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Under His Ink

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She’s etching her mark on my skin and the pain has never felt better…

Dahlia got caught up in my dangerous past a long time ago, but she rebuilt her life. Now, I’m back because she’s the only person I can trust. And I couldn’t stay away for another day.

Being near me means danger for the both of us because no one leaves the mob unscathed. She’s inking over my past one day at a time and it's strictly business for her, but the flames licking at our heels aren’t just from the heat between us.

But the only thing harder than leaving the mob is leaving her. I’ll show her that what we have is forever as long as I’m still breathing…

Under His Ink is a 55,000 word second chance mob romance.

206 pages, Unknown Binding

First published March 4, 2018

180 people are currently reading
764 people want to read

About the author

Maya Hughes

42 books6,286 followers
Maya Hughes is an Amazon Top 20 author of swoon worthy, laugh out loud, and emotional new adult and contemporary romances.

Add Maya's next releases to your Goodreads Shelf!

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The Art of Falling For You (Falling, #1) by Maya Hughes The Sin of Kissing You (Falling #2) by Maya Hughes The Hate of Loving You (Falling, #3) by Maya Hughes
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The Perfect First (Fulton U, #1) by Maya Hughes The Second We Met (Fulton U, #2) by Maya Hughes The Third Best Thing (Fulton U, #3) by Maya Hughes The Fourth Time Charm (Fulton U, #4) by Maya Hughes

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,037 reviews596 followers
March 9, 2018
Under His Ink was my first Maya Hughes read and it surprised me. Not because of how much I enjoyed it, but because of how different it is to other books in this genre.

Like many romance readers, I enjoy a good mob romance. There is something about the dark and gritty underworld, and the alpha heroes hidden within, that leaves us wanting more. Thus, when I saw Under His Ink, I was intrigued. It sounded like another enjoyable mob romance, and I went in expecting the usual.

The usual was not what I was given.

The entire feel of this one was so different to what I’m accustomed to in the books of this genre. I do not proclaim myself to be an expert, but I’ve read a decent number of books within the genre and have a general idea of the storylines you can expect. The events in this one, the characters, did not line up with what I was expecting. It was a very pleasant surprise, one that sucked me even deeper into the story than I had anticipated.

Without a doubt, this was one seriously addictive read. Being quite unusual for the genre, I found myself turning the pages at a rapid pace, desperate for more. I had so much fun sinking deeper into the story, watching how everything came together. I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the history between characters, I enjoyed the mob aspect, and I enjoy the storyline continued throughout. This may not be the dark and gritty mob romance I favour, but it was a seriously fun read.

If you’re a fan of the genre and you’re looking for something a bit different, I’d certainly recommend giving Under His Ink a read. It’s a surprising read, in the best way possible.
Profile Image for My Own Bookshelves.
717 reviews136 followers
February 29, 2020
This is a very fast-paced story with a second chance at love mixed in. I'm a huge fan of the second chance trope and romance is my go-to. But I'm going to be honest, it was Ivan's story and his involvement with the Russian mob that held my interest. I so wanted much more of that story that it kept me late night reading.

But it's romance and romance story is for Dahlia and Ivan we get. So much hurt and left unsaid. You want them to be together but you can empathize with Dahlia's hesitation to dive into Ivan's dangerous world.

I loved the action and thriller aspects of the storyline. It really drove me to flip the pages because so I could learn all the secrets. When Dahlia and Ivan are on the page the chemistry is off the charts! I did feel like I was rushed to conclusion on some of the plotlines and would have liked a bit more details.

If you are a fan of mob stories, this is definitely standalone to binge on.
Profile Image for Jamie.
125 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2018
5 Stars


I live for an organize crime book, but this is my first Russian bratva/mob romance. The cover of this book instantly caught my eye, its hot and draws you in. A second chance romance told in dual point of view with a HEA.  This is my first book by Maya Hughes and I absolutely loved it. It was the perfect balance of hero and anti-hero. 


