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Irons and Works #7
Scratcher
“I meant it when I said I love you. I was afraid I wouldn’t know it when I finally felt it, but I do.”
No last names.
No second dates.
No staying over.
Those three hook-up rules are only things keeping new tattoo artist, Micah, afloat in his love life, because without them, he’ll spiral. His BPD doesn’t define who he is, but it makes him love hard, and love fast. It makes him burn bright, until everything around him is consumed. He has his job at Irons and Works and his friendship with the other artists to keep him centered, and the rest is just… details.
But when a gorgeous man in a rumpled polo with the weight of the world on his shoulders walks into a bar one Thursday night, everything that holds Micah’s routine together is tested. Because the moment Ryan opens his mouth, Micah wants.
But Ryan’s life is just as complicated, if not more so.
Micah’s willing to bend the rules for him, but Ryan isn’t able to offer more than their Thursday night hook-ups, and he has no plans to tell Micah why.
For the first time in his life, Micah wants to fight to keep what he has, he just needs to know that Ryan is willing to give him something worth fighting for.
Scratcher is the seventh book in the Irons and Works series which are best read in order. It contains no cheating and a happily ever after.
No last names.
No second dates.
No staying over.
Those three hook-up rules are only things keeping new tattoo artist, Micah, afloat in his love life, because without them, he’ll spiral. His BPD doesn’t define who he is, but it makes him love hard, and love fast. It makes him burn bright, until everything around him is consumed. He has his job at Irons and Works and his friendship with the other artists to keep him centered, and the rest is just… details.
But when a gorgeous man in a rumpled polo with the weight of the world on his shoulders walks into a bar one Thursday night, everything that holds Micah’s routine together is tested. Because the moment Ryan opens his mouth, Micah wants.
But Ryan’s life is just as complicated, if not more so.
Micah’s willing to bend the rules for him, but Ryan isn’t able to offer more than their Thursday night hook-ups, and he has no plans to tell Micah why.
For the first time in his life, Micah wants to fight to keep what he has, he just needs to know that Ryan is willing to give him something worth fighting for.
Scratcher is the seventh book in the Irons and Works series which are best read in order. It contains no cheating and a happily ever after.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2021
112 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
143 books1,375 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
September 15, 2021
As a person who lives with BPD I feel so excited and validated that someone has finally written a multi-facted, genuine and - most importantly - main character who lives with BPD.
Micah is an excellent character, written with EM Lindsey's characteristic empathy and sensitivity. I cried a couple of times because I felt so seen.
As far as the story goes, there is a lot of relationship and internal angst for Micah and Ryan. They have such complicated lives already, but love doesn't always wait for an invitation.
The prose is excellent as always. I've read so many books by this author and I never feel like they've reached their peak, so it's so great to see this standard continued.
You'll enjoy this book if you have read the rest of the Iron & Works series, you live with BPD or Bipolar or have a chronically sick child in your care, or if you just really like your MC's to fight for each other despite the obstacles.
I received a copy of this book from the author and have chosen to leave an honest review.
Micah is an excellent character, written with EM Lindsey's characteristic empathy and sensitivity. I cried a couple of times because I felt so seen.
As far as the story goes, there is a lot of relationship and internal angst for Micah and Ryan. They have such complicated lives already, but love doesn't always wait for an invitation.
The prose is excellent as always. I've read so many books by this author and I never feel like they've reached their peak, so it's so great to see this standard continued.
You'll enjoy this book if you have read the rest of the Iron & Works series, you live with BPD or Bipolar or have a chronically sick child in your care, or if you just really like your MC's to fight for each other despite the obstacles.
I received a copy of this book from the author and have chosen to leave an honest review.
September 17, 2025
There are things Micah knows about himself: he loves hard, he loves fast, and he’s always a bit too much. And his life has done nothing but prove him right until a man shows up at the bar where he’s working and offers him more than just a new job—he offers him a family. Micah settles in in Fairfield, Colorado as Irons and Works’ newest tattoo artist, happy and only a little jealous of all these men who found their happily ever afters.
We return to the Irons and Works tattoo shop in Fairfield, Colorado with a new artist and a lot of familiar faces. Our two main characters, Micah and Ryan, each have their share of baggage, but that doesn’t stop them from having the most epic hookup imaginable and coming to a strict no-strings-attached arrangement for future encounters. After all, no matter the attraction between them, both men have rules and limitations to their lives that doesn't leave much room for a relationship. Of course, this arrangement lasts for all of five minutes as anyone that reads many M/M romances already knew.
The story that unfolds is a perfect example of the relationships E.M. Lindsey does best. Neither Ryan nor Micah can “fix” each other or their lives, but it becomes clear that the men are much better together than apart. They just have to get past their own ingrained believes in order to get there. Luckily, this author is also known to not write heroes that exist in a vacuum, so both these men have secondary characters; friends, on hand who care enough about them to support them the best way that they can. I especially loved that tattoo shop owner, Kat. gets a decent number of scenes in support of Micah, since she’s someone I don’t remember seeing much of outside of “Tony and Kat” previously.
This book could work well as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend that any interested readers start at the beginning of this incredible series. I was thrilled to be back with them, even during the moments that made me cry. Other readers should definitely check out this amazing "found family" universe of Irons and Works Tatoo shop. You won't want to leave.
We return to the Irons and Works tattoo shop in Fairfield, Colorado with a new artist and a lot of familiar faces. Our two main characters, Micah and Ryan, each have their share of baggage, but that doesn’t stop them from having the most epic hookup imaginable and coming to a strict no-strings-attached arrangement for future encounters. After all, no matter the attraction between them, both men have rules and limitations to their lives that doesn't leave much room for a relationship. Of course, this arrangement lasts for all of five minutes as anyone that reads many M/M romances already knew.
The story that unfolds is a perfect example of the relationships E.M. Lindsey does best. Neither Ryan nor Micah can “fix” each other or their lives, but it becomes clear that the men are much better together than apart. They just have to get past their own ingrained believes in order to get there. Luckily, this author is also known to not write heroes that exist in a vacuum, so both these men have secondary characters; friends, on hand who care enough about them to support them the best way that they can. I especially loved that tattoo shop owner, Kat. gets a decent number of scenes in support of Micah, since she’s someone I don’t remember seeing much of outside of “Tony and Kat” previously.
This book could work well as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend that any interested readers start at the beginning of this incredible series. I was thrilled to be back with them, even during the moments that made me cry. Other readers should definitely check out this amazing "found family" universe of Irons and Works Tatoo shop. You won't want to leave.
October 17, 2021
3.5*
I wanted to love this book and the characters as much as the previous books, but it just didn't work for me. It seemed like Ryan's whole personality revolved around his sick kid. As someone who isn't fond of kids and will never, ever have any of my own, I just couldn't relate to him or his situation at *all*. He just came off as bland. Micah was slightly more interesting to read about, but with him it just seemed like a constant circling of his own issues for the whole book with no growth. Not all books can be winners, I guess!
I wanted to love this book and the characters as much as the previous books, but it just didn't work for me. It seemed like Ryan's whole personality revolved around his sick kid. As someone who isn't fond of kids and will never, ever have any of my own, I just couldn't relate to him or his situation at *all*. He just came off as bland. Micah was slightly more interesting to read about, but with him it just seemed like a constant circling of his own issues for the whole book with no growth. Not all books can be winners, I guess!
February 1, 2025
4,5⭐️
Il più bello della serie.
Micah e Ryan sono complicati. Non vogliono e non possono avere relazioni serie perchè le loro vite sono talmente problematiche che la paura di trovarsi con il cuore spezzato supera il loro disperato bisogno di sentirsi amati.
Come nei libri precedenti anche qui ci troviamo di fronte a situazioni difficili. Micah ha un disturbo borderline di personalità ed è bipolare, mentre Ryah è padre di una bambina che ha la fibrosi cistica.
Quindi sì, una storia tosta da tutti i punti di vista, ma anche estremamente dolce❤️
Forse il finale mi ha lasciato un pochino insodisfatta. Avrei voluto vedere Micah e Ryan insieme ai ragazzi del’Irons and Works finalmente felici e sorridenti, avrei voluto vederli crescere insieme Violet, avrei voluto essere sicura che lei stesse finalmente meglio. In pratica avrei voluto che il libro continuasse all’infinito.
Spero davvero di ritrovarli anche nei prossimi, perchè questa coppia mi è rimasta nel cuore.
Il più bello della serie.
Micah e Ryan sono complicati. Non vogliono e non possono avere relazioni serie perchè le loro vite sono talmente problematiche che la paura di trovarsi con il cuore spezzato supera il loro disperato bisogno di sentirsi amati.
Come nei libri precedenti anche qui ci troviamo di fronte a situazioni difficili. Micah ha un disturbo borderline di personalità ed è bipolare, mentre Ryah è padre di una bambina che ha la fibrosi cistica.
Quindi sì, una storia tosta da tutti i punti di vista, ma anche estremamente dolce❤️
Forse il finale mi ha lasciato un pochino insodisfatta. Avrei voluto vedere Micah e Ryan insieme ai ragazzi del’Irons and Works finalmente felici e sorridenti, avrei voluto vederli crescere insieme Violet, avrei voluto essere sicura che lei stesse finalmente meglio. In pratica avrei voluto che il libro continuasse all’infinito.
Spero davvero di ritrovarli anche nei prossimi, perchè questa coppia mi è rimasta nel cuore.
May 30, 2022
Micah and Ryan start out casual but their one night stand immediately feels like potential for more. That doesn’t erase the reasons they each prefer no strings, however, so Thursday nights become their sex appointment. Ryan is a single father and his daughter has cystic fibrosis and is about to go on the liver transplant list. He’s very isolated, apart from his sister who moved across the country to help out. Thursday night is his only break…but that’s also because he has trouble letting people in besides his sister. Micah’s Borderline Personality Disorder means he tends to fall hard and fast and then crash spectacularly. He finds it best to keep people at arm’s length, except for the guys at the shop.
The best part of this series is the way the Irons & Works family looks after one another. They make adjustments and accommodations, they call each other out on their BS, and they’re simply there for each other, no matter what. This has never been more true with Micah’s BPD. As much as he wants to be loved, he winds up trying to push others away but the guys at the shop have learned not only how to get him back on track but what they can do to help keep him there. That’s no small feat and not how everyone would respond.
I liked both Micah and Ryan but the story began feeling repetitive at a certain point. They both needed to have a conversation instead of always getting caught up in their insecurities. A little bit of that is okay but too much begins to get either frustrating or boring to read. They both needed to demonstrate growth, instead of relying on external conflicts to propel them forward.
The low moment was fairly predictable but it led to some important realizations and things were finally moving in a positive direction. Ryan understood the ways he’d been holding back and left a message for Micah so they could talk things out. It was a bridge too far for me. These characters had been through enough as it was.
I wish the internal and external conflicts had been better balanced and that there hadn’t been so much emphasis on the difficulties of their lives. That’s one of my struggles with this series, the way it relentlessly tightens the screws on its characters and gives them even more hardship and struggle. As great as it is to see so many different disabilities represented, the focus is always on how hard it is, along with lots of ableism and internalized ableism. It’s not enough that Micah has BPD and bipolar, he also has a lower leg amputation. It’s not just that Violet has CF, she has a very severe case and needs a liver transplant much sooner than usual. It would be great if at least some of the characters didn’t have the most severe situations or could show the day to day reality of their disability without it tipping over into trauma p0rn. Why so much emphasis on the pain? I also wish there wasn’t so much casual ableist language.
Also I found it incredibly demeaning to Ryan’s sister when he told Micah he’d never experienced any real love all his life. Rachel literally moved across the country with him, estranged herself from their mother, lived with him to help take care of baby Violet for a while, and regularly babysits and helps out when Violet is hospitalized. She pushes him to take better care of himself and to be open to dating and letting people into his and Violet’s world. And she gets very little from him in return! That’s just insulting to her.
Characters: Micah is a 27 year old gay white tattoo artist with tattoos, stretched earlobes, and multiple piercings (eyebrow, lip, nipples, Prince Albert, hafada, and navel). Ryan is a bisexual white IT manager and single father who wears glasses. His 5 year old daughter Violet has cystic fibrosis and liver disease. This is set in Fairfield, CO.
Content notes: panic attack, ableism, internalized ableism, PTSD, car accident (concussion, broken leg, cracked ribs, dislocated shoulder), hospitalizations, Ryan’s daughter has severe Cystic Fibrosis and liver disease requiring transplant, daughter has a G-tube, vomit from coughing, Micah has Borderline Personality Disorder and bipolar, Micah’s lower leg was amputated due to sepsis from an infected scratcher tattoo when he was 17, pressure sore due to self-harm (ignores pain until friends call him out and it doesn’t get worse), brief internalized biphobia, mild internalized fatphobia, secondary characters with various disabilities, Ryan is estranged from his mother after she told him to give up Violet due to her being sick, Ryan’s daughter resulted from one night stand and her mom abandoned her with him when she was a couple months old, Micah’s uncle was alcoholic and drug addict (arrested for unclear reasons), past child abuse (raised by uncle and aunt until he left at 16), past death of Micah’s parents, on page sex, rimming, pain medication, alcohol (neither MC drinks that much), past inebriation, marijuana (past), past recreational drug use, STD stigma, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialist language, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide and self-harm, mention of pediatrician using the R word (past), mention that neighbors likely deal marijuana, reference to suicidal ideation (prologue), reference to nightmares, reference to secondary character’s past miscarriages
The best part of this series is the way the Irons & Works family looks after one another. They make adjustments and accommodations, they call each other out on their BS, and they’re simply there for each other, no matter what. This has never been more true with Micah’s BPD. As much as he wants to be loved, he winds up trying to push others away but the guys at the shop have learned not only how to get him back on track but what they can do to help keep him there. That’s no small feat and not how everyone would respond.
I liked both Micah and Ryan but the story began feeling repetitive at a certain point. They both needed to have a conversation instead of always getting caught up in their insecurities. A little bit of that is okay but too much begins to get either frustrating or boring to read. They both needed to demonstrate growth, instead of relying on external conflicts to propel them forward.
The low moment was fairly predictable but it led to some important realizations and things were finally moving in a positive direction. Ryan understood the ways he’d been holding back and left a message for Micah so they could talk things out. It was a bridge too far for me. These characters had been through enough as it was.
I wish the internal and external conflicts had been better balanced and that there hadn’t been so much emphasis on the difficulties of their lives. That’s one of my struggles with this series, the way it relentlessly tightens the screws on its characters and gives them even more hardship and struggle. As great as it is to see so many different disabilities represented, the focus is always on how hard it is, along with lots of ableism and internalized ableism. It’s not enough that Micah has BPD and bipolar, he also has a lower leg amputation. It’s not just that Violet has CF, she has a very severe case and needs a liver transplant much sooner than usual. It would be great if at least some of the characters didn’t have the most severe situations or could show the day to day reality of their disability without it tipping over into trauma p0rn. Why so much emphasis on the pain? I also wish there wasn’t so much casual ableist language.
Also I found it incredibly demeaning to Ryan’s sister when he told Micah he’d never experienced any real love all his life. Rachel literally moved across the country with him, estranged herself from their mother, lived with him to help take care of baby Violet for a while, and regularly babysits and helps out when Violet is hospitalized. She pushes him to take better care of himself and to be open to dating and letting people into his and Violet’s world. And she gets very little from him in return! That’s just insulting to her.
Characters: Micah is a 27 year old gay white tattoo artist with tattoos, stretched earlobes, and multiple piercings (eyebrow, lip, nipples, Prince Albert, hafada, and navel). Ryan is a bisexual white IT manager and single father who wears glasses. His 5 year old daughter Violet has cystic fibrosis and liver disease. This is set in Fairfield, CO.
Content notes: panic attack, ableism, internalized ableism, PTSD, car accident (concussion, broken leg, cracked ribs, dislocated shoulder), hospitalizations, Ryan’s daughter has severe Cystic Fibrosis and liver disease requiring transplant, daughter has a G-tube, vomit from coughing, Micah has Borderline Personality Disorder and bipolar, Micah’s lower leg was amputated due to sepsis from an infected scratcher tattoo when he was 17, pressure sore due to self-harm (ignores pain until friends call him out and it doesn’t get worse), brief internalized biphobia, mild internalized fatphobia, secondary characters with various disabilities, Ryan is estranged from his mother after she told him to give up Violet due to her being sick, Ryan’s daughter resulted from one night stand and her mom abandoned her with him when she was a couple months old, Micah’s uncle was alcoholic and drug addict (arrested for unclear reasons), past child abuse (raised by uncle and aunt until he left at 16), past death of Micah’s parents, on page sex, rimming, pain medication, alcohol (neither MC drinks that much), past inebriation, marijuana (past), past recreational drug use, STD stigma, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialist language, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide and self-harm, mention of pediatrician using the R word (past), mention that neighbors likely deal marijuana, reference to suicidal ideation (prologue), reference to nightmares, reference to secondary character’s past miscarriages
July 26, 2025
Non il mio preferito ma sempre molto intenso
February 7, 2024
I didn't care for this one. As I keep reading in this series, I get more frustrated. I feel like the author opens up google and does a search to see what issues haven't been thrown into a prior book and then shoves it all in the current one. Because that's what it's been every book it seems.
And this one is no different. We have two people that have so many issues, they probably shouldn't be in relationships. At least that's how it came across on the pages for me. But the sex is good, so why not declare our love and live happily ever after.
And this one is no different. We have two people that have so many issues, they probably shouldn't be in relationships. At least that's how it came across on the pages for me. But the sex is good, so why not declare our love and live happily ever after.
September 26, 2022
Is there such a thing as anti romance
All the other books in this series were really good. This one has two new characters, but we still get to see old friends. I tried hard to give it a chance. I got 76% of the way through.
These guys don't belong together. The sex is good, but they don't communicate. They don't date. Their personal problems might make them more understanding of each others' issues, but they're stacking problems.
Micah had PTSD and bipolar disorder. He gets therapy and is on medication, and he has a support system of friends. Maybe he's ready for a relationship. Kids aren't off the table. But a stressed guy with a sick little girl who is never going to really be better? That's a recipe for spiraling.
And Ryan. He has a sick kid, and a very small support system that consists of his sister. He needs a guy who can be there for him, not a guy who needs him to be there for him. Micah can only come with more stress he doesn't need.
Having a sick kid is super stressful. Having a spouse with mental illness is also super stressful. Even if they decide they love each other and are willing to work for it, these guys have no idea what they're in for.
By the time I got 3/4 of the way through the story, I didn't even want these guys to get together. They both deserve better.
All the other books in this series were really good. This one has two new characters, but we still get to see old friends. I tried hard to give it a chance. I got 76% of the way through.
These guys don't belong together. The sex is good, but they don't communicate. They don't date. Their personal problems might make them more understanding of each others' issues, but they're stacking problems.
Micah had PTSD and bipolar disorder. He gets therapy and is on medication, and he has a support system of friends. Maybe he's ready for a relationship. Kids aren't off the table. But a stressed guy with a sick little girl who is never going to really be better? That's a recipe for spiraling.
And Ryan. He has a sick kid, and a very small support system that consists of his sister. He needs a guy who can be there for him, not a guy who needs him to be there for him. Micah can only come with more stress he doesn't need.
Having a sick kid is super stressful. Having a spouse with mental illness is also super stressful. Even if they decide they love each other and are willing to work for it, these guys have no idea what they're in for.
By the time I got 3/4 of the way through the story, I didn't even want these guys to get together. They both deserve better.
September 22, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Scratcher is the seventh book in E.M. Lindsey’s great Irons and Works series. This one was a bit of a surprise to me, as I thought the series was complete when the 6th book came out back in 2019. So I was really excited to learn that Lindsey was picking the series back up (and in fact, it looks like three more books are planned after this). This story has a natural conflict in that both Ryan and Micah have a lot happening in their lives and neither believe that they are in place where they can make a relationship work. Ryan is fiercely committed to his daughter, and she requires constant care. While he has some help from his sister, Ryan has trouble letting many other people in. He has resisted relationships for fear of getting hurt, doubting that anyone will stick around once they see the reality of his life with Violet. In Micah’s case, he controls his mental health as best he can, but there are times when his brain just betrays him. Like Ryan, he feels like he has too much baggage for anyone to want him for more than a hookup.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Scratcher is the seventh book in E.M. Lindsey’s great Irons and Works series. This one was a bit of a surprise to me, as I thought the series was complete when the 6th book came out back in 2019. So I was really excited to learn that Lindsey was picking the series back up (and in fact, it looks like three more books are planned after this). This story has a natural conflict in that both Ryan and Micah have a lot happening in their lives and neither believe that they are in place where they can make a relationship work. Ryan is fiercely committed to his daughter, and she requires constant care. While he has some help from his sister, Ryan has trouble letting many other people in. He has resisted relationships for fear of getting hurt, doubting that anyone will stick around once they see the reality of his life with Violet. In Micah’s case, he controls his mental health as best he can, but there are times when his brain just betrays him. Like Ryan, he feels like he has too much baggage for anyone to want him for more than a hookup.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
September 18, 2021
Scratcher is the 7th book of the Irons and Works series by E.M. Lindsey. In a typical manner, she managed to create a separate world, that connects you deeply with the main characters and takes you on a journey with a lot of angst.
Micah has BPD. He feels more deeply, hard and fast. Due to his illness, he had some problems growing up and keeping a job. But he loves to draw and would love to become a tattoo artist. When he meets the owner of a tattoo salon, who accepts him as he is, he doesn't hesitate long and moves to fulfill his dream. In the new city, he meets Ryan.
Ryan is the single father of a chronically ill child. With the help of his sister, he raises his daughter but has to spent a lot of time at home with her or at the hospital. He has no time dating and doesn't see himself as having dating potential.
Can they make a relationship work?
I loved this book. The characters' struggles were portrayed beautifully and felt so real. I deeply respect Ryan. How he selflessly cares for his daughter and how he interacts with her was beautiful. Micah is equally strong. He handles his BPD with grace and does his best so that it doesn't affect him that much.
Definitely a recommendation.
You don't have to have read all books in the series to fully understand it.
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
Micah has BPD. He feels more deeply, hard and fast. Due to his illness, he had some problems growing up and keeping a job. But he loves to draw and would love to become a tattoo artist. When he meets the owner of a tattoo salon, who accepts him as he is, he doesn't hesitate long and moves to fulfill his dream. In the new city, he meets Ryan.
Ryan is the single father of a chronically ill child. With the help of his sister, he raises his daughter but has to spent a lot of time at home with her or at the hospital. He has no time dating and doesn't see himself as having dating potential.
Can they make a relationship work?
I loved this book. The characters' struggles were portrayed beautifully and felt so real. I deeply respect Ryan. How he selflessly cares for his daughter and how he interacts with her was beautiful. Micah is equally strong. He handles his BPD with grace and does his best so that it doesn't affect him that much.
Definitely a recommendation.
You don't have to have read all books in the series to fully understand it.
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
June 4, 2022
E.M. Lindsey is the best, and I am over the moon that there are more Irons & Works books coming out, starting with this one. This was a delight. I have seen some who don't love these books because of how, well, sad they can be. However, I think that's part of what makes them so powerful to me. You can have immense pain and active hardship and still get your happily ever after with someone who loves you. I loved the dynamic between Micah and Ryan in this book, and I also continually appreciate E.M.'s sensitive, authentic portrayals of people who are often stereotyped and cast in a negative light.
September 26, 2021
Le sigh...
I was surprised that we got another story in this world, as I thought it was over considering there was a spin off series after this. I loved Micah and wanted to just hug him and never let him go. Ryan was ok. We didn't get an emotional back story for him, his whole story was of his daughter.
I missed the guys that are no longer around, though it was nice to get more Tony and Kat. I'm gonna guess that Luke may be their third?
Either way this fit nicely in with all the others in the series.
I was surprised that we got another story in this world, as I thought it was over considering there was a spin off series after this. I loved Micah and wanted to just hug him and never let him go. Ryan was ok. We didn't get an emotional back story for him, his whole story was of his daughter.
I missed the guys that are no longer around, though it was nice to get more Tony and Kat. I'm gonna guess that Luke may be their third?
Either way this fit nicely in with all the others in the series.
August 30, 2021
Irons and works. I love this series. Micah and Ryan had to work hard to get their HEA. What an emotional roller coaster I went on. These men haven’t had it easy and won’t have a easy life together but what they do find is friendship, family, love, and devotion. Throw in a little girl that your heart will ache for and you have a beautifully written story.
Thank you EM for making me feel. Making these men see their worth and feel LOVE.
Thank you EM for making me feel. Making these men see their worth and feel LOVE.
September 23, 2021
I genuinely adore this series and this book was amazing. I laughed and I cried. Micah and Ryan are two wonderful characters who are so vibrant on the page, that picturing them is easy. The way EM Lindsey writes characters with disabilities in a meaningful way and with genuine understanding makes my heart happy. They are not afraid to bring attention to mental and physical disabilities and it’s done in a natural way. This book is going to be one I will reread!
June 24, 2022
Darum geht’s:
Ryan schafft es nur, mal in eine Bar zu gehen, wenn seine Schwester ihm den Rücken freihält. Als er dort Micah kennenlernt, denkt er nur an einen One Night Stand, denn sein Leben ist schon kompliziert genug und ein Liebesleben steht bei ihm nicht auf dem Plan. Doch bei den beiden knistert es sofort heftig und das bringt beide in eine Zwickmühle.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Ryan schafft es nur, mal in eine Bar zu gehen, wenn seine Schwester ihm den Rücken freihält. Als er dort Micah kennenlernt, denkt er nur an einen One Night Stand, denn sein Leben ist schon kompliziert genug und ein Liebesleben steht bei ihm nicht auf dem Plan. Doch bei den beiden knistert es sofort heftig und das bringt beide in eine Zwickmühle.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
September 18, 2021
Micah and Ryan wanted each other so badly, it was nice to read about a romance that came on so easily, but ended up being so hard won. I absolutely loved this story, with all its fits and starts, and poor little Violet. This was my first read in the Irons and Works series, and it’s definitely standalone, but other couples and characters were mentioned.
September 27, 2021
So many feels
To say that Micha and Ryan's story was a roller-coaster of emotions is an understatement of epic portions. I think that all of the strife that went through before they met just made them more capable of understanding and loving each other. This is another fantastic addition to the Iron and Works series.
“Nothing you say will convince me this isn’t worth it,”
To say that Micha and Ryan's story was a roller-coaster of emotions is an understatement of epic portions. I think that all of the strife that went through before they met just made them more capable of understanding and loving each other. This is another fantastic addition to the Iron and Works series.
“Nothing you say will convince me this isn’t worth it,”
October 9, 2021
This series is everything. I love it. Micah. Oh my sweet Micah and Ryan with the weight of the world on his shoulders. GAH! I love you both.
November 28, 2022
This one's characters broke my heart 😭
September 26, 2021
This series makes me feel everything..all the emotions...all the personalities are epic..this story is amazing and wonderful and I love it
September 7, 2021
I love this series and the characters have such depth. Ryan and Micah both have issues that have kept them from trying real relationships in the past, but something pulls them together. Their story isn’t all sunshine and rainbows and that’s what makes it such a great book.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.
January 27, 2023
All the feelings
When I think about my favorites in this series, Scratcher is going to be there. It’s intense and emotional and really lovely. Micah and Ryan both learn how to better communicate with each other in order to better support each other and I just really enjoyed their story. I had all the feels for sure.
When I think about my favorites in this series, Scratcher is going to be there. It’s intense and emotional and really lovely. Micah and Ryan both learn how to better communicate with each other in order to better support each other and I just really enjoyed their story. I had all the feels for sure.
March 18, 2025
Nayeli -per RFS
.
Micah ha un disturbo borderline di personalità, questo lo porta ad alternare momenti di serenità ad altri maniaco-depressivi. A causa di una di queste crisi autolesioniste, da giovane ha perso un piede per setticemia.
Nello studio di tatuaggi “Irons and Works” ha trovato una famiglia non di sangue che gli regala affetto, sostegno e comprensione. Anche se le insicurezze dovute a una infanzia anaffettiva pesano ancora su di lui, sta imparando a riconoscere i segnali per prevenire le crisi peggiori.
Ryan è un bravo ragazzo che aveva imboccato il classico percorso sognato dai genitori: l’università e poi una carriera di successo, seguita da una famiglia cattolica con tanti figli. Per un errore giovanile si è ritrovato padre single di una bambina malata di fibrosi cistica. Alle prese con una malattia invalidante che assorbe tutte le sue energie e le risorse emotive, deve accontentarsi di un lavoro da casa e dedicarsi completamente a sua figlia, accantonando le proprie esigenze personali. Sa di non avere tempo per la vita privata, e di certo non ha spazio per una relazione fissa o un potenziale cuore infranto, perché tutte le sue attenzioni sono concentrate sui bisogni di una figlia che, oltre ad avere frequenti crisi respiratorie e difficoltà ad alimentarsi, ha anche le normali necessità di un bambino in età prescolare.
C’era qualcosa nel modo in cui Ryan lo guardava, qualcosa nel modo in cui gli aveva afferrato la mano che gli era terribilmente familiare: come se fosse affamato di contatto fisico ma non sapesse bene come chiederlo.
Il primo appuntamento tra i due ragazzi avrebbe dovuto essere un semplice incontro occasionale, ma entrambi si sono da subito rispecchiati nella sofferenza e nella fragilità dell’altro. Stare insieme consente loro di ritagliarsi un angolo tranquillo per concedersi intimità e tenerezza, dimenticare i problemi quotidiani e dare sfogo ai desideri passionali a lungo ignorati.
Il dialogo tra loro non è facile. Entrambi dovranno imparare ad aprirsi, trovando il coraggio di comunicare agli altri ciò di cui hanno bisogno.
Il disturbo di Micah lo rende incline a spirali di pensieri negativi che si autoalimentano in modo ossessivo, ingigantendosi fino a creare deliri sconnessi dalla realtà. A volte sembra che questo livello di drammaticità sia dovuto a un certo egocentrismo con sfumature di vittimismo: le preoccupazioni hanno modo di gonfiarsi fino a diventare ansie o paranoie solo perché Micah è totalmente concentrato sui propri bisogni non soddisfatti, come le poche attenzioni ricevute o la paura di non essere abbastanza capace per affiancare Ryan. Non riesce (può/sa…) dare il giusto peso alle condizioni esterne e alla complicata situazione familiare di Ryan, considerazioni che potrebbero scusare o giustificare le sue azioni e mostrargli che non sono nate con cattive intenzioni nei suoi confronti.
«Non mi piace dirti di no, Micah. Lo odio, cazzo. Odio cancellare le nostre serate, odio non poter dormire qui e svegliarmi con te. Odio essere presente a metà quando siamo insieme senza Violet, e avere sempre l’orecchio teso per sentire il telefono. Ma questa è la mia vita. E tu continui a dire che lo sai, ma continui anche a chiedermi di fare cose impossibili.»
Micah fatica a capire quanto sia controproducente opporre il proprio bisogno di attenzioni a quello della figlia di Ryan. Essendo una persona molto sensibile, sentirsi trascurato lo fa soffrire molto e finisce spesso per dire le cose sbagliate, magari con rabbia, e per compiere gesti estremi verso se stesso o la relazione, con l’esito di rovinare tutto.
La situazione familiare di Ryan, del resto, è altrettanto dolorosa e totalizzante. La malattia della figlia viene ben mostrata, a partire dalle bombole d’ossigeno che riempiono il suo zainetto, e passando per le varie visite e ricoveri. Non ci viene risparmiato un promemoria sulla ridotta aspettativa di vita o sulle difficoltà di vivere le normali esperienze di crescita di una bambina della sua età. L’accudimento della figlia assorbe tutte le energie di Ryan, è estenuante, sia fisicamente che mentalmente. Da un lato è comprensibile che lui non abbia una certa spinta per ritagliarsi tempo per la sua vita personale, oltretutto rischiando gli scossoni emotivi di un cuore infranto, dall’altro risulta chiaro quanto questo sia sempre più una scusa per evitare di mettersi davvero in gioco sentimentalmente.
«Sai, continua a dirlo anche lui. Che sarà difficile e che ci sarà tanto lavoro. E forse ci saranno momenti in cui saremo entrambi esausti, ma innamorarmi di lui è stata la cosa più facile che abbia mai fatto. La parte difficile è stata combattere contro me stesso.»
Nel complesso si tratta di una lettura struggente, che ci fa provare tutta l’angoscia per le difficoltà che i ragazzi devono affrontare. Problemi senza una vera soluzione ma che se affrontati insieme, specie se i protagonisti riusciranno a essere onesti sui rispettivi bisogni, potranno essere fronteggiati con più facilità e maggior sostegno.
.
Micah ha un disturbo borderline di personalità, questo lo porta ad alternare momenti di serenità ad altri maniaco-depressivi. A causa di una di queste crisi autolesioniste, da giovane ha perso un piede per setticemia.
Nello studio di tatuaggi “Irons and Works” ha trovato una famiglia non di sangue che gli regala affetto, sostegno e comprensione. Anche se le insicurezze dovute a una infanzia anaffettiva pesano ancora su di lui, sta imparando a riconoscere i segnali per prevenire le crisi peggiori.
Ryan è un bravo ragazzo che aveva imboccato il classico percorso sognato dai genitori: l’università e poi una carriera di successo, seguita da una famiglia cattolica con tanti figli. Per un errore giovanile si è ritrovato padre single di una bambina malata di fibrosi cistica. Alle prese con una malattia invalidante che assorbe tutte le sue energie e le risorse emotive, deve accontentarsi di un lavoro da casa e dedicarsi completamente a sua figlia, accantonando le proprie esigenze personali. Sa di non avere tempo per la vita privata, e di certo non ha spazio per una relazione fissa o un potenziale cuore infranto, perché tutte le sue attenzioni sono concentrate sui bisogni di una figlia che, oltre ad avere frequenti crisi respiratorie e difficoltà ad alimentarsi, ha anche le normali necessità di un bambino in età prescolare.
C’era qualcosa nel modo in cui Ryan lo guardava, qualcosa nel modo in cui gli aveva afferrato la mano che gli era terribilmente familiare: come se fosse affamato di contatto fisico ma non sapesse bene come chiederlo.
Il primo appuntamento tra i due ragazzi avrebbe dovuto essere un semplice incontro occasionale, ma entrambi si sono da subito rispecchiati nella sofferenza e nella fragilità dell’altro. Stare insieme consente loro di ritagliarsi un angolo tranquillo per concedersi intimità e tenerezza, dimenticare i problemi quotidiani e dare sfogo ai desideri passionali a lungo ignorati.
Il dialogo tra loro non è facile. Entrambi dovranno imparare ad aprirsi, trovando il coraggio di comunicare agli altri ciò di cui hanno bisogno.
Il disturbo di Micah lo rende incline a spirali di pensieri negativi che si autoalimentano in modo ossessivo, ingigantendosi fino a creare deliri sconnessi dalla realtà. A volte sembra che questo livello di drammaticità sia dovuto a un certo egocentrismo con sfumature di vittimismo: le preoccupazioni hanno modo di gonfiarsi fino a diventare ansie o paranoie solo perché Micah è totalmente concentrato sui propri bisogni non soddisfatti, come le poche attenzioni ricevute o la paura di non essere abbastanza capace per affiancare Ryan. Non riesce (può/sa…) dare il giusto peso alle condizioni esterne e alla complicata situazione familiare di Ryan, considerazioni che potrebbero scusare o giustificare le sue azioni e mostrargli che non sono nate con cattive intenzioni nei suoi confronti.
«Non mi piace dirti di no, Micah. Lo odio, cazzo. Odio cancellare le nostre serate, odio non poter dormire qui e svegliarmi con te. Odio essere presente a metà quando siamo insieme senza Violet, e avere sempre l’orecchio teso per sentire il telefono. Ma questa è la mia vita. E tu continui a dire che lo sai, ma continui anche a chiedermi di fare cose impossibili.»
Micah fatica a capire quanto sia controproducente opporre il proprio bisogno di attenzioni a quello della figlia di Ryan. Essendo una persona molto sensibile, sentirsi trascurato lo fa soffrire molto e finisce spesso per dire le cose sbagliate, magari con rabbia, e per compiere gesti estremi verso se stesso o la relazione, con l’esito di rovinare tutto.
La situazione familiare di Ryan, del resto, è altrettanto dolorosa e totalizzante. La malattia della figlia viene ben mostrata, a partire dalle bombole d’ossigeno che riempiono il suo zainetto, e passando per le varie visite e ricoveri. Non ci viene risparmiato un promemoria sulla ridotta aspettativa di vita o sulle difficoltà di vivere le normali esperienze di crescita di una bambina della sua età. L’accudimento della figlia assorbe tutte le energie di Ryan, è estenuante, sia fisicamente che mentalmente. Da un lato è comprensibile che lui non abbia una certa spinta per ritagliarsi tempo per la sua vita personale, oltretutto rischiando gli scossoni emotivi di un cuore infranto, dall’altro risulta chiaro quanto questo sia sempre più una scusa per evitare di mettersi davvero in gioco sentimentalmente.
«Sai, continua a dirlo anche lui. Che sarà difficile e che ci sarà tanto lavoro. E forse ci saranno momenti in cui saremo entrambi esausti, ma innamorarmi di lui è stata la cosa più facile che abbia mai fatto. La parte difficile è stata combattere contro me stesso.»
Nel complesso si tratta di una lettura struggente, che ci fa provare tutta l’angoscia per le difficoltà che i ragazzi devono affrontare. Problemi senza una vera soluzione ma che se affrontati insieme, specie se i protagonisti riusciranno a essere onesti sui rispettivi bisogni, potranno essere fronteggiati con più facilità e maggior sostegno.
January 19, 2025
4.5 stars
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Ryan’s dedicated his life to taking care of his daughter. Her mother dumped her with him and he’s made it his mission to keep her safe – well as safe as she can be with an illness that controls her life – and by extension his. He gets one night a week to himself when his devoted sister Rachel handles Violet.
Micah is a tattoo artist at Iron and Works. He’s settled in a mostly his life is good. He’s taking his meds, he’s going to therapy, he’s honest with his coworkers and they all love him. They treat him like family and call him on his crap. He knows they won’t let him spiral out of control. He’s been through a lot, but he’s survived and dare he say even almost thriving.
When Ryan and Micah meet on a Thursday night at Ruby’s, they leave together. Heading to Micah’s. Ryan isn’t put off about Micah’s prosthetic leg. They agree to just keep it casual – Thursday nights, nothing personal, no last names. Except that both of them catch feelings. And neither of them is prepared for that.
Micah has to be honest with Ryan about this BPD and his bipolar. Ryan has to be honest about Violet. But of course it takes a crisis for that to come to pass. And then it’s a delicate dance. Can they each deal with the hard things in life the other has to deal with? Can they each be honest enough with each other and handle that things are not going to be pretty a lot of the time? Can they handle that Violet’s health is uncertain and Ryan’s been handling it by himself for years? Can they both be strong enough to deal with all that comes with this messy life and be there for each other, no matter what happens? Well of course you know it won’t be easy 😉
Oh this book! All the feels. The more I read this author’s books, the more enamored I am. They really GET these characters. The tender loving clear-eyed brave portrayal of all that Ryan and Micah are dealing with is really amazing. Yes, they both have HEAVY baggage. Yes, they’ve both have been terribly lonely and starved for love and attention. But somehow, they managed to really show incredible courage in dealing with everything that continues to come at them all the time. I just adored how these two men did the dance that everyone has to when getting into a relationship when things aren’t all roses and sunshine – and honestly, when isn’t that the case. Maybe it’s your stepkid or your parent with dementia or your sister who is an alcohol or your bipolar nephew or your cousin with epilepsy or whatever. Glennon Doyle uses the word “Brutiful” to describe this human life. She’s right. And this story is a shining example of how brutiful life can be – that despite the pain and the hurt and the longing and the sadness and the sickness and the feelings of unworthiness, there is hope and hard work and forgiveness and grace that we can allow each other to get through it and make it something wonderful in the end. Not perfect. But something worthwhile. While not a bed of roses – by a long shot – this is a gorgeous story of dealing with an making the best of one’s circumstances. Beautifully done once again. this author is a master of taking characters with challenges (which I think we used to all “broken” but I think that’s insulting to most people now) and showing us how they can if not overcome them, then manage them in a way so as to be able to gain a fulfilling life that is so worthy of love and contentment. Highly recommended – along with this whole series!
This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Ryan’s dedicated his life to taking care of his daughter. Her mother dumped her with him and he’s made it his mission to keep her safe – well as safe as she can be with an illness that controls her life – and by extension his. He gets one night a week to himself when his devoted sister Rachel handles Violet.
Micah is a tattoo artist at Iron and Works. He’s settled in a mostly his life is good. He’s taking his meds, he’s going to therapy, he’s honest with his coworkers and they all love him. They treat him like family and call him on his crap. He knows they won’t let him spiral out of control. He’s been through a lot, but he’s survived and dare he say even almost thriving.
When Ryan and Micah meet on a Thursday night at Ruby’s, they leave together. Heading to Micah’s. Ryan isn’t put off about Micah’s prosthetic leg. They agree to just keep it casual – Thursday nights, nothing personal, no last names. Except that both of them catch feelings. And neither of them is prepared for that.
Micah has to be honest with Ryan about this BPD and his bipolar. Ryan has to be honest about Violet. But of course it takes a crisis for that to come to pass. And then it’s a delicate dance. Can they each deal with the hard things in life the other has to deal with? Can they each be honest enough with each other and handle that things are not going to be pretty a lot of the time? Can they handle that Violet’s health is uncertain and Ryan’s been handling it by himself for years? Can they both be strong enough to deal with all that comes with this messy life and be there for each other, no matter what happens? Well of course you know it won’t be easy 😉
Oh this book! All the feels. The more I read this author’s books, the more enamored I am. They really GET these characters. The tender loving clear-eyed brave portrayal of all that Ryan and Micah are dealing with is really amazing. Yes, they both have HEAVY baggage. Yes, they’ve both have been terribly lonely and starved for love and attention. But somehow, they managed to really show incredible courage in dealing with everything that continues to come at them all the time. I just adored how these two men did the dance that everyone has to when getting into a relationship when things aren’t all roses and sunshine – and honestly, when isn’t that the case. Maybe it’s your stepkid or your parent with dementia or your sister who is an alcohol or your bipolar nephew or your cousin with epilepsy or whatever. Glennon Doyle uses the word “Brutiful” to describe this human life. She’s right. And this story is a shining example of how brutiful life can be – that despite the pain and the hurt and the longing and the sadness and the sickness and the feelings of unworthiness, there is hope and hard work and forgiveness and grace that we can allow each other to get through it and make it something wonderful in the end. Not perfect. But something worthwhile. While not a bed of roses – by a long shot – this is a gorgeous story of dealing with an making the best of one’s circumstances. Beautifully done once again. this author is a master of taking characters with challenges (which I think we used to all “broken” but I think that’s insulting to most people now) and showing us how they can if not overcome them, then manage them in a way so as to be able to gain a fulfilling life that is so worthy of love and contentment. Highly recommended – along with this whole series!
March 28, 2025
Recensione per il blog Peccatrici Librose
Buongiorno Peccatrici,
"SCRATCHER" è il vol.7 della serie:"Irons and Words" di E.M.Lindsey, quella che parla dei tatuatori più incredibili di Fairfield. Ognuno di
loro ha una caratteristica che lo rende speciale e perfetto e qui incontriamo Micah, caratterizzato da un disturbo borderline di personalità e affetto da bipolarismo. Solo a sentire parlare di DBP e DB, ammetto che ho avuto un momento di sconcerto. Come potesse riuscire E.M.Lindsey a creare una storia d'amore con qualcuno che vive i sentimenti in modo così totalizzante ed estremo, mi sembrava difficile; poi ha aggiunto alla storia l'altro uomo, con una vita che definire complicata è un eufemismo. Beh, mi sono detta: quest'autrice ha deciso che vuole fare l'acrobata. Chapeau!
La storia di Micah e Ryan è di una dolcezza infinita, la paura che è intrisa in loro però fa male. Perché la vita ha davvero fatto salti mortali per accanirsi su di loro: i traumi infantili di Micah hanno fatto sì che il suo cervello subisse alterazioni tali da arrivare al DBP e ora ogni pensiero che ha è avvolto dalla vocina che gli sussurra che nulla andrà nel verso giusto, tanto lui non vale niente, nessuno perderebbe il tempo per uno come lui. Ma allo stesso tempo ha necessità di essere amato, dell'abbraccio, di sentirsi parte di qualcosa. Se ne rende conto più profondamente, quando entra nella famiglia degli Irons and Words, dove nessuno ti costringe a parlare o a fare qualcosa, ma sicuramente ti proteggono e ti accettano per ciò che sei. Dopo due anni ancora si sente un po' in bilico, con il timore di essere respinto.
Ryan è un ragazzo che ha come unico giorno libero dalla sua vita e i suoi casini il giovedì, ed è quello l'unico giorno in cui si permette di staccare la mente e concedersi di "vivere".
Così questo giorno della settimana, è l'inizio di quel qualcosa che non ci si aspetta. Doveva essere solo un incontro, niente che potesse ricondurre ad un nuovo appuntamento, ma tant'è.
Perché scatta qualcosa di imprevisto che non ci si aspetta e si percepisce che si vuole rischiare.
Micah e Ryan mi hanno avvolto con la loro forza: il primo che diventa un fetente dalla lingua tagliente pur di colpire e ferire e quando la rabbia lo avvolge può distruggere ciò che ha intorno, il secondo che ormai è convinto la sua vita sia già scritta in grassetto e non vi sia possibilità di svolta e anzi, si crogiola nella sua situazione. Ma quando entrambi si rendono conto che ne vale la pena, sono disposti a "sacrificarsi" per dimostrare all'altro quanto è prezioso.
E.M.Lindsey ha saputo raccontare una storia difficile con grazia, perché nella crudeltà della situazione ha mostrato il dietro, il ciò che non vedi. Ha fatto parlare i sentimenti, le fobie. Ha dato dignità alla malattia e ha ricordato che la persona è anche quello, ma non solo questo.
Peccatrici, tutta questa serie è stata incentrata sul dare dignità, sul cercare di far capire che i pregiudizi spesso frenano la possibilità di conoscere e confrontare e spinge a guardare con il cuore più che con la testa, pur sottolineando di non perderla prima di chiedersi "ne vale la pena?" E se la risposta è sì, allora non serve null'altro se non impegnarsi ad essere felici.
Bene Peccatrici, vi lascio con lo stesso quesito, affermando che per questa avventura la risposta è: assolutamente si!
Vi auguro di perdervi e ritrovarvi con Micah e Ryan e fate buon viaggio ❤️
La vostra Fly
Buongiorno Peccatrici,
"SCRATCHER" è il vol.7 della serie:"Irons and Words" di E.M.Lindsey, quella che parla dei tatuatori più incredibili di Fairfield. Ognuno di
loro ha una caratteristica che lo rende speciale e perfetto e qui incontriamo Micah, caratterizzato da un disturbo borderline di personalità e affetto da bipolarismo. Solo a sentire parlare di DBP e DB, ammetto che ho avuto un momento di sconcerto. Come potesse riuscire E.M.Lindsey a creare una storia d'amore con qualcuno che vive i sentimenti in modo così totalizzante ed estremo, mi sembrava difficile; poi ha aggiunto alla storia l'altro uomo, con una vita che definire complicata è un eufemismo. Beh, mi sono detta: quest'autrice ha deciso che vuole fare l'acrobata. Chapeau!
La storia di Micah e Ryan è di una dolcezza infinita, la paura che è intrisa in loro però fa male. Perché la vita ha davvero fatto salti mortali per accanirsi su di loro: i traumi infantili di Micah hanno fatto sì che il suo cervello subisse alterazioni tali da arrivare al DBP e ora ogni pensiero che ha è avvolto dalla vocina che gli sussurra che nulla andrà nel verso giusto, tanto lui non vale niente, nessuno perderebbe il tempo per uno come lui. Ma allo stesso tempo ha necessità di essere amato, dell'abbraccio, di sentirsi parte di qualcosa. Se ne rende conto più profondamente, quando entra nella famiglia degli Irons and Words, dove nessuno ti costringe a parlare o a fare qualcosa, ma sicuramente ti proteggono e ti accettano per ciò che sei. Dopo due anni ancora si sente un po' in bilico, con il timore di essere respinto.
Ryan è un ragazzo che ha come unico giorno libero dalla sua vita e i suoi casini il giovedì, ed è quello l'unico giorno in cui si permette di staccare la mente e concedersi di "vivere".
Così questo giorno della settimana, è l'inizio di quel qualcosa che non ci si aspetta. Doveva essere solo un incontro, niente che potesse ricondurre ad un nuovo appuntamento, ma tant'è.
Perché scatta qualcosa di imprevisto che non ci si aspetta e si percepisce che si vuole rischiare.
Micah e Ryan mi hanno avvolto con la loro forza: il primo che diventa un fetente dalla lingua tagliente pur di colpire e ferire e quando la rabbia lo avvolge può distruggere ciò che ha intorno, il secondo che ormai è convinto la sua vita sia già scritta in grassetto e non vi sia possibilità di svolta e anzi, si crogiola nella sua situazione. Ma quando entrambi si rendono conto che ne vale la pena, sono disposti a "sacrificarsi" per dimostrare all'altro quanto è prezioso.
E.M.Lindsey ha saputo raccontare una storia difficile con grazia, perché nella crudeltà della situazione ha mostrato il dietro, il ciò che non vedi. Ha fatto parlare i sentimenti, le fobie. Ha dato dignità alla malattia e ha ricordato che la persona è anche quello, ma non solo questo.
Peccatrici, tutta questa serie è stata incentrata sul dare dignità, sul cercare di far capire che i pregiudizi spesso frenano la possibilità di conoscere e confrontare e spinge a guardare con il cuore più che con la testa, pur sottolineando di non perderla prima di chiedersi "ne vale la pena?" E se la risposta è sì, allora non serve null'altro se non impegnarsi ad essere felici.
Bene Peccatrici, vi lascio con lo stesso quesito, affermando che per questa avventura la risposta è: assolutamente si!
Vi auguro di perdervi e ritrovarvi con Micah e Ryan e fate buon viaggio ❤️
La vostra Fly
September 24, 2021
3.5, rounded up
My first introduction to Lindsey's works was Free Hand, so it was really great to return to the Irons and Works world, with many of the guys from the earlier books making cameos here and there. But the actual plot -- or maybe, more specifically, the way the relationship developed between our two main characters -- annoyed me, for reasons I will explain.
I always love how E.M. Lindsey so consistently and carefully portrays characters with disabilities, from physical to mental ones. And this book is no exception. I love that Lindsey explores these things and gives us happy endings that aren't "love overcame these challenges" but are instead "this is a challenge, and we both have to work hard, maybe harder than others would, but we love each other so we care enough to make sure this works."
That is definitely the mantra of this book, and is absolutely where we're at by the end of the book -- but the lead up to it.... I just. Communication!! That's always my biggest critique (when I have any) of Lindsey's books, and this was definitely one where our main characters should have just Had A Conversation. Their first night together was a hook up, and yes I agree that wasn't the time or place to unload the various responsibilities, emotional needs, etc each man needed. But once they both decided to let their "hook up" grow into something more than a hook up, regardless of the fact they weren't labeling it as a relationship yet? They should've sat down and had a good, long, honest conversation. And they didn't. And it bothered me a LOT, because both of these characters had huge responsibilities and needs that their partner would absolutely need to know about in order to be supportive and honestly? To just avoid triggering their partner. And these guys NEVER TALKED.
Now, to be fair, side characters point that out. And these guys eventually get their shit together. But for most of the book, I was sitting there thinking, How can a healthy relationship ever grow from this if neither man is telling his partner what he needs?
I'm still going to read the rest of the books in this series -- and I was so excited to see we WILL be getting more books, especially a Kat and Tony one!! -- but I really wish these two talked a lot earlier.
My first introduction to Lindsey's works was Free Hand, so it was really great to return to the Irons and Works world, with many of the guys from the earlier books making cameos here and there. But the actual plot -- or maybe, more specifically, the way the relationship developed between our two main characters -- annoyed me, for reasons I will explain.
I always love how E.M. Lindsey so consistently and carefully portrays characters with disabilities, from physical to mental ones. And this book is no exception. I love that Lindsey explores these things and gives us happy endings that aren't "love overcame these challenges" but are instead "this is a challenge, and we both have to work hard, maybe harder than others would, but we love each other so we care enough to make sure this works."
That is definitely the mantra of this book, and is absolutely where we're at by the end of the book -- but the lead up to it.... I just. Communication!! That's always my biggest critique (when I have any) of Lindsey's books, and this was definitely one where our main characters should have just Had A Conversation. Their first night together was a hook up, and yes I agree that wasn't the time or place to unload the various responsibilities, emotional needs, etc each man needed. But once they both decided to let their "hook up" grow into something more than a hook up, regardless of the fact they weren't labeling it as a relationship yet? They should've sat down and had a good, long, honest conversation. And they didn't. And it bothered me a LOT, because both of these characters had huge responsibilities and needs that their partner would absolutely need to know about in order to be supportive and honestly? To just avoid triggering their partner. And these guys NEVER TALKED.
Now, to be fair, side characters point that out. And these guys eventually get their shit together. But for most of the book, I was sitting there thinking, How can a healthy relationship ever grow from this if neither man is telling his partner what he needs?
I'm still going to read the rest of the books in this series -- and I was so excited to see we WILL be getting more books, especially a Kat and Tony one!! -- but I really wish these two talked a lot earlier.
September 24, 2021
Scratchers is a great addition to the Irons and Works series, adding more people to the found family in Ryan and his young daughter.
Micah has been through many trials and tribulations to where he has ended up working at Iron and Works, finally feeling like he has a settled life, something that he has control over and friends that are understanding to his circumstances. His one night with Ryan is something that he would love to have more of but won't put his problems on another.
Ryan lives for his daughter and her health needs. It's a constant roller-coaster ride that's pretty lonely and so he looks forward to that one night a week where his sister takes over for a night. Micah and Ryan set sparks alight together and are eager to spend another night together, disregarding both their rules about no second nights, no second names and no feelings.
These two together broke my heart. Micah's BPD is not something that I've had experience with but it's written is a way that really conveys the struggles that he goes through, the intrusiveness of thoughts even on the best of days and how hard it makes a relationship. Ryan's every day love and stress regarding his daughter is so much for a single parent, he has to be constantly aware and on alert for anything. This, of course, affects the chance of any relationship but the connection that Micah and Ryan share is something that neither can deny. It's something that needs hard work, communication and accepting of each other's responsibilities.
This is a beautifully told story and I think the illnesses involved are written with care. The friends and family at Iron and Works, especially Tony and Miguel really stand up and care for Micah. I love how the relationship develops and unfolds across the story and we slowly grow closer to the MC's. Another recommended read from this series and great author.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Micah has been through many trials and tribulations to where he has ended up working at Iron and Works, finally feeling like he has a settled life, something that he has control over and friends that are understanding to his circumstances. His one night with Ryan is something that he would love to have more of but won't put his problems on another.
Ryan lives for his daughter and her health needs. It's a constant roller-coaster ride that's pretty lonely and so he looks forward to that one night a week where his sister takes over for a night. Micah and Ryan set sparks alight together and are eager to spend another night together, disregarding both their rules about no second nights, no second names and no feelings.
These two together broke my heart. Micah's BPD is not something that I've had experience with but it's written is a way that really conveys the struggles that he goes through, the intrusiveness of thoughts even on the best of days and how hard it makes a relationship. Ryan's every day love and stress regarding his daughter is so much for a single parent, he has to be constantly aware and on alert for anything. This, of course, affects the chance of any relationship but the connection that Micah and Ryan share is something that neither can deny. It's something that needs hard work, communication and accepting of each other's responsibilities.
This is a beautifully told story and I think the illnesses involved are written with care. The friends and family at Iron and Works, especially Tony and Miguel really stand up and care for Micah. I love how the relationship develops and unfolds across the story and we slowly grow closer to the MC's. Another recommended read from this series and great author.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
September 26, 2021
I absolutely adored the Irons and Works series, and while it is definitely an author’s prerogative to state that a series is finished, I’m certainly not mad that Lindsey changed their mind about this one. We return to the Irons and Works tattoo shop in Fairfield, Colorado with a new artist but a lot of familiar faces. Micah and Ryan each have their share of baggage, but that doesn’t stop them from having the most epic hookup imaginable and coming to a strict no-strings-attached arrangement for future encounters. After all, no matter the attraction between them, both men have rules and limitations to their lives that don’t leave much room for a relationship.
Of course, this arrangement lasts for all of five minutes.
The story that unfolds is a perfect example of the relationships Lindsey does best. Neither Ryan nor Micah can “fix” each other or their lives, but it becomes clear that the men are better together than apart. They just have to get past their own ingrained patterns to get there. Luckily, Lindsey also does not write heroes that exist in a vacuum, so the men have secondary characters on hand who care enough about them to support them the best way they’re able. I especially loved that tattoo shop owner Kat gets a decent number of scenes in support of Micah, since she’s someone I don’t remember seeing much of outside of “Tony and Kat” previously.
This book could work as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend that interested readers start at the beginning of this incredible series. I was thrilled to be back, even during the moments Lindsey made me cry, and other readers should definitely check out this amazing found-family universe.
Of course, this arrangement lasts for all of five minutes.
The story that unfolds is a perfect example of the relationships Lindsey does best. Neither Ryan nor Micah can “fix” each other or their lives, but it becomes clear that the men are better together than apart. They just have to get past their own ingrained patterns to get there. Luckily, Lindsey also does not write heroes that exist in a vacuum, so the men have secondary characters on hand who care enough about them to support them the best way they’re able. I especially loved that tattoo shop owner Kat gets a decent number of scenes in support of Micah, since she’s someone I don’t remember seeing much of outside of “Tony and Kat” previously.
This book could work as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend that interested readers start at the beginning of this incredible series. I was thrilled to be back, even during the moments Lindsey made me cry, and other readers should definitely check out this amazing found-family universe.
September 23, 2021
I love how deeply, beautifully relatable both Micah and Ryan are. They make mistakes, they do the best they can, they face, but are not defined by, the forces in their lives that routinely create obstacles for them. Micah’s passion, his integrity, and his intrinsic kindness make him truly memorable, and while I didn’t know much about BPD before reading this novel, seeing and hearing Micah navigate his lived experiences gave me a chance to learn more. Ryan’s struggles are different than Micah’s but loom large in his day-to-day life: as a single father to a chronically ill child, with a job that exploits him but that he desperately needs for insurance benefits, he’s used to not allowing anyone too close and never having anything for himself. That he’s so used to his circumstances that it sometimes slides into self-imposed martyrdom is something that, while frustrating to watch, was also moving: watching him figure out how to make the kinds of changes to his thinking that were necessary to get him on the same page as Micah is a slow but rewarding process. Micah’s support network of friends and found family is a glorious, beautiful tapestry of caring and acceptance, and are, in many ways, the heart of the story. Our protagonists don’t have an easy journey to their HEA, but they get there, and it feels great to see them make it work.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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