Ryan and Bliss
Book 1, Delicate Ink, Carrie Ann Ryan. Austin Montgomery co-owns downtown Denver based Montgomery Ink with his sister Maya. When Sierra Elder, the owner of the new boutique across the street, walks into the shop for a consultation on the heels of his clingy ex leaving, Austin treats her badly. Sierra has come a long way following the accident that took the man she loved and left her with scars she wants camouflaged by ink. When Austin is rude to her, she responds in kind. But when tempers cool, they each want to make amends. Because each recognizes in the other something they badly need.
This standalone series opener is a re-read for me. It's characterized by the title, Delicate Ink and is a softer side to kink and D/s in particular. It is also very family oriented, bringing in serious events with life changing consequences. I enjoyed the story and always look forward to books by this author.
Bonus: Delicate Nights. This epilogue takes place years after Delicate Ink ends.
Book Two, Throttle Me, Chelle Bliss. This standalone erotic/romantic suspense series opener is another re-read and series opener. It begins with Suzy, a straitlaced schoolteacher, driving home at night after meeting her best friend for a drink. Her car breaks down on a quiet stretch of road, however, and a motorcyclist, "City", stops to assist her, then gives her a ride to a nearby biker bar where she can make arrangements for a tow truck and a ride home. But there is definite chemistry between the two, enough that Suzy steps out of character and accepts a ride home from City to his home. He's not what she's looking for, he's more of a Mr. Right Now. And Suzy does everything she can to cut him loose after that night. But City, an consummate master of one night stands, doesn't want to be cut loose for the first time in a long time. And he can be very persuasive.
Bonus: Inked Fantasies. Another epilogue that occurs years after Throttle Me ends.