Ornamental

Irons and Works #8

by E.M. Lindsey

It wasn’t that Luke was unhappy at Irons and Works. After all, that was his home, his family, his safety.

But watching everyone around him fall in love was a bit much when every single relationship he’d tried to maintain fell to pieces. Was he just unlucky, or was there something about him that was just fundamentally unlovable?

What Luke doesn’t expect in answer is an older man with greying hair and eyes that look like they’ve seen into the core of the earth.

What he doesn’t expect is for Tony to introduce everyone to his half-brother.

And what he most definitely doesn’t expect is for that man to zero in on Luke, and decide—whether Luke likes it or not—that he’s the only thing in the shop he actually wants.

Ornamental is the eighth book in the Irons and Works series which are best read in order. It contains no cheating and a happily ever after.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Disability, Contemporary, Queer, Friends To Lovers, LGBT

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2022

About the author

E.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.

Reviews

[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“It wasn’t just in the moment. I do love you. I’m falling so fucking hard in love with you it’s a little scary. But I couldn’t hold it in.”

First things first, please don’t ask me why I decided to read the eight book of a series as a standalone, but somehow it really worked for me and I enjoyed this book, so much. This book just did it for me. It hit all of my buttons and it was the perfect mix of everything I enjoy and want to read in a book.

I’m so into everything about this book. The plot. The setting. The characters. The romance. The rep. The stories. Just all of it, I just enjoyed everything about this book so much.

Brief summary
Raf lost his job and his marriage because he has Tourette’s and seizures and he relapsed and the people in his life didn’t accept him. He’s broke and lost in life, so he asks his brother for help. His brother owns a tattoo shop and a guy called Luke works there. Raf and Luke start hanging out together more and more and they fall in love.

The romance in this book was just phonomenal. It was so sweet and tender and it really worked for me. This book is slow burn and we get to slowly see Luke and Raf start to get to know each other and become friends. The more they spend time to together, the more we get to see them fall for each other. And I just loved that so much. I loved seeing how much time they spend together and how their love for each other slowly developed through all of the moments they spent together. I loved how they wanted to spend all of their time together and how they always wanted to be with each other. The romance in this book was just so sweet and it melted my heart. This book was just so romantic and I really loved every seconds of it.

Side note, I just loved how Raf and Luke comforted each other through everything and how they were always there for each other. It was just the cutest thing to read about.

I’m a fan of age gaps in books. Luke and Raf have over a 20 years age difference and I really loved how the book dealt with it. I loved how it wasn’t really an issue for them because they enjoyed each other and the time that they spent together and thats all that mattered to them. I also loved how they never seemed too different because of their age that they couldn’t make their relationship work. These two just fit together and I loved how the book showed that.

I’m also a fan of sexual discoveries stories. Raf had never been with a guy before and a big part of the book was him figuring out his attraction to guys. I just enjoyed these parts of this book so much. They were just so well done and an absolute joy to read about.

Also, the rep in this book was just so good. I expected it to be because this author always does the best rep, but it just really worked for me. Raf has Tourette’s, seizures and some neurological issues and I really loved how they were such a big part of who he is. And I really loved how Luke handled them, he was just the best and always accepting of Rafe. I loved it so much. This part of the book was just absolutely perfect to me.

This book is all about finding the people who will always be there for you and bounding with them and I loved them so much. It was just so wonderful to read about and it just melted my heart due to how sweet it was.

This book was just so sweet but also so emotional. It truly had my entire heart and I enjoyed it so much. This book was just it for me. This book felt like it was made for me and I enjoyed every seconds of it so much. This book just melted my heart so much and it was a wonderful reading experience.

I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion

[Rosabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have often spoken about the work that E.M. Lindsay does, the importance of the representation and the care to detail that they use.

I have also said that because of the disabilities that are always represented in their work (wich I always think is amazing), the love sometimes doesn't come first. But there are also some books that have an amazing balance, like this one. ❤️

Sweet, warmth, comfort, acceptance, community, love. I felt all of it reading this and meeting all of the other characters from previous books. Loved it, now I want to read everything.

Great story. 👁👄👁🥰

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Stepping in through the doors of Irons and Works felt like coming home in ways Luke couldn’t describe in words.”

I’ve only read a few books from the Iron and Works series, but I have to say, I absolutely love this diverse found family. So accepting, loyal, and protective. I love the representation and the very real messiness of their lives. There is no cotton candy sweetness. But there is tons of beautiful acceptance and support. They all deal with a myriad of different abilities, mental health issues, and past traumas. As well as trying to parent in the real world.

“He’d never craved anything the way he craved those warm, strong hands, or that pouting mouth, or the scrape of stubble.”

In Ornamental, Raf and Luke are decades apart in age, both newly out as bisexual. Luke has recently returned to town and trying to settle back in. Raf is new to town, a single dad, trying to start his life over. It’s a slow burn, full of friendship, patience, and acceptance. And beautiful love that is hopeful and charming.

What a wonderful pair, so kind and caring. You will absolutely want to wrap them up in a hug.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
I'm starting to realize E.M. Lindsey focuses so much on whatever disability the characters may have, that she starts losing out on personality. While I find the fact that she is so diverse in her characters awsesome--they all are pretty bland, personality wise. It's as though their entire personality is their disability, which isn't fair to the group she's trying to represent, nor is it fair to the reader (because it's boring).
Raf has Tourette's, this is the first book I've ever read that has a realistic depiction of Tourette's. Other than being a teacher and a principle, and the fact he has an ex wife and a daughter...I know nothing about this man. I don't know what he likes to do for fun. I don't know if he has ANY hobbies. He doesn't really have a personality, even...he's just a man with Tourette's. He's a nice guy. But...that's it.
Luke is a drifter who's finally settled in Colorado to work at Irons and Works...and he's nice, tattooed and...bland. Again, no real hobbies. No interests (other than tattooing...and even that, I never felt a passion behind it).
The romance is sweet...a bit boring. No real conflicts between them. Small misunderstandings that aren't very interesting or very developed. Raf goes from thinking he's straight to bi with no inner conflict what so ever, which I don't find very realistic, especially for a 50 yo man. I did like that it was a slow burn...but, it's not a very developed slow burn. They're holding hands for 30% of the book without them ever thinking it's odd that they're holding hands with another man platonically. They're SOOO shocked the other is interested in them and that others are aware they're interested in each other...but they're holding hands in public. Straight men in general don't do that...if you were straight, and you're suddenly holding hands with a person of your gender and you're having sexual/romantic feelings for them...one would have thoughts about it! (not saying one would necessarily be upset...but you'd have some self reflection on it) There was nothing. They acted like two grown men (who are not together and one thought he was straight his whole life) holding hands while watching tv or out in public is totally typical.
I just felt like this book wasn't developed enough--or the characters aren't developed enough. And I feel like this is the norm for EM Lindsey, which is sad. I like their writing. But...none of their characters seem to have any personality, which makes for a boring read.
EM Lindsey used to be a go to read for me, but now I rake through reviews before deciding to read one of their books. This is making me wonder if I should just stop looking forward to their new books in general.

[thosemeddlingkids · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - any time I come back to this small town it's like being wrapped in a warm hug.

I really appreciated how much family time there was in this one, and it was extra special reading all the previous books in the series because everyone was included. I'm torn with this one, I thought that Raf was in desperate need of a family and being cared about, and most of the book focused on him getting back on his feet and learning to accept and demand love. I was full with all of the bonding and time everyone spent with Raf.

However, the romance was very slow burn (75% into the story, and more like into the 80's before romance happened). That's something I do like, when there's been tension and buildup brewing between the leads, and I didn't feel it very much between Luke and Raf. Luke was a bit like a blank slate, and didn't really have much personality or depth going on. This was an age gap, bi leads, friends to friends to friends to lovers, with the older lead being a recently divorced parent trying to get custody back for his daughter and starting over in a new place. There's also a small "dating coach" trope thrown in as well.

I almost think I enjoyed Raf's relationship that formed with his brother, Tony, a bit more than the romantic relationship with Luke. As always, I appreciated the sensitivity and depth Lindsey brought to the characters and the town they've built in this series. My own ableist thoughts were challenged regarding Raf's TS, and I appreciated having a lead with vocal and physical tics, and having things to reflect on.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nayeli -per RFS
.
Luke è un tatuatore nomade che, dopo aver fatto esperienza in giro per gli Stati Uniti, torna alla Irons and Works per restare. Si è accorto di sentire la mancanza di un luogo da poter chiamare “casa”, e amici da poter chiamare “famiglia”. Ci viene presentato come un ragazzo sensibile che desidera sentirsi amato e accolto.

L’altro protagonista è Raf, ed è il fratello di Tony, il fondatore dello studio di tatuaggi che accoglie ragazzi con le più svariate forme di disabilità. Raf ha la Sindrome di Tourette, e tempo prima si era allontanato senza spiegazioni dalla famiglia nel tentativo di non condizionare negativamente la loro vita con i suoi tanti bisogni.

Il romanzo si apre con una serie di eventi che lasciano Raf in una condizione economica, psicologica e familiare devastante. A 50 anni, dopo un lungo periodo in cui era riuscito a tenerla sotto controllo, la sua Sindrome ha avuto una recidiva, e questo ha provocato la perdita del lavoro e il rifiuto da parte della moglie, che ora sta tentando perfino di privarlo dell’affidamento della figlia. Costretto a chiedere aiuto, reprime l’orgoglio e cerca di riavvicinarsi al fratello trasferendosi in città.

Quell’appartamento non gli dava la sensazione di essere a casa, e sapeva che Tony aveva ragione. Doveva iniziare ad avere il coraggio e la volontà di esistere in questa vita in qualsiasi modo la sua ST volesse manifestarsi. Se quella doveva essere la sua nuova normalità, o se la sua nuova normalità era costituita da lunghi periodi di tic silenziosi seguiti da quegli scoppi, avrebbe dovuto accettarlo.

Per quanto Tony provi risentimento verso il fratello che l’ha privato di un legame importante, non rifiuterà di aiutarlo. Tutto lo studio, in effetti, si attiverà per sostenere Raf in ogni modo, fornendo assistenza legale, opportunità professionali, ma anche semplicemente dandogli la comprensione e l’accettazione che merita e di cui ha bisogno in questo periodo difficile. Riusciranno a fargli capire che lui non è la sua sindrome, che apprezzano l’uomo che è, al di là del suo disturbo.

Luke riesce a stargli vicino in modo particolare. La Sindrome di Tourette è infida e snervante, non ci sono modi per avere una pausa dai continui tic fisici o verbali che provoca, ma lo stress aggrava i sintomi. Luke rappresenta quella boa a cui Raf si aggrappa per avere un attimo di pace, che si tratti di un orgasmo o di un abbraccio calmante.

«Non vado da nessuna parte,» disse Luke da dietro di lui. Un secondo dopo, Raf sentì un palmo caldo premere contro il suo e combatté l’impulso di aggrapparsi a Luke come aveva fatto dopo la doccia. Quel conforto era stato viscerale, potente, bisognoso. Ora lo desiderava, ma doveva darsi una regolata.

Il legame tra i due uomini non è immediato, anche se entrambi provano da subito un’attrazione reciproca. Luke è affascinato dall’altro uomo, più maturo ma del quale apprezza la vulnerabilità, mentre Raf ha molte remore: si sente disadattato, sbagliato, in un momento troppo complicato della sua vita e senza punti fermi. Il punto di incontro è mentire a se stessi e all’altro, e fingere di aiutarlo a gestire una relazione “di prova”. Allenarsi per quando verrà il momento di trovare un partner più adatto (più vecchio, meno danneggiato…). Inutile dire che la finzione aprirà la strada a veri sentimenti.

Entrambi i protagonisti vivono per la prima volta una relazione con un altro uomo. Affronteranno quindi insicurezze, una passionalità trattenuta, delle scoperte su se stessi e sul rapporto con l’altro. Un’iniziale amicizia li fa avvicinare e provare benessere quando sono insieme. In seguito si sviluppa in modo sempre più passionale, con slanci in cui gli uomini si lasciano andare al bisogno di stare insieme, seguiti da dubbi e tentativi di negare o rallentare.

«Se crollo prima di cenare con te, come diavolo faccio a fare qualcosa del genere con un estraneo?» Luke si girò e lo guardò dritto negli occhi. «Perché l’estraneo giusto si siederà con te proprio così. Ti darà il tempo, l’attenzione e la pazienza di cui hai bisogno.» «Lo farà?» chiese Raf quasi in un sussurro. «La persona che ha giurato di amarmi a qualsiasi condizione non lo ha fatto.» «Perché era debole e un po’ cattiva, e probabilmente non ha mai risolto i suoi problemi,» disse Luke. «Non sono un esperto. Non ho ancora trent’anni e sto cercando di capirmi, ma chiunque sia troppo imbarazzato per sedersi in pubblico con te, indipendentemente dal funzionamento della tua mente e del tuo corpo, non merita il tuo tempo.»

La Sindrome di Tourette è un vero e proprio protagonista della storia. L’autrice è riuscita benissimo a descrivere una situazione molto complicata da gestire, sia psicologicamente sia fisicamente, ma anche socialmente. Per quanto sia una condizione complessa e invalidante, ci ha però anche mostrato come sia possibile trattare con dignità e rispetto chi ne soffre, come si possa vedere l’uomo al di là dei suoi disturbi, quanto possa avere ancora molto da dare nonostante le sue difficoltà.

[Maha AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I read my first book, Switch Hitter by E.M Lindsey, I knew I found myself a new favorite author who writes such beautiful, emotional characters & Ornamental is another winner from this author. Now I said it before, but I NEVER read anything in order. As long as it's a standalone I pick and choose😅& it's been working for me, so I've never felt like I missed anything😂.

I'll admit age gap is not my thing & the only ones I've read I made sure it's like 10 yrs difference, with one being in their mid-twenties & the other in their mid-thirties. So those are the only ones that kinda worked for me😅BUT the CW caught my attention; there was a Tourette Syndrome rep in this book & I was like...what the heck!!! I signed up for the ARC on a whim & I have no regrets.

Now I believe all it needs is the right author to give it justice & E.M Lindsey just changed my mind about it. But, my God, the sloooow burn was perfection❤️ how their relationship wasn't rushed & how their friendship unfolded to something more. There were moments where I forgot about their age gap because there was no emphasis on it, which I appreciate.

What I loved the most was how the characters struggled with their disability, but that didn't take away the sweet romance of the story. It was just the perfect balance❤️.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Ornamental is the eight book in the excellent Irons and Works series and I just love being back in this world. I am a huge fan of found family stories and this series is a great example of that theme. The guys of Irons and Works are like brothers; they take care of each other and stand up for one another and share an easy affection that welcomes people into their circle. The books focus on this same group of men and they are in and out of each other’s stories. However, from a plot perspective, the books largely stand alone and I think you would be fine starting with this one. I actually read the series mostly out of order and have missed a few of the books and did just fine.

This story focuses on two men who are settling back into their lives.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't go into this one with any expectations and was very pleasantly surprised. Luke and Raf complimented each other really well. Rafs tourette's broke my heart and I loved how supportive Luke was of him. Very well done hurt/comfort relationship they had.

[Francesca Vallicelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Gabis Laberladen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darum geht’s:

Sein Tourette Syndrom hat sich seit langer Zeit nur mäßig gezeigt, doch als es heftiger aufflammt, wird Raf zur Peinlichkeit für seine Frau und untragbar als Schulpsychologe. Um näher bei seiner kleinen Tochter zu wohnen, zieht er in die Gegend, in der auch sein Bruder Tony lebt, zu dem er lange keinen Kontakt hatte. Bei ihm und in dessen Tattoostudio findet er nicht nur Hilfe und jede Art von Unterstützung, sondern auch Luke, der zwar wesentlich jünger ist als Raf, aber genau die Person ist, die Raf braucht – und will.

Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier

[Jane]

The usual from EM Lindsey: feels like coming home and catching up with the friends you most want to see find happiness ❤️ This one is a particularly cozy one, as two men who don’t think they deserve very much from the world make their way through tough times to reach some extremely satisfying sweetness in the end.

[The Word Nerd Reviews Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Ornamental to be a beautiful and fascinating reading experience. It is a story that ticks many of my boxes: two characters that are far from ‘perfect’, who are perfect for each other; age gap; bisexual awakening; and a nice dose of hurt/comfort angst that mixes up the rhythm of the story but doesn't overtake it and make it a heavy read.

One aspect I found fascinating was the depiction of someone living with Tourette's Syndrome. I knew very little of this condition except for the sensationalised swearing and outbursts, which, it turns out, is not that common but is used as a popular stereotype in the media.

Raf's struggle and determination to manage his condition was both heart breaking and heart warming. His belief that his condition meant that he had to isolate himself from his brother and that the re-occurrence of his regular tic attacks meant that no one would be interested in him long term, especially not someone so much younger than he was, actually brought a tear to my eye.

E.M. Lindsey outdid themselves with these characters. All of them were special, but it's the Luke and Raf show in Ornamental, and boy, it was way too easy to become wholly invested in them. Both Luke and Raf had their issues to overcome, but their devotion to each other was always evident, even from early on in their friendship. They were both genuinely beautiful men who deserved their hard-won happy ending.

Ornamental was a very slow burn, physically at least, but it really didn't feel like a slow burn story. Emotionally, it was at a fast simmer for most of the book where Luke and Raf danced around each other, neither believing the other could be really interested long term.

E.M. Lindsey weaved an enchanting tale that hit all my emotional buttons. I ran the whole gamut of emotions, smiling one moment, a bit teary the next, then laughing out loud. It was an experience that kept me on my emotional toes, and I loved every moment; it was never dull!

Ornamental is the eighth book in the Irons & Works series, but it can be read as a standalone. I have only read the first book in this series, and I had no trouble following along with Ornamental.

However, be warned. Many of the characters from previous books feature heavily in this one, and while you can enjoy the story without knowing their backstories, you will want to go back and find out everything – I know I do!

Ornamental was a wonderful and memorable reading experience from beginning to end.

I highly recommend it!



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[Bess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book in the Irons and Works series has left me with the dopiest grin on my face at the end, and this is no different. Picking a favorite couple from the series is like picking a favorite child, but gosh Raf and Luke are just beautiful together. I could never choose just one favorite thing about E.M. Lindsey's writing, but one of them would have to be the way they create authentic relationships that feel real. No insta-love, no magic-solution-to-everything, just people from varied backgrounds falling in love.

Out of all of the Irons and Works books, this one could work as a standalone. It definitely helps to already know all of the side characters, but this one could be enjoyed alone much more than some of the earlier books.

Great for fans of:
-fake dating
-age gap (20 years)
-hurt/comfort with HEA
-sexual discovery stories (one character is bi with limited experience and the other has never been with a man before)

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each book by EM Lindsey that I read I think there is no way they can outdo it. And then I read the next one. They are now easily an automatic buy for me with new books. I haven’t read all of the Iron and Works series but I do own them. I have to fix that stat. Oh my gosh this book was so good! Raf broke my heart. His struggle to be accepted as who he is and to get his TS back under control just drew me into his story. And the way Luke just accepts him as he is, tics and all, and tries to help him find his way is simply magic. I felt so much of this book because I have a dear family member that suffers from verbal and muscle tics (not TS) and the author handles it with such sensitivity. I do wish we got more of what happens with Raf trying to get more custody of his daughter but this book is just about perfect. Found families are my absolute favorite thing and the family that Raf’s brother Tony has created at Iron and Works is absolutely amazing to read. All the stars! Go read it!

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freakin phenomenal! I feel like I’ve come home whenever I read an Irons and Works stories, it’s amazing and emotional for me. Luke has come back home to Fairfield after several years working in another state. Raf has moved to Fairfield after his wife divorced him and took his daughter 3000 miles away from their home state. I absolutely loved this Irons and Works series. I always think that the author cannot top their previous works and boy am I ever wrong! Raf and Luke were absolutely perfect for each other! Luke accepted Raf for who he was. This story hooked me, the pacing flowed and before I knew it, I was done with the story. I loved how we get an update with all the previous characters from the Irons and Works series. Overall Phenomenal!!!

[Mary Vitrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.M. is a master in writing all these wonderful real characters. This is one of the fewest books with a character with TS and it is a masterpiece. I have no other words to describe it than this. I felt Ras struggling, I wanted to hug him for 95% of the book. I also loved his strength, how he fought fiercely for having back what was important to him, how he tried to overcome all his tics and what life threw up at him. And Luke, this beautiful soul that falls in love quickly, accepting each and every one side of Raf. It was like coming home. See a glimpse of all the Iron and Works' family it was amazing. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by E.M Lindsey.
At this point Lindsey is an auto buy author for me. I don’t need to read the synopsis because I’m going to love it.
This was no exception. I loved the relationship between Luke and Raf. It was emotional and raw and just lovely to read through their struggles and triumphs.

I don’t think I can say it enough how much I love the authors writing style!

[Sharing The Book Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

This age-gap, second chance at love read is a perfect addition to this series. Luke and Raf - well on paper they shouldnt work but the way E.M Lindsey has written the chracters, we feel so much why they do work. The support, love and understanding is so heartwarming.

this is a brilliant addition to the irons and works series.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review:

https://www.mmromancereviewed.com/202...

[Jocelyn F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this one may be my least favorite Iron & Works series and it makes me a little sad because I like Luke a lot. We meet him as a side character early in the series, but he went to travel with Finn at the end of Miguel's story.

Raf is Tony's older bro who has been living in their hometown for the last 20 years and basically ghosted his bro because Raf has Tourettes Syndrome. I do like how each character in this series explores a different aspect of mental health, but I felt like Raf's TS overran EVERYTHING here.

We got very little of Luke's backstory, just flashes here and there. Luke is damaged, exploring coming to terms with being bi, and then spends almost 80% of the book pining for someone who he doesn't think is interested. But we don't get a whole lot other than Luke reacting to Raf's neediness and issues. It's very one sided to me.

I don't know if I believe the feelings behind Raf and Luke. I know that there is infatuation, and friendship. Passion at the very end, but I had a hard time with the buy in when Raf basically ghosts AGAIN, but when Luke goes looking, there's a whole, here's a key to my place. Like super sudden.

This is just my opinion and reaction to this book, but I can only give it a 2.75 stars.

I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.

[Mer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet slow burn! This wound up being one of my favorites of this series. It really highlights how good the Iron & Works guys are at bringing someone into the fold and the power that acceptance can work in someone's life. Tony’s brother Raf shows up at his house after twenty years of silence. He’s had a tough go of it: job loss, divorce, his ex moved their daughter from Alaska to Colorado so he hasn’t seen Isla in months. All stemming from ableism after the return of his tics after decades of his Tourette Syndrome being under better control. Additionally, Raf wrestles with a lot of internalized ableism about his condition. Besides Tony, no one has ever loved him unconditionally and he just wishes he could be normal. It was really beautiful to watch Raf put the pieces of his life back together while also accepting that there’s nothing wrong with having Tourette’s. He deserved so much better than he’d been treated all those years.

Part of that acceptance is Raf’s friendship with Luke. They’re both immediately into each other but neither thinks the other will be interested and/or they have valid reasons for not trying to start something. Raf is worried about the age gap and doesn’t think he’d be a good partner when his life is in shambles. Plus, he’s only just started contemplating whether he’s also into men. Luke believes everyone will ultimately leave him and that he’s only good for one night stands. They so clearly care for one another and yet they miss all the signals that there could be something more. At the same time, Raf in particular needs to get his life in order before he’ll have the bandwidth to contemplate dating. It might take them a while to figure things out but their romance was thoroughly enjoyable. I was so glad they found each other!

Raf’s emotional arc was much stronger than Luke’s—Luke’s issues were addressed rather quickly early on and then everything becomes about what Raf has going on. I wondered if part of this is because Luke is able-bodied and this series has focused on the ableism each disabled MC faces, with external conflicts largely driven by that. Despite Luke playing more of a support player than a MC, I really enjoyed what we got to see of him and how he was readjusting to being back at the shop. He deserved to have a stronger storyline. However, this book felt more balanced than others in the series because there wasn’t as much trauma and conflict as the rest. Along those lines, I continue to wonder why there aren’t more female secondary characters besides Tony's wife Kat (who we barely get to see!) and whether this crew is friends with anyone who is trans or nonbinary. It’s a very cis male series (and mostly white); that’s a missed opportunity in depicting queer found families.

Characters: Luke is a 28 year old bisexual white tattoo artist. Raf is a bisexual white school counselor in his 50s. He has Tourette Syndrome. Isla is Raf’s 6 year old daughter. This is set in Fairfield, CO.

