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Belladonna Tattoo #1
Poison Pen
𝙍𝙄𝘾𝙆𝙄
If it wasn’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.
All I wanted was to run my own tattoo shop,
But between a terrible boss and a serious lack of funds,
That dream seemed a little farther away every day.
When a wicked opportunity came along,
I grabbed on to it with both hands, knowing it might be my only shot.
But a chance encounter with my broad-shouldered neighbor
Had me thinking that maybe success wasn’t the only thing I’d been missing in my life.
Even if one unhinged client was trying to take everything from me.
But I refused to go down without a fight.
𝘼𝙎𝙃𝙀𝙍
The first time I laid eyes on Ricki Vasquez, I put my foot right in my mouth.
Not the greatest start, I’ll admit, but there was something about her that drew me in.
And I couldn’t stop thinking about the tattooed goddess with a
Mouth like a sailor and a taste for good whiskey.
But she was prickly; guarded in a way I couldn’t understand.
And it seemed like no matter what I did, she was determined to use her thorns against me.
But she didn’t understand that I wasn’t the type of man to
Quit when things got tough.
Ricki may have thought what we had was casual; I knew it was anything but.
Because just like her ink, she was under my skin. Permanently.
If it wasn’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.
All I wanted was to run my own tattoo shop,
But between a terrible boss and a serious lack of funds,
That dream seemed a little farther away every day.
When a wicked opportunity came along,
I grabbed on to it with both hands, knowing it might be my only shot.
But a chance encounter with my broad-shouldered neighbor
Had me thinking that maybe success wasn’t the only thing I’d been missing in my life.
Even if one unhinged client was trying to take everything from me.
But I refused to go down without a fight.
𝘼𝙎𝙃𝙀𝙍
The first time I laid eyes on Ricki Vasquez, I put my foot right in my mouth.
Not the greatest start, I’ll admit, but there was something about her that drew me in.
And I couldn’t stop thinking about the tattooed goddess with a
Mouth like a sailor and a taste for good whiskey.
But she was prickly; guarded in a way I couldn’t understand.
And it seemed like no matter what I did, she was determined to use her thorns against me.
But she didn’t understand that I wasn’t the type of man to
Quit when things got tough.
Ricki may have thought what we had was casual; I knew it was anything but.
Because just like her ink, she was under my skin. Permanently.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2023
About the author
Dove Cavanaugh King
14 books128 followersBooks have always been the compass of Dove's life, but it wasn't until she picked up her pen that she found her true north.
Now that she's discovered the magic of writing her own tales, she's found her true calling. Her versatile imagination roams from gritty mafia underworlds to the electric pulse of rock star life, but at the heart of each story lies what she loves most—the intricate dance of relationships and the raw power of romance.
When she's not immersed in the world of books, you'll find her with her husband and son, embracing the serene beauty of Canada's west coast, where the peaceful landscape serves as the perfect backdrop for her creative endeavors.
Now that she's discovered the magic of writing her own tales, she's found her true calling. Her versatile imagination roams from gritty mafia underworlds to the electric pulse of rock star life, but at the heart of each story lies what she loves most—the intricate dance of relationships and the raw power of romance.
When she's not immersed in the world of books, you'll find her with her husband and son, embracing the serene beauty of Canada's west coast, where the peaceful landscape serves as the perfect backdrop for her creative endeavors.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 3, 2023
Oh I adored this book!! I loved that this book dipped its toes into castoff!!
You don’t need to read castoff first, just some cameos.
I loved Ricki, but Asher is where it’s at!! His mouth.. oh lord.. 🥵🥵🥵🥵
I cannot wait until Violet, Easton, and Tillie get their stories (I hope)
Maybe even Asher’s siblings someday??
Dom can visit fire any island though.
You don’t need to read castoff first, just some cameos.
I loved Ricki, but Asher is where it’s at!! His mouth.. oh lord.. 🥵🥵🥵🥵
I cannot wait until Violet, Easton, and Tillie get their stories (I hope)
Maybe even Asher’s siblings someday??
Dom can visit fire any island though.
August 15, 2023
another fantastic story!
Dove Cavanaugh King never misses! Her books are full of strong women and the men that fall for them. This one features a tattoo artist that’s been through it and the sweet man who loves her rough edges.
Dove Cavanaugh King never misses! Her books are full of strong women and the men that fall for them. This one features a tattoo artist that’s been through it and the sweet man who loves her rough edges.
July 6, 2023
terrific Romance 🥰
Oh I really love Dove’s Writing, I started the book and finished it in a few hours on one day. I mostly read it straight through, barely stopping for even a bathroom break. It ends with an HEA, but there is a teaser for the next book and a couple of characters from a previous series make an appearance. This book has a Female Tattoo artist and I really liked her character and I liked the Character of the H who is determined she is going to be with him. I thought the characters were great and I liked the InstaLove.
Oh I really love Dove’s Writing, I started the book and finished it in a few hours on one day. I mostly read it straight through, barely stopping for even a bathroom break. It ends with an HEA, but there is a teaser for the next book and a couple of characters from a previous series make an appearance. This book has a Female Tattoo artist and I really liked her character and I liked the Character of the H who is determined she is going to be with him. I thought the characters were great and I liked the InstaLove.
November 12, 2024
It's mine, so I like it!
April 29, 2024
The couple: Asher and Ricki
Romance trope: opposites attract
Series: Belladonna Tattoo
Length: 302 pages
Plot: Ricki's week has been up and down: she was fired from her job and attacked, but on the other hand, she opened a new tattoo parlor with her best friend and met Asher. Asher is her opposite in many ways - clean-cut, farm boy with a close family - but when it counts, they match each other. But for things to work out, Ricki will have to let down her guard and allow Asher to be everything he wants to be for her.
Commentary: Loved it, a billion times over. It was hot, super hot, with well-written sex scenes. Ricki was vulnerable enough to be palatable and Asher was dominant enough to temper his sensitive side. They were perfect for each other and this is one that I will be happy to re-read!
Also, I would definitely keep reading in the series, so I hope there is a continuation!
Romance trope: opposites attract
Series: Belladonna Tattoo
Length: 302 pages
Plot: Ricki's week has been up and down: she was fired from her job and attacked, but on the other hand, she opened a new tattoo parlor with her best friend and met Asher. Asher is her opposite in many ways - clean-cut, farm boy with a close family - but when it counts, they match each other. But for things to work out, Ricki will have to let down her guard and allow Asher to be everything he wants to be for her.
Commentary: Loved it, a billion times over. It was hot, super hot, with well-written sex scenes. Ricki was vulnerable enough to be palatable and Asher was dominant enough to temper his sensitive side. They were perfect for each other and this is one that I will be happy to re-read!
Also, I would definitely keep reading in the series, so I hope there is a continuation!
June 14, 2026
Strong female character with lots of personality and a creative mystery/thriller plot. H is handsome strong bearded 💕 but h is steals the show. Lesson learned here is be nice to your tattoo artist and don’t be a jerk!!!!
March 22, 2024
Dying For More!
I can't remember the last time I finished a book with a huge smile on my face. A hardcore girl who can handle herself, a strong man that knows how to let her, and a happy ending that wasn't even remotely cheesy. I'm so glad I read this and I'm so excited to read more!
I can't remember the last time I finished a book with a huge smile on my face. A hardcore girl who can handle herself, a strong man that knows how to let her, and a happy ending that wasn't even remotely cheesy. I'm so glad I read this and I'm so excited to read more!
January 12, 2024
This was a really fun book, and I was able to fly through it.
Romance isn't my go-to genre, but every now and then I just want something that's quick to read with spice. And Poison Pen did deliver!
I liked the way the subplots were woven in and the romance was not always the main focus; there were other forces at play that gave the characters more depth. Ricki was a tough-shelled character who had a rocky history that bled into her rocky present. It all came together really nicely.
I really liked Asher, as well as all the side characters like Easton and Violet.
The spice was excellent, and it was peppered throughout the book in perfect intervals, leaving you wanting more, and giving it to you when you were desperate for it.
Romance isn't my go-to genre, but every now and then I just want something that's quick to read with spice. And Poison Pen did deliver!
I liked the way the subplots were woven in and the romance was not always the main focus; there were other forces at play that gave the characters more depth. Ricki was a tough-shelled character who had a rocky history that bled into her rocky present. It all came together really nicely.
I really liked Asher, as well as all the side characters like Easton and Violet.
The spice was excellent, and it was peppered throughout the book in perfect intervals, leaving you wanting more, and giving it to you when you were desperate for it.
June 30, 2023
Tattoos, whisky, and danger!
I was so excited to get my hands on the first book of Dove's new series. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The world she's built here feels so beautifully raw and real. The characters are spectacular.
Ricki is hard. She's had a rough life- disowned by her family, treated like less because she's a woman, and kicked around more than her fair share. But she's tough. Life bites her and she bites right back twice as hard. The last thing Ricki is looking for is love.
Asher walks into her life at the very worst moment, and instantly, there is something there. He saves her from drinking bad whisky, and that is just the beginning of it. The banter between these two is so cute and sassy. And the spice, oh my! I did not see Asher having a dirty mouth like that. Hot!
I loved being immersed in this world. Meeting new characters and seeing a few familiar ones (hello, Frankie, I love ya). There's also a cute goat.
I definitely recommend this one, and I can't wait for more.
I was so excited to get my hands on the first book of Dove's new series. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The world she's built here feels so beautifully raw and real. The characters are spectacular.
Ricki is hard. She's had a rough life- disowned by her family, treated like less because she's a woman, and kicked around more than her fair share. But she's tough. Life bites her and she bites right back twice as hard. The last thing Ricki is looking for is love.
Asher walks into her life at the very worst moment, and instantly, there is something there. He saves her from drinking bad whisky, and that is just the beginning of it. The banter between these two is so cute and sassy. And the spice, oh my! I did not see Asher having a dirty mouth like that. Hot!
I loved being immersed in this world. Meeting new characters and seeing a few familiar ones (hello, Frankie, I love ya). There's also a cute goat.
I definitely recommend this one, and I can't wait for more.
August 4, 2023
Rating: 3.5⭐️
Although I didn't love it as much as I did Castoff Empire, I still had a great time reading it, and it was great to see Frankie and Enzo. 🥰
The book should be read because it is nice addition to Dove's universe.
I am curious to see what other stories she has in store for us 😉
Although I didn't love it as much as I did Castoff Empire, I still had a great time reading it, and it was great to see Frankie and Enzo. 🥰
The book should be read because it is nice addition to Dove's universe.
I am curious to see what other stories she has in store for us 😉
February 19, 2024
3 stars is being really generous. I’m giving it three stars because I liked the characters, the plot and the subplots just did not make sense… and the epilogue???? Why would you end an epilogue like that??
July 15, 2023
I loved Bastard Prince and tainted Princess
So disappointed with this one though 👎
Stopped reading at 31%
So disappointed with this one though 👎
Stopped reading at 31%
October 10, 2024
I loved this book!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews