Ink

First the idea of a bookstore and tattoo parlor is such a unique and cute idea I loved it. This story follows Emmie and Ox, the first time Emmie sees Ox he is on Main Street fighting with his ex girlfriend. Eventually they come together and create an awesome bookstore/tattoo shop they agree no romance since they work together so their relationship is a slow burn but man when they do decide to get together it’s sweet and hot. Ox is my new favorite book boyfriend and it took him some time to figure out what he really wanted out of his life but when he did he went all in. ( )

If they hadn't worked so hard, for so long, to keep from pursuing a relationship, I would have enjoyed it much more. It was too easy to put down. I won't continue. ( )

Ink by Elizabeth Hunter
7th and Main series book 1. Contemporary romance.
Emmie returns home after inheriting her grandmother’s bookstore. Her intention was to sell the building and get out of town. But memories and the love of the written word has Emmie deciding to reorganize, remodel, and revamp the bookstore for reopening. Her plans include an updated small coffee and seating section as well as a place to get a tattoo. Artist Miles Oxford rents a portion of the book store’s floor plan to set up his chair and tattoo needles.

I loved the premise of this. An independent bookstore and a tattoo parlor together in one space. Many readers are avid fans of a particular author or series and getting a tattoo is a great way to proclaim the love to the world. I have to wonder if a place like this actually exists. If it does, I hope they are wildly successful.
The romance between Ox and Emmie is filled with conflicts including a vocal old girlfriend and his sister’s ranch that demands a lot of his time, taking him away from the shop.
Small town vibe with plenty of secondary characters plus an opposite attracts steamy romance format make this a truly enjoyable read.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Melissa Moran. The performance very well done. Voices were varied and clear on emotions and cadence and I enjoyed the tempo. I found the best sped was 1.4 which is about my average preference these days to match a conversational speed. ( )

3.5 ( )

I really enjoyed this romance between a book store owner and her partner in business who is a tattoo artist. Their store is called Ink and an unique idea for a partnership.

I thought the book was well written with just the right amount of conflict to keep the story interesting. I wasn't bored reading it and I believed the attraction between the characters. I'm interested enough to continue with the series. ( )