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Flatiron Five has a new tattoo shop—run by the enigmatic and legendary tattoo artist Chynna. When the moon is full, Chynna creates one tattoo to set two hearts afire and gives it away, with the goal of making romantic dreams come true. Who will be next?

Olivia trusts in here-and-now...
Olivia doesn’t believe in magic or everlasting love—she’s a scientist, after all—but winning a tattoo from Chynna convinces her to take a chance. She’s always admired her best friend Lexi’s big brother Spencer, maybe because opposites attract. What would it be like to seduce him? Would it end her fascination with him? With a little help from her friends and a blindfold, Liv decides to find out. The bonus is that Spencer will never know his secret lover was her…

Spencer believes in forever.
But Spencer guesses the truth almost right away. He’s good with having Olivia want him—having her alone in his cabin is the perfect chance to teach her to trust sensation and him. A blizzard interferes with Olivia’s plan, giving Spencer more time to work his own persuasive magic. He knows a night or two will only be the beginning of what he wants to last forever. Can he convince Olivia to give love a try, or will she leave him forever as soon as the snow melts?

170 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 2018

40 people are currently reading
62 people want to read

About the author

Deborah Cooke

89 books853 followers
Deborah Cooke also writes under the names Claire Delacroix and Claire Cross.

Bestselling and award-winning author Deborah Cooke has published over fifty novels and novellas, including historical romances, fantasy romances, fantasy novels with romantic elements, paranormal romances, contemporary romances, urban fantasy romances, time travel romances and paranormal young adult novels. She writes as herself, Deborah Cooke, as Claire Delacroix, and has written as Claire Cross. She is nationally bestselling, #1 Kindle Bestselling, KOBO Bestselling, as well as a USA Today and New York Times’ Bestselling Author. Her Claire Delacroix medieval romance, The Beauty, was her first book to land on the New York Times List of Bestselling Books.

Deborah was the writer-in-residence at the Toronto Public Library in 2009, the first time TPL hosted a residency focused on the romance genre, and she was honored to receive the Romance Writers of America PRO Mentor of the Year Award in 2012. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and of Novelists Inc.

Currently, she’s writing paranormal romances as Deborah Cooke, and medieval romances as Claire Delacroix.

Deborah thinks a lot about publishing and writing, and also knits too much.

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5 stars
35 (50%)
4 stars
17 (24%)
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14 (20%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Brown.
2,801 reviews96 followers
March 5, 2020
Not a bad erotic romance. I picked this one up at a used book sale at the library on a whim. The cover made it seem steamy but it didn't have erotic in the description so I wasn't expecting all of what happened. Liv and Spencer have a weird connection but it worked. I did skip some of the science crap because honestly who cares about that in a romance novel. I'm not sure if I'll read more of the series in the future.
Profile Image for Glittergirl.
938 reviews16 followers
March 23, 2018
Short, steamy, fabulous fantasy read. Non-risk taker, ever practical, scientific overachiever Olivia wins a tattoo when she's out for the evening celebrating with her two outgoing friends. Chynna the famous tattoo artist has opened a shop in the Flatiron Five Club. She has decided to create and give away a True Love full moon magic imbued tattoo every month. Olivia wins the first one. Olivia doesn't believe in magic or true love but isn't going to disappoint her friends. They pry out of her her ultimate fantasy and set about to make it happen. Olivia has been fantasizing about her friend Lexi's brother Spencer. She's up for her friends' plan but only if Spencer doesn't know who is seducing him and it's the night before she leaves for a new job in England. She's not sure she'll ever be back so it's perfect as far as Olivia is concerned. Poor Spencer doesn't know when he flies home that he's being kidnapped to be seduced by a "stranger". Once blindfolded he doesn't have too much problem figuring out it's Olivia by her scent and he's so on board with that. He's been lusting after her for years but afraid to make a move because she's his sisters BFF and he doesn't want to ruin the friendship. Then it snows them in, Olivia misses her plane and Spencer has time to seduce her into maybe believing in enduring love. What a "HOT" time is had snowed in!!!

Thank you Deborah for the ARC of this story for my honest review. I loved it! It was just the story I needed after all the paranormal ARC's I've been reading.
Profile Image for Eva Millien.
3,115 reviews45 followers
August 13, 2018
The first book in the “Flatiron Five” spin off is a delightful contemporary romance full of passion and magical charm.

The characters are strong and easily connected to, drawing readers in and holding them hostage with their story. The romance is sweet but has a major obstacle, Olivia doesn’t believe in love but she does believe in passion and she’s wanted Spencer forever so with a little help she decides to engage in a one night stand which is one hot night with lots of sizzling chemistry and heated passion. Spencer want more than one night and the readers are held captivated by the suspense and the hope that Olivia will reach for that happily ever after that readers long for. The plot is fast paced and flows smoothly from start to finish with beginning adding a magical element to the story that adds a little something extra to this enchanting romance.

This is the first contemporary romance that I have read by Deborah Cooke and I have to wonder –what was I thinking! I am certainly intrigued with the “Flatiron Five” series and the “Secret Heart Ink” series so I have added them all to my TBR pile.
4,123 reviews21 followers
October 2, 2018
Snowbound (Secret Heart Ink 1) by Deborah Cooke is loosely tied to the Flatiron series. Olivia receives a tattoo from the new shop which has just opened in the Flatiron Five. I enjoyed the connection but then the story continues with Olivia’s life. She had just been a guest opening shop night, so her story takes place elsewhere.
This is a crush on a friend’s brother story. Olivia and Spencer are opposites in their interests and approaches to life. One way is that Olivia is clinical while Spencer is all about the senses. Together they seem to mesh into this whole unique great blend of the two. Convincing Olivia is where the problem comes into play.
Like the Flatiron Series, this series is steamy and borders on erotic but not too far. The writing is great, the romance seems real so the passion fits. Then there is a touch of mysticism to help these two find their HEA which is wonderfully done.

4.5 Stars
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
151 reviews
August 22, 2018
In this awesome beginning to a spinoff of the Flatiron Five series, Olivia receives a magical heart tattoo during a full moon from Chynna and concocts a crazy stunt to pull on her friend’s brother, Spenser. Olivia has been attracted to Spenser for years but was always afraid to act on her feelings, believing that there is no such thing as a love that will last. When Olivia seduces a blindfolded Spenser, he immediately realizes the identity of his mystery lover and is determined to convince her that they have a future. A convenient snowstorm gives Spenser more time to work his magic. The characters are well rounded, lovable and their interactions are hot, hot, hot! A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
229 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2022
It was ok

I usually love Deborah Cooke's books, but this fell flat for me.
First, I found the concept of a fantasy night where Spencer is bound and blindfolded against his will disturbing, though it was handled with finesse and it's very obvious that he is willing, especially once he realised it was Olivia.
Second, I didn't like Olivia at all, she was completely one dimensional (didn't even rate two dimensions).
Third, there was a lot of sex scenes. I'm used to about a third of the book, this was waay more than that.
Fourth, (spoiler alert!) the idea that an established research lab in Cambridge is comparable to a lab from scratch in the middle of nowhere is absurd. In real life, it would have rated a business trip a few times a year.

It was ok, no more, no less.

Standalone. 3rd person dual pov. No violence. Steamy.
Profile Image for Urvashi.
623 reviews
July 24, 2018
Olivia is a scientist who believes in biology and not love. But after winning a tattoo from Chynna, she decides to seduce her best friends brother, Spencer, someone she’s been crushing on since long. The idea is to seduce him blindfolded so that there is no awkwardness.
Spencer has always had feelings for Olivia, but he never acted on them, but when he realizes it’s Olivia seducing him, he decides to seduce her back and try to convince her to give them a chance beyond just one night.
Snowbound is a short, steamy read. I found it romantic, the way Spencer tries to woo Olivia, it was not falling for him.
A perfect start to the series.
Profile Image for Heather.
781 reviews24 followers
July 27, 2018
 First off, I didn’t want this to end.  I wanted more from Olivia and Spencer; I really wish this had been a full novel.  They were such strong characters together and the plot was entertaining and wonderful.  Loved every second and wanted more. Second, I didn’t even mind that this was pretty close to being a novella; the plot was strong enough, the characters were great, and the chemistry just made for an awesome story. This does not fall to the novella curse! Loved. Every. Second. Deborah, why did this one have to end so soon??

A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
1,779 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2018
This was a fun, well-written contemporary romance. Olivia, a scientist, doesn't believe in love or magic, but she wins a tattoo gifted at the full moon that is intended to make romantic dreams come true. She decides to set up a secret one night stand with her best friend's brother, who she has always found attractive. They get snowed in and Spencer take the opportunity to try to convince her to give love a chance. This book is a spin-off of the Flatiron Five series. I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to others.
Profile Image for Ann L.
4,793 reviews39 followers
August 14, 2018
I have read this author's historical stories and loved them so when I was given the chance to read a contemporary with a little magic I thought I'd give it a try. I'm so glad I did, this is interesting from the first and had me turning the pages as fast as I could read. I loved Spencer and how he was with Olivia, I can't wait to read more from her.
I received a copy from Bookfunnel and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion
12 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2018
A sexy novel with spice and flair. Once I started it I didn't want to stop. The characters were fun and relatable. I found myself wanting their relationship to work. Worth the read. Oh and as a cook found myself craving roast chicken. I know what my husband is having for supper tonight! I received this to review from the author.
46 reviews
July 25, 2018
I couldn't believe how quickly the story moved along. It was a really quick read for me and I really liked the story. It's a different take on being stuck in a snowstorm. A great read for anyone who likes romance or a reader looking for a really good quick read.
Profile Image for Amanda Winterstein.
574 reviews2 followers
June 18, 2018
Hot and steamy from start to finish. Deborah knows how to make your heart pound. Great book cant wait to dive into the second and I love how it spins off an already amazing series the Flatiron 5.
Profile Image for Mary Holmes.
123 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2018
Loved this one. Was a change of pace, and Chynna is quickly becoming a fave of mine as well as Tristen. Can't wait to see who else she helps find their perfect match.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,245 reviews208 followers
October 16, 2018
3.75 stars--

RELEASE DATE: March 20, 2018

Flatiron Five has a new tattoo shop—run by the enigmatic and legendary tattoo artist Chynna. When the moon is full, Chynna creates one tattoo to set two hearts afire and gives it away, with the goal of making romantic dreams come true. Who will be next?

Olivia trusts in here-and-now...
Olivia doesn’t believe in magic or everlasting love—she’s a scientist, after all—but winning a tattoo from Chynna convinces her to take a chance. She’s always admired her best friend Lexi’s big brother Spencer, maybe because opposites attract. What would it be like to seduce him? Would it end her fascination with him? With a little help from her friends and a blindfold, Liv decides to find out. The bonus is that Spencer will never know his secret lover was her…

Spencer believes in forever.
But Spencer guesses the truth almost right away. He’s good with having Olivia want him—having her alone in his cabin is the perfect chance to teach her to trust sensation and him. A blizzard interferes with Olivia’s plan, giving Spencer more time to work his own persuasive magic. He knows a night or two will only be the beginning of what he wants to last forever. Can he convince Olivia to give love a try, or will she leave him forever as soon as the snow melts?


••••••••••

REVIEW: SNOWBOUND is the first instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, adult SECRET HEART INK erotic, romance novella series-a spinoff from the author’s FLATIRON FIVE series. This is research geneticist Olivia, and chef/restaurant owner Spencer’s story line. You do not have to have read the Flatiron Five series to follow but several characters cross-over for cohesion and familiarity.

SOME BACKGROUND: Secret Heart Ink is a tattoo shop, owned by the mysterious Chynna, located in Manhattan’s Flatiron Five. Along with her sidekick Tristan, during the full moon, Chynna creates one tattoo to set two hearts afire in the hopes of the recipient finding ever lasting love.

Told from several third person perspectives including Olivia and Spencer SNOWBOUND follows research geneticist Olivia as she prepares for a new job and new life in England. A final party to say goodbye, Olivia and her friends Lexi and Reyna headed off to F5, an upscale night club wherein Olivia will be ‘selected’ by legendary tattoo artist Chynna, for a one of a kind, personal tattoo with the goal of making romantic dreams come true. Enter Spencer, chef and restaurant owner, Lexi’s brother, and the man whom Olivia has lusted after most of her adult life. What ensues is Olivia’s blindfold seduction of Spencer on the eve of her trip abroad, and the potential fall-out as Spencer and Olivia don’t see eye to eye on love or happily ever afters.

SNOWBOUND focuses on Olivia’s struggle with relationships and love. Raised by a single mother burned by the children’s father, Olivia and her brother Brandon, struggle with the deception and lies from the past, deception that has hardened their hearts to romance and love.

Deborah Cooke pulls the reader into a sexy and engaging story line with a stubborn and guarded heroine, and a determined hero. The premise is moving ; the romance is provocative and fated; the characters are strong and edgy. A quick read, SNOWBOUND is an energetic, sensual and erotic read for all to enjoy.

Copy supplied for review
Profile Image for Debbie.
944 reviews79 followers
October 21, 2018
Snowbound
Deborah Cooke

Cooke’s Snowbound is the debut in her Secret Heart Ink series, a companion/spin-off of Flatiron Five. A short and sweet with plenty of heat friends to lovers tale featuring a heroine who doesn’t believe in Happy Ever Afters and a hero who’s willing to take one, two or several for the team to prove her wrong. The couple are genuine, Spenser a farm to table chef and Olivia is an entomologist who studies the diminishing bee population and readers will get to know them intimately through some fabulous pillow talk during an epic snowstorm. The concept of both the series and this story is intriguing and fresh, the love scenes are smokin hot with tons of emotion and the way Spenser won Olivia’s heart through passion and food was delectable! Get ready for a repast good for body and soul!

SUMMARY:
To celebrate the opening of Flatiron Five’s new Tattoo shop, Secret Heart Ink run by the mysterious, enigmatic Chynna a tattoo will be given away on each full moon with hopes of bringing together two deserving hearts.
Olivia doesn’t believe in happy ever afters or magic but when she wins the tattoo she realizes it's the perfect way of getting one gorgeous out of her league man, her best friend’s brother out of her system.
Spenser Wolfe is ready to settle down, picket fence whole nine yards but the woman who’s been ruling his dreams only thinks of him as a big brother.
Then one night both their fantasies come true and due to a snowstorm extend one night into several days of bliss. But what happens when the skies clear is the big question.

Profile Image for Naomi Bell.
322 reviews17 followers
July 26, 2018
Snowbound is a novella, set in the Flatiron Five world. The spin-off series gives us a look into the lives of two characters affected by the magic tattoo created by Chyna. Olivia wins the opportunity to get the tattoo and her friends talk her into going through with it. She doesn’t believe in the magic it offers, nor in love at all. Spencer, on the other hand, is determined to convince her that love is real. The characters are credible and multi-dimensional, a hard task for a novella. It was easy to visualize the scenes due to the author’s adept writing skills. I was transported to Spencer’s home in the woods, could feel the warmth of the fire, tasted to dishes he created and (*blushing*) got goosebumps from their lovemaking. This was another treasure from Deborah Cooke.
Profile Image for Diane.
1,092 reviews
April 6, 2018
Can a magical heart tattoo bring love? Deb Cooke's newest book says YES! This series is a spin off of the Flatiron Five series - a new Tattoo Shop opens in the building and a special heart tattoo at the new moon is magical.
The characters are smart and work well off each other. He's a romantic and she's practical and scientific. When a one night stand turns into a snowed in few days they each find more than they ever dreamed of.
Can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Eniko.
533 reviews14 followers
May 20, 2018
Howl at the moon

A great start to this new series. Loved following Olivia's education not only in cooking and enjoying food as more than sustenance, but changing her mind about love too. The way Spencer turns her carefully laid plans of "tasting" him into a seduction of the senses makes me crave him too :) Did the magical tattoo help? I think it did!
I love Ms. Cooke's writing style and the way her characters are so alive. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,110 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2018
Delicious!

Just as delectable and delicious as Spencer's culinary masterpieces, this romance leaves you with a warm and satisfying feeling. The story is a quick bite of pure sensuality, it makes being snowed in sound like a recipe for bliss. The characters come to life for you and you don't want to say goodbye. The author does a great job of whipping up a romance that will tempt you to want to read more in the series.
1,193 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2018
4Stars

Good but lite. I personally enjoy a more involved story. Olivia and Spencer are a cute couple and it was cute to watch them get together. A good quick read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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