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Etched
Two opposites brought together by tragedy–can they be stronger together?
Outspoken tattoo artist Daphne would do anything for her best friend Mina, including moving across the country to open a business with her. But when a burst pipe derails her living arrangements, she is forced to move in with her best friend’s hunky, uptight brother who she has not-so-secretly crushed on for years.
Straitlaced single dad to two teens, Colin is grieving the loss of his wife, and has little time to focus on anything outside of his daughters and his law practice. Content to watch life from the sidelines, he slowly finds himself being drawn to a certain colorful roommate who is desperate to find a Daddy of her own.
Surrounded by sassy teenagers, not-so-subtle friends, and more pairs of underwear than any one person should own, they’ll pave their own way, learning to trust that they’re worthy of love–flaws and all.
Outspoken tattoo artist Daphne would do anything for her best friend Mina, including moving across the country to open a business with her. But when a burst pipe derails her living arrangements, she is forced to move in with her best friend’s hunky, uptight brother who she has not-so-secretly crushed on for years.
Straitlaced single dad to two teens, Colin is grieving the loss of his wife, and has little time to focus on anything outside of his daughters and his law practice. Content to watch life from the sidelines, he slowly finds himself being drawn to a certain colorful roommate who is desperate to find a Daddy of her own.
Surrounded by sassy teenagers, not-so-subtle friends, and more pairs of underwear than any one person should own, they’ll pave their own way, learning to trust that they’re worthy of love–flaws and all.
Unknown Binding
Published February 7, 2023
17 people are currently reading
2315 people want to read
About the author
Amity Malcom
14 books204 followersAmity Malcom writes books about people, sex, and people having sex. Her books are full of humor and heat that she only wishes she possessed in real life the way her characters do on page.
When she isn’t procrastinating on her next manuscript by devouring romance books at an unhealthy pace, you can find her exploring Washington DC alongside her wife, planning extravagant vacations she’ll never be able to afford, and trying with haste to pet every animal on the planet.
Only four awards away from winning an EGOT, Amity is proud to be a champion of underrepresented relationships and loves to celebrate queer joy in all its various forms.
When she isn’t procrastinating on her next manuscript by devouring romance books at an unhealthy pace, you can find her exploring Washington DC alongside her wife, planning extravagant vacations she’ll never be able to afford, and trying with haste to pet every animal on the planet.
Only four awards away from winning an EGOT, Amity is proud to be a champion of underrepresented relationships and loves to celebrate queer joy in all its various forms.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 6, 2023
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
After reading Inked, I knew I wanted to read Etched without knowing anything about it. Etched is the second standalone in the Broken Sparrow Series and tells Daphne and Colin’s story, who we met in Inked.
After buying the Broken Sparrow Tattoo Shop with her best friend, Daphne is moving to Johnson Creek. She plans to stay with her best friend, Mina, and her husband Nico, who we met in Inked. When a pipe bursts in her room, Mina’s older brother Colin offers to let Daphne stay with him, his two teen daughters, and their aging dog. Soon, Daphne, the admitted girl who doesn’t do kids or dogs, bonds with his daughters and the dog, something grieving Colin notices.
Daphne and Colin have lived through heartbreak. We see a lot of healing and growth from both characters. I loved how their healing was intricately woven throughout the book. I loved seeing Colin open his heart up to love again after loss.
Daphne and Colin developed a beautiful relationship that felt like a well-paced slowburn. I found myself turning the pages waiting for the moment that Colin gives into his attraction.
Daddy play is typically a trope that I skip. I would have missed out on a beautiful story. I appreciated the way Daphne’s preferences were explored in the book. It opened my eyes to a trope that I often avoid. Colin’s curiosity established how perfect he was and how well these two opposites meshed together. Seeing her find her “daddy” was heartwarming and made me happy.
This book was full of family relationships and heartwarming moments. This book is sad at times but mostly sweet, uplifting, and fun.
