and open his own entertainment promotion business with his now fiancé, Kevan. A woman who looked like a rockabilly pinup model with tattoos and blue hair. To her amazement, Jami really has started to like her. Even though she still can’t believe her brother quit his job.
So, when she hears her brother’s getting another tattoo she heads to the tattoo shop to try and talk him out of it. When she gets there, it is busy and all the chairs are full so she waits. The music is blaring and the song that comes on reminds her of Jackson. In the middle of her flashback, she hears his voice say, “I’ll be right with you.” Her traitorous body reacts and all her lady parts come alive.
She can’t believe it That baritone voice has it acting like a traitor they're at full attention. She’s trying to decide to stay or go when she hears her brother say, “Jami! What are you doing here? Come and meet Jax.” Holy Sh--! His Jax is her Jackson. All this time. That means he’s in the wedding party too! Jax turns, “Hey! Sunshine!” “Hey, Jackson.”
This was a really good story It was filled with so much it was so worth the read. Funny stuff. The one thing I did have a problem with is that this was a woman who was struck by a man from her inner circle and she works with battered women and yet she didn't call the cops on him. It's not the man she's in love with either. I just could not understand this. Loved it. I give this: 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
It is also the world of mismatched family, friendships, love, caring hearts, and charity. Everything most of them didn’t get at home. They all come in carrying some heavy loads of baggage from their past lives. Some, with lies, secrets, and a lot of pain, fears, and guilt.
None more than Jami Lynn Dillon a woman who when you look at her outside you would say, “Yeah, she has it all together.” Even when you would look at her portfolio, the same. Job, attorney, check. Owns a home, check. Volunteers her time, check. Yet, she carries a sadness that is so large no smile reaches her eyes.
It came from loving two men giving herself totally to them thinking they loved her too. Only to have them take her heart and more. Love wasn’t worth it for her so men were not in her future. You see Jackson Paige the last one she met as a freshman year at law school he was the one and he broke her heart when he just walked away without so much as a good bye. Their wonderful month together meant nothing to him. No, goodbye. No, I hate you. No, anything.
So, her parents were right she needed to follow their words and guidance. It seemed everything she went against them on it back fired and she always lost a part of herself. She guessed they knew best. Even though it robbed her of friendships, dates with meaning, with men that just were in good standing with her father, and a life of her own.
Well, her brother had broken free of her parents quit his CEO position and open his own entertainment promotion business with his now fiancé, Kevan. A woman who looked like a rockabilly pinup model with tattoos and blue hair. To her amazement, Jami really has started to like her. Even though she still can’t believe her brother quit his job.
So, when she hears her brother’s getting another tattoo she heads to the tattoo shop to try and talk him out of it. When she gets there, it is busy and all the chairs are full so she waits. The music is blaring and the song that comes on reminds her of Jackson. In the middle of her flashback, she hears his voice say, “I’ll be right with you.” Her traitorous body reacts and all her lady parts come alive.
She can’t believe it That baritone voice has it acting like a traitor they're at full attention. She’s trying to decide to stay or go when she hears her brother say, “Jami! What are you doing here? Come and meet Jax.” Holy Sh--! His Jax is her Jackson. All this time. That means he’s in the wedding party too! Jax turns, “Hey! Sunshine!” “Hey, Jackson.”
This was a really good story It was filled with so much it was so worth the read. Funny stuff. The one thing I did have a problem with is that this was a woman who was struck by a man from her inner circle and she works with battered women and yet she didn't call the cops on him. It's not the man she's in love with either. I just could not understand this. Loved it. I give this: 5++++ stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
June 28, 2017
Corporate law attorney JamiLynn Dillon thinks her brother Mason has lost his mind so she go see him at his girlfriend's tatoo parlor, where she come acrross her college fling who left her five years ago without an explanation.
