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Hel's Ink #1
Fox
Janie
When my father passed away, I assumed my grieving would be as simple as closing a book and starting another. Only, he had other plans.
Leaving me his beloved tattoo shop, I’m stuck to figure out what exactly to do with it, all while being constantly reminded of him.
Selling it was the easiest option, but after hearing some of the artists elated at the idea because they swore I’d ruin it if I took over, and reading the fine print of my father’s will, I’m determined to prove them wrong.
The only problem is Fox.
He’s arrogant, self-absorbed, and rude–doing everything in his power to show just how true their words would ring.
Unfortunately for him though, I’ve never been afraid of a challenge.
Fox
Hel’s Ink was supposed to be mine, but after my mentor passed away, I learned he had other plans in mind.
Leaving the shop to someone like Janie was a bad idea. Sure she may be able to make it look good on the surface, but there is more to running this place than social media posts and some paint. We’re a family and she’s not welcomed.
Only, the longer she’s here, the harder it’s proving to believe my own words.
She’s too young for me, and far too complicated, but I can’t help but wonder what would happen if I just give in.
When my father passed away, I assumed my grieving would be as simple as closing a book and starting another. Only, he had other plans.
Leaving me his beloved tattoo shop, I’m stuck to figure out what exactly to do with it, all while being constantly reminded of him.
Selling it was the easiest option, but after hearing some of the artists elated at the idea because they swore I’d ruin it if I took over, and reading the fine print of my father’s will, I’m determined to prove them wrong.
The only problem is Fox.
He’s arrogant, self-absorbed, and rude–doing everything in his power to show just how true their words would ring.
Unfortunately for him though, I’ve never been afraid of a challenge.
Fox
Hel’s Ink was supposed to be mine, but after my mentor passed away, I learned he had other plans in mind.
Leaving the shop to someone like Janie was a bad idea. Sure she may be able to make it look good on the surface, but there is more to running this place than social media posts and some paint. We’re a family and she’s not welcomed.
Only, the longer she’s here, the harder it’s proving to believe my own words.
She’s too young for me, and far too complicated, but I can’t help but wonder what would happen if I just give in.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2022
About the author
D.J. Krimmer
28 books1,508 followersCrowned as the Queen of Banter, DJ Krimmer is notorious for her razor-sharp wit, emotionally feral romances, and smart-mouthed characters who refuse to behave. Her stories are a heady mix of heart, heat, and humor, all wrapped in a darkly addictive edge that’s unmistakably hers.
A chronic overthinker with a flair for chaos, DJ writes romances that feel a little wild, a little dangerous, and entirely unforgettable. Her characters are messy, magnetic, and always armed with a killer one-liner, proving that love is rarely tidy but always worth it.
When she’s not busy crafting banter that bites or love stories that hit you right in the feels, you can find her laughing at her own jokes, spinning new ideas faster than she can type, and reminding us all that imperfection is where the best stories begin.
Instagram @djkrimmer
TikTok @authordjkirmmer
Represented by: Amanda Wooden with SBR Media
A chronic overthinker with a flair for chaos, DJ writes romances that feel a little wild, a little dangerous, and entirely unforgettable. Her characters are messy, magnetic, and always armed with a killer one-liner, proving that love is rarely tidy but always worth it.
When she’s not busy crafting banter that bites or love stories that hit you right in the feels, you can find her laughing at her own jokes, spinning new ideas faster than she can type, and reminding us all that imperfection is where the best stories begin.
Instagram @djkrimmer
TikTok @authordjkirmmer
Represented by: Amanda Wooden with SBR Media
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 696 reviews
Did Not Finish
March 13, 2026I'm sorry, but Fox is the only part of this book I liked.
DNF - 50%
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A friend said I must, and so
DNF - 50%
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A friend said I must, and so
March 22, 2024
This is the updated and extended version of Fox, the first book in the Hel's Ink series. I liked the first & initial version of this book. It was the book that catched me in this author's universe, and afterward, I read everything new she published.
I loved this revamped version. The cover is gorgeous. Their story is still very emotional and frustrating here and there. There are funny moments, sweet and emotional moments, and 🔥🔥 moments. They are both broken, him having huge commitment issues because of what a number his father has done on him. She's hiding under her online persona and slowly but sure she finally finds her family 🖤 in the Hel's Ink crew, Jen, Stevie, etc.
This is an age gap romance (26 h/ 43 H), with disability representation, with a grumpy pappa Fox 😂, and a lonely and misunderstood heroine, that just wants to mourn her father, and decide what to do with the half of the ink shop he left her 🥹🥰. Well, by the end, she found everything she didn't know she needed 🥹🥰.
.
.
.
.
** possible spoilers **
I maintain my opinion from the first release of this book: that pushback from his side in the last 10-15% of the book is very frustrating. I just can't understand why she forgave him so easily. Make him work! He basically shattered her heart and, of course, the great proclamation of love, and the "I'm sorry, I'm stupid bla bla bla" excuse was enough for her to forgive him and move on! Ugh, I'm quite bitter, it seems 😂.
I'm still salty about the fact that her ex-boyfriend - the wanna be influencer - didn't receive what he deserved!!! Nothing, nada, zilch! That is so not fair! What happened with all those threats from her angry fans, etc.? They just evaporated after 60% of the book 🤷♀️. I need some closure, haha.
.
.
.
Thank you for the ARC 🖤🖤
Can't wait for this author's new releases. I'm definitely going to read them all! 🖤
I loved this revamped version. The cover is gorgeous. Their story is still very emotional and frustrating here and there. There are funny moments, sweet and emotional moments, and 🔥🔥 moments. They are both broken, him having huge commitment issues because of what a number his father has done on him. She's hiding under her online persona and slowly but sure she finally finds her family 🖤 in the Hel's Ink crew, Jen, Stevie, etc.
This is an age gap romance (26 h/ 43 H), with disability representation, with a grumpy pappa Fox 😂, and a lonely and misunderstood heroine, that just wants to mourn her father, and decide what to do with the half of the ink shop he left her 🥹🥰. Well, by the end, she found everything she didn't know she needed 🥹🥰.
.
.
.
.
** possible spoilers **
I maintain my opinion from the first release of this book: that pushback from his side in the last 10-15% of the book is very frustrating. I just can't understand why she forgave him so easily. Make him work! He basically shattered her heart and, of course, the great proclamation of love, and the "I'm sorry, I'm stupid bla bla bla" excuse was enough for her to forgive him and move on! Ugh, I'm quite bitter, it seems 😂.
I'm still salty about the fact that her ex-boyfriend - the wanna be influencer - didn't receive what he deserved!!! Nothing, nada, zilch! That is so not fair! What happened with all those threats from her angry fans, etc.? They just evaporated after 60% of the book 🤷♀️. I need some closure, haha.
.
.
.
Thank you for the ARC 🖤🖤
Can't wait for this author's new releases. I'm definitely going to read them all! 🖤
May 22, 2024
Sooo... I have some thoughts. I'm just gonna... list them out here, I guess.
1. Jai -- Janie's online persona annoys everybody. INCLUDING Janie. It sure as shit annoyed me. I don't really understand why this was written into the story at all. It would have been just as easy to make her a student, or an artist or hell some corporate secretary or whatever the hell 25 year olds do with themselves these days. I really, REALLY could have done without the airheaded bullshittery.
2. I have never, and I mean never, related to a character as much as I relate to Fox Simmons. Him being all sober grumpy cat at the club on Janie's birthday had me ROLLING.
3. The grief is real. Didn't expect to be crying at 5AM on a Wednesday.
4. Eew. I don't know why it's gross, because obviously they knew each other when Janie was a kid, but I don't like knowing that Fox knew Janie when she was a minor. Even if nothing untoward even remotely got close to happening, it triggers an ick.
5. As much as I wanna cheer for "imperfect" people. And as many kudos as Krimmer deserves for including people with disabilities and disorders in her works, NOT EVERY CHARACTER NEEDS A DISEASE OR DISABILITY OR DISORDER.
First, Janie has tremors--okay great. This actually plays into the storyline (what with her drawing and all), awesome inclusivity with a poignant plot point.
Then, plus-sized Ren is a type 1 diabetic. Okaaaaay, I suppose that gives us a chance to wax poetic about the injustice of a bigger person getting ragged on for being diabetic when it's not food-related and how ignorant people are ignorant.
THEN we meet Sunday Sutton, who's got epilepsy. Okay, listen. Fuck off. Now you're just ticking boxes.
Notice it's only the WOMEN who are disabled or have a disease or disorder. Why don't any of the dudes? What point is Krimmer trying to make here? Because I feel like I need to whip out my bingo card.
6. The whole "I can't be your boyfriend" thing Fox pulls for the majority of this book is really stupid, I gotta say. I don't know if it's the way it's being presented, but you can almost feel the author struggling to find reasons for these two people to not be happy together. It's giving whiplash and I can completely understand how frustrated Janie is at all the mixed signals Fox is throwing her way.
7. The height difference makes a lot of what they're doing together not make ANY sense in my head. She's 5'3, he's 6'4. If she's on her knees before him, she's gonna be blowing his kneecaps. If he's standing behind her, he's gonna be fucking her shoulder blades.
I get it. These authors all went to the Ali Hazelwood "He Big Man She Tiny Woman" convention, but y'all it does NOT make any sense.
8. Torch was a great nickname. Babydoll made me want to vomit.
9. The SECOND third-act breakup was just fucking unnecessary. It was like pulling teeth getting the two together, but when I looked down and saw that we had nearly 30% of the book left to go I just groaned and almost DNF'd. Because I KNEW what was coming.
10. It rains WAY too fucking much in this book. It's raining all the damned time. Regardless of where these people fly. And they LIVE in CALIFORNIA. It does NOT rain that often in CALI.
There were parts of this (mostly in the front half of the book, during Fox's POV chapters) that had me ROLLING. Grumpy Cat Fox is my spirit animal. But then he turns into a confused mess of a human and I about quit reading because their relationship drama was almost too much for me to care about.
The first half of this book could easily have been a 5 star read. But back half pulls this down to about 3.5 stars for me. And I'm rounding down because I had to sit through TWO break ups.
1. Jai -- Janie's online persona annoys everybody. INCLUDING Janie. It sure as shit annoyed me. I don't really understand why this was written into the story at all. It would have been just as easy to make her a student, or an artist or hell some corporate secretary or whatever the hell 25 year olds do with themselves these days. I really, REALLY could have done without the airheaded bullshittery.
2. I have never, and I mean never, related to a character as much as I relate to Fox Simmons. Him being all sober grumpy cat at the club on Janie's birthday had me ROLLING.
3. The grief is real. Didn't expect to be crying at 5AM on a Wednesday.
4. Eew. I don't know why it's gross, because obviously they knew each other when Janie was a kid, but I don't like knowing that Fox knew Janie when she was a minor. Even if nothing untoward even remotely got close to happening, it triggers an ick.