Content notes: seizures, panic attack, incontinence (due to seizure), internalized ableism, ableism (including Tourette Syndrome being the reason for Raf’s job loss, divorce, and custody issues), custody issues (Raf’s ex awarded primary custody due to his tics; Raf is able to get more visitation as the story progresses; there aren’t any courtroom scenes), divorce and infidelity (Raf’s wife cheated), bi awakening, past suicidal ideation, past depression, past hoarding, insomnia (medication side effect), Raf hadn’t talked to his brother in 20 years (reunited this story), both MCs estranged from parents, past unstable childhood and physical abuse (Luke), past corporal punishment for tics (pre-diagnosis), Luke’s mom dealt with substance abuse, secondary characters with various disabilities and mental illnesses (including Deaf, Borderline Personality Disorder, bipolar, wheelchair, prosthetics), on page sex, rimming, alcohol, cigarettes, past inebriation, past underage drinking, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, client gets tattoo in honor of deceased pet cat, reference to racist gas station attendant, reference to Luke never knowing his dad

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

We return to the Irons & Works tattoo shop for another visit to this excellent universe. You’d think we’d be running out of characters, but Lindsey effortlessly weaves together the “next generation” working full-time at the shop and the old guard who have gone down to part-time but remain close members of this lovely extended family. Luke got his start here but moved away from Fairfield to escape the lingering hold of his toxic childhood. He’s back now and slowly settling into his rightful place. He’d like an eventual happily ever after but is convinced that he’s not long-term material, even with his bisexuality doubling the potential pool.

In contrast, Raf arrives in Fairfield metaphorically kicking and screaming. His not-quite-perfect life took a drastic turn for the worse, and he’s not sure whether his newly exacerbated neurological disorder is the cause or a result. Luckily, he has a biological family to turn to, even if he’s not quite sure of the reception he’ll get. But Tony, estranged younger brother and owner of Irons & Works, immediately kicks into high gear to help Raf get settled here and work to get a better custody agreement for his daughter. Along the way, and free of his marriage, Raf quietly examines his desires and accepts his bisexuality. One of the things I loved about this character, in addition to him being older, is that Raf doesn’t spend a lot of time dwelling on “bi angst.” After all, he’s got enough more pressing issues to deal with already.

Luke and Raf become friends mostly through proximity, and a significant portion of this book cover their slow burn into friendship. Raf worries that the physical effects of his disorder will chase everyone away, but Luke never blinks, even at the worst. The friendship that blooms is a lovely example of positive masculinity, and the comfort between them acts as the precursor to a possible relationship. Luke crushes hard, more obviously, which is picked up by all around him except for Raf, who buries his attraction more deeply until it bursts out in the most dramatic way possible.

Thus, the slow burn continues as they muddle through a surprise first kiss. Right afterward, we reach the lack of competent communication portion of the plot. It made me smile even while rolling my eyes at these two bisexual disasters (and I say that in the nicest way possible). Since this is a romance, the happily ever after is expected but also completely satisfying. Coming home is the theme of this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey as these characters find it at Irons & Works and with each other.

Final note: I always trust this author to do the appropriate research into every important facet of their characters. A basic primer on Tourette Syndrome is included in the front matter. Still, throughout the text, Lindsey does a great job of including subtle education about TS without Raf ever having to do more work than the scene requires.

Disclaimer: I received an electronic review copy of this book from the author.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

It wasn’t that Luke was unhappy at Irons and Works. After all, that was his home, his family, his safety. But watching everyone around him fall in love was a bit much when every single relationship he’d tried to maintain fell to pieces. Was he just unlucky, or was there something about him that was just fundamentally unlovable? What Luke doesn’t expect in answer is an older man with greying hair and eyes that look like they’ve seen into the core of the earth. What he doesn’t expect is for Tony to introduce everyone to his half-brother. And what he most definitely doesn’t expect is for that man to zero in on Luke and decide whether Luke likes it or not—that he’s the only thing in the shop he actually wants.
Raf has lost his job and his marriage because he has Tourette’s and seizures. He relapsed and the people in his life wouldn't accept him. He’s broke and just lost, so he finally has to ask his brother for help. His brother owns Irons and Works, the tattoo shop...and also the shop where Luke works. Raf and Luke start hanging out together and soon they fall in love.

The romance in this book was as always...phenomenal. This is also a really slow burn story that allows us to get to slowly see Luke and Raf start to get to know each other and become friends. The more they spend time to together, the more we get to see them falling in love. It was nice how much time they spent together and how their love for each other slowly developed through all of those moments. All they wanted was to just be there for and with, each other. Their romance is sweet. Raf and Luke comfort each other and talk through everything, making the growing attraction easy for them.

I’m not a big fan of age gap romances...but this one so sweet. Luke and Raf have an age gap of over 20 years, but somehow, they managed to deal with it. It never appeared to really be an issue for them. They only wanted to be together and work to make their relationship work.

Raf was new to the M/M romance scene, and that was a big part of the story...him figuring out his attraction to a man.

Raf has Tourette’s, so there are seizures and some neurological issues. Luke treated him like even though the Tourette's was something that was a big part of his life...it wasn't what made him, "HIM". He knew that it was only a small part of who he really was. Luke did a great job of keeping Raf safe. He was just THE ABSOLUTE best, and this part of the book was absolutely perfect. We would expect nothing less from this author.

In a nutshell...this story is about finding people who will always "be there" for you and bounding with them and learning that they will always love and care for you, no matter what life hands you.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ornamental is the eighth book in the Irons and Works series. It's recommended to read the books in order, but you can read this as a standalone. I've previously read the other 6 in this wonderfully diverse series but I unfortunately haven't been able to read book 7 yet. And even though I haven't read book 7 I still really enjoyed book 8!

Ornamental is about Luke and Raf. Luke is a tattoo artist who used to work at Irons and Works, then he went to work elsewhere and decided he wanted to come back to the one place he could ever call home. Since his return he's grown closer than ever with his brothers in the shop and he may have just found a person he wants to be in a relationship with. The first person he would ever be in a relationship with.

Raf is struggling. His now ex wife not only divorced him after his tics came back but she also took off with their daughter.

He has to start his whole life over, he moves to Fairfield, has to find a place to live and a new job. Now he has to deal with growing feelings for the young man who works for his brother.

My thoughts and opinions:

I really enjoyed this book, just like every other book I've read by EM. I haven't read a book yet I haven't liked by them. Their characters are always so diverse and not the 'normal' characters we as readers are so used to reading about.

The characters are unique and have their own set of flaws, struggles and their own talents and personalities. I personally loved watching these two men come together. To overcome the struggles both of them have dealt with their whole lives. I also loved how supportive everyone was of Raf, but especially how Luke was with him. You can feel how much he cares about Raf.

Want to know what my favorite part of this book was? My favorite part of this book was being able to see all of the characters from the previous books in this series.

The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because I wanted more of Raf and Luke together. I understand why EM wrote this the way they did but I wanted more. There was a lot of back and forth with them.

I'm not sure if this is the last book in the Irons and Works universe or not but I certainly hope it isn't. I love this world and I don't want to see it end just yet.

I not only recommend this book to you but I strongly recommend you to read this whole series. As soon as possible!!

*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review*

[purely.romantic · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW’s at the end

“Stepping in through the doors of Irons and Works felt like coming home in ways Luke couldn’t describe in words.”

This is the opening line in EM Lindsey’s latest in the *Irons and Works* series and it perfectly captures my own experience reading *Ornamental*. The world that EM has created in these books and with these characters in a little tattoo shop feels like the safest place to sink in to where there is an embracing and celebration of difference and so much love and laughter in the found family these characters have formed.

Raf and Luke grabbed my heart from their first moments on the page. Luke is a returning member of the I&W family, unsure of his place and feeling the guilt of running away from Tony and the crew at the first chance he could. He certainly does not expect to fall head over heels for the much older and yet, devastatingly handsome man who turns out to be Tony’s older brother. Raf, dealing with the fallout of an ex-wife and a job that refused to adjust to his Tourette’s syndrome, is struggling to make ends meet so he can regain joint custody of his child as well as rebuilding his relationship with the younger brother he lost contact with many years ago. The spark between these two characters–both so vulnerable and learning how to be more comfortable with that–was slow as they start off as friends before they simply cannot deny their attraction. Like many books in this series, EM’s absolute skill at bringing to life how the small hurts in life, whether they stem from anxiety or fear, or frustration at a world that cannot tolerate the idea of ‘different’, quietly burrowed their way into my heart as I watched these two characters fight their own big and small demons, and make their way to each other. I also don’t think I have ever read a novel with a protagonist who had Tourrette’s syndrome and, as always, this was sensitively and thoughtfully portrayed, dispelling all stereotypes and holistically portraying someone who lives with it. I also highly recommend the author’s note at the beginning for more info.

Another 5 star hit from a favourite author that I cannot recommend enough!

CW’s (taken from the book): This book contains ableism and internalized ableism, and one mention of past suicidal ideation. The main character with Tourette Syndrome also has on-page seizures. If you have a tic disorder that is either triggered by other people’s tics, or have echolalia, please read this book with caution.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled when I heard that E. M. Lindsey was continuing the Irons and Works series, and Raf and Luke's story had all the same magic as the previous books. Both main characters drew me in right away, and the reappearance of several familiar faces was a welcome reminder of what an amazing community Fairfield had.

It grated on my nerves to see the way Raf's ex and his former employer treated him in the beginning of the book, and it's all the more frustrating to be faced with the reality that people are actually that callous and cruel to anyone they perceive as different. The only thing that gave me comfort was knowing that there was no way Tony would be anything less than welcoming, regardless of how many years they'd been out of touch. It warmed my heart to see Raf get at least one good thing out of his hectic relocation, and I knew the second Tony got involved Raf would always have a safe landing spot. It was wonderful to watch Raf get to know all the guys from the tattoo shop, and while he wasn't subtle at all in his attraction to Luke, I also enjoyed watching Raf get comfortable in his own skin again. I won't pretend to know what it's like to have TS, but I could relate to how frustrated and uncomfortable Raf was until he gained confidence that his newfoud family wouldn't abandon him. His and Luke's romance was slow to get off the ground--mostly because Raf was stressing about so many other things--but it was pretty adorable to see how melty they each were around each other. Even when they went on the real-est of fake dates and somehow remained oblivious to their feelings for each other, I couldn't get mad at them because their affection was so dang sweet. Luke's happiness around Raf was like a beacon, and I'm so glad they didn't let a silly misunderstanding sabotage their relationship before it got off the ground. Because the majority of the story focused on Luke and Raf's personal journies and the emotional connection they were building, there weren't a ton of steamy bits. That's never particularly bothered me, because I'm a sucker for a romance that gives me all the feels, and once again I was left fully satisfied by Raf and Luke's happy ending.

**I voluntarily read a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Vaga16 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quella di Raf e Luke è stata una storia davvero toccante.

Raf è il fratello di Tony, di cui nessuno sapeva l’esistenza. È sempre stato affetto dalla sindrome di Tourette, anche se ad un certo punto i tic sembravano quasi scomparsi. Quando poi ritonano per lui sarà come un fulmine a ciel sereno, perchè sconvolgeranno non solo la sua vita matrimoniale ma anche quella lavorativa.
Senza lavoro e con un ex moglie che si è trasferita in Colorado portando sua figlia con sè, non gli resta che cercare aiuto nel fratello, anche se sono anni ormai che non un rapporto e non per colpa di Tony.
Così Raf si trasferisce a Fairfield e senza rendersene conto entra pian piano a far parte della meravigliosa e numerosa famiglia dell’Irons and Works.

Luke, che conosciamo fin dai primi libri, è un ragazzo con una storia famigliare un po’ incasinata. È stato via per qualche tempo, ma ora è ritornato e ha deciso di restare e trovare il suo posto. Da subito si sente attratto da Raf e non solo per il suo aspetto fisico, ma anche per un bisogno quasi istintivo di proteggerlo e prendersi cura di lui, nonostante quest’ultimo sia più grande di una ventina di anni.

Come gli altri, anche in questo libro si affrontano tematiche importanti con delicatezza e accuratezza. Si vede che l’autricə si è informata molto prima di affrontare l’argomento della Sit e, bisogna dargliene atto, anche le storie precedenti mostrano un certo impegno. Ecco perchè questa serie lascia il segno, perchè mette in luce situazioni reali che esistono ma che la maggior parte di noi ignora, crea un’empatia con i personaggi e la loro condizione, mostra che anche se la vita a volte è dura, puoi sempre rialzarti e trovare il tuo posto nel mondo. Ogni libro mi lascia sempre con una sensazione di speranza nel cuore.

Il mio unico appunto, che forse avrò ripetuto anche altre volte, è un finale troppo breve. In quasi tutti i libri le storie progrediscono in maniera lenta e trovano una vera e propria evoluzione quasi verso la fine. In questo, in particolare, toccherà aspettare fino a 2/3 per vedere uno spiraglio di luce. E, non fraintendetemi, va benissimo anche così, ma sarebbe bello godere un po’ più a lungo della felicità dei due protagonisti, vedere anche come si evolvono alcune situazioni famigliari e come iniziano la loro vita di coppia.
Insomma quache paginetta in più e sarebbe perfetto!

4⭐️

[Cristina Fly Mosca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione per il blog Peccatrici Librose

Buongiorno Peccatrici,
siamo arrivate al volume 8 della serie "Irons and Works" "Ornamental" di E.M.Lindsey per la Quixote Edizioni tradotto da Juls SK Vernet.
Devo dirvi subito che l'autrice continua a metterci davanti dinamiche che danno adito a situazioni complicate, che come sempre ci insegnano qualcosa. Ho scoperto che avevo credenze sbagliate sulla ST e mi è piaciuto imparare svogliando le pagine, scoprendo la storia di Luke e Rafael.
Luke, che abbiamo già incontrato precedentemente, è un ragazzo con un passato di abbandono e povertà, dove il coraggio e l'incontro con gli uomini del famoso negozio di tatuaggi di Fairfield, ha iniziato a cambiare la sua vita. Dopo essere stato per un periodo in un altro Stato, decide di tornare a casa e ricominciare a lavorare da Irons and Works. Tony, il capo del negozio, è felice del ritorno del ragazzo, ma sicuramente non si aspetta che questo sia solo l'inizio dei cambiamenti. In effetti, poco dopo, nella sua vita rientra colui che non vede da anni: suo fratello maggiore Rafael.
Raf è un uomo di cinquant'anni, con grandi problemi ed in questo momento la sua vita è andata in pezzi.
L'incontro tra Luke e Raf è qualcosa di inaspettato e tra loro scatta ciò che non si spiega, se non con l'amicizia, la fiducia e la comprensione.
Hanno più di vent'anni di differenza, ma Luke diventa protettivo nei confronti di Raf e decide che per lui vuole la felicità, anche se questo vuol dire perderlo.
Peccatrici, la serie parla di famiglia, non solo quella naturale ma soprattutto di quella allargata, quella che ci scegliamo, ma qui abbiamo famiglie che hanno difficoltà, disabilità e che devono combattere contro pregiudizi, sistema sociale e leggi che non tutelano il più debole.
Amo la scrittura di E.M.Lindsey, la trovo lineare, struttura bene i personaggi e la storia e questo ci consente di immergerci profondamente nelle pagine del libro, innamorandoci dei personaggi che dimostrano la forza e la volontà di non soccombere.
Peccatrici, vi invito ad avventurarvi nella conoscenza di Raf e Luke, ma se non conoscete la serie recuperatela e non ve ne pentirete. Fate buon viaggio ❤️
La vostra Fly