Ivan life has been pure torture having to choose between his family and the girl he loves, the girl he has been forbidden to see. Once he lays eyes on her years later he knows he will stop at nothing to have her back. One phone call and everything she tried to put behind her comes flooding back. Can she forgive the lies he told? Will be finally be honest about his self?


I would definitely recommend this book. It was interesting, it was suspenseful with perfect amount of angst. It was well written with great character development. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Kathleen R..
1,407 reviews43 followers
March 7, 2018





This was my first book by Maya Hughes and i'm not quite sure what to make of it. I don't say that in a negative way, but more in 'i'm not sure if i really love this book or if i'm just confused by it'. Why do i say that? Because it caught me unaware. When it comes to mob stories, i've read from one end of the spectre to the next; from the dark man who forces his woman to submit to him to the man who surprisingly is more emotional than i can be on my worst day (minus the awkward crying that is attached to mine).

It's not your typical mob story nor a second chance story either - for the mob, you would have thought that being raised in the famiglia 'business', you'd think these brothers would have been desensitised to all the violence, only they aren't and you find out that they're the ones that saves their 'victims' more often than not. For a second chance novel, you'd think that there would be more mutual chemistry between Ivan and Dahlia - there is, only it's also buried underneath years of crap, resentment and anger at all they've been through. I think what surprised me the most is their first chance together hadn't been that long. Too often you hear first loves being together for years and events tore them apart, but between Ivan and Dahlia, it last months, even weeks, which threw me in a loop of shock.

Will it be my last Maya Hughes novel? I doubt it, but one thing is for sure; i will have to reread this book in the future just so that i can truly appreciate the storyline without all of my thoughts and ideas coming and ruining certain parts for me #jerkbrain





*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books


https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8063169-kathleen-r



50 Book Reviews  Professional Reader








Contact Us Today: smallgirlandherbooks@gmail.com


Profile Image for Mary Mooney.
2,542 reviews59 followers
March 6, 2018
This is a fast-paced second chance love story for Ivan and Dahlia. They met when they were 18, he was the nephew of the local Russian mob boss and she was the daughter of a cop. While she didn't know who his uncle was, Ivan left her to keep her safe. She never really got over him. And he was always thinking about her.
Now 10 years later Ivan sees her picture in the paper and he has to find her. To make sure she is okay. And to see if she is happy and if the feelings are still there between them.
Can they move from what happened in the past to have a future? Can Ivan keep her safe from his uncle? Will Dahlia be able to trust him after she learns his secrets?
This is a great story and I loved it. Can't wait for Alexei and Elana's stories.
**Copy provided by the author and this is my honest review**
2,354 reviews14 followers
March 14, 2018
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author. I did like the story, and I do like mafia stories. So we meet Ivan who is a Bratva enforcer and ask he goes to kill someone his eyes hit on a newspaper article on the woman he claims he never forgot, his love Dahlia. Him and Dahlia were in love ten years ago, but he broker her heart when he left her to take the blame end up in juvie. When Ivan decides he is going back to Dahlia and protect her, he ask her to cover up the Bratva symbols he has on his back knowing that that can signify his death sentence. Dahlia does not want to see him at first, because he had betrayed her and broke her heart, that lasted ahhh about 2 min because she jumped in the bed with him. There were a lot of secrets that came out, and then Dahlia knew what truly happened..It was enjoyable.
Profile Image for poppy.
4,589 reviews28 followers
March 8, 2018
If you enjoy a good mafia romance then you will really like Ivan and Dahlia's story.Ivan is the next in line to take over the Russian mafia from his uncle but he does not want this life and it is the reason he left Dahlia behind ten years earlier.Neither one has forgotten the other but when he walks into her tattoo shop to get his ink covered she is not sure she can move past her broken heart and trust him again.I really enjoyed this second chance romance it was really well done and had a super storyline it was a little different from Maya's usual books but just as good
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,003 reviews46 followers
March 29, 2018
3 1/2 to 4

Good read. There was lots of action and mafia business. Ivan was all alpha till the end. The end is what I wasn’t too sure about. He was so insistent he was going to take over. Dahlia was cool and a tattoo artist.

I wish the book started with how they met then flashed to what happened. It just seemed like it was lacking there. It was explained but I think it should have been more of the story so we had more to connect to,the characters.

It ended kinda of open ended with what happened and with Ivan’s brother.

Good read
Profile Image for Nate.
24.2k reviews19 followers
March 10, 2018
This was a wild ride of a book. I couldn't get enough of these two...& had a hard time putting it down. I'm leaving a review for a copy of the book.
Profile Image for Mia.
2,878 reviews1,052 followers
May 25, 2020
Characters seemed one dimensional, story got dragged until then end were things got rushed.
Overall meh.
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,483 reviews53 followers
March 15, 2018
loved Dahl and Ivans forbidden 2nd chance story.So looking forward to seeing more of these two.Cant wait for Rachel and Killian book
Profile Image for Angelica Haney.
443 reviews13 followers
January 4, 2020
Ok this was SO much darker than the other Maya Hughes books I’ve read! But still just as amazing and I’m going to need more Russian Mob second chance romances please and thank you!
Profile Image for Cocky Reader.
465 reviews11 followers
March 13, 2018
Five mob-stars! Books like this are better than watching an action movie.




I'm sitting here thinking about this book. I loved it so much! This is my first Maya Hughes’ book and I am over the moon. Under his Ink is a delicious reading that had me at the edge of my sit. It was an intense journey that was worthy of every minute I spent while reading it.

Because of this book I discovered I have a thing for Mafia Romances. Who doesn't like a possessive and sinful heir of a criminal organization? And add him a sexy Russian accent. Holy heaven! Ivan is one of the roughest characters I have the pleasure to read. He is a keeper. He is a vicious knight with a golden heart. His life is plagued of crime, blood, death and sacrifices. He has sacrificed his feelings to protect his loved ones from his uncle. In the past he did the impossible to protect a girl who stole his soul because his uncle ruled his life.

Seeing Dahlia again will awaken the feelings he hid to protect her but fate has other plans for them. He left her without a word. Now he will pay the cost of his actions. Will she forgive him? He did not only leave her. His uncle ruined her family. To win her trust and confidence will take him a hard work. Nevertheless the attraction and feelings never die, they became stronger.

Dahlia is nothing more than a fighter, a fierce woman who endured bad things. She lost her father and she had to work hard to chase her dreams. After ten years she owns a tattoo store. She works her magic with ink. She is pretty talented. Happiness is nearly touching at her door. But an article will change that. Ivan means big problems. He is a dangerous addiction. He is the monster who destroyed and ruined lives.

Ivan and Dahlia didn't have a closure. Things were complicated when they were younger but now they have a chance to work them and chase what they desire.

The ink will seal their future.

Sacrifices, blood, crime, forgiveness and redemption are some of the main topics of this book. The pace is really fast. I devour this book in one afternoon. I spent a big time because reading this book was better than watching any action movie. Under his Ink is a brilliant masterpiece wrapped in a stunning cover. Be prepared for a deep and all-consuming book.

Maya Hughes has a new fan on me. Her writing is addictive. And her characters are well developed. She delivered a stunning book with a mind-blowing story inside. If you are new to Mafia Romances (as me) this book is a good start. Let yourself fall for Ivan Volokov. He will rip your heart and he will heal you at the same time. This book has opened my eyes to a new literary genre.
Profile Image for Andi Isack.
410 reviews16 followers
March 5, 2018
The first reason that made me read this book? The title! This is a great title. It may hide so many secrets....
Then it comes the synopsis...and I was intregated by it. So this book had all the "attributes" to be an amazing romance. And I honestly have had very highly expectations. We're them confirmed? Well, 85% yes. Let's start with the things I liked. The premises were really good. And that usually leads to a really steamy romance. The hero, Ivan gets all the bad and dangerous vibe. While Dahlia was the good and soft character in this story. So the story began, and it alternate moments when you'll feel on cloud nine with moments when you fall on the floor in search of the missing or faded pieces of this love story.
The things I would have liked differently? Again let's start with Ivan. He is the bad guy. Or at least he should be the bad guy. Well most of the time he seems to just put on the bad guy mask. It like an obvious sensation he is acting" the bad guy part, because forced because he has a mission: protect those who love. But it's obvious he hasn't the right "skills" to be bad. It's doesn't come natural it's forced. He's far from cruel and rude. He is more a young and tormented heart, put in the wrong environment. He has nothing to do with guns, games of power and leadership. But no matter what he will do what he is supposed to do like a "good" bad guy. Under that bad boy mask is hidden a very different guy, a loyal and lovely Ivan who all he wants is be happy and protect his sister and the girl who owns his heart. But what really under his ink? His ink is like his mask. It shows what he should be. A very dangerous and dark man. But under his ink? Under his ink is ....her, Dahlia. Because Ivan never stop loving her. All he did and still do is only to know her safe. But sometimes his reasons are not so clear for her. But what he has in common with the bad guy cliche? His determination to get what he wants. And Dahlia is all he wants. Dahlia is his first thought in the morning and his dream at night. His feelings for Dahlia is the most tender and sweet part of this story.
But Dahlia has her own personality! And she will make Ivan work hard to win her back.
Like the title says the overall theme is some tattoos. And that's make her unique. But you will have to discover by yourselves what's the link between Dahlia and the tattoos stuff.
And because is all about ....his ink, let me end this review saying that his best tattoo he gets is Her name tattoated on his heart.
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
March 7, 2018
Covering⭐ Over His Past🔫🔪⭐. Beyond Skin Deep...

Second Chance Adult Alpha Male Romance with Crime Elements.

Ivan🐺🔫🔪 is the heir apparent to his uncle Sergei's👹🔫🔪 branch of the Russian Bratva, or Russian Mob. For ten years he and his brother Alexei🐺🔫🔪 have been doing his bidding, being enforcers, beating men up, even killing a few.
Ivan🐺🔫🔪 wants out and so does Alexei🐺🔫🔪, and they have been planning and working towards that goal for years now.
If their plan is discovered before it is ready, both of them will be killed. They want to go legitimate and already have some legitimate businesses. It will be a coup over Sergei👹when the time is right.

Dahlia💋💔 is a young woman from his past. They were lovers at 18, then she got into trouble as a juvenile delinquent and was incarcerated for a year. During that year her father died. She blames Ivan🐺🍆🌋🔫🔪 for her not being allowed to go to his funeral.

Ten Years Later...
Dahlia💋💔⭐ has become a premier tattoo⭐⭐ artist, sometimes using her talent to help cancer and scar victims, as well as covering up gang or mob tattoos. Her picture appears in the paper and Ivan🐺🍆🌋🔫🔪 knows he must see her again. He is worried his Uncle👹🔫🔪 saw the article, too, and will want to have her killed after ten years of ignoring her.
Ivan🐺🍆🌋🔫🔪 decides he will begin to get out of the mob now, by having Dahlia💋💔 design a new colored tattoo⭐⭐ to cover up the black mob Tats⭐⭐ that cover his broad and muscled back.
The new tattoo is a huge colored Phoenix, the bird that rose from the ashes....
He wants to be with her again more than anything, her 📷picture in the paper has brought the past and the 💘love they once had back to him.

Dahlia💋💔 doesn't want to see him, she still has feelings for him, but she agrees to do the work, which will take a number of sessions. Sessions in which Ivan🐺🍆🌋🔫🔪 can be near her again. He has been secretly protecting her from his uncle👹 all these years!

Loved this book📑! It's well written and so interesting, I couldn't stop reading until I finished it! Recommend!

ARC Received for a Voluntary and Honest Review. I also got the book through KU.
Profile Image for Deborah Harrell-jones.
480 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2018
Reviewed by Deborah from Alpha Book Club
description description

A story of a mob boss in training and a woman who is trying to save everyone including the one she still loves. Ivan is next in line to take over the family business but doesn’t really want the job it entails. Dahlia is an artist who covers up people blemishes with tattoos and helps others get rid of their mafia ties. When Ivan sees Dahlia in the newspaper being recognized for her work he feels like this is his second chance to fix things from 10 years ago. He plans to get her one way or the other but there are so many things standing in his way. They have the mafia following their every move, all the while Ivan is trying to find a way to get rid of his ties to them. Dahlia is fighting what she feels but Ivan will not let her go this time around. When things start happening Ivan that will threaten both their way of life, Ivan and Dahlia must be prepared to make some big decisions. So many things can stand in your way but its up to us to eradicate them. That is the true lesson of the story for Ivan and Dahlia to find a way through the dark times and find a peace for them both.

I really like the characters, story line, and how each scene flowed to the next. There was no dragging out the story and it got the to point perfectly. Ivan is sexy, alpha, dangerous, and loves hard. Dahlia is sweet, broken, and a fighter with a sweet spot for a sexy Russian. I love when characters get a second chance and these two deserved it from the way it went down for them in the past. I would love to read about some of the supporting characters in the family too because their stories need to be told. This story is all action, mafia, love and fighting for you truth. Ivan is truly not who his ink portrays him to be once you get underneath the ink.
114 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book and this is my honest review/opinion. I previously read Mr. Ruin and Mr. Control. They mostly occur during the same time as Under His Ink. Mr. Ruin had a lot of parts that included Dahlia and Ivan but the story was about Dahlia's roommate Rachel and her love interest Killian. There were things that occurred during Mr. Ruin that were never explained. Under His Ink is the story of Dahlia and Ivan and explains what happened in those parts of Mr Ruin that weren't explained because they had nothing to do with Rachel's story. I recommend reading both Mr. Ruin and Mr. Control but you do not need to read them before reading Under His Ink.
Dahlia is a successful tattoo artist. She owns a shop and along with creating regular tattoos, she also helps cover gang related ones. Ten years prior to this story, roughly, she had met Ivan and fell in love. Ivan is Bratva and heir to his family's "business". Some bad things happen and Dahlia and Ivan haven't seen each other since Dahlia was sentenced to a year in juvie. Ivan sees a newspaper article about Dahlia's shop on his uncles desk and knows he needs to see her to make sure she was okay. His uncle had made it clear to Ivan and Dahlia ten years prior what would happen if they were together. So, Ivan makes an after hours appointment for Dahlia to cover his Bratva tattoos. I really enjoyed this book. I liked that it explained so much more to Dahlia's story. It also has danger, intrigue and forbidden love. I recommend it!
2,297 reviews18 followers
March 12, 2018
What a read about the heir, Ivan, to the Bratva mob, a position and title he doesn’t want to have. For years he has been plotting his escape and during this time everything he has done was to keep the people he loves safe. One of those people includes Dahlia, who we have met in Mr. Ruin and now we have their story. Both of these characters made appearances in the previous book and it made me wonder...will these two get their own story ? And what a story it is !
WOW...this read was intense at times and filled with secrets, betrayals, lies, death, mourning, love, steamy scenes and second chances for two people who fell in love as teenagers, were ripped apart and now find their way back to each other ten years later. The road has been long and dirty for Ivan and the only thing keeping him going is to protect the ones he loves. His intensity and what he wouldn’t do for Dahlia, including killing and breaking free from his past...wow. Not only that but once he finds her and has her once again, he will not let her go again...no matter what. I loved Dahlia’s resilience, making something of herself in spite of her past and being able to stand up to Ivan, who everyone else fears. Their chemistry sparks and I could feel Ivan’s intensity coming off the pages. The ending was a surprise and a good one at that, something I didn’t see coming regarding his brother and was perfect for Ivan & Dahlia. I’m hoping that Alexei will get his own story soon.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog.
3,920 reviews118 followers
March 9, 2018
5 Stars!

Give me a good mob story and I'll love you long time. Dahlia and Ivan did just that...with one twisted, twisted tale.

It's been a little while since I've read Maya Hughes and I was more than pleasantly surprised, considering this is my second time reading her. Hughes, once again, blew every expectation I had for this book out of the water and delivered a sexy, suspenseful, powerful, unforgettable second chance romance that had me on the edge of my seat...kindle gripped tight in my hand, start to the finish.

Under His Ink is a dual point of view, contemporary romantic suspense standalone that you don't want to miss. Ivan and Dahlia lit up my ereader with quick banter, undeniable chemistry, and a deep..deep love story. All of the feels and a few kicks to the heart, they gave me everything on the pages of their journey and I didn't miss a beat.

A man determined to get his girl back. A girl determined to try and resist after every turn. And danger is lurking, threatening everything. One happily ever after years in the making. It's fast. It's sexy. He's so damn irresistible.

You know you wanna peel back the layers of their story and find out all of their secrets. Run to get this fantastic romance...you will not be disappointed.

I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
https://reneeentress.blogspot.com/201...
Profile Image for Book Snob Sue.
1,415 reviews136 followers
March 11, 2018
Emotional describes this book for me. Ivan and Dahlia met when they were teenagers and had one crazy summer together. Filled with all the raw emotions and love that your first true love brings, you know, the kind that is all consuming. It all ends with Dahlia doing some time in a detention center, during that time she lost her cop father and lost Ivan too thanks to his head of the mob evil uncle.

Fast forward 10 years, you know I don’t like separations and this was a long one. Ivan sees a picture of her in the paper and misses her so much. He’s tried to stay away from her, to keep her safe from his uncle, but he can no longer stay away. Dahlia has her own tattoo shop and is well known for covering tattoos that are no longer wanted by their owners, old gang tattoos and others like that. He makes an appointment and shows up, throwing them both back into all of those old emotions and dealing with the past that was left unfinished.

I am a huge mob book fan, and I think Maya Hughes did a great job. This was my first book of hers (I have some just hadn’t read them yet), and I can’t wait to read more. I am really hoping that Rachel gets her own book and so does Elena....hint, hint. I know subtle like a mack truck. Great book, storyline, possessive alpha, 10 years separation they were with others, some pushing away, no om or ow drama, all consuming love, epilogue and hea. Can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for PointedlyBlunt.
389 reviews31 followers
March 13, 2018
Dahlia and Ivan have a complicated history. He’s next in line to run his local Bratva when his uncle dies, and Dahlia is the daughter of a deceased cop that worked in the department investigating the Bratva. After not seeing each other in over ten years, Ivan comes across a newspaper article highlighting Dahlia and her tattoo shop, putting her back in his sights. But Ivan doesn’t want to risk Dahlia’s safety if his uncle finds out they’re an item again, and he’s not sure Dahlia wants anything to do with him anyway. Too bad that’s not enough to keep him away.

The characters are well developed and relatable. I loved Dahlia in Mr. Ruin, and I loved her even more in this book. She’s strong and has a backbone, but she’s soft when she needs to be. Not as much time is spent on Ivan’s past as Dahlia’s, but it was enough to connect with him. He was intimidating, but still sweet, and my only complaint that I wanted him to be a little more badass. Instead, I felt like his younger brother, Alexei overshadowed him whenever he was in the scene and I ended up liking him just a tiny bit more than Ivan.

The story takes place concurrently with Mr. Ruin, so there are bits of Rachel’s and Killian’s story that were interesting to see from Dahlia’s perspective. The plot was a bit darker and had more action than Hughes’ Mister series (Mr. Control, Mr. Ruin, and Mr. Wicked) which take place in the same world with some intersecting characters, so be prepared for more of a Romantic Suspense than a Contemporary.

You can read Under His Ink as a standalone, but I think I enjoyed it more having already read Mr. Ruin.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Carla.
989 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2018
Carla's Five Star Review

Ivan and Dahlia met when they were 18 years old, and they fell hard for one another, but there were things outside of their control that would lead to the abrupt end of their three month whirlwind romance. Unbeknownst to Dahlia, Ivan was the nephew of the local Russian mob boss. Ivan left her in order to keep her safe, but Dahlia didn't know this was the reason he disappeared from her life.

Fast forward ten years. Ivan unexpectedly sees a picture of Dahlia in the local newspaper, and it sparks an undeniable urge to find her. Once they are reunited, Ivan is determined to get her back, but is that even a possibility? How will Dahlia react when all of Ivan's secrets are revealed? If she decides to give him a second chance, can Ivan keep her safe from his deranged uncle?

I freakin' loved this book! It is an action packed, second chance romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end! Ivan is a sexy alpha male who loves Dahlia in a way that would make any woman swoon. And Dahlia? She is the very definition of strong. I thought they were perfect together, and I kept my fingers crossed throughout the entire story hoping they would finally get their happily ever after. The secondary characters were great as well, and I can't wait to read their stories in the near future.

A definite must read!!
123 reviews
March 10, 2018
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.

I just loved Under His Ink by Maya Hughes. It is the story of Ivan and Dahlia. Ivan, by no choice of his own, works for his uncle, Sergei, who is a Russian mob boss. Ivan and Dahlia have a past together; they had spent some time having hot sex ten years ago. They ended up falling in love. Ivan and his brother flee the scene of a crime and leave Dahlia to deal with the consequence, she felt betrayed by Ivan. Her dad is a cop, and to protect Dahlia, he makes sure she gets the maximum sentence. She then feels betrayed by her father. Ivan disappears to keep Dahlia safe from his uncle. Now ten years later Ivan is a hot, dangerous Russian mobster. Dahlia is a beautiful, strong, independent woman who has rebuilt her life. She is now the owner of a tattoo parlor. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone by saying too much, but Under His Ink has it all; drama, action, betrayal, anger, and some sizzling sex. This is a beautifully told second chance romance. This is a must read! If you have not read any of Maya Hughes books, then you are missing out. Thank you, Maya Hughes for delivering such an incredible story to us. I cannot wait to see what Maya Hughes has in store for us next.
Profile Image for Enticed by Romance.
256 reviews34 followers
March 12, 2018

MyReadulteryLife Review

I am a lover off Mob themed stories, so when I first read the blurb for Under His Ink, I was expecting lots of mob action and some dirty loving. However, this book mainly focuses on the relationship element of the main characters. It was refreshing!

I loved Ivan’s character, his tortured soul and his desire to be free from his Uncle’s reign was enlightening. From the get go you are drawn into Ivan’s character, especially when it comes to him wanting to protect the people he loves, his family and Dahlia.

Dahlia has rebuilt her life, having lost the man she loves and her father. She has managed to make a good life, she owns her own tattoo business and gives back to the community by tattooing ex-convicts gang signs.

I adored the second chance at romance between Ivan and Dahlia. You can relate to Ivan’s need to protect Dahlia from his world and you feel Dahlia’s struggle in forgiving Ivan for breaking her heart.

The chemistry between Dahlia and Ivan, was a slow burn. Once ignited neither off them where prepared to give each other up. No matter what happens!

I enjoyed the flow off the story. I didn’t find myself skipping past chunks off the story. It was well thought out. The secondary characters, Alexei, Rachel and Elena help to build onto the story. They are a great addition.

Well worth a read! Hopefully there is more to come from the secondary characters, I’m hoping that Alexei, Ivan’s brother, gets his own story. Fingers crossed.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,507 reviews15 followers
March 9, 2018
I loved this story.

The pure power and strength of Ivan is great. He doesn't have to be aggressive for you to see the power and strength, but it radiates off of him. He's a lethal man and will do whatever he needs to do to keep those he loves and cares about safe.

Dahlia is a woman who follows her own path and is a successful young woman. She has had tragedy in her life, but she has come out of it stronger and independent. She has made a good life and owns her own tattoo shop. She's a great artist and her tattoos are more than just for those who want art on their bodies. Her art helps people in so many ways and her work has become popular. 

Ivan met Dahlia when they were young, but circumstances beyond their control made them both go their own ways. This was only so that they could save themselves as well as each other. They were the children of enemies. Dahlia is the daughter of a cop, and Ivan is the nephew of a Russian Mafia Boss. Their lives are too different to be able to make things work, so they go their own way and lead their lives for ten years. However, neither one has forgotten the other.
360 reviews10 followers
March 10, 2018
Four and a half stars!

I am voluntarily reviewing this arc.

This book is an addictive ride so consider yourself warned. I was in the middle of a crazy storm that produced two snow days for my kids. I was prepping for a huge family party and I still could not put this book down. Maya Hughes has a way of writing that is compelling and captivating. Ivan and Dahlia are a couple that you just want to root for. Their story is a second chance kind of story. They were together as teenagers. He was born to a Russian crime family, and she to a cop. Now, many years later, they meet again because he just can’t stay away. He’s trying to get out from under the control of his mob boss uncle while she is just being discovered for her talent and compassion. Where does the tattooing come in? She’s a tattoo artist, specializing in covering up tattoos that are from being involved in organized crime, or gangs.
She even helps with breast cancer survivors in the reconstruction process.
There is action in this book, there is romance, and there is plenty of chemistry. Once again, Maya Hughes writes a story that I am in love with!
Profile Image for We Like them Dark Book Blog.
828 reviews110 followers
March 7, 2018
THIS BOOK!!!!!!! This book is a top 10 read for 2018, for sure. I know it’s only March, but mark my words this is for sure one of my favorites of the year. I can’t get over how I have never read this author before-because I’m so, so thoroughly impressed with her writing, the unique plot, and dear god she held my attention like no other book! This book will give you the ultimate book hangover, it’s that amazing.
I adored everything about this book-it’s so hard to do a mob romance great these days, and everything was perfect. I loved Ivan and Dahlia, strong willed and totally ready to fight for their forbidden love. This is a second chance romance that kept me on the edge of my seat and I loved every second of it. I hope we see more in this world because the supporting characters were truly amazing too! I literally just signed up for this author’s newsletter and am going to compulsively check her Facebook to see any news about a book for Alexei! I can’t wait!!!!!! So so so good!!!! Read this book now!
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,600 reviews78 followers
March 8, 2018
4.5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, suspense, secrets, and heartbreak.

This is Dahlia and Ivan’s story. This is kind of a second chance story but that is only underneath all the anger and pain. Do these two have chemistry yes but once again it’s buried. They did have a first chance together, but it was short and ended on a bad note. Now years later he knows he wants her but danger is snapping at his heels. Can he protect her and get her to see him for who he really is? Can he protect her from the danger he is bringing to her door? Does she want him or is that want just buried too deep for her to ever try again? In the years since they were together they have both been through a lot and are not even finished with all the danger is now the right time to even try again? Or will the danger and their pasts make sure they never get the chance?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.
2,608 reviews10 followers
March 8, 2018
A second chance romance about Dahlia and Ivan who haven't seen each other in 10 years due to circumstances that were beyond their control. Ivan has been under his uncles control being part of the Russian Bratva and trying to stay alive and keep his promise to keep Dahlia safe. Dahlia is finally where she needs to be, opening up her own tattoo shop and is very popular due to how talented she is. The chemistry between these two is so sexy. When we first met her she was in the Mr. books and she so deserved to have one of her own. Can these two come together and stay safe or will their lives still be in danger? Is love worth fighting for in this case? You'll have to read the book to find out. You will find mystery, suspense, intrigue, lust, deceit, trust and love within these pages. If you haven't read the Mr books, then you get a peek of Mr Ruin in the back of the book where Rachel and Killians story starts. Enjoy
17 reviews
March 9, 2018
💝BOOK REVIEW💝

Title:Under His Ink
Author:Maya Hughes
Pages:206
Rating:5 stars
Reviewed by Courtney Kunz
💖Blogger for Janise's Jivin' Book Blog💖

"There wasn't a prison on earth that could hold me until I rained down unbridled fire and brimstone on anyone who thought they could get to me through her."

Intense and engaging. Maya Hughes captured my attention from page one! Her tale of love and loss was gripping. Bring some tissues you will need them.

Ivan had found the girl of his dreams amongst the chaos of his world. Circumstances drove them apart 10 years later he will stop at nothing to keep her safe and reunite the other half of his soul.

Dahlia had to learn her lesson the hard way. Orphaned and heartbroken she vowed to never let Ivan back into her life. Too bad for her because when Ivan shows up at her tattoo parlor she has to face the fact that he never truly left her heart in the first place!
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