5. As much as I wanna cheer for "imperfect" people. And as many kudos as Krimmer deserves for including people with disabilities and disorders in her works, NOT EVERY CHARACTER NEEDS A DISEASE OR DISABILITY OR DISORDER.
First, Janie has tremors--okay great. This actually plays into the storyline (what with her drawing and all), awesome inclusivity with a poignant plot point.
Then, plus-sized Ren is a type 1 diabetic. Okaaaaay, I suppose that gives us a chance to wax poetic about the injustice of a bigger person getting ragged on for being diabetic when it's not food-related and how ignorant people are ignorant.
THEN we meet Sunday Sutton, who's got epilepsy. Okay, listen. Fuck off. Now you're just ticking boxes.
Notice it's only the WOMEN who are disabled or have a disease or disorder. Why don't any of the dudes? What point is Krimmer trying to make here? Because I feel like I need to whip out my bingo card.
6. The whole "I can't be your boyfriend" thing Fox pulls for the majority of this book is really stupid, I gotta say. I don't know if it's the way it's being presented, but you can almost feel the author struggling to find reasons for these two people to not be happy together. It's giving whiplash and I can completely understand how frustrated Janie is at all the mixed signals Fox is throwing her way.
7. The height difference makes a lot of what they're doing together not make ANY sense in my head. She's 5'3, he's 6'4. If she's on her knees before him, she's gonna be blowing his kneecaps. If he's standing behind her, he's gonna be fucking her shoulder blades.
I get it. These authors all went to the Ali Hazelwood "He Big Man She Tiny Woman" convention, but y'all it does NOT make any sense.
8. Torch was a great nickname. Babydoll made me want to vomit.
9. The SECOND third-act breakup was just fucking unnecessary. It was like pulling teeth getting the two together, but when I looked down and saw that we had nearly 30% of the book left to go I just groaned and almost DNF'd. Because I KNEW what was coming.
10. It rains WAY too fucking much in this book. It's raining all the damned time. Regardless of where these people fly. And they LIVE in CALIFORNIA. It does NOT rain that often in CALI.
There were parts of this (mostly in the front half of the book, during Fox's POV chapters) that had me ROLLING. Grumpy Cat Fox is my spirit animal. But then he turns into a confused mess of a human and I about quit reading because their relationship drama was almost too much for me to care about.
The first half of this book could easily have been a 5 star read. But back half pulls this down to about 3.5 stars for me. And I'm rounding down because I had to sit through TWO break ups.
January 5, 2026
3/5 stars.
February 21, 2023
Beklediğimden iyi çıktı.Şaşırdım. 😲Nedense daha amatör bir şeyler çıkacakmış hissiyatı ile başlamıştım.Buna bir de, hatta iki tane dikkat etmediğim nokta da eklenince benim için beklenmedik bir okuma oldu diyebilirim.İlki yazarın kitabın başında da belirttiği tetikleyici unsurların olacağına dair bir nottu.İkincisi ise dady eklentisi.Ups Papa Fox diyecektim. 🤣 Neyse ki kızımız Janie 17-18 bandında değil de 25 yaşındaydı. Fox ise 43.Bu konulara değindiğimize göre içeriğe gelelim.
Hel's Ink, Janie'nin babasına ait bir dövme salonu.Tony'nin kızından daha çok üstüne titrediği, sevdiği, zaman ayırdğı bir yer.Vefat edene kadar kızıyla arasında bir mesafe oluşmasına sebep olmuş. Babasının bir nevi vakit geçirdiği, beraber çalıştığı sanatçılar da çocukları gibi olunca Janie kendini dükkandan hepten uzak tutmuştur.Şimdi istemediği o salon ellerine geçmiştir.Huysuz, sinir bozucu ekiple beraber.Tam elden çıkarayım derken şahit olduğu bir konuşma yüzünden kararını yeniden gözden geçirir ve adamlara musallat olur.
Neden böyle düşündüm bilmiyorum ama tetikleyici unsurların hedefindeki kişinin Janie olduğunu düşündüm.Bir erkek karakterin ipin diğer ucunda olduğunu pek görmedim sanırım.Her ne kadar yüzeysel değinilse de Fox'un çok acı bir mazisi var.Kimse böyle büyümemeli.
Janie ise babasından alamadığı ilgi ve sevgiyi, sosyal medyada ünlenince içerik üreticisi olarak almakla yetiniyor.Bir çok arka plana göz atma imkanımız oldu kitapta.Öyle sahte ve acı bir tarafı var ki sosyal medyanın.Trendlerden eksik kalmamak-kaçırmamak...Reklam amaçlı yapılan sahte ilişkiler.Filtresiz paylaşılan bir fotoğrafa yapılan küçültücü yorumlar.En temelde bir insanın, bir başkasını yüzyüze olsa yapamayacağı şekilde, klayye başında küçültme çabasını asla anlayamayacağım.
Janie sırf kendini mutsuz hissettiği bir anda Fox'u arayıp sarılmaya ihtiyacım var demesi...Ve, bizden olmaz, sen Tony'nin kızısın, yasaksın, yaş farkı diye zırvalamalarına rağmen Fox'un ilk uçakla gittikleri iş seyahtinden apar topar eve dönmesi çok sevimli geldi bana.İki karakterinde sevilmeye bu kadar aç olup, karşısındaki kişiye karşı mesafe koyması, güvensizlikleri insanı üzüyor. Bilmiyorum belki beklentim düşük diyedir ama sevdim ben.
Yazarın eklediği ve benim değinmediğim çok güzel unsurlar var.Arka planda ki karakterler de iyi ve renkliydi bence.Değişik bir ekip oldular fikrimce.Bir sonraki Atlas'ın kitabı için çok kararsızım.Umarım o da güzel çıkar.
Hel's Ink, Janie'nin babasına ait bir dövme salonu.Tony'nin kızından daha çok üstüne titrediği, sevdiği, zaman ayırdğı bir yer.Vefat edene kadar kızıyla arasında bir mesafe oluşmasına sebep olmuş. Babasının bir nevi vakit geçirdiği, beraber çalıştığı sanatçılar da çocukları gibi olunca Janie kendini dükkandan hepten uzak tutmuştur.Şimdi istemediği o salon ellerine geçmiştir.Huysuz, sinir bozucu ekiple beraber.Tam elden çıkarayım derken şahit olduğu bir konuşma yüzünden kararını yeniden gözden geçirir ve adamlara musallat olur.
Neden böyle düşündüm bilmiyorum ama tetikleyici unsurların hedefindeki kişinin Janie olduğunu düşündüm.Bir erkek karakterin ipin diğer ucunda olduğunu pek görmedim sanırım.Her ne kadar yüzeysel değinilse de Fox'un çok acı bir mazisi var.Kimse böyle büyümemeli.
Janie ise babasından alamadığı ilgi ve sevgiyi, sosyal medyada ünlenince içerik üreticisi olarak almakla yetiniyor.Bir çok arka plana göz atma imkanımız oldu kitapta.Öyle sahte ve acı bir tarafı var ki sosyal medyanın.Trendlerden eksik kalmamak-kaçırmamak...Reklam amaçlı yapılan sahte ilişkiler.Filtresiz paylaşılan bir fotoğrafa yapılan küçültücü yorumlar.En temelde bir insanın, bir başkasını yüzyüze olsa yapamayacağı şekilde, klayye başında küçültme çabasını asla anlayamayacağım.
Janie sırf kendini mutsuz hissettiği bir anda Fox'u arayıp sarılmaya ihtiyacım var demesi...Ve, bizden olmaz, sen Tony'nin kızısın, yasaksın, yaş farkı diye zırvalamalarına rağmen Fox'un ilk uçakla gittikleri iş seyahtinden apar topar eve dönmesi çok sevimli geldi bana.İki karakterinde sevilmeye bu kadar aç olup, karşısındaki kişiye karşı mesafe koyması, güvensizlikleri insanı üzüyor. Bilmiyorum belki beklentim düşük diyedir ama sevdim ben.
Yazarın eklediği ve benim değinmediğim çok güzel unsurlar var.Arka planda ki karakterler de iyi ve renkliydi bence.Değişik bir ekip oldular fikrimce.Bir sonraki Atlas'ın kitabı için çok kararsızım.Umarım o da güzel çıkar.
October 2, 2022
5 ⭐️ Steam: 3.5/5. Strong Language: 3/.5. Characters: 5/5. Plot: 4.5/5
Triggers: Bu!!ying, Loss of Loved One, Anxiety, Depression
Fox is the first book in the Hel’s Ink tattoo parlor series by baby Author DJ Krimmer.
Janie is a social media influencer living a seemingly carefree, glamorous life. She has all the right friends, goes to all the right places, and is seen with all the right people. Appearances can be deceiving. When her father passes away and leaves her his beloved tattoo shop, another path is opened to her. There’s just one thing standing in her way.
Fox is a gruff, tell it like it is, take no $hittake, lumbersnack (Janie’s word). He’s big, built, and bearded. He was Janie’s dad’s protege and true friend. He finds it offensive that the shop has been left to this spoiled brat. He just can’t understand why he’s equal parts repelled and attracted to her.
Their interactions are charged and heated. The chemistry between them is electric. How long can the two of them deny what is pulling them together?
This book was flat out amazing. A true enemies to lovers fiery sensation to read. It burned the pages. The tension, the banter, the build-up, the characters, everything was purely exquisite. Read DJ Krimmer - you will not be disappointed.
Triggers: Bu!!ying, Loss of Loved One, Anxiety, Depression
Fox is the first book in the Hel’s Ink tattoo parlor series by baby Author DJ Krimmer.
Janie is a social media influencer living a seemingly carefree, glamorous life. She has all the right friends, goes to all the right places, and is seen with all the right people. Appearances can be deceiving. When her father passes away and leaves her his beloved tattoo shop, another path is opened to her. There’s just one thing standing in her way.
Fox is a gruff, tell it like it is, take no $hittake, lumbersnack (Janie’s word). He’s big, built, and bearded. He was Janie’s dad’s protege and true friend. He finds it offensive that the shop has been left to this spoiled brat. He just can’t understand why he’s equal parts repelled and attracted to her.
Their interactions are charged and heated. The chemistry between them is electric. How long can the two of them deny what is pulling them together?
This book was flat out amazing. A true enemies to lovers fiery sensation to read. It burned the pages. The tension, the banter, the build-up, the characters, everything was purely exquisite. Read DJ Krimmer - you will not be disappointed.
March 2, 2023
Amma çok ağladılar yav 🥴
July 6, 2024
I devoured this audiobook. Easily one of my favorite books of the year so far. Great characters, wonderful writing and fantastic spice.
Narrated in duet by Maxine Mitchell and Sebastian York. Absolute perfection. 100/5.
Narrated in duet by Maxine Mitchell and Sebastian York. Absolute perfection. 100/5.
May 3, 2024
Fox- DJ Krimmer
Narrated by Sebastian York and Maxine Mitchell
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
This book was so good. So angsty with the age gap and father’s best friend tropes, but man, DJ Krimmer did a great job with this. She is a new to me author and I definitely plan to read more of her books in the future. I absolutely loved Fox and seeing him have to not only redeem himself and grovel to get back in Janie’s good graces, but then overcome his hang up of her being her best friend’s much younger daughter.
I honestly don’t think there could have been a better pairing for these narrators. Whenever there’s a more mature mmc with a gravelly voice Sebastian is right at the top of the list of narrators I’d want to hear voice that character. And Maxine just does so well every single time. I loved them both! Job well done!
Narrated by Sebastian York and Maxine Mitchell
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
This book was so good. So angsty with the age gap and father’s best friend tropes, but man, DJ Krimmer did a great job with this. She is a new to me author and I definitely plan to read more of her books in the future. I absolutely loved Fox and seeing him have to not only redeem himself and grovel to get back in Janie’s good graces, but then overcome his hang up of her being her best friend’s much younger daughter.
I honestly don’t think there could have been a better pairing for these narrators. Whenever there’s a more mature mmc with a gravelly voice Sebastian is right at the top of the list of narrators I’d want to hear voice that character. And Maxine just does so well every single time. I loved them both! Job well done!
December 24, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
🫶🏼Enemies to Lovers
🫶🏼Best Friends Daughter
🫶🏼Age Gap
🫶🏼Grumpy/Sunshine
🫶🏼Lumbersnack
“You had better stop being so mean to me before I fall in love with you.”
I really enjoyed this book! It was full of angst, banter, and steam. I adored the relationship between Fox and Janie.
“Son, you are already in it too deep. You ain’t getting out unscathed.”
I cannot wait for the next book!
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
🫶🏼Enemies to Lovers
🫶🏼Best Friends Daughter
🫶🏼Age Gap
🫶🏼Grumpy/Sunshine
🫶🏼Lumbersnack
“You had better stop being so mean to me before I fall in love with you.”
I really enjoyed this book! It was full of angst, banter, and steam. I adored the relationship between Fox and Janie.
“Son, you are already in it too deep. You ain’t getting out unscathed.”
I cannot wait for the next book!
March 25, 2024
ARC Review:
I hadn't read the traditional edition of Fox before reading the extended edition, however D.J Krimmer is fantastic. All the characters were complex and have depth. I felt every bit of the emotional rollercoaster Fox and Janie were both on! and their ending felt very satisfying.
There were some incenses that were set up that just never really went anywhere that I still have questions about. But that doesn't ruin or take away from the book is a whole.
I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait to read Atlas!!
I hadn't read the traditional edition of Fox before reading the extended edition, however D.J Krimmer is fantastic. All the characters were complex and have depth. I felt every bit of the emotional rollercoaster Fox and Janie were both on! and their ending felt very satisfying.
There were some incenses that were set up that just never really went anywhere that I still have questions about. But that doesn't ruin or take away from the book is a whole.
I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait to read Atlas!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2024
ALC AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Narrated in DUET
Sebastian York
And Maxine Mitchell
Possessive large tattooed man with an ink gun, and a filthy mouth, YES PLEASE! Fox has been working in Hel’s tattoo shop for years now, when the shop owner, his mentor & friend passes, the shop is left to the owners daughter, Janie. Janie wants nothing to do with the shop, it’s tainted by her past dwindling relationship with her father who has now passed and being surrounded by those memories is not what she’s interested in. But when Fox just expects her to pass it on to him, the bitterness of the stubborn man gets under her skin and now she’s ready to stay. I felt for Janie, she was a social media influencer with way too much pressure on her and on the urge of becoming canceled. She changed her lifestyle for social media and after a few days back in the tattoo shop with the men she grew up around, she started to get back to her roots and her true self. Fox came in like a broody bossy grump not open to any updates or changes in the shop and especially not ready for Janie to be around regularly. But when hate turns into passion they can’t help but gravitate towards each other. I loved the open conversations in this story, Fox may have had his walls up but the moment he saw sadness in Janie’s eyes or hurt on her face he was there for her. Their hate to passion to friendship turned into love but the moment Janie had an opportunity to grow her brand Fox didn’t want to hold her back. This is an age gap romance (17 years) with a twist of Janie’s late father’s best friend, filled either epic moments at the tattoo shop, some serious sexual tension, moments of sadness of losing a parent, while opening your life up to new opportunities as well as new friendships. It was heartbreaking for what Janie and Fox have gone through, agonizing back and forth between the two of them and beautiful for the connection they build between their friends and them.
Maxine Mitchell and Sebastian York narrated this in duet and it was nice to have Maxine back in my ears. She is able bring so much emotion out through her voice especially with the inner monologue of what Janie was going through on her own, you could not help but feel for her. Maxine was able to voice Janie’s sarcastic banter with Fox as well as the bring out her sassy confident self all while still voicing those insecurities Janie had. This is the first book I have read with a character who has trimmers and it was done so nicely, with Maxine’s gentle voice as well as Sebastian tone change to comfort as Fox, making me understand more of the stresses Janie dealt with daily. Sebastian York was the perfect narrator for Fox, he has this deep manly voice that makes you picture who Fox is, but he also has this type of voice where he’s extremely possessive and grumpy but on the drop of a dime when the moment strikes he can be caring and understanding, each time his voice changes to adapt to what Fox was going through, I could understand who fox was as a man and I fell hard for that hidden sweet side. I loved getting to know Fox and Janie throughout this audiobook and even more excited now to continue on the series and get to know the rest of the tattoo shop crew.
Thank You Blue Nose Audio for the opportunity to LISTEN and REVIEW this audiobook.
⚠️ Please check the CW/TW before devouring.
Narrated in DUET
Sebastian York
And Maxine Mitchell
Possessive large tattooed man with an ink gun, and a filthy mouth, YES PLEASE! Fox has been working in Hel’s tattoo shop for years now, when the shop owner, his mentor & friend passes, the shop is left to the owners daughter, Janie. Janie wants nothing to do with the shop, it’s tainted by her past dwindling relationship with her father who has now passed and being surrounded by those memories is not what she’s interested in. But when Fox just expects her to pass it on to him, the bitterness of the stubborn man gets under her skin and now she’s ready to stay. I felt for Janie, she was a social media influencer with way too much pressure on her and on the urge of becoming canceled. She changed her lifestyle for social media and after a few days back in the tattoo shop with the men she grew up around, she started to get back to her roots and her true self. Fox came in like a broody bossy grump not open to any updates or changes in the shop and especially not ready for Janie to be around regularly. But when hate turns into passion they can’t help but gravitate towards each other. I loved the open conversations in this story, Fox may have had his walls up but the moment he saw sadness in Janie’s eyes or hurt on her face he was there for her. Their hate to passion to friendship turned into love but the moment Janie had an opportunity to grow her brand Fox didn’t want to hold her back. This is an age gap romance (17 years) with a twist of Janie’s late father’s best friend, filled either epic moments at the tattoo shop, some serious sexual tension, moments of sadness of losing a parent, while opening your life up to new opportunities as well as new friendships. It was heartbreaking for what Janie and Fox have gone through, agonizing back and forth between the two of them and beautiful for the connection they build between their friends and them.
Maxine Mitchell and Sebastian York narrated this in duet and it was nice to have Maxine back in my ears. She is able bring so much emotion out through her voice especially with the inner monologue of what Janie was going through on her own, you could not help but feel for her. Maxine was able to voice Janie’s sarcastic banter with Fox as well as the bring out her sassy confident self all while still voicing those insecurities Janie had. This is the first book I have read with a character who has trimmers and it was done so nicely, with Maxine’s gentle voice as well as Sebastian tone change to comfort as Fox, making me understand more of the stresses Janie dealt with daily. Sebastian York was the perfect narrator for Fox, he has this deep manly voice that makes you picture who Fox is, but he also has this type of voice where he’s extremely possessive and grumpy but on the drop of a dime when the moment strikes he can be caring and understanding, each time his voice changes to adapt to what Fox was going through, I could understand who fox was as a man and I fell hard for that hidden sweet side. I loved getting to know Fox and Janie throughout this audiobook and even more excited now to continue on the series and get to know the rest of the tattoo shop crew.
Thank You Blue Nose Audio for the opportunity to LISTEN and REVIEW this audiobook.
⚠️ Please check the CW/TW before devouring.
May 6, 2024
I am obsessed with this book and was right from the beginning! Good golly I love me a big tattooed lumberjack of a man.
I absolutely adored Janie and Fox and every other character Atlas, and Ren and on my radar of need to read ASAP.
My heart broke a lot which if you follow my reviews, doesn't happen very often but this book just shattered my heart. The relationships between friends and romantic were strong and beautiful to see (when Fox finally pulled his head out of his butt)
The writing was so captivating and pulled me in so easily (with my ADHD I find I get distracted easily and it was not the case for this one) easily a 5 star for me and I will be immediately jumping into book 2
I absolutely adored Janie and Fox and every other character Atlas, and Ren and on my radar of need to read ASAP.
My heart broke a lot which if you follow my reviews, doesn't happen very often but this book just shattered my heart. The relationships between friends and romantic were strong and beautiful to see (when Fox finally pulled his head out of his butt)
The writing was so captivating and pulled me in so easily (with my ADHD I find I get distracted easily and it was not the case for this one) easily a 5 star for me and I will be immediately jumping into book 2
April 23, 2024
First a huge massive thank you to Literally Yours PR & DJ Krimmer for an arc copy of the Fox: Hels Ink audiobook 🖤 These narrators were absolutely top notch and I absolutely fell in love with Fox and Janie.
I don’t think I realized how much I needed to read a tattoo shop romance until I actually read one and omg I am absolutely flipping obsessed with this micro trope. I love finding new to me authors and falling in love with their stories, writing styles and characters and that’s exactly what happened while listening to Fox 🖤
I loved being able to put myself somewhat into Janie’s shoes as someone’s who’s covered in tattoos and loves the community and environment. I absolutely didn’t know I needed to read tattoo shop books but it totally makes sense honestly, I cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series. I already know their stories are going to be incredible *cough* *cough* atlas lol
Fox: Hels Ink was beyond engaging and had me hooked from the get go. I fell in love with the characters and with their love story, I could have listened to this audiobook forever honestly.
Tropes:
Tattoo shop
Tattooed mmc
Age gap (17 years)
Fathers best friend
Forbidden
Amazing banter
Grumpy x sunshine
I don’t think I realized how much I needed to read a tattoo shop romance until I actually read one and omg I am absolutely flipping obsessed with this micro trope. I love finding new to me authors and falling in love with their stories, writing styles and characters and that’s exactly what happened while listening to Fox 🖤
I loved being able to put myself somewhat into Janie’s shoes as someone’s who’s covered in tattoos and loves the community and environment. I absolutely didn’t know I needed to read tattoo shop books but it totally makes sense honestly, I cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series. I already know their stories are going to be incredible *cough* *cough* atlas lol
Fox: Hels Ink was beyond engaging and had me hooked from the get go. I fell in love with the characters and with their love story, I could have listened to this audiobook forever honestly.
Tropes:
Tattoo shop
Tattooed mmc
Age gap (17 years)
Fathers best friend
Forbidden
Amazing banter
Grumpy x sunshine
October 28, 2024
3.5 stars
I have to admit I was presently surprised by how addictive and fun this was. Yes there were several plot holes, the scene changes were often abrupt, excessive The Office references, the non-stop crying (from both the heroine AND the hero) got on my nerves sometimes, the hero's change of mind happened suddenly in time for the HEA. Oh, and the heroine's an influencer (UGH) - this is a big part of the book.
But there's something that's so addictive about the writing!
I struggle to finish books that are even 200+ pages and this was nearly 400 pages and I gobbled it up in two days! The banter and tension was great, and I appreciated how the age gap wasn't made out to be such a big deal after all. If your pet peeves are any of what I've just mentioned, still give this a try! I would have thought this would be a dud, but the innate charm of the author's writing really shines. I'm definitely intersted in checking out some of her other books (though I'm giving Atlas a miss- the first chapter is so gloomy and does not match the story I had mentally written for the couple).
I have to admit I was presently surprised by how addictive and fun this was. Yes there were several plot holes, the scene changes were often abrupt, excessive The Office references, the non-stop crying (from both the heroine AND the hero) got on my nerves sometimes, the hero's change of mind happened suddenly in time for the HEA. Oh, and the heroine's an influencer (UGH) - this is a big part of the book.
But there's something that's so addictive about the writing!
I struggle to finish books that are even 200+ pages and this was nearly 400 pages and I gobbled it up in two days! The banter and tension was great, and I appreciated how the age gap wasn't made out to be such a big deal after all. If your pet peeves are any of what I've just mentioned, still give this a try! I would have thought this would be a dud, but the innate charm of the author's writing really shines. I'm definitely intersted in checking out some of her other books (though I'm giving Atlas a miss- the first chapter is so gloomy and does not match the story I had mentally written for the couple).
November 13, 2022
The tattoos, the banter, the tattooed lumberjack, the cat…. I loved everything about this book. This is such a fun contemporary romance that will absolutely make you swoon. The character development is top notch, the characters are super interesting, and the tattoo shop setting is so fun and refreshing. I can’t recommend enough!
May 29, 2025
Valla que amo leer este tipo de novelas, creo que tienen la dosis exacta de chicos rudos y tatuados, mujeres fuertes, drama amistad, sexo y amor.
Fox tuvo una infancia muy dura con un padre maltratador enseñándole que nunca sería nadie, y tenemos a Tony Pierce que le dio una oportunidad y la dio el valor se ser alguien , pero en este proceso se cruzo con la hija de Pierce Janie que llega a mover su mundo y lo pone de cabeza.
El amor ronda pero hay demasiados fantasmas al acecho, será posible que una chica influencer y un tatuador 17 años mayor logren vivir un caótico pero hermoso amor. Ame la novela, creo que es de esas que empiezas y no puedes soltarla hasta acabar, los diálogos Fluidos, personajes maravillosos, sexo muy Hot, y una historia inolvidable.
Fox tuvo una infancia muy dura con un padre maltratador enseñándole que nunca sería nadie, y tenemos a Tony Pierce que le dio una oportunidad y la dio el valor se ser alguien , pero en este proceso se cruzo con la hija de Pierce Janie que llega a mover su mundo y lo pone de cabeza.
El amor ronda pero hay demasiados fantasmas al acecho, será posible que una chica influencer y un tatuador 17 años mayor logren vivir un caótico pero hermoso amor. Ame la novela, creo que es de esas que empiezas y no puedes soltarla hasta acabar, los diálogos Fluidos, personajes maravillosos, sexo muy Hot, y una historia inolvidable.
November 21, 2022
Holy Hot Fox
Due to certain people in my life I immediately ran to amazon the day this book came out and devoured it in one day!
Its an age gap romance, dislike to lovers with a little bit of spice tossed in for flavor. what I really loved about this book was how the author really brought the characters to life. you could really feel the grief our fmc was trying to mask among other things she was trying to hide and what's not to love about Fox and the Crew at Hel's ink. i can't wait for book two
Due to certain people in my life I immediately ran to amazon the day this book came out and devoured it in one day!
Its an age gap romance, dislike to lovers with a little bit of spice tossed in for flavor. what I really loved about this book was how the author really brought the characters to life. you could really feel the grief our fmc was trying to mask among other things she was trying to hide and what's not to love about Fox and the Crew at Hel's ink. i can't wait for book two
May 11, 2024
*audiobook
these 2 ppl are sooo annoying...
instead of enjoying the story, i found myself frustrated with them and their flip-flopping and complaining. And the lack of smut made it worse.
Fmc has no self-worth. Seeks validation from a bunch of strangers, which makes sense a little bit cause it's her job. But if mmc so much as looks away from her, she's screaming "am i not attractive anymore...?!"
girl, can you stop? this behavior is so gross.
Mmc doesn't know what he wants, which makes fmc even more insecure and screaming in my ear.. not a good time. Not an attractive mmc
these 2 ppl are sooo annoying...
instead of enjoying the story, i found myself frustrated with them and their flip-flopping and complaining. And the lack of smut made it worse.
Fmc has no self-worth. Seeks validation from a bunch of strangers, which makes sense a little bit cause it's her job. But if mmc so much as looks away from her, she's screaming "am i not attractive anymore...?!"
girl, can you stop? this behavior is so gross.
Mmc doesn't know what he wants, which makes fmc even more insecure and screaming in my ear.. not a good time. Not an attractive mmc
February 7, 2023
Wow
This is what I needed right now in my life. This is my first read by this author and definitely not my last. I can't wait for more in this series.
This is what I needed right now in my life. This is my first read by this author and definitely not my last. I can't wait for more in this series.
Want to Read
May 5, 2023🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (5/5/2023)! 🎁
May 21, 2024
Absolutely not. A bunch of teenage minds in grown adult bodies. I had second hand embarrassment more than I thought was possible.
September 11, 2024
Genuinely my least favourite FMC in the history of everything. So much awful. DNF 16%
November 8, 2024
Holy shit, made it to page 14 and had to stop. I disliked the FMC sooo much. She was like a petulant little child that gave her the ick
January 5, 2026
I’m not the biggest fan of age gap romances, but I am a fan of big tattooed lumberjack looking guys 😂 So I overlooked the age gap for this book 😂 Fox is one of the tattoo artist at Hel’s Ink and was like a son to the shop’s owner Tony. When Tony dies unexpectedly, everything is left to his influencer daughter Janie. Everyone always thinks of Janie as a spoiled bratty airhead, and the guys at Hel’s think she’s going to destroy their shop. But Janie is more than what she appears to be, and Fox slowly discovers the real Janie behind her influencer persona. Being much older than her and the fact that Janie’s Tony’s daughter, Fox is adamant that she is off limits. But in the end, the attraction is too much for either of them to deny 👀
Fox and Janie hate each other at first, but I love how Fox got Janie to open up and finally show her true self. He’s such an old grump, but he became a sweet teddy bear when he fell for Janie. Fox also had some old mental abuse from his past , but was able to finally accept that he is deserving of love too. Janie found a new family Fox and the rest of the guys at the shop, and a few BFF’s along the way ❤️
The audiobook was narrated in duet and I loved the narrators! They captured the essence of Fox and Janie perfectly ❤️ I enjoyed this book and the sweet HEA, and I want to continue this series to see how the other guys find their HEA’s 🥰
Fox and Janie hate each other at first, but I love how Fox got Janie to open up and finally show her true self. He’s such an old grump, but he became a sweet teddy bear when he fell for Janie. Fox also had some old mental abuse from his past , but was able to finally accept that he is deserving of love too. Janie found a new family Fox and the rest of the guys at the shop, and a few BFF’s along the way ❤️
The audiobook was narrated in duet and I loved the narrators! They captured the essence of Fox and Janie perfectly ❤️ I enjoyed this book and the sweet HEA, and I want to continue this series to see how the other guys find their HEA’s 🥰
April 21, 2025
Primer libro que leo de la autora y me ha gustado mucho, aquí conocemos a Janie que tras perder a su padre decide venderla tienda de tatuajes que heredó pero define demostrarle a todos que si puede con ella, Fox es un tatuador que se enfrentará con Janie, empieza con un enemies to lovers, me encanta Fox el va de chico rudo pero también tiene sus problemas y Janie no se queda atrás juntos se complementan muy bien aunque tienen unas buenas peleas verbales, aunque no pueden ocultar sus sentimientos, están el uno para el otro, es un libro muy entretenido con todo lo que me gusta y que trata temas bastante profundos, se encuentra narrado por los dos y eso lo hace más especial, los personajes secundarios son importantes y creo que los conoceremos en próximos libros, un libro super recomendado.
brújula de libros.
brújula de libros.
November 21, 2024
There was absolutely nothing about this book that I would change. The spice was 🥵 and the way Fox talked to her! Good Lord!
December 9, 2025
Funny, sad, heartwarming. Overall just a nice and comfy read.
April 25, 2026
5 ⭐️ | 🎧 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
THIS HAD NO RIGHT TO BE THIS ADDICTIVE AND HOT. Some scenes will live inside my head rent free from now on.
THIS HAD NO RIGHT TO BE THIS ADDICTIVE AND HOT. Some scenes will live inside my head rent free from now on.
November 8, 2022
Spice – 2/5
Rating – 5/5
Tropes – dads best friend, coworkers, enemies to lovers, age gap
FOX, yes please. Sign me up. I absolutely loved this book by DJ. I enjoyed her first book closing the distance but man, THIS BOOK. I have thought about this book everyday for the past 2 weeks. I was waiting to write this review, but I couldn’t wait anymore. I loved the side characters and I’m super excited to see Derek’s story even though his is not the next. I will recommend Hels Ink to everyone. The whole story line was heartwarming and, there just aren’t words. The SPICE SPRINKLES IN IT?? Man, I loved the scene on the tattoo bench. Haha.
Rating – 5/5
Tropes – dads best friend, coworkers, enemies to lovers, age gap
FOX, yes please. Sign me up. I absolutely loved this book by DJ. I enjoyed her first book closing the distance but man, THIS BOOK. I have thought about this book everyday for the past 2 weeks. I was waiting to write this review, but I couldn’t wait anymore. I loved the side characters and I’m super excited to see Derek’s story even though his is not the next. I will recommend Hels Ink to everyone. The whole story line was heartwarming and, there just aren’t words. The SPICE SPRINKLES IN IT?? Man, I loved the scene on the tattoo bench. Haha.
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