Bad Ink

by Megan Hetherington

An inked fighter.
Mother to his child.
A debt he has to pay off.
And a decision she has to make.

Isaac:
Seven years ago I swore not to do anything stupid and return the same man.
My heartfelt promise was soon forgotten as I strived to survive the hell-hole of a Mexican prison.
And now I’m back, not by choice, I have a debt to pay.
But there’s a complication.
And even though it was obvious at some point I would see her, I never planned for it to be like this. Or for her to look the way she does. A beautiful woman with curves in all the right places and wearing a dress that makes her look as hot as a fucking poker.
Nor did I expect an immediate spark between us. And from thirty feet it looks a whole lot like desire.
Fuck. This complicates everything.
Every. Fucking. Thing.

Cate:
I’ve learned to live without him, scratch that, I’ve learned to live.
But he’s always there.
Every day I’ve looked into eyes as unique as his. Run my hand through hair the same shade and trailed a fingertip across lips with the same texture.
There’s no mistaking who my daughter’s father is.
And it taunts and rewards me every single day.
I could never forget him even if I tried.
But now he’s back, and the dark, lustful glint in his eye is terrifying. I’ve never had anything as intense directed at me.
He’s too much of a man now. Or beast.

If you like steamy reads with suspenseful twists then you’ll love this full-length standalone from Megan Hetherington.

Genres: Second Chance, Dark Romance, Sports, Romance, Fighters, Crime, Contemporary

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2019

About the author

A wife and mom, escaping reality one book at a time. A sucker for an HEA.

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www.meganhetherington.co.uk

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Reviews

[Audra Thacker · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was just not it. I had so many problems with this book. I DNF’d around 60% because I just could not read anymore. It seemed very juvenile in writing and the dialogue. Some spoilers.

Our FMC is a single mom. Ok awesome. However in the half the book I read most of her interactions with her own child happened over the phone while her daughter was with her mom. And it seemed she cared more about going out to drink and hook up. Nothing wrong with a mom getting a break. But it felt like that’s all she talked about. She mentioned her daughter had some issues. I’m guessing autism maybe? But she kinda glossed over it. And there wasn’t any real information or talk about it.

Now to our MC. I didn’t care much for him. He comes back for revenge cool he deserves it. But idk I don’t really like the “sucking up” to the man who’s responsible for him going to prison trope. Also when he admits he knew his ex had their daughter for a pretty good chunk of time. She saw their kids named tattooed on him and he says nothing. Like why not just be honest it’s not that damn hard.

Over all this book was just not it for me. I skimmed a lot of what I did read and didn’t finish it. I couldn’t get into the story and o didn’t like either of the main characters. There wasn’t anything to keep me interested in finishing the story. This book may be for some but it was a hard pass for me.

[Taz · Rating 1 out of 5]

The "bad" from the title is very accurate.

Disliked every character even the kid.

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super read from Megan it was really well written and had enough twists and turns to pull me in and keep me hooked. This is Cate and Isaac's story and while I did feel for him and what he went through I thought Cate deserved so much more than what she got I did enjoy their story though

[Amani · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title Bad Ink refers to the ink that was used to write this book. The only twist in this book is how quickly your neck as a reader will twist when you’re trying to figure out in which page did they magically realize they were back together. I don’t get it. She’s a single mom and she talks how important it is and how much she’s sacrificed. But yet there’s more scenes of her doing literally anything else but being a mom. She’s supposed to be a really smart lawyer, but she just comes off as whiny and so so dumb. I don’t even want to talk about the guy because he was the worst. He says he’s still in love with her and knew she has his kid for MONTHS BEFORE THEY MEET AGAIN, yet he spent most of his time banging random women, and we’re supposed to just go with it because he made a passcode her birthday and their daughters. May this type of love and book never find me again.

[Alex E. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Writing was good but the MMC keeps pounding on other women after he sees again his.first.love and mother of his child. We get explicit scenes where he is rough with other women saying they are all wrong and not his Cate, but he doesn't have a problem getting off. O yeah it's just physical and they don't matter.
What a hot pile of shit.
Definitely not my type of romance.
Small win for Cate having a friend's with benefits situation, although Nate could definitely be a better candidate.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of suspense

Very well written plot with suspense throughout. There is a little bit of everything from drama to a happy ending.