Jackson Paige, aka Jax Pain, drummer extraordinaire of the up-and-coming band Manix Curse has never forgot the proper but oh so passionated young woman he tutored in law school (and in other area :p). But try to forget her he did, with booze, plenty of women and his arts, but when she come back in his life, first as the band's lawyer and contracts expert, it doesn't take long before the musician realize he never should have turned his back on her and he jumps at the chance to win her back. She might be harder than the girl he remember, but it takes more than that for him to surrender this time. He's determined to explain to her the reasons why he left five years ago. What begin as an other burning chemistry will quickly become something more serious than they intended.
Jami's heart has been broken twice before. The first time ended in a tragic way but even if the second time was less devastating, it still left emotional scars. No matter how wary her heart is, Jami can't resist him, nor stop her shields from falling when he's near. But Jackson's not the only one who got a hold on her. Too bad her parents doesn't seem to want the best for her and are still trying to rule her life. Jami is stuck between what she wants, what she thinks she want and what others want for her.
Jami is Mason's sister (the hero from book 1). Why 4 star when the the first one was a solid 5 for me ? It doesn't have anything to do with the author writing style. I still think she's good at making me feel the emotions that her characters feel and the layers of those emotions. It's only because there were a couple of things that I'm not a fan of. Like the disapproving parents with rock instead of heart, and all the yelling, the hassles and the big family drama it bring. And since the heroine gave too much importance to people who doesn't deserve it and only drag her down, it took too much space in this story. And like Jami, I'm not impressed with violence.
Maybe I shouldn't say it because it's Jax's story, but I fell in love again with Mason. In Beautiful Crazy we saw what a wonderful boyfriend he was. In Beautiful Mess we saw what an amazing brother he is.
I'm so glad I discovered this series and I'll be waiting to see what's next.
Jackson Paige, aka Jax Pain, drummer extraordinaire of the up-and-coming band Manix Curse has never forgot the proper but oh so passionated young woman he tutored in law school (and in other area :p). But try to forget her he did, with booze, plenty of women and his arts, but when she come back in his life, first as the band's lawyer and contracts expert, it doesn't take long before the musician realize he never should have turned his back on her and he jumps at the chance to win her back. She might be harder than the girl he remember, but it takes more than that for him to surrender this time. He's determined to explain to her the reasons why he left five years ago. What begin as an other burning chemistry will quickly become something more serious than they intended.
Jami's heart has been broken twice before. The first time ended in a tragic way but even if the second time was less devastating, it still left emotional scars. No matter how wary her heart is, Jami can't resist him, nor stop her shields from falling when he's near. But Jackson's not the only one who got a hold on her. Too bad her parents doesn't seem to want the best for her and are still trying to rule her life. Jami is stuck between what she wants, what she thinks she want and what others want for her.
Jami is Mason's sister (the hero from book 1). Why 4 star when the the first one was a solid 5 for me ? It doesn't have anything to do with the author writing style. I still think she's good at making me feel the emotions that her characters feel and the layers of those emotions. It's only because there were a couple of things that I'm not a fan of. Like the disapproving parents with rock instead of heart, and all the yelling, the hassles and the big family drama it bring. And since the heroine gave too much importance to people who doesn't deserve it and only drag her down, it took too much space in this story. And like Jami, I'm not impressed with violence.
Maybe I shouldn't say it because it's Jax's story, but I fell in love again with Mason. In Beautiful Crazy we saw what a wonderful boyfriend he was. In Beautiful Mess we saw what an amazing brother he is.
I'm so glad I discovered this series and I'll be waiting to see what's next.
July 3, 2017
Absolutely loved it !!!! This book was so hard to put down. The characters and storyline were everything I love in a book. A definite five star read !!!!
June 10, 2017
Beautiful Mess is the second book in the Rock 'n Ink series by Kasey Lane. I have to say that I definitely enjoyed this one much more than the first book. Jackson is the drummer for Manix Curse. Jami is Mason's sister and has spent the last few years trying to keep her life very ordered. It has already spun out of control once and she won't let it happen again. That is until Jackson comes back into her life.
Like I said, I really enjoyed this one. There is a bunch of angst, but it made the HEA that much more worth it. Jami is such a mess. Her parents really did a number on her self-esteem and confidence. Jackson is the perfect fit for her as he really sees who she is and how to help her find that out. Despite his mistake in the past, I was really rooting for them to make amends and take their second chance.
The other thing that I am liking about this series is the characters. I love how they have created their own little family and are willing to rally around each other when the situations calls for it. I am looking forward to seeing whose story is next. Maybe Bowen's?
Like I said, I really enjoyed this one. There is a bunch of angst, but it made the HEA that much more worth it. Jami is such a mess. Her parents really did a number on her self-esteem and confidence. Jackson is the perfect fit for her as he really sees who she is and how to help her find that out. Despite his mistake in the past, I was really rooting for them to make amends and take their second chance.
The other thing that I am liking about this series is the characters. I love how they have created their own little family and are willing to rally around each other when the situations calls for it. I am looking forward to seeing whose story is next. Maybe Bowen's?
April 13, 2017
Received an ARC for voluntary review for netgalley. Jami tries to stop her brother Mason from making an error with his life and ends up finding her lost love, Jackson who had left hi and dry 5 years ago without an explanation. Once Jackson sees her again he realizes he wants her back and starts going after her, relentlessly. They do get together but she is still scared, and she has gone thru some rough times and it is heartbreaking to find out about them. Her parents were horrible people, but her brother was wonderful. The group of friends she makes are also wonderful along with Gabby and Ella. Hope to read about the rest of the band.
February 27, 2017
Wow I'm not sure what I was expecting but damn beautiful mess was awesome. Jax is a tattoo artist, an actual artist, and a musician for Manix Curse. He made some decisions that led him to where he is now. Living with his sister and close to having his brand break out.
Jami has had quite the life. A few poor choices when she was younger led her to be a rule follower. She's a lawyer and volunteers her time to a women's center. She lost Jax once and now that he's back into her life. They both have a lot going on in their own lives, but their lives together are even messier.
It was a great story and I enjoyed it.
Jami has had quite the life. A few poor choices when she was younger led her to be a rule follower. She's a lawyer and volunteers her time to a women's center. She lost Jax once and now that he's back into her life. They both have a lot going on in their own lives, but their lives together are even messier.
It was a great story and I enjoyed it.
March 4, 2017
Jami Dillion is at Tatuaggio to stop her big brother Mason from getting another tattoo. She is a buttoned up lawyer who thinks her brother should go back to be a CEO, just like her parents think. What she doesn't expect is the tattoo artist is her ex from law school, Jackson. He was there one day, and the next gone. Why did he leave? What have they each been doing? Why is she against tattoos and Mason's job? Find out this and more in this awesome read!!!
March 6, 2017
I have wanted to read this series since the first time I saw the cover for book 1. The cover art is truly beautiful! But I forgot to go back to read the first so I picked up this second one instead (another cover that I loved!) I tend to love stories centered around tattoo artists and I was expecting a bit of that, mixed in with a "good" girl needing to loosen up a bit. Sadly, as much as I wanted to really like this story, I just couldn't connect with it.
The first thing I was a bit thrown off by is the mesh of tropes thrown in here! The hero is a law school dropout turned tattoo artist (apparently a really good one) plus he's the drummer of a up and coming (on the verge of massive success) band. I wish there would've been less there to deal with. Otherwise, I really liked Jackson's character. Well, that is until we figure out why their relationship failed in the past. This is after all a second chance story and I couldn't help but get a bit pissy about the reasons why he couldn't stick around and make their relationship work. Honestly, I just lost some respect for him.
Jami, our heroine, is now practicing law and letting her family dictate how she lives her life. Always has. Her true passion is something she barely even considers for herself. I wanted more from her character. There were a lot of things that could've made the story more emotional and deeper in her backstory and issues. They're only touched on superficially and I think that may have been a missed opportunity on getting more meat from the story. She seemed a bit naive and one dimensional.
In the end, I found this story was lacking something to get me interested in the characters and I was never invested in the outcome. It's not a bad story, it was just okay and not much about it stood out to me. I wanted the emotions to run deeper and in the end I didn't get that out of this book.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca
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March 4, 2017
Beautiful Mess is a hypnotic, second chance novel.
Jami is a clean cut, dependable, dedicated attorney. She stays on the straight and narrow. Jami was a different kind of heroine. She's cool headed, calm and almost detached, while she's rediscovering herself in Beautiful Mess. She's dedicated to her job and her cause, but not herself.
Jackson, Jackson is a hot, lonely artist. Re meeting Jami reinvigorates him and we learn more about the aloof man as he is revealed more and more. He's just swoon worthy!
Beautiful Mess keeps you hooked from the first page. As Jami and Jackson's past quietly unfolds, we get to see them today, working though everything that is working against them. The pain and sorrow from the past, along with the hopes and dreams of the future just bleeds off the pages.
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads*
Jami is a clean cut, dependable, dedicated attorney. She stays on the straight and narrow. Jami was a different kind of heroine. She's cool headed, calm and almost detached, while she's rediscovering herself in Beautiful Mess. She's dedicated to her job and her cause, but not herself.
Jackson, Jackson is a hot, lonely artist. Re meeting Jami reinvigorates him and we learn more about the aloof man as he is revealed more and more. He's just swoon worthy!
Beautiful Mess keeps you hooked from the first page. As Jami and Jackson's past quietly unfolds, we get to see them today, working though everything that is working against them. The pain and sorrow from the past, along with the hopes and dreams of the future just bleeds off the pages.
*Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads*
November 12, 2017
I absolutely adored this story ! Kasey Lane is a new author to me by accidental chance having bought her first book via a retweet recommendation I saw with a great $$ So here I am today singing her praises & thankful I bought her book because I tend to be chosey! This is a wonderful story about a lawyer contracting out a band & re discovers an old flame BUT this is a true passionate love story with crazy hot sex & true family/ friendship relationships! This series is one that is going to just linger with me because of crazy wonderful characters that Kasey had me fall in love with instantly!
Buy it now!! Bravo!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Buy it now!! Bravo!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
March 15, 2017
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:
Beautiful Mess is a beautifully written, sexy, sweet, tempting romance that swept me off my feet and left me in a completely blissful state! The cover literally took my breath away, but it was the wonderfully made up characters and steamy romance that really took my heart for a drive. I HIGHLY recommend this incredible romance to one and all that love a great read with a beautiful cover and a stunning story!
Beautiful Mess is messy...for your heart...in one of the BEST ways imaginable. I won't say too much more about this book because you need to READ this to get the full AMAZING effect of the story. You won't put it down once you start and you will LOVE it!
Beautiful Mess gets a BEAUTIFULLY SEXY FIVE SHOOTING STARS! This book had incredible heat, HIGH OCTANE passion and impressive characters.
Beautiful Mess is a beautifully written, sexy, sweet, tempting romance that swept me off my feet and left me in a completely blissful state! The cover literally took my breath away, but it was the wonderfully made up characters and steamy romance that really took my heart for a drive. I HIGHLY recommend this incredible romance to one and all that love a great read with a beautiful cover and a stunning story!
Beautiful Mess is messy...for your heart...in one of the BEST ways imaginable. I won't say too much more about this book because you need to READ this to get the full AMAZING effect of the story. You won't put it down once you start and you will LOVE it!
Beautiful Mess gets a BEAUTIFULLY SEXY FIVE SHOOTING STARS! This book had incredible heat, HIGH OCTANE passion and impressive characters.
February 26, 2018
This is only the second book in the Rock 'n' Ink series, but, it doesn't feel like it has only been two books. The history and the backstory of the characters have been laid out well in both books so that a reader can feel like they know the characters. While the basic premise is the same as one found in quite a few other romance novels (uptight female lawyer and wild drummer/tattoo artist hook-up) it is still well-written and entertaining read. If that is a type of romance one enjoys, this book should be added to the TO READ right now! I'll be recommending it to my friends that enjoy that genre.
February 27, 2017
ARC Review: Beautiful Mess (Rock 'N' Ink) by Kasey Lane
How can a reader, particularly a female reader, not respect an author who writes stories of empowerment and courage about strong women? Kasey Lane's Beautiful Mess takes a trip down memory lane with rock star Jax and lawyer Jami. Their reunion causes each to own up to some truths about themselves, that could make or break their business relationship and topple their second chance. Emotional reveals, tons of sex appeal and learning what it truly means to rebuild and heal, made reading Beautiful Mess, the real deal.
How can a reader, particularly a female reader, not respect an author who writes stories of empowerment and courage about strong women? Kasey Lane's Beautiful Mess takes a trip down memory lane with rock star Jax and lawyer Jami. Their reunion causes each to own up to some truths about themselves, that could make or break their business relationship and topple their second chance. Emotional reveals, tons of sex appeal and learning what it truly means to rebuild and heal, made reading Beautiful Mess, the real deal.
March 12, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Sometimes fate just jumps out and bites you on the butt – surprised, painful and a bit annoyed is the usual reaction when that happens. For Jackson and Jami you could add in totally rocked their world and neither is sure just yet if that’s a good thing or not. There was a time when they might have been each other’s world – then nothing, Jackson disappeared off the face of the planet, no word, no reason simply gone. Now they’re face to face once again, and it doesn’t look like the past is going to stay back in the past. But are the risks of learning the reasons from back then worth the possible future they might make right now. That is still up for debate.
Beautiful Mess is a second chance for two people who had a short relationship during law school that affected them each. But life, decisions and circumstances had them making choices that would change the course of what might have been. Now they have the chance to reunite almost with strangers for they both are definitely not the people they once were. It was emotionally heartbreaking at times to see how dominated Jami was by her parents’ desires and their control of her life. She has issues, now she has to make choices that won’t be easy, will definitely rock the world she’s been living in but the man she loves is worth it – as long as she can become what he sees, a strong, brave woman. Jackson kept secrets from Jami, the truth is always painful and difficult to admit to, yet this time around things will be different. They have to be if he is to have the woman he loves, needs in his life again. There will be battles to be fought, choices to be made but they are the only ones who can decide if what they have together is worth the risks.
I enjoyed Beautiful Mess. This couple had things that had to be dealt with, not always easy or pleasant but necessary. Yet the good things in life are rarely too easy. Going along on this journey with Jami and Jax was touching, sexy and enjoyable. I’d recommend this story for any Romance reader.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Sometimes fate just jumps out and bites you on the butt – surprised, painful and a bit annoyed is the usual reaction when that happens. For Jackson and Jami you could add in totally rocked their world and neither is sure just yet if that’s a good thing or not. There was a time when they might have been each other’s world – then nothing, Jackson disappeared off the face of the planet, no word, no reason simply gone. Now they’re face to face once again, and it doesn’t look like the past is going to stay back in the past. But are the risks of learning the reasons from back then worth the possible future they might make right now. That is still up for debate.
Beautiful Mess is a second chance for two people who had a short relationship during law school that affected them each. But life, decisions and circumstances had them making choices that would change the course of what might have been. Now they have the chance to reunite almost with strangers for they both are definitely not the people they once were. It was emotionally heartbreaking at times to see how dominated Jami was by her parents’ desires and their control of her life. She has issues, now she has to make choices that won’t be easy, will definitely rock the world she’s been living in but the man she loves is worth it – as long as she can become what he sees, a strong, brave woman. Jackson kept secrets from Jami, the truth is always painful and difficult to admit to, yet this time around things will be different. They have to be if he is to have the woman he loves, needs in his life again. There will be battles to be fought, choices to be made but they are the only ones who can decide if what they have together is worth the risks.
I enjoyed Beautiful Mess. This couple had things that had to be dealt with, not always easy or pleasant but necessary. Yet the good things in life are rarely too easy. Going along on this journey with Jami and Jax was touching, sexy and enjoyable. I’d recommend this story for any Romance reader.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
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