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Black Ink Heart
He has something that belongs to her, something he can’t give back…
Nakita Faulkner may be straight-laced, but she's never one to back down from a bet with her twin brother. That's how she finds herself reluctantly getting her first tattoo. Her attraction to her sexy tattooist makes the whole situation even more awkward. Still, there’s no way she’d ever have anything to do with someone like him—she has a plan for her life and she’s sticking with it.
Lennox Conrad—Nox—a tattooist with a troubled past is trying to get his life back on track. When Nakita walks into his parlour, Nox is more than a little intrigued by the uptight redhead, determined to get a tattoo she clearly doesn’t want. As drawn as he is to her, bookish innocents really aren’t his type. Besides, there are circumstances beyond his control and time is running out.
One night Nakita’s world is turned upside down. A strange twist of fate throws her back into the path of Nox. She discovers something about him that compels her to make an unusual proposition—a proposition he cannot refuse.
Will the very thing that draws them together, tear them apart?
Black Ink Heart is a captivating and powerful love story about choosing when to hold on and when to let go. If you like raw emotion, sensual romance and compelling characters, then you’ll adore this much-loved standalone romance.
Nakita Faulkner may be straight-laced, but she's never one to back down from a bet with her twin brother. That's how she finds herself reluctantly getting her first tattoo. Her attraction to her sexy tattooist makes the whole situation even more awkward. Still, there’s no way she’d ever have anything to do with someone like him—she has a plan for her life and she’s sticking with it.
Lennox Conrad—Nox—a tattooist with a troubled past is trying to get his life back on track. When Nakita walks into his parlour, Nox is more than a little intrigued by the uptight redhead, determined to get a tattoo she clearly doesn’t want. As drawn as he is to her, bookish innocents really aren’t his type. Besides, there are circumstances beyond his control and time is running out.
One night Nakita’s world is turned upside down. A strange twist of fate throws her back into the path of Nox. She discovers something about him that compels her to make an unusual proposition—a proposition he cannot refuse.
Will the very thing that draws them together, tear them apart?
Black Ink Heart is a captivating and powerful love story about choosing when to hold on and when to let go. If you like raw emotion, sensual romance and compelling characters, then you’ll adore this much-loved standalone romance.
- GenresContemporary
310 pages, Paperback
Published May 17, 2017
51 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
Laurinda Lawrence
4 books21 followersThe daughter of oyster farmers, Laurinda embraced her tomboy spirit, exploring the mangroves of her creekside property with her three big brothers and a revolving cast of noteworthy characters who continue to be part of the legend of the oyster farm.
Her unwavering faith in the magic of happily-ever-afters was ignited during an unforgettable punt ride along the Hawkesbury River. Here, her mother gifted her Gone with the Wind, a cherished find from a second-hand bookstore.
At eighteen, Laurinda embarked on her own love story, marrying her high-school sweetheart. Together, they built their home in Newcastle, raising their three children.
Laurinda's daytime role as a school chaplain is complemented by her passion for writing, seizing every opportunity to breathe life into the characters she creates. Her literary journey has resulted in three novels: Black Ink Heart, The Law of Entanglement, and Hating Makenzie Porter.
Her unwavering faith in the magic of happily-ever-afters was ignited during an unforgettable punt ride along the Hawkesbury River. Here, her mother gifted her Gone with the Wind, a cherished find from a second-hand bookstore.
At eighteen, Laurinda embarked on her own love story, marrying her high-school sweetheart. Together, they built their home in Newcastle, raising their three children.
Laurinda's daytime role as a school chaplain is complemented by her passion for writing, seizing every opportunity to breathe life into the characters she creates. Her literary journey has resulted in three novels: Black Ink Heart, The Law of Entanglement, and Hating Makenzie Porter.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 17, 2017
Real and raw and beautiful.
This novel touched my heart somewhere deep inside. It explores this mess that we call life, facing love, grief and loss head-on.
The author brilliantly weaves a complex tale, challenging Nakita and Nox with their greatest fears and giving the reader no choice but to be drawn in until they love the characters and live their lives with them. I felt every hurt, every hope, every tear and every triumph. I would warn the reader to choose an appropriate time to read this novel; to be prepared to laugh and cry with abandon as you are swept along.
Nakita is the most interesting of organised, conservative characters I have ever ‘met’. Will is delightful and trying to describe Nox would not do him justice the way the author has done. The supporting characters have a life of their own, each playing a significant role.
The twists in the story are believable and make an impact, touching the heart and challenging the beliefs we all have deep down.
I would not normally read such a sensual novel and yet to be real, to acknowledge what life is like, it could not be any other way. The author was tasteful, but didn’t hold back in drawing the reader into every thought and passion the characters experienced.
There was language in the novel, yet when it was used, it fit. It was not overdone and was necessary to make the characters real. It was used whenever that was the only appropriate word to use to express the situation.
This story will stay with me for a long time. To write like this, the author has obviously lived life to the full, experiencing its richness, its real, messy heartache and joy. A brilliant debut novel from this author!
This novel touched my heart somewhere deep inside. It explores this mess that we call life, facing love, grief and loss head-on.
The author brilliantly weaves a complex tale, challenging Nakita and Nox with their greatest fears and giving the reader no choice but to be drawn in until they love the characters and live their lives with them. I felt every hurt, every hope, every tear and every triumph. I would warn the reader to choose an appropriate time to read this novel; to be prepared to laugh and cry with abandon as you are swept along.
Nakita is the most interesting of organised, conservative characters I have ever ‘met’. Will is delightful and trying to describe Nox would not do him justice the way the author has done. The supporting characters have a life of their own, each playing a significant role.
The twists in the story are believable and make an impact, touching the heart and challenging the beliefs we all have deep down.
I would not normally read such a sensual novel and yet to be real, to acknowledge what life is like, it could not be any other way. The author was tasteful, but didn’t hold back in drawing the reader into every thought and passion the characters experienced.
There was language in the novel, yet when it was used, it fit. It was not overdone and was necessary to make the characters real. It was used whenever that was the only appropriate word to use to express the situation.
This story will stay with me for a long time. To write like this, the author has obviously lived life to the full, experiencing its richness, its real, messy heartache and joy. A brilliant debut novel from this author!
July 8, 2017
Read and reviewed by my wife Meghan...
This is a nicely presented romance novel which seems to be aimed at the late teen/early twenties reader and features some interesting and unforeseen plot twists that held my attention easily. I'm well into my 40's and I found it to be perfectly enjoyable, reminding me a lot of romance novels that I used to read during my teenage years, a time when my world-view was a little less tempered by life's trials.
Generally, it's a well executed story where love truly does conquer all, having at it's center an unlikely romantic connection between characters that have nothing in common until dramatic events bring them together in an unusual way. Sure, some of the plot elements are a little predictable and a tad unrealistic in a "real world" sense (to my slightly cynical middle-aged mind, anyway), but given the intended audience I think that they're quite appropriate and in keeping with the sort of novel this is. There were many times when I was really looking forward to immersing myself in the story to relax, it being a nice escape from my own world into a place where things are a little more "ideal", so to speak. The ending is particularly good with a final crescendo that I loved and which worked well.
The story flows great and has nicely divided chapters which make it an easy book to read, also helped by good spelling and grammar. The language and dialogue is spot-on, age-appropriate in every way and the intimacy contained in the story-line is alluded to rather than being explicitly portrayed. The rest is left to the imagination, no slap-in-the-face explicit sex scenes here which is tasteful and enhances the general feel of the book.
In summary, Black Ink Heart is an entertaining novel from an author who seems to know how to deliver a classic romance where things ultimately work together for good and teach the philosophical lesson that sometimes we just have to take a long hard look to decide which things are truly important. A recommended feel-good read for those who like stories with feeling.