After reading Inked, I knew I wanted to read Etched without knowing anything about it. Etched is the second standalone in the Broken Sparrow Series and tells Daphne and Colin’s story, who we met in Inked.
After buying the Broken Sparrow Tattoo Shop with her best friend, Daphne is moving to Johnson Creek. She plans to stay with her best friend, Mina, and her husband Nico, who we met in Inked. When a pipe bursts in her room, Mina’s older brother Colin offers to let Daphne stay with him, his two teen daughters, and their aging dog. Soon, Daphne, the admitted girl who doesn’t do kids or dogs, bonds with his daughters and the dog, something grieving Colin notices.
Daphne and Colin have lived through heartbreak. We see a lot of healing and growth from both characters. I loved how their healing was intricately woven throughout the book. I loved seeing Colin open his heart up to love again after loss.
Daphne and Colin developed a beautiful relationship that felt like a well-paced slowburn. I found myself turning the pages waiting for the moment that Colin gives into his attraction.
Daddy play is typically a trope that I skip. I would have missed out on a beautiful story. I appreciated the way Daphne’s preferences were explored in the book. It opened my eyes to a trope that I often avoid. Colin’s curiosity established how perfect he was and how well these two opposites meshed together. Seeing her find her “daddy” was heartwarming and made me happy.
This book was full of family relationships and heartwarming moments. This book is sad at times but mostly sweet, uplifting, and fun.
July 27, 2024
I'll be honest, I was nervous going into this one when I realised it was a Daddy/little dynamic because that's not something I generally love reading. However, I really did enjoy Amity's version of it. I loved how she let us see the vulnerable side to Daphne, the things that made her the way she was, and the reason she found that role so comforting. I enjoyed the exploration of kink and a dynamic that wasn't always sexual.
Stories about life and love after loss are some of my favourite types, for personal reasons, and I thought this was all handled really beautifully. I loved the relationship Daphne developed with the two girls, and how she steps into a maternal role without becoming their mother. She was so sassy and bold, yet so gentle and comforting at the same time. I thought it was lovely to show a family coming together in a less than traditional way.
I also really liked Colin, and I felt for him with the grief and responsibility he was carrying so heavily. He was exactly the caring man that Daphne needed, and I particularly enjoyed a lot of the softer moments between the two. Though, Daphne pushing his buttons until he fell right over the edge was also pretty good
Stories about life and love after loss are some of my favourite types, for personal reasons, and I thought this was all handled really beautifully. I loved the relationship Daphne developed with the two girls, and how she steps into a maternal role without becoming their mother. She was so sassy and bold, yet so gentle and comforting at the same time. I thought it was lovely to show a family coming together in a less than traditional way.
I also really liked Colin, and I felt for him with the grief and responsibility he was carrying so heavily. He was exactly the caring man that Daphne needed, and I particularly enjoyed a lot of the softer moments between the two. Though, Daphne pushing his buttons until he fell right over the edge was also pretty good
July 10, 2023
So for the beginning of the book, it was really about the friendship they had been building. Nothing really happened until later in the book between the two main characters.
Like Daph, I had expected Colin to feel guilty about being with her and end up pushing her away. I had seen so mays ways drama could play out and I was expecting some kind of drama...but there wasn't any. It was kind of exciting to see that once they pushed through that boundary the first time, that was it. They continued to go uphill from there. No 3rd quarter break up drama for this book lol.
Its a sweet story with Colin learning to love again after the death of his wife. When he was at the graveyard talking to his wife, it took so much for me to not start crying like a baby. It was the sweetest thing ever. This story was so well written. I loved the story even though it was missing the drama.
Spice 2/5
Humor 1/5
Emotional 3/5
Overall 4/5
Like Daph, I had expected Colin to feel guilty about being with her and end up pushing her away. I had seen so mays ways drama could play out and I was expecting some kind of drama...but there wasn't any. It was kind of exciting to see that once they pushed through that boundary the first time, that was it. They continued to go uphill from there. No 3rd quarter break up drama for this book lol.
Its a sweet story with Colin learning to love again after the death of his wife. When he was at the graveyard talking to his wife, it took so much for me to not start crying like a baby. It was the sweetest thing ever. This story was so well written. I loved the story even though it was missing the drama.
Spice 2/5
Humor 1/5
Emotional 3/5
Overall 4/5
September 8, 2023
3/5 ⭐️
✨ Love After Loss
✨ Sister's Bestfriend
✨ Single Dad
✨ Found Family
✨ DD/lg (BDSM)
I know this is a book with the trope love after loss but throughout the story the MMC talks about his late wife and how much he loved/love her. There i one sentence that rubed me the wrong way:
"I love her, Tabitha. God Knows it will never come close to the love i have for you, for the love that we shared, but i love her...".
So he loves the FMC but it will never be as much with his late wife. And that's what i really didn't liked. Why not both love the same? His late wife for his past and the FMC for the future...
✨ Love After Loss
✨ Sister's Bestfriend
✨ Single Dad
✨ Found Family
✨ DD/lg (BDSM)
I know this is a book with the trope love after loss but throughout the story the MMC talks about his late wife and how much he loved/love her. There i one sentence that rubed me the wrong way:
"I love her, Tabitha. God Knows it will never come close to the love i have for you, for the love that we shared, but i love her...".
So he loves the FMC but it will never be as much with his late wife. And that's what i really didn't liked. Why not both love the same? His late wife for his past and the FMC for the future...
January 1, 2024
A couples journey from grief.
This is a very beautiful story that touches grief and moving on and the fact that the time and journey are different for everyone. It could be a few months or a few years. Also, I agree with the Heroine's thoughts that you could feel like you've healed, and all of a sudden, a memory or a song can take you back to grief. I also liked the fact that the Hero did research in order to learn how to please the woman he loved 😍. Medium angst, a couple of really spicy 🌶🌶🌶 scenes, TW for loss of a loved one (not on page), tragic loss of parents (also not on page), Daddy kink, Grumpy/Sunshine, HEA.
This is a very beautiful story that touches grief and moving on and the fact that the time and journey are different for everyone. It could be a few months or a few years. Also, I agree with the Heroine's thoughts that you could feel like you've healed, and all of a sudden, a memory or a song can take you back to grief. I also liked the fact that the Hero did research in order to learn how to please the woman he loved 😍. Medium angst, a couple of really spicy 🌶🌶🌶 scenes, TW for loss of a loved one (not on page), tragic loss of parents (also not on page), Daddy kink, Grumpy/Sunshine, HEA.
January 27, 2023
Loved it!! I love Daphne and Colin! They are just so cute and perfect for each other.
I love how Colin was curious to learn about what Daphne was into. He is just so perfect. He is a great father. He is patient with her too. I love Daphne. She grew a lot throughout the book. She loves Colin’s kids like her own. She has a big heart. And love how she loves him no matter if he was into her kinks.
Their romance was the perfect pace. Not too slow and not too fast. The spice was great. So freaking hot 🥵. Daddy Colin! I need more! I need to read the other book soon!
I love how Colin was curious to learn about what Daphne was into. He is just so perfect. He is a great father. He is patient with her too. I love Daphne. She grew a lot throughout the book. She loves Colin’s kids like her own. She has a big heart. And love how she loves him no matter if he was into her kinks.
Their romance was the perfect pace. Not too slow and not too fast. The spice was great. So freaking hot 🥵. Daddy Colin! I need more! I need to read the other book soon!
January 25, 2023
Daphne and collins story is everything i needed.
The smut was on point and the love story between the two was perfect i loved every second of this read. I loved how daphne brought the whole family closer together and treated the kids as if they were her own. This is a first book I’ve read by this author and will continue to read more by her. So thankful to be apart of Amity’s ARC team
The smut was on point and the love story between the two was perfect i loved every second of this read. I loved how daphne brought the whole family closer together and treated the kids as if they were her own. This is a first book I’ve read by this author and will continue to read more by her. So thankful to be apart of Amity’s ARC team
January 6, 2023
First and foremost, I absolutely loved this book. After first meeting Daphne and Colin in Inked, I never expected their story to be this story. It was beautiful and surprising in so many ways. Funny, sad, happy, and sexy. This book literally has it all.
February 7, 2023
This was an awesome story to dig into. Loved the characters. The way they helped each other heal and ultimately find love with one another was a fun ride. Full of sass and funny situations. Spicy scenes and lots of bratty behavior make for a great read.
September 10, 2024
Amazing Story!
I loved everything about this book! The emotion I felt when learning of their past and the love they show each other is evident from the start. Can’t wait to read more.
I loved everything about this book! The emotion I felt when learning of their past and the love they show each other is evident from the start. Can’t wait to read more.
February 7, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was such a sweet and spicy read! Colin and Daphne have both lost someone special to them and together they learn to grieve their losses and move on learning to love again.
This was such a sweet and spicy read! Colin and Daphne have both lost someone special to them and together they learn to grieve their losses and move on learning to love again.
August 23, 2023
the Battleship Potemkin of slutty lil ku books
December 31, 2023
Pacing was way off.
March 9, 2025
Absolutely loved the dynamics in this book! How they both overcame their past traumas with their love for each other….beautiful!!❤️❤️
July 6, 2023
Ok I got this for free on stuff your kindle day and wow it was something. The writing was not very good. Everything was over explained, every little action. I hate it when authors say things like “she looked at me to show me that it was ok” like??? Make the reader do some work! Some reading between the lines!
January 27, 2024
4.7/5 stars.
I was so pleasantly surprised with this read! Gosh these two were just so sweet and fun, I was very hesitant with the whole dead wife trope since it’s one of my least favorites that I refuse to read…but I took a chance on this. And damn the author wrote it well!
She made it so the wife’s name lived on in love and the mother of his children was still held as an important person in their lives…but also making sure that there was room for a new love in his life. Without it feeling like the dead wife was in the way (I guess I can put it)
It was so beautiful how he let his heart open up to Daphne. They were the perfect pair, two complete opposite that meshed together so well.
Some of the kink type stuff were definitely not my cup of tea and I skimmed those parts but I skip smut most of the time anyway so it was that big of a deal to me.
I adored the found family aspect, the relationship Daphne had with his two girls was great, as well as with his mother.
The fact that there wasn’t a third act breakup in here just made the story that much better! I was waiting for something bad to happen and it never did! They handled things like adults and I appreciated that, because many times adults in books can truly be little children when it comes to communication.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in a sitting!definitely recommend Thank you Valentine for the Arc of this book!
I was so pleasantly surprised with this read! Gosh these two were just so sweet and fun, I was very hesitant with the whole dead wife trope since it’s one of my least favorites that I refuse to read…but I took a chance on this. And damn the author wrote it well!
She made it so the wife’s name lived on in love and the mother of his children was still held as an important person in their lives…but also making sure that there was room for a new love in his life. Without it feeling like the dead wife was in the way (I guess I can put it)
It was so beautiful how he let his heart open up to Daphne. They were the perfect pair, two complete opposite that meshed together so well.
Some of the kink type stuff were definitely not my cup of tea and I skimmed those parts but I skip smut most of the time anyway so it was that big of a deal to me.
I adored the found family aspect, the relationship Daphne had with his two girls was great, as well as with his mother.
The fact that there wasn’t a third act breakup in here just made the story that much better! I was waiting for something bad to happen and it never did! They handled things like adults and I appreciated that, because many times adults in books can truly be little children when it comes to communication.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in a sitting!definitely recommend Thank you Valentine for the Arc of this book!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews