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Paint #3
Invisible Ink
Alex Fletcher waits for life.
One more year and he can move away, stop wearing hoodies to hide the bruises, self-inflicted scars, and his sexuality.
No one knows him, no one sees him, until Chris Bacon shows him how to laugh, dance, live life in the moment, out and proud.
The lesson that life is too short hits harder than one of his dad’s punches.
Living the dream, being visible, is a step too far without chemical help.
Doctor, paramedic, drug counsellor, Nate Cooper is haunted by the brother he failed to save.
Bringing Alex back to life on the floor of a gay nightclub is only the first step.
Peeling away the layers to find the real Alex means blurring the lines between age, upbringing, social position and the patient/doctor relationship.
Is Alex worth wrecking his career and giving up his addiction of saving lives?
Contains possible triggers for drug use, domestic abuse, self-harm, and social anxiety.
One more year and he can move away, stop wearing hoodies to hide the bruises, self-inflicted scars, and his sexuality.
No one knows him, no one sees him, until Chris Bacon shows him how to laugh, dance, live life in the moment, out and proud.
The lesson that life is too short hits harder than one of his dad’s punches.
Living the dream, being visible, is a step too far without chemical help.
Doctor, paramedic, drug counsellor, Nate Cooper is haunted by the brother he failed to save.
Bringing Alex back to life on the floor of a gay nightclub is only the first step.
Peeling away the layers to find the real Alex means blurring the lines between age, upbringing, social position and the patient/doctor relationship.
Is Alex worth wrecking his career and giving up his addiction of saving lives?
Contains possible triggers for drug use, domestic abuse, self-harm, and social anxiety.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2018
About the author
Emma Jaye
50 books685 followersEmma is the #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of m/m series such as Paint, Incubus, and Lies.
Known as the Queen of MM angst her books include Sci-fi, paranormal, and contemporary romance and always puts her characters through hell before giving them a HEA. She blames her rebellious muse (who looks like Chris from the Paint Series) for the erotic aspects tickling the angst, and the humor cuddling up with the erotic.
When not writing or reading she herds Birman cats and sons; Both groups argue that the other is too large.
For a free book, join her NL: https://readerlinks.com/l/1869132/new...
If you want to keep up with her spicy, quirky imagination, you can find her here:
Author Page: http://bit.ly/2wox9M0
Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2PCQuSs
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MRtGQk
She always answers questions and comments from readers, so feel free to get in touch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 16, 2018
Alex... beautiful, quiet, withdraw, elfin/angelic faced Alex... always hiding in hoodies. When Nate sees Alex for the first time it’s when Chris needed medical help. Nate was busy but noticed the cautious boy.
This story has the same timeline as in the previous stories from the moment Chris steps into the classroom and sit next to Alex.
Only we get to know Alex and his life full of abuse, pain and self harm. Where Nate struggles in his position as doctor, paramedic, drug counselor, friend and his strong attraction towards Alex.
Alex has a self esteem below zero and the only thing he can control are the moments of self harm.
He has a terrible, horrible life where he is physical and emotionally abused by both parents.
After he get his hands on drugs he glides down... hard... that is the time where Nate enters his life. Nate, always looking out for people in need, always being dr. Cooper who can’t put his white medical coat behind. And It hurts Alex deeply because he needs Nate with whole his being as a lover and a friend.
Nate is tenacious and inventive and helps Alex to open up with tiny little steps and that is just heartbreaking.
An amazingly steady written story. It didn’t waver at any moment.
Both Nate and Alex were put down with explicit characters... you really got the feeling you get to know them, both complex, lovable and equally engaging.
There is a lot of sexual tension and anticipation which was killing.
The hurt, comfort and in my opinion the whole story was pervasive and profound.
An emotional and complex read, good developed and with a wonderful persistence in it.
I loved the moments where dear Chris opens his mouth and glitters comes out of it.
I did read it in one sit with only a very short night as break...
Can’t wait for the next story...hope there will be one. The last page had a sort of promise in it.
Kindly received an arc through Prologue and Prose
This story has the same timeline as in the previous stories from the moment Chris steps into the classroom and sit next to Alex.
Only we get to know Alex and his life full of abuse, pain and self harm. Where Nate struggles in his position as doctor, paramedic, drug counselor, friend and his strong attraction towards Alex.
Alex has a self esteem below zero and the only thing he can control are the moments of self harm.
He has a terrible, horrible life where he is physical and emotionally abused by both parents.
After he get his hands on drugs he glides down... hard... that is the time where Nate enters his life. Nate, always looking out for people in need, always being dr. Cooper who can’t put his white medical coat behind. And It hurts Alex deeply because he needs Nate with whole his being as a lover and a friend.
Nate is tenacious and inventive and helps Alex to open up with tiny little steps and that is just heartbreaking.
An amazingly steady written story. It didn’t waver at any moment.
Both Nate and Alex were put down with explicit characters... you really got the feeling you get to know them, both complex, lovable and equally engaging.
There is a lot of sexual tension and anticipation which was killing.
The hurt, comfort and in my opinion the whole story was pervasive and profound.
An emotional and complex read, good developed and with a wonderful persistence in it.
I loved the moments where dear Chris opens his mouth and glitters comes out of it.
I did read it in one sit with only a very short night as break...
Can’t wait for the next story...hope there will be one. The last page had a sort of promise in it.
Kindly received an arc through Prologue and Prose
August 2, 2018
An abused and self harming teenager, unsure of himself and hiding his sexuality, and an older man. How wrong is that on how many levels? And yet. This becomes one of the tenderest of love stories and one finds oneself rooting for Alex and Nate. Even those not normally interested in m/m romance can find sufficient in this story to keep their interest in our heroes and in a supporting cast of well drawn and human characters.
Recommended
Recommended
September 18, 2018
“Just because you hide under that hood, it doesn’t mean I don’t see you.”
I didn’t expect to love this book more than the two previous book. I mean, I do love Chris and Jase, and I have this huge feeling that Alex and Nate story will be another something, but I must admit that I FLOVED this book a bit MORE than Chris’s book! Uhm, sorry Chris!
Both Chris and Alex have their own demons and issues, fragile at one side but also strong at the other side. And that’s why you’ll love them equally with their own uniqueness.
Nate's personality had caught my curiosity since he step into Chris’s life and help him survive from the addiction. The fact that he’s actually have everything but choose to become a medic and dedicated his life to save people from their addiction had made me curious about his background stories and past life. And when I have the hint that he’ll ended with the young Alex? It curious me even more…
The story successfully engulfed me right from the very beginning to the very last page. I know there will be a lot more angst and some scenes that will triggered the reader because of the domestic abuses and what Alex did to himself. What Alex been through and all the self harm he did (which describe and portrayed in very blunt and realistic way) really broke my heart. And I know, how difficult for Nate to ‘reach’ Alex since he didn’t trust anyone easily and always hide behinds the wall he build around him to protect himself and be invisible. How Nate using his unique technique to reach Alex and communicate with him is brilliant. And I smile when what Nate did finally have new progress.
The characters development is amazing, the author portraying their weakness and strengths in almost believable way. And it’s hard not to involved your emotions in it. Alex depression, frustration and hurt and Nate’s struggle to keep everything as professional as he could and not cross their patient-doctor rule when he must deal with his growing feeling to Alex are written in very good way. It hurts me to watch how they both trying so hard put each other at arm’s length but at the same time seeing how they need each other like the air to breathe was so frustrating.
This book is an emotional, deep and passionate read, the story was intense and successfully squeeze my emotions and made my heart bleed. The author still good at playing with reader emotions and I think that’s what make this book worth enough to read.
*ARC is kindly provided by the Author in exchange of a fair, unbiased and honest review*
September 11, 2018
Oh, my goodness, the ANGST! I'm serious, there is a lot of heartbreak in this beautiful book. First things first: I adore sweet Alex. I want only the best for him ... and Nate might be the best. Their relationship is filled with conflict, both internal and external, as they navigate each other (and their feelings). I loved the way mental illness was handled in this, especially the self harm. As I said, not a light, fluffy read, but so worth it. Watching the love develop between these two very different men was just breathtaking. I can't wait for more from Emma Jaye!!
August 14, 2018
PLEASE READ FIRST MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings (for all people, who wonder, why I say a 3*-book is good):
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like Liberty from Seth King or Save the kids series from EM Leya), it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books), it's like an A
3* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in hospitals). I can recommend them definitively! It's like an A-B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartly, but it was ok) It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, unlogical, NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
It's really a Wow-book! I couldn't stop to read it... and then... it was like the first both books FINISH.... F.I.N.I.S.H!!
I want direct to start the next book. I couldn't stop to read. But there isn't a next book (yet).
It's absolutely recommended by me. It's a 4.5 book
My advice: Don't start, if you haven't minimum 12 hours time for reading all books. Because you can't stop.
To my ratings (for all people, who wonder, why I say a 3*-book is good):
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like Liberty from Seth King or Save the kids series from EM Leya), it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books), it's like an A
3* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in hospitals). I can recommend them definitively! It's like an A-B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartly, but it was ok) It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, unlogical, NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
It's really a Wow-book! I couldn't stop to read it... and then... it was like the first both books FINISH.... F.I.N.I.S.H!!
I want direct to start the next book. I couldn't stop to read. But there isn't a next book (yet).
It's absolutely recommended by me. It's a 4.5 book
My advice: Don't start, if you haven't minimum 12 hours time for reading all books. Because you can't stop.
August 23, 2018
Invisible Ink is another outstanding read in the Paint series.
This time the story takes a different turn and spins around Alex and Nate.
I absolutely loved the character development, and the research that Emma did on a hard topic of cutting. The book is written so well that pacing, descriptions, and plot twists suck you in from the first pages and never let go.
I also loved that despite the darkness Alex lived into, Emma Jaye found a way to make it lighter with her unique humor.
Can’t wait to read another book in this series.
This time the story takes a different turn and spins around Alex and Nate.
I absolutely loved the character development, and the research that Emma did on a hard topic of cutting. The book is written so well that pacing, descriptions, and plot twists suck you in from the first pages and never let go.
I also loved that despite the darkness Alex lived into, Emma Jaye found a way to make it lighter with her unique humor.
Can’t wait to read another book in this series.
August 20, 2018
*4.5 Stars*
This is overwhelmingly a 5 star book except for one area. While Emma Jaye lists self-harm as a possible trigger, due to that section I would classify it as a high warning. There is a part I feel is detrimental to the character (society/community) or dangerous in that it may have negative consequences, which resulted in loss of half a star.
The character development is phenomenal. Emma creates three dimensional characters that will melt your heart and leave you wanting even more. Alex and Nate truly show complexity, in both their strengths and weaknesses like all humans do. The author is not afraid to dig into characters’ mindsets. The world building drew me in right from the beginning and not once did the author miss a step with that. The combination captivated me.
As always, the author delivers on uniqueness. I am consistently amazed by her ability to weave a story unlike any other. This is a book that held me emotionally hostage. The deepness of my emotional connection with the characters led me to everything from crying, to cheering them along to wanting more than anything to be right there with them. Emma Jaye also knows how to write chemistry because Alex and Nate really had that! Nothing was rushed, every moment was deliberate and it continued to feed my addiction for the author’s words.
4.5 Stars for an emotional, deep and passionate read! Highly recommend with caveat that book needs to be viewed as high risk for self-harm and taken strongly as fiction in that area.
This is overwhelmingly a 5 star book except for one area. While Emma Jaye lists self-harm as a possible trigger, due to that section I would classify it as a high warning. There is a part I feel is detrimental to the character (society/community) or dangerous in that it may have negative consequences, which resulted in loss of half a star.
The character development is phenomenal. Emma creates three dimensional characters that will melt your heart and leave you wanting even more. Alex and Nate truly show complexity, in both their strengths and weaknesses like all humans do. The author is not afraid to dig into characters’ mindsets. The world building drew me in right from the beginning and not once did the author miss a step with that. The combination captivated me.
As always, the author delivers on uniqueness. I am consistently amazed by her ability to weave a story unlike any other. This is a book that held me emotionally hostage. The deepness of my emotional connection with the characters led me to everything from crying, to cheering them along to wanting more than anything to be right there with them. Emma Jaye also knows how to write chemistry because Alex and Nate really had that! Nothing was rushed, every moment was deliberate and it continued to feed my addiction for the author’s words.
4.5 Stars for an emotional, deep and passionate read! Highly recommend with caveat that book needs to be viewed as high risk for self-harm and taken strongly as fiction in that area.
August 12, 2018
Absolutely loved book 3!! Now I was unhappy work got in my way of reading it because I didn’t want to put this down. Yet another book In the series that touches on some hard issues and it was written beautifully! Without giving anything away I will say the energizer bunny’s speech at the end was my fav!!
And it seems Emma Jaye has a knack for ticking me off! Lol although this is a smaller one than book one I still see it as a bloody cliff hanger. Ugh. I need a boob four STAT
And it seems Emma Jaye has a knack for ticking me off! Lol although this is a smaller one than book one I still see it as a bloody cliff hanger. Ugh. I need a boob four STAT
September 17, 2018
i so love this series and im still speechless about it. i just finished it and i want more of it. i cant wait for others to read this book. i believe that you guys will love this. its a five star book and it will keep dragging you back in to where you will reread it non stop. this series is really good and i so hope this isnt the last book of the series i would love to see what else is up in this series.
this series i have no words for expect that you need to grab it and read it like crazy. its five stars for sure
this series i have no words for expect that you need to grab it and read it like crazy. its five stars for sure
September 19, 2018
I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
This is the 3rd book in this series and which we take a closer look at Alex and Nate, Chris new friend from art college who is timid and why and of course Nate who's a paramedic/heir to a rich fortune. Nate has a white knight syndrome where he has to help save lost souls who need help due to the death of his brother with drugs. Meeting Alex incapacitated by a drug overdose he comes to the rescue and helps him.
Alex is emotionally and physically abused and so he self harms. Theres alot of emotional baggage but with Nates help he starts to become romantically linked but it's not all plain sailing as he's still got a lot of issues. We also get to see Chris and Jase again. This author puts a lot of detailed indepth characterisation into her books with serious issues dispersed amongst these characters. I really felt for Alex and his younger self where his parents just couldn't accept him even through some innocent gesture. It wasn't all doom and gloom as it has good humour and some very loving scenes. It's a happy for now book and I can't wait for the next instalment into these characters lives.
This is the 3rd book in this series and which we take a closer look at Alex and Nate, Chris new friend from art college who is timid and why and of course Nate who's a paramedic/heir to a rich fortune. Nate has a white knight syndrome where he has to help save lost souls who need help due to the death of his brother with drugs. Meeting Alex incapacitated by a drug overdose he comes to the rescue and helps him.
Alex is emotionally and physically abused and so he self harms. Theres alot of emotional baggage but with Nates help he starts to become romantically linked but it's not all plain sailing as he's still got a lot of issues. We also get to see Chris and Jase again. This author puts a lot of detailed indepth characterisation into her books with serious issues dispersed amongst these characters. I really felt for Alex and his younger self where his parents just couldn't accept him even through some innocent gesture. It wasn't all doom and gloom as it has good humour and some very loving scenes. It's a happy for now book and I can't wait for the next instalment into these characters lives.
September 17, 2018
Love, love, love this book. This one was just a good as the first two books. There's no word that can describe Alex, but I love his character so much that you can feel the pain, heartache, confusion, misunderstanding, and love that the author is showing in this book. Nate is just what he need. Abuse no matter what kind stays with you forever and it's up to you how you cope with it. Chris is character and I had to go back and read both books. The author did a great job with this and I'm looking forward to the next book from her.
October 10, 2018
I'm having a hard time figuring out what to put in this review. This book is the 3rd in the series, but can be read as a standalone. With all of this being said the author touched on some pretty tough issues such as drug abuse and self harm. Let's not forget the emotional and physical abuse as well.
Her main character Alex is a young man who has suffered at the hands of the people who should have loved him unconditionally. Alex has a very hard time with who he is and how to be comfortable in his own skin.
Enter Nate the Dr. who has also lost somebody who was close to him and he carries guilt over it. The love between these 2does not happen quickly, but it does happen.
If you enjoy a story full of angst and conflict then this book is for you. Be warned of the triggers of all of the abuse and self harm coping mechanisms.
Her main character Alex is a young man who has suffered at the hands of the people who should have loved him unconditionally. Alex has a very hard time with who he is and how to be comfortable in his own skin.
Enter Nate the Dr. who has also lost somebody who was close to him and he carries guilt over it. The love between these 2does not happen quickly, but it does happen.
If you enjoy a story full of angst and conflict then this book is for you. Be warned of the triggers of all of the abuse and self harm coping mechanisms.
March 19, 2019
A great installment to the series. In this one, we've got a new set of POV characters. Nate and Alex. There's a lot of emotion in this book. If you're a lover of hurt/comfort and finding one's power and strength, this book is for you. Some scenes had me cringing (I had a friend who was a cutter so this brought back some painful memories), but the outcome is solid and you see a good future for these two. If you liked the other two in this series, this is a must read.
September 18, 2018
WOW! How does Emma Jaye come up with these ideas/storylines! What a rollercoaster I've experienced with Chris and Jace story in the first 2 books and now we have Alex and Nate. My heart bleeds for Alex. All the abuse. All the heartache, but because of Chris he learns to live again. Loved Nate and his dedication. Loved these men together and loved this book.
September 8, 2018
this series is everything.. it really is.. i love it so much.. this story broke me in so many ways and then the author slowly put everything back together.. it was heartbreaking.. so much of it.. and so much of it made me smile and happy. it was a sweet story and a horrifying story.. the things he goes through.. the things they have to figure out.. the things both of them go through. it is all together an amazing story and i highly recommend reading the first two before this
October 15, 2018
4.5 colorful stars!! This was my first book by this author and it won't be the last, I'll be reading the other books in this series the first chance I get. It had a little bit of everything.....it had happiness and heartbreak and sweetness and darkness. It was quite the emotional story.
January 14, 2020
4.5 stars for Ust
Talk about slow burn and UST! I jumped into this series with this book - which could work as a stand-alone, though i was a little lost with Chris’s backstory. However this just makes me want to start at the beginning.
I really liked Alex and Nate. I would love to read more about their developing relationship as this didn’t wrap everything up.
Talk about slow burn and UST! I jumped into this series with this book - which could work as a stand-alone, though i was a little lost with Chris’s backstory. However this just makes me want to start at the beginning.
I really liked Alex and Nate. I would love to read more about their developing relationship as this didn’t wrap everything up.
August 11, 2022
Nate is a man, a doctor, that dedicated his life to help people and specially addicts to get back on their feet and start a new life but Alex is too much even for him.
Beaten body and spirit the young, self harming and now on drugs, adolescent is broken, alone and he OD in a club where Nate saves his life. Alex is too special for Nate not to fall for him and Nate is just everything Alex need in his life: someone caring, nurturing and strong but the doctor/patience policy Nate strictly observe triggers all Alex's insecurities while Nate head is in a whirl and falling in love for his patience. He's Alex gonna get better? Is they're story gonna survive Nate's righteous rules and all Alex's insecurities triggered by a life of extreme mental and physical abuse?
These characters are so amazing that when the book finished I was disappointed I couldn't read more of this story!
P.S.
If you'll subscribe to Emma Jaye news letter you'll receive Doctor's Orders which is a bonus novella, a little peeping hole in Nate and Alex near future
Beaten body and spirit the young, self harming and now on drugs, adolescent is broken, alone and he OD in a club where Nate saves his life. Alex is too special for Nate not to fall for him and Nate is just everything Alex need in his life: someone caring, nurturing and strong but the doctor/patience policy Nate strictly observe triggers all Alex's insecurities while Nate head is in a whirl and falling in love for his patience. He's Alex gonna get better? Is they're story gonna survive Nate's righteous rules and all Alex's insecurities triggered by a life of extreme mental and physical abuse?
These characters are so amazing that when the book finished I was disappointed I couldn't read more of this story!
P.S.
If you'll subscribe to Emma Jaye news letter you'll receive Doctor's Orders which is a bonus novella, a little peeping hole in Nate and Alex near future
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.5 stars
The beginning of this book drew me in as Alex is introduced. His life is devastating as he has suffered years of physical abuse from his father. His mother turned to alcohol as the result of a tragedy and never resurfaced and showed Alex no care or comfort. Alex tried to make himself invisible, but had no release and turned to cutting and then to cocaine. After the beginning of the story, however, the book never went anywhere for me.
Invisible Ink is book three in the Paint series and it was confirmed that it would standalone and the beginning of the book does. Alex meets Chris and it only confirms all that he is missing out on in life. He sees Chris with his boyfriend and naturally being the center of attention and it equally makes him long for more and want to hide. His father cannot even know that Alex knows Chris and Alex’s life is one of abuse and survival. According to the blurbs for books one and two, I was able to piece together that the timeline for this book runs parallel and then overlaps both of those books, as that is where Chris’ story is shown. I had not read the first two books and Chris’ appearance here then did not fit into Alex’s story, especially as he is spoken of more and then becomes a focus toward the end of the book.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
2.5 stars
The beginning of this book drew me in as Alex is introduced. His life is devastating as he has suffered years of physical abuse from his father. His mother turned to alcohol as the result of a tragedy and never resurfaced and showed Alex no care or comfort. Alex tried to make himself invisible, but had no release and turned to cutting and then to cocaine. After the beginning of the story, however, the book never went anywhere for me.
Invisible Ink is book three in the Paint series and it was confirmed that it would standalone and the beginning of the book does. Alex meets Chris and it only confirms all that he is missing out on in life. He sees Chris with his boyfriend and naturally being the center of attention and it equally makes him long for more and want to hide. His father cannot even know that Alex knows Chris and Alex’s life is one of abuse and survival. According to the blurbs for books one and two, I was able to piece together that the timeline for this book runs parallel and then overlaps both of those books, as that is where Chris’ story is shown. I had not read the first two books and Chris’ appearance here then did not fit into Alex’s story, especially as he is spoken of more and then becomes a focus toward the end of the book.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
September 18, 2018
Wow! I cannot praise Invisible Ink enough! The third book in Emma Jaye's Paint series is absolutely stupendous and riveting!
Alex's life was already horrid, as he spent his time hiding the bruises he received from his father, as well as the scars from his self-imposed cuts. When Chris pulls him into his world for one short incident, his life spirals even further down.
After an overdose, Alex is put into Nate's care. Nate is all heart, trying to save people from the perils of drugs. As he helps Alex to rehab and stop cutting, the lines between doctor and patient start to blur.
Seriously, this story is amazing, as it contains so much in addition to the romance. Alex's father is abusive, his mother is emotionally absent and is slowly killing herself and he uses cutting to escape. The way that he started using drugs, and the result are just so damn realistic, and terrifying.
This whole story is written with such a raw and honest feel, as Emma Jaye demonstrates such knowledge, compassion and tact in her writing. She doesn't shy away from awful topics, and does a wonderful job of creating intense and multi-layered characters.
So, basically, go, now and read Invisible Ink. I cannot praise this book enough! This Emma Jaye book is well worth your time! And be sure to read the other books in the series, as they are also exquisite.
Alex's life was already horrid, as he spent his time hiding the bruises he received from his father, as well as the scars from his self-imposed cuts. When Chris pulls him into his world for one short incident, his life spirals even further down.
After an overdose, Alex is put into Nate's care. Nate is all heart, trying to save people from the perils of drugs. As he helps Alex to rehab and stop cutting, the lines between doctor and patient start to blur.
Seriously, this story is amazing, as it contains so much in addition to the romance. Alex's father is abusive, his mother is emotionally absent and is slowly killing herself and he uses cutting to escape. The way that he started using drugs, and the result are just so damn realistic, and terrifying.
This whole story is written with such a raw and honest feel, as Emma Jaye demonstrates such knowledge, compassion and tact in her writing. She doesn't shy away from awful topics, and does a wonderful job of creating intense and multi-layered characters.
So, basically, go, now and read Invisible Ink. I cannot praise this book enough! This Emma Jaye book is well worth your time! And be sure to read the other books in the series, as they are also exquisite.
October 19, 2018
Complimentary copy given by author for an honest review. Thank you Emma J.
*** Note from author: Contains possible triggers for drug use, domestic abuse, self-harm, and social anxiety. ***
This is my first M/M romance and I really enjoyed this story with the slow burn of a romance. I really liked the characters and the flaws that haunt them, which did make the story more real. This story has Alex Fletcher - angelic beauty, abused and not sure how he fit in with the rest of society. Coming from a family of abuse and neglect can make you feel less than zero. Alex knows that in order to make his way in society is to do it hidden under a hoodie and being invisible. He meets Chris Bacon and all of a sudden he sees that he can be 'out there.' His life literally is in the hands sexy Nate Cooper -Doctor, paramedic, drug counsellor **swoon** - when he finds Alex on the floor of a gay club after an OD. Both their lives take on the challenges and joys of love, demons and being true to themselves. I did have to skin a few pages, as I found some parts a bit drawn out but I was still able to keep my attention to the story. I liked that the ending was not a cliffy but had you wanting more. I will be finding the time to read the first two books in this series.
*** Note from author: Contains possible triggers for drug use, domestic abuse, self-harm, and social anxiety. ***
This is my first M/M romance and I really enjoyed this story with the slow burn of a romance. I really liked the characters and the flaws that haunt them, which did make the story more real. This story has Alex Fletcher - angelic beauty, abused and not sure how he fit in with the rest of society. Coming from a family of abuse and neglect can make you feel less than zero. Alex knows that in order to make his way in society is to do it hidden under a hoodie and being invisible. He meets Chris Bacon and all of a sudden he sees that he can be 'out there.' His life literally is in the hands sexy Nate Cooper -Doctor, paramedic, drug counsellor **swoon** - when he finds Alex on the floor of a gay club after an OD. Both their lives take on the challenges and joys of love, demons and being true to themselves. I did have to skin a few pages, as I found some parts a bit drawn out but I was still able to keep my attention to the story. I liked that the ending was not a cliffy but had you wanting more. I will be finding the time to read the first two books in this series.
September 23, 2018
As much as I loved Chris Bacon, I found myself wanting to hug Alex Fletcher and protect him from the world. Since he was four years old, he'd dealt with an abusive father and an alcoholic mother who wouldn't or couldn't protect him. It made perfect sense to me that Alex needed to self harm to ease his agony. Nathan Cooper was a rich man with a hero complex, carved from a painful past. Nate couldn't decide what he wanted to be for Alex, savior, therapist, or lover.
I have to say that there were so many times I wanted to shake Nate for his attitude toward Alex. So many times that his back and forth made Alex's emotional pain worse instead of better. But once Alex began to heal and stand up on his own, and Nate shook off some of his uptight behavior, these two were so wonderful together.
I love the group of friends in this series. It was great to see more of Chris and Jase, and it was even better to get to know more about Alex and Nate. I am very hopeful that there will be more to come in this series, and I look forward to seeing more of these couples and any new ones that are formed.
I have to say that there were so many times I wanted to shake Nate for his attitude toward Alex. So many times that his back and forth made Alex's emotional pain worse instead of better. But once Alex began to heal and stand up on his own, and Nate shook off some of his uptight behavior, these two were so wonderful together.
I love the group of friends in this series. It was great to see more of Chris and Jase, and it was even better to get to know more about Alex and Nate. I am very hopeful that there will be more to come in this series, and I look forward to seeing more of these couples and any new ones that are formed.
October 13, 2018
💖 An amusement park of emotions 💔
I laughed - I cried (those ugly crocodile tears) - I fell in love -
I hoped
This is part of a series - I had no problem reading this as a standalone but I am going back to the beginning - Each of the characters is so memorable and... I just want to grab them and squeeze them and tell them I love them and it's going to be okay
Alex is just trying to survive until "that day" comes - the day when he can escape - the day when he can leave the monster and his nightmare behind - except that day may never come for him- it only takes one moment, one careless act to change your future forever
Nate is trying to make amends with his own conscience by saving the world - one lost soul at a time - one addict - one victim - Alex
This is a slow build romance that just made the final connection between the two main characters that much stronger. They definitely have a long way to go still to cement their relationship and I so foresee that as being an underlying plot line in the future
There are some minor grammatical issues but overall this is truly a must read for those who enjoy the m/m genre- Great story line - strong character cast - loved everything about this read
I laughed - I cried (those ugly crocodile tears) - I fell in love -
I hoped
This is part of a series - I had no problem reading this as a standalone but I am going back to the beginning - Each of the characters is so memorable and... I just want to grab them and squeeze them and tell them I love them and it's going to be okay
Alex is just trying to survive until "that day" comes - the day when he can escape - the day when he can leave the monster and his nightmare behind - except that day may never come for him- it only takes one moment, one careless act to change your future forever
Nate is trying to make amends with his own conscience by saving the world - one lost soul at a time - one addict - one victim - Alex
This is a slow build romance that just made the final connection between the two main characters that much stronger. They definitely have a long way to go still to cement their relationship and I so foresee that as being an underlying plot line in the future
There are some minor grammatical issues but overall this is truly a must read for those who enjoy the m/m genre- Great story line - strong character cast - loved everything about this read
October 16, 2018
This is my first book by Emma Jaye. It hit really close to home. I absolutely loved this book. My emotions were never ending all throughout the book. Alex, teenager with white blonde hair, face of an angel and he says he looks like a girl. He's hiding the fact he's gay. His father is a homophobic who hates gays. So Alex acts likes he hates them too. If Alex does something wrong, his dad beats the crap out of him. His mom don't help she's a drunk and stays drunk. To releave the stress of his home life Alex cuts himself. A guy friend of his gets hit by a car and Alex turns to using heroin. He over doses in a club restroom. That's when Nate comes to his rescue. Nate is a Dr, sexy and gay. A relationship can't happen between the two if he's Alexs DR. They end up in a relationship finally but Alexs dad finds him and beats the crap out of him. I wanted to hug this kid. I felt his pain. I'm glad Nate came along when he did.
October 12, 2018
This book hit so close to home it isn't even funny. Reading through Alex's struggles was almost like reliving certain parts of my life.
To watch him overcome substance abuse and self harm was empowering. Seeing it from Nate's side, knowing how the loved ones of an addict feel, it really brought some things to light for me.
The love story emerges as Alex going from a shy kid afraid of the world to being a strong, confident man. It was simply amazing.
Alex had his set backs, like every addict does (because drugs/alcohol isn't the only addiction, self halm is also an addiction), but he got through them. The author showed that even through recovery, he still struggled. Showing the true struggle and pain an addict goes through isn't easy. Many people don't understand it at all. But here, there was so much understanding, so much truth, so much realism. I applaud the author for truly getting the real message about addiction out there.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series and see what's next for Alex, Nate, Chris and Jase!
To watch him overcome substance abuse and self harm was empowering. Seeing it from Nate's side, knowing how the loved ones of an addict feel, it really brought some things to light for me.
The love story emerges as Alex going from a shy kid afraid of the world to being a strong, confident man. It was simply amazing.
Alex had his set backs, like every addict does (because drugs/alcohol isn't the only addiction, self halm is also an addiction), but he got through them. The author showed that even through recovery, he still struggled. Showing the true struggle and pain an addict goes through isn't easy. Many people don't understand it at all. But here, there was so much understanding, so much truth, so much realism. I applaud the author for truly getting the real message about addiction out there.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series and see what's next for Alex, Nate, Chris and Jase!
January 4, 2021
Nate and Alex were two of my favorite side characters form the first two books and their story takes place during the events of book 2 for the most part.
My God this book made me cry like a baby. Big, ugly tears. I didn’t think it would be possible but I actually liked it even more than the first two books and I gave them both five stars. I love Chris, he’s an incredible character but he’s like a superhero, horrible things happen to him and he just bounces back. And I love that about him but Alex’s story and reactions felt more relatable (to me at least). It was like I was hurting with him, I was crushed. This book just sucked me in. I think it’s a really powerful story. Absolutely heartbreaking but amazing. And please read the trigger warnings before reading it.
My God this book made me cry like a baby. Big, ugly tears. I didn’t think it would be possible but I actually liked it even more than the first two books and I gave them both five stars. I love Chris, he’s an incredible character but he’s like a superhero, horrible things happen to him and he just bounces back. And I love that about him but Alex’s story and reactions felt more relatable (to me at least). It was like I was hurting with him, I was crushed. This book just sucked me in. I think it’s a really powerful story. Absolutely heartbreaking but amazing. And please read the trigger warnings before reading it.
September 18, 2018
A must read!!
Another great book in this series! The journey that Emma Jaye took me on was an emotionally passionate rollercoaster that I could feel as I laughed, cried, and yelled at the main characters through this story. This comes with a trigger warning that is necessary. The way she writes about physical abuse, self harm, and drug abuse and how it affects everyone involved is tastefully written, and brought out in a way that had me wishing that I could be connected to these characters beyond the pages and cover of this book. Also, I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Another great book in this series! The journey that Emma Jaye took me on was an emotionally passionate rollercoaster that I could feel as I laughed, cried, and yelled at the main characters through this story. This comes with a trigger warning that is necessary. The way she writes about physical abuse, self harm, and drug abuse and how it affects everyone involved is tastefully written, and brought out in a way that had me wishing that I could be connected to these characters beyond the pages and cover of this book. Also, I can't wait for the next book in this series!
October 14, 2018
I was hesitant to read this book. I usually stay away from what I feel will be depressing sad books. However I was pleasantly surprised by how the author was able to take this story and draw me in. Abuse, self harming and drug addiction is a slippery slope that she handled perfectly. I was able to connect with the characters and feel their pain, smile with them in joy when they were happy and be jumping up with excitement when they finally found their love together.
What I thought would be sad and depressing turned into sweet and caring! It turned into love!!!
I definitely recommend this boom 💜.
What I thought would be sad and depressing turned into sweet and caring! It turned into love!!!
I definitely recommend this boom 💜.
December 23, 2019
The story of Alex and Nate turned out to be my favourite so far. The angst given by Alex with Nate contributing to it with his saviour complex. And while I thought him charming in the other books, I felt I had a bone to pick with him in this one.
This book dug deep as I read it, the struggles Alex goes through kept me glued to the pages and I loved how he grew as a person throughout. It had an easy flow where what happened seemed natural and with no magical fix to his issues.
What still bugs me, since we get another meeting with Daniel and the blanks from book two is filled in, is that Jase didn't beat the man in to a pulp. It will forever vex me.
This book dug deep as I read it, the struggles Alex goes through kept me glued to the pages and I loved how he grew as a person throughout. It had an easy flow where what happened seemed natural and with no magical fix to his issues.
What still bugs me, since we get another meeting with Daniel and the blanks from book two is filled in, is that Jase didn't beat the man in to a pulp. It will forever vex me.
October 15, 2018
I'm not too sure how to describe it. It was my first read by Emma. I wanted more, but I guess that'll come with the next book. I did love this: "This is your mission should you choose to accept it. Get him a fucking tan, he looks like a milk bottle that’s been attacked with a sharpie.” Too funny. You'll laugh, cry, some might relate, but overall I thought it was still pretty good. I love the chemistry, but with conditions. Maybe I should've read 1 & 2 first even though you don't have to. I'm ready to see what happens next.
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