The characters are well developed with their entwined history and I was glad the book ended the way it did.

[TTP]

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This us a new author for me but I had to click on it, between the cover and blurb, I was hooked. I am so glad I did! What a great second chance story for Issac and Cate. Cate cannot forget about Issac even if she wanted to. She loved that boy but at the time, it just was not meant to be. Fate was cruel enough to remind her every day just how much Issac meant to her by looking into her daughter's face and seeing Issac looking back at her. She has done well for herself as she went into law in college and graduated. Issac has many reasons to be secretive and hesitant, he spent seven years in a Mexican prison after a disastrous trip to Mexico with Cate and several friends. Now he is back as an MMA fighter. Apparantly, fate has come back into the picture as Cate and Issac's paths cross again. The chemistry is still there but can both characters open up and spill their secrets to one another in order for a HEA? This book was a great read for me, the story was well written, you got detailed characters and were able to feel like you were apart of Cate and Issac's journey along the way. Not an easy journey. When you are both trying to move forward but need to travel back into the torturious past in order to get your future, can you do it? Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MaLoBe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically twisted, dark, suspenseful story set in the cruel crime world

I would love to read such stories every time I reach for a new book. This new to me author gave me all I crave from the well written story such as great and instant connection with the heroine and feeling that I got on the journey together with her. That I could easily relate to what she was going through and what she felt. Hated the hero so much, especially when heroine was suffering and really wanted for her to show him that he is not important for her anymore, that she moved on. What this skilful writing provided in the second part of the book was even more intriguing and captivating. Story line unravelled beautifully and provided a lot of mystery, suspense, drama and many twists and turns that were hard to foresee. Congrats to the author to fool me and get me into the place she probably wanted me to be as confused as main characters and in the dark as what was to happen next. Fantastic book and for sure one of the many from this author I will read.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaac was betrayed by his friends at the border & left to rot in a Mexican prison. This hardened him & to survive he got in with the wrong crowd. He's now an underground fighter & becomes involved with a former friend to exact revenge.
Cate was left behind after his imprisonment & her future plans were also shattered. He cut off all ties with her & now he's released wants nothing to do with her. He's also turned into a bit of a womaniser. However the attraction is still there & Issac especially is having hard time fighting it. Perhaps he has a reason for this as the tale leads into some suspense & intrigue.
Cate is also keeping a secret from him & doesn't know what to do about it seeing he is all over the place with his emotions.
This story contains a bit of everything which keeps the reader interested & wanting for more.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. 4.5*

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartbreaker of a story. Cate was a great character who deserved better than Raul. I thought the author added a twist that was believable and interesting and added a great deal of tension to the story. I didn't like how he handled it though as he had already put her through so much. I kept in mind that he didn't choose to have what happened in the beginning but I was offended on her behalf regardless. A good story.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Isaac took the rap for a drug shipment gone bad. While he was in a Mexican prison, Cate did her best to raise their daughter alone. When he came back into her life, she wanted to tell him about Hope. He kept trying to push her away, but their connection made that almost impossible. Isaac stops at nothing to protect what’s his. Great story about second chances and taking care of what matters most!

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second chance romance with Isaac and Cate. Torn apart by circumstances when they were younger, they have met up by chance again. The chemistry between them is still there even though they don't want it to be. They both have secrets to hide. Will Cate tell Isaac about their child? Will Isaac continue with his plan for revenge against those who sent him to a Mexican prison or give it up for Cate?

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book with no obligation.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing second chance suspense romance. It is a captivating engaging page turner, well-written with a well-developed plot. Not a short story; however, the information provided was very necessary and captivating. It is an emotional on the edge of your seat read as the characters try to handle a number of ups and downs. The story unfolded quite nicely and I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists, turns, drama, action, lies, love, doubts and second chances are all in this story that is my first book I’ve read by this author. She has done a great job bringing this plot to life. The characters do some strange things, but people often do strange things! The main characters have amazing chemistry that has stood the test of time and a Mexican prison. An enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isaac takes the fall and ends up in a Mexican prison for 7years after he returns to his hometown he tries to make a fresh start. Cate has spent the last 7 years raising their daughter, building a better life for both of them.
Can love be enough to risk everything? What limits would you allow to come between your happiness? I enjoyed reading this. I received an ARC and volunteered to review it.

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second chance/secret baby romance. It was well written and the attraction between Cate and Isaac can be felt vibrating off the pages. I loved how the book played out and I would recommend it to others

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very intrigued by the summary of this book. I was not disappointed at all when I read this story. This is a good story with drama, emotion and so much more. I felt for the main characters and how theirs lived unfolded. It's a really good story that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end.

[Carissa Micale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a hard time putting this book down. It definitely kept my interest. This was my first book my this author, but I would love to read more. I highly recommend this book for those who love romance and a good story line!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intense dramatic read. Well written with wonderful characters and storyline. Keeps you reading page after page to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BookLover1990 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and the characters. I was well written and drew my attention in. I would recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, enjoyable read.

I felt that the author had the ability to convey some depth to the personalities of the characters bringing a greater sense of reality to her story, which is tough to do in a shorter read.

I received a copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow burn. I wasn't sure how I felt about this book in the beginning and it was my first by this author, but I fell in love and was captivated with the story!

[Rhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read, not too complex and a good story to follow. It had a good twist.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging, romance story that is dark twisted suspense. Intriguing well-connected characters. Well written book, I enjoyed reading. I have voluntarily chosen to read and review this book.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was gripping, well written & the chemistry between the characters sizzled throughout this wonderful read.

Well done Megan. I look forward to more!

[Ida Havard · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was going SOOOO good, and then... UGH
Right at the 50% mark one of my biggest icks happens... which is, secrets inside the POV we're reading. Get this, we are reading a dual POV right? it means we are privy to the thoughts of both MC, their inner dialogue, their most intimate thoughts... so you're telling me that for 50%+ of this book this man FAILS to tell us that he KNEW all along he had a daughter and knew all along where his ex was and what she was about... MIND YOU, he acts ALL surprised when he sees her, has thoughts about how she has changed, how different she looks from the past and what not... but he KNEW and he decided to what? not think about it for half of the book? hide it from himself? really?
After this I couldn't... I finished because it is hard for me to DNF a book, but again, for 50% of it this book was looking at a solid 4 stars, and then, you trick me with this mind hiding thing... get out

[Cookie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was painful to read. I barely crawled my way to 47%, and that was with some Olympic-level skimming. When I saw it was set in San Diego, I thought, “Cool! Maybe they’ll mention some places I actually know.” Nope. Just one nod to somewhere near the border, and that’s it.

It’s also clearly written by someone not from here, probably the UK, which would be fine if the characters were too. But they’re supposed to be from San Diego and use terms we do not use here. They also say things like “going upstate.” Nobody in California says “upstate.” You go to LA, the Bay, or somewhere with a decent taco stand, not “upstate.”

The plot? A slow-motion train wreck. So far, we’ve got a single mom who leaves her kid with Grandma so she can go out drinking and hooking up, and some guy fresh out of a Mexican jail driving a ridiculously expensive car while living in an apartment that costs $20,000 a week.

[Well Read Nurse · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this.
And I love the premise
But I personally could not stand how much basic spanish was included.Now hear me out.

There was no intention with the use. i wasn't sure if elliot was latinx or playing latinx or what but the amount of times he called the f.M c chica in one scene annoyed the s*** out of me. if you're going to make a character latinx, make sure you use more than one or two words in spanish. and if he's not let the next, what was the reason?

And I can't remember the other word that was thrown in there. And I felt like it was weird, because we did have the mexican jail plotline, it just did not feel authentic!

It was like, oh, we're going to throw some Latinx characters here, but give no actual latinx characters....

[Aria Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Literally only gave it 3 stars (which in my mind was more like 3.75 ⭐️) because of the errors in the book. There were alot of times where I had to stop and reread a sentence or an entire paragraph to make sure I wasn’t reading it wrong. I loved the story and the characters, but the editors should have caught the mistakes. Could have easily been at LEAST a 4.5 ⭐️ read for me, if not for the errors.