This is a nicely presented romance novel which seems to be aimed at the late teen/early twenties reader and features some interesting and unforeseen plot twists that held my attention easily. I'm well into my 40's and I found it to be perfectly enjoyable, reminding me a lot of romance novels that I used to read during my teenage years, a time when my world-view was a little less tempered by life's trials.
Generally, it's a well executed story where love truly does conquer all, having at it's center an unlikely romantic connection between characters that have nothing in common until dramatic events bring them together in an unusual way. Sure, some of the plot elements are a little predictable and a tad unrealistic in a "real world" sense (to my slightly cynical middle-aged mind, anyway), but given the intended audience I think that they're quite appropriate and in keeping with the sort of novel this is. There were many times when I was really looking forward to immersing myself in the story to relax, it being a nice escape from my own world into a place where things are a little more "ideal", so to speak. The ending is particularly good with a final crescendo that I loved and which worked well.
The story flows great and has nicely divided chapters which make it an easy book to read, also helped by good spelling and grammar. The language and dialogue is spot-on, age-appropriate in every way and the intimacy contained in the story-line is alluded to rather than being explicitly portrayed. The rest is left to the imagination, no slap-in-the-face explicit sex scenes here which is tasteful and enhances the general feel of the book.
In summary, Black Ink Heart is an entertaining novel from an author who seems to know how to deliver a classic romance where things ultimately work together for good and teach the philosophical lesson that sometimes we just have to take a long hard look to decide which things are truly important. A recommended feel-good read for those who like stories with feeling.
May 30, 2017
For those of you who know me, you're probably thinking, "OK, the Lisa I know doesn't usually read romances - where has she gone?" And it's true - romance is not my preferred genre - too many cliches, too many one-dimensional characters and too many awfully written sex scenes.
But Black Ink Heart is a breath of fresh air! Laurinda Lawrence has written a thoughtful, well-paced novel with believable characters whom I can imagine myself meeting in my little coastal town.
Sure, there's the usual frisson of unresolved sexual tension, but Lawrence weaves this into a tender narrative about real people who are struggling to deal with loss, disappointment, grief and fear.
It's great to be enveloped in a story where the characters are believably flawed, where their mistakes and bad choices are understandable and where you see them grow and develop.
If you want to laugh, cry, dream and reflect on life as you read - and have a huge dollop of romance on the side 😊 - then read Black Ink Heart. Laurinda Lawrence has released a stunning debut novel - I hope it's the first of many.
But Black Ink Heart is a breath of fresh air! Laurinda Lawrence has written a thoughtful, well-paced novel with believable characters whom I can imagine myself meeting in my little coastal town.
Sure, there's the usual frisson of unresolved sexual tension, but Lawrence weaves this into a tender narrative about real people who are struggling to deal with loss, disappointment, grief and fear.
It's great to be enveloped in a story where the characters are believably flawed, where their mistakes and bad choices are understandable and where you see them grow and develop.
If you want to laugh, cry, dream and reflect on life as you read - and have a huge dollop of romance on the side 😊 - then read Black Ink Heart. Laurinda Lawrence has released a stunning debut novel - I hope it's the first of many.
June 28, 2017
Wow!! I couldn't put this book down. I fell in love with the characters. The story line was original with some unexpected twists to keep me on my toes. I finished the book wanting more, is there a sequel coming?
July 8, 2018
I read this novel back in January whilst on holidays
My sister recommended it to me.
I didn't put it down from the time I started reading it!! And my family of women, couldn't wait for me to finish so they could discuss the novel with me as it is their favourite read too!
I so loved the characters, twists,romance and suspense
We all love the title!!!!
What an achievement by this Author.
Thank you for letting me escape and taking me on a journey inside this beautifully written novel 🖤
My sister recommended it to me.
I didn't put it down from the time I started reading it!! And my family of women, couldn't wait for me to finish so they could discuss the novel with me as it is their favourite read too!
I so loved the characters, twists,romance and suspense
We all love the title!!!!
What an achievement by this Author.
Thank you for letting me escape and taking me on a journey inside this beautifully written novel 🖤
April 7, 2021
Stunning
This is a absolutely beautiful story. One of the most beautiful couples I’ve ever read about. Sometimes when you read a romance you can love the story and it can stay with you but the story’s so great that it could be any two people put together. But with this story, it truely was meant to be these two people. Best chemistry! This was my first book by this another and I’m so excited to continue on reading her work
This is a absolutely beautiful story. One of the most beautiful couples I’ve ever read about. Sometimes when you read a romance you can love the story and it can stay with you but the story’s so great that it could be any two people put together. But with this story, it truely was meant to be these two people. Best chemistry! This was my first book by this another and I’m so excited to continue on reading her work
September 8, 2017
This story is utterly captivating. The characters jumped out of the page and straight into my heart. I loved Nox, he was amazing and the way he cared for Nakita and EmmyLou was incredible. Nakita went through a lot but was so strong and resilient and caring. Her story will stay with me.
I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to Laurinda Lawrence's next one.
I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to Laurinda Lawrence's next one.
September 27, 2017
Really enjoyed this book, it had me feeling all kinds of emotional. It was sweet, tragic, sad, heartwarming. It's very tame and different than a lot of the books I read but because it was so well written especially considering the subject matter, which in my opinion could have bordered on trite or cheesy- for me it wasn't those things, it worked. I even teared up a bit while reading it.
February 22, 2018
Fresh, powerful, and beautifully written. A very unique story.
June 22, 2018
Absolutely loved this read! The story kept me engaged from start to finish. I loved they way in which it was written. It made me smile, it made me cry, it even gave me goose bumps. Highly recommended!
June 22, 2018
Absolutely brilliant. I love everything thing about this book. Great storyline and great characters. I have recommended this book to so many people.
June 22, 2018
Loved this book! Love, laughter and tears all in the first few chapters. Laurinda has been able to capture the essence of all the characters beautifully. Cant recommend this book enough.
August 31, 2019
Beautiful and redeeming!
January 27, 2024
2.5 - I enjoyed the first half but much of the second half had me rolling my eyes and it could have used another ten rounds of edits but the story was cute
October 3, 2020
An absolutely amazing and inspiring story, with the perfect amount of romance. I loved every minute of it and I would definitely read it again if I can forget the plot!
October 22, 2017
☆☆☆
It was just ok for me! The first half of the story, I was pulled right in, but the second half I was doing some eye rolling! I know Nikita had been through alot, but she acted immature & silly at times! There was too much flip flopping & I couldn't keep up. With that all being said, I did appreciate the writing & will check out this new author in the future:)
It was just ok for me! The first half of the story, I was pulled right in, but the second half I was doing some eye rolling! I know Nikita had been through alot, but she acted immature & silly at times! There was too much flip flopping & I couldn't keep up. With that all being said, I did appreciate the writing & will check out this new author in the future:)
October 29, 2017
5Star Fantastic!
I must say Laurinda you had me!!
I laughed, cried and got frustrated but all in all the book was bloody fantastic.
There are times when I wanted to slap the shiet out of Nakita but, then I remmbered why she was like that.
What an awsome read...
I must say Laurinda you had me!!
I laughed, cried and got frustrated but all in all the book was bloody fantastic.
There are times when I wanted to slap the shiet out of Nakita but, then I remmbered why she was like that.
What an awsome read...
August 21, 2017
A great read with believable characters and great story line full of twist and turns.
October 23, 2017
Black Ink Heart is well written and a great read...Loved the twist towards the end!....It's a clear example of how "Love Conquers All".......
February 5, 2020
Sadly, this is not a book for me. I was hoping I would love it since it's set in Australia, however it's very rare to find an Australian author that can actually create and successfully produce a story.
The characters are dull; they're not fleshed out enough and what is there is very bland.
The dialogue felt rehearsed and not natural at all, which affected the realism.
The emotions...well, there aren't any. Spoiler...the main character's twin brother dies and there's barely any emotional description, and what is there is very weak. It should have been a gut-wrenching moment, but it wasn't. If you can't even make the readers feel, what's the point of writing?
The plot...wow. How completely unoriginal and predicable and unbelievable. Soon as I noticed where it was going, I threw in the towel.
The characters are dull; they're not fleshed out enough and what is there is very bland.
The dialogue felt rehearsed and not natural at all, which affected the realism.
The emotions...well, there aren't any. Spoiler...the main character's twin brother dies and there's barely any emotional description, and what is there is very weak. It should have been a gut-wrenching moment, but it wasn't. If you can't even make the readers feel, what's the point of writing?
The plot...wow. How completely unoriginal and predicable and unbelievable. Soon as I noticed where it was going, I threw in the towel.
December 4, 2023
There aren’t many authors on my auto buy list, but Laurinda Lawrence is right at the top.
I’d read her second two books and when I came across The Black Ink Heart, I was keen to read her debut novel. It didn’t disappoint.
Engaging characters with fabulous wit and a compelling premise, I couldn’t put it down.
As soon as I finished I wrote to the Laurinda, and she requested that I copy and paste my response to this unputdownable story. So here you go.
You slay me!
Good grief woman, talk about unputdownable.
Started the prologue on my way home on Saturday and read the rest after I got home yesterday. From approximately 4.30 to midnight- didn’t even bother stopping to eat. I went to bed without any food!!!
What a twist, I was bawling.
Don’t ever stop writing!
I’d read her second two books and when I came across The Black Ink Heart, I was keen to read her debut novel. It didn’t disappoint.
Engaging characters with fabulous wit and a compelling premise, I couldn’t put it down.
As soon as I finished I wrote to the Laurinda, and she requested that I copy and paste my response to this unputdownable story. So here you go.
You slay me!
Good grief woman, talk about unputdownable.
Started the prologue on my way home on Saturday and read the rest after I got home yesterday. From approximately 4.30 to midnight- didn’t even bother stopping to eat. I went to bed without any food!!!
What a twist, I was bawling.
Don’t ever stop writing!
December 7, 2019
Fabulous story! Brilliant writing!
Laurinda Lawerence’s word use was so powerful and detailed that I felt as if I knew the characters personally and would love to have a coffee with them sometime. She had the perfect balance of detail making it an enjoyable read. Absolutely captivating book, and I couldn’t put it down!! No loose ends AND a satisfying ending which I love, love! Highly recommended as a beautiful story about the messiness of real-life.
Laurinda Lawerence’s word use was so powerful and detailed that I felt as if I knew the characters personally and would love to have a coffee with them sometime. She had the perfect balance of detail making it an enjoyable read. Absolutely captivating book, and I couldn’t put it down!! No loose ends AND a satisfying ending which I love, love! Highly recommended as a beautiful story about the messiness of real-life.
October 31, 2018
A beautiful story
First time reading a book from this author. It was an emotional book and fell in love with Nox not so much with Nakita at times I found her annoying. There's not much love scenes but overall the story was great and couldn't put the book down. Towards the end story was rushed and didn't go into depths
First time reading a book from this author. It was an emotional book and fell in love with Nox not so much with Nakita at times I found her annoying. There's not much love scenes but overall the story was great and couldn't put the book down. Towards the end story was rushed and didn't go into depths
May 24, 2020
The writing and the plot was something different to what i'm used to and the scenes pictured were beautiful in terms of the place it was set. I could almost feel the breeze of the beach and the calm and quaint suburb/coastal town house of Nikita. I was happy with the ending the main character received as it was well-deserved given the hardships and weird turmoils they had to face.
June 26, 2021
I didn't enjoy reading this the way it was written.. but it was a good story line and a fast read
December 27, 2021
2.5 ⭐️
December 31, 2024
A great twist. A good book. It perhaps took a while to get going though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews