INK: A Love Story on 7th and Main

I am not really a contemporary romance reader but having read all of Elizabeth Hunter's other work I thought I would try it out. I loved it. I loved the characters and the bookstore, which was almost a character unto itself. I can't wait to revisit 7th and Main.

I absolutely loved this book! It was a tad predictable but I personally didn't mind. I enjoyed the idea of a tattoo parlor in a bookstore; combine that in with characters that were relatable and you end up with one enjoyable read!

I absolutely loved this book, Emmie and Ox's story is so lovely, I found myself re-reading sentences that made my heart flutter.
Definitely one to read on a rainy day in one sitting.....or maybe that's just me!

So disappointed. Another very simple "bodice-ripper" and not one that I would have expected from someone who wrote the fabulous vampire, etc. books. I read with horror almost to the end then tossed it out of my Kindle. Even the premise was silly as well as the names given to the main characters. "Ox" and little "Emmie"? Please. And the utter fixation with tattoos or ink? They completely lusted after one another with just a glimpse of ink.
I will be more careful when choosing her books next time.

Well thought out, likable characters. Secondary characters were also fun, which is nice to know since, I assume, they’ll turn up as the focus in upcoming sequels.
The only reason I gave this three stars is that it was just a teeny-tiny bit dull. I liked the premise well enough, but kept waiting for a “bad guy” to appear and stir the pot a bit. None turned up.
I like Ms. Hunter’s other books... absolutely *loved* the “Elemental” series of books...but I won’t try to compare them here since it’s a different genre.
Will I read more of the “7th and Main” books when they come out? Maybe...when I’m in the mood for a stress free romance.

Good. Typical tropes: boy and girl meet; resist each other's charms; fall for each other; problems nearly tear them apart; yet they persevere and live HEA. Oh and they're 27, because apparently, all contemporary romances involve twentysomethings. *eye roll* from this 51 year old. So yeah, you can tell I'm tired of the same ole, same ole, twentysomething romance saga. Sorry, not sorry.

Anyway, it is an enjoyable book. Well written with some snappy dialogue. The characters are inventive and relatable. But someone, please sweet baby jeezus, write some good content for us older gals. We're not dead yet!

Meh. The writing is good as always with Elizabeth Hunter, but there was no sizzle and the characters were a little boring. The story was not super engaging. I only finished it because it is pretty short.

I am almost not sure where to start .... this is Ms Hunter's second foray into contemporary romance and compared to her first book in this genre The Genius and the Muse it pales in comparison sadly.

The writing as always is near flawless and carries a story that is exactly what the title says it is, a romance ... no real drama, no adventure, no real humor ... just a long drawn out romance that while not as boring as it may sound was actually done well enough to keep my attention and little if any scanning.

This almost falls into that "sweet romance" for much of the book with a male character Ox who cannot decide almost anything other than he wants to have sex with Emmie, that got kinda old before he actually came around to the romance part (it does fall into a more passionate/erotic relationship later in the book ) which was muddied at best with secondary characters that were more interesting than our main couple.

When the business end of the story about opening a book store/tattoo studio was more interesting than the romance something went wrong in my way of thinking.

I have read every single story that Ms Hunter has written and probably 90+% were 5 star efforts with a couple of 4 Star but at the end of the day, this is a pretty average 3+ Star romance and I actually DO hope she writes a story about a couple of the other characters who caught my attention much more than our confused couple. I feel like I have broken a trust with this review but in a sea of exceptional stories by her, this is least remarkable effort in the 7 years I have been reading her works. I hope others found this story a lot more interesting than I did, but while it was far from a bad reading experience, it was just an average story from an author who has consistently turned out exceptional stories before this ...

I have read quite a few books by this author, and this is the first one I found rather blah. I finished reading to the end, but could have stopped halfway through and not given the book any more thought. The sex scenes are quite detailed, and there is a lot more colorful language than her other books, but the moments of tension were not tense, and the story was pretty predictable. If more stories come out with these characters, I would not bother reading them.

I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth Hunter’s PNR writing, and was excited when I learned she would be writing a contemporary romance. And then when I saw that blurb, I knew I had to have it. And I’m happy to say that it more than met my expectations! This book is lots of fun, with a chemistry-filled, slow-burning friends-to-lovers romance, lots of funny moments, lots of heart, and a beautiful love story. I read this book in one sitting, unable to put it down, and I absolutely loved it!

Emmie Elliot has returned to her home town of Metlin, California following the death of her grandmother. She is tying up loose ends and is looking over her grandmother’s beloved bookstore, which she intended to sell, when she decides to uproot her life in San Francisco, stay and make a go of it for herself. She’s a mad booklover, and the store has been in her family for years, she can’t just let it go. But the store is too big, and she’ll need a partner of sorts to help with the costs. And then she Miles ‘Ox’ Oxford.

Ox is a talented tattoo artist whose relationship has just blown up (all over the street in fact), becoming even more of a disaster because he was dating his boss. So now he is unemployed and looking for work. And then the nerdy book girl over the road offers him an unusual opportunity – to open up a tattoo studio in her bookstore. They are both dedicated and driven to succeed, they both deal in ink, and it’s an unusual twist that could just work in their small town, so their store, Ink, is born.

But with so much on the line for both of them, and Ox’s bad experiences leaving its mark, they put a rule in place where they keep things strictly business between them. Which is all fine… until their friendship begins to simmer with the attraction that they both so clearly feel for each other, and the lines of their arrangement become all kinds of blurry.

OMG, I love, love, love this relationship! The chemistry is fantastic, and Emmie and Ox together are something really special. Their friendship is easy and natural with great banter and sweet moments. And the fact that the two of them are wildly attracted to each other underneath it all brings a fantastic dynamic. The slow build-up had me tingling with anticipation, loving every moment while waiting for something to happen, and it’s paced perfectly as we watch things between them shift and change and oh-so-naturally become something so much more.

But can they balance their business relationship with their deepening personal one? And do they both have their attention focussed in the right place to really make a go of things? Their feelings for each other are strong, but it takes more than just that to make a relationship work, and their journey is realistic and beautifully written.

The love story is the heart of this book, and it’s fun and flirty with lots of emotion. Emmie and Ox are wonderful characters and seeing them become friends, get to know each other and then fall for each other was just gorgeous. But there’s so much more to this book! The friendships and family relationships are wonderful, with great side characters and lots of scope there for future books. And the creation and running of their store was a fantastic backdrop to it all. Does every book lover dream about what it would be like to run their own bookstore, or is that just me? Regardless, I thought it was fun and interesting, and something that all book lovers will be able to relate to and enjoy.

This is such a great read. Smart and fun, with characters that you can’t help but love and a gorgeously slow-building, chemistry-filled romance. And with so many more stories just begging to be told, I can’t wait for more from this series.

INK is a wonderful novel that brings together two unlikely characters into one steamy romance. Emmie and Ox are quite different in many ways but more alike than they know. When Ox bounds into the bookshop she's reopening in Metlin, CA, little do they both know that their lives will be forever changed. The chemistry between the two is electric and undeniable (even though they both try), and the romance is slow burning as Emmie and Ox work to pull their combined business ventures together into a workable business plan.

The character development in INK was a nice blending of the tattoo culture and the book culture. Putting both cultures together inside one building is a unique business strategy. The uniqueness is sure to provide both cultures competitive advantage, especially over the other tattoo shops in the area. How the author decided to put tattoos and books together (other than a hot inked man on the cover of a book) is just one of Elizabeth Hunter's abilities that I admire. Her imagination is vivid and her excitement for her craft is undeniable.

The world building within INK was descriptive, providing essential information to make the story believable. The plot and setting were perfectly paired into a wonderful romantic story that was easy to follow and understand. I was able to visualize each moment that happened within the pages, immersing me further into the world set on 7th and Main.

Emmie and Ox are wonderful characters, imperfect but perfect for one another. Emmie has the chance to rebuild her grandmother's bookshop and she takes a chance by doing that and adding tattooing to the line-up. She's somewhat reserved but she knows what she wants when she gets to Metlin, and it isn't to sell the building or rent out the space to someone else. She wants to reopen her legacy, a book shop that she can run her way instead of working for someone else. Ox is a man hellbent on making sure his family is taken care of - his mother, sister, and niece. He so committed that he often times puts them way above his own needs and desires. Opening his own shop with Emmie is a dream come true, but when his family calls, the shop and Emmie may suffer.

INK captivated me from the very beginning with sassy and witty friends like Daisy and Tayla, hot tattooers from the shop across the street, and the bookshop. The entire book was fun and sassy,with some intense and broody moments. I had fun reading INK and learning about Emmie, Ox, Daisy, and Tayla. The story kept me engaged from start to finish with an HEA that made me grin like an idiot.

All of Elizabeth's novels reach deep within my emotional center and manage to trigger reactionary responses. These types of books are my favorite. The emotions don't have to always include tears; it is just the ability to invoke proper emotional responses to scenarios being played out.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

I have been waiting with baited breath to get my hands on this one, the teasers that have been issued over the last few weeks have had me totally intrigued. And I will admit now that this is a read that certainly lived up to the anticipation, I loved it.
From start to finish this was one that I quite simply couldn’t put down, well not easily anyway. It had me on the edge of my seat and totally engrossed in the possibilities.
The story was beautifully woven around Emmie, facing the task of packing up her beloved grandmothers store following her death, Emmie soon learnt that what she thought she was going to do and what she would end up doing were at total opposite ends of the scale, because when push came to shove, selling the bookstore was something that she just couldn’t bring herself to do…so it looks like the town has itself a new inhabitant.
But life as the new proprietor is tough, the financial pressures are immense so she starts to look for someone to share the space, someone who could take on half the floor space and therefore lessen her financial obligations, and for as much as that might have seemed like the most run of the mill solution to her situation…until she found her new tenant!
Ox may not have been everyone’s cup of tea but for Emmie he was the answer to her problem. Recently separated from not just his girlfriend but also his job ( the two were sort of a non-negotiable package, she was his boss) Ox is on the lookout for a new direction and he doesn’t need to look far once Emmie’s proposal to take up have the store is laid before him, after all he doesn’t need that much room to tattoo someone but having been burned once, Ox is dead set on them being nothing other than professional…well let me tell you, that was a nonstarter from the get go because it didn’t take long for it to become glaringly obvious that there was more sparking under that roof that just creativity. Nope the pair of them were totally smitten.
There were little swings of angst and attitude dotted throughout the story, it pitched back and forth as they learnt that not everything was as they thought about each other, they both had their secrets to overcome.
I finished the book glad that it had lived up to my expectations, delighted that they had been everything that I wanted them to be and with a smile on my face. I hope that there is more often same to come and that this is not the last I have seen and heard from Ox and Emmie.

“She’s. Watching. Us.”
“Don’t care. Let her watch.” Ox drew her up and kissed her temple. “I’ll take care of this.”
Emmie might have imagined the collective sigh that emanated from the romance section of the bookstore, but she didn’t think so. She also didn’t think she imagined the daggers that shot from Ginger’s eyes or the swirling feeling in her own head.
Did that just happen?
***

What reader doesn’t love a story that is based on a book lover opening a bookstore? It has to be a readers dream, right? I know it is mine, and seeing Emmie do it exactly like I would, apart from the tattoo parlor, is like a fantasy of mine. I am not knocking the tattoo part, just never crossed my mind. But it is actually pure genius. "The smell of ink." I would have a hard time NOT getting a tattoo. You know, being a weenie to pain and all.

Hunter’s writing gets me in the gut every single time I pick up one of her books. It's a good gut wrenching feel. It comes off sophisticated, yet laid back. Enticing, lyrical, and alluring, but in a way that is not above you. Does that make any sense? My rambling is probably utter nonsense, but it is hard for me to describe how her words affect me. I just know that no matter the genre, when I read her books I am drawn in and held comfortably captive by her unique imagination.

Hunter is a pro when it comes to paranormal writing with her vampires and shifters, but one of my most favorites of hers is a contemporary: THE GENIUS AND THE MUSE. It is an amazing read. And I have always hoped that she would do more in the future. I am so glad she did with INK. I cannot tell you the last time I finished a book in one day. I usually don’t have the time. But once I started I absolutely could not put it down.

INK is a little bit angsty...a lot a bit sweet...and the chemistry between Emmie and Ox was sensational. Ox is definitely my new book boyfriend. 5 Sigh and Swoon Stars!

4.5 “Buttons” Stars

This was such an amazing introduction to Ms. Hunter’s writing. I really, really liked this book. I didn’t want to put it down. I was captivated by all the characters. I had a smile on my face almost the whole time and was sad when the book was over. I’m definately checking out more of the author’s back list now.

Emmie is back in her home town after her grandmother’s passing. Expecting to clean up and sell her book store, she finds herself unable to do it. Instead she decides to try and make it her own. After having worked in a book store for the last few years, she knows there is a lot of work to do to make her buisness viable. But with the help of her friends, she’s got a good start. Now she just needs someone to rent the other half of the store. Having extra income from rent would really help offset all the costs she’s going to incur. That’s when genius (or craziness) strikes.

Ox, having just broken up with his girlfriend (and boss) needs to find another job. When the new book girl moves in across the street from his old shop and tosses out the crazy plan that he rent the other half of her store front, he thinks it might just be crazy enough to work. He tattoos. She reads. They both sell Ink. One rule though: they can’t get involved. Seems easy enough. Until late nights and lunch runs and realizing that both aren’t what they first appear makes for a sizzling (in more ways than one) partnership.

This book was captivating. It was a sweet and easy romance. With just enough angst thrown in to make me unable to stop turning the pages, Ink is a story that continues to make me smile and excited to see what other stories come out of 7th and Main.

I recently had the chance to read a new-to-me author about a story that sounded right up my ally combining two of my passions…books and tattoos. Ink: A love Story on 7TH and Main by Elizabeth Hunter really took me by surprise. Let’s talk awesome book covers because sometimes the cover of the book doesn’t speak to the story at all. Ink: A love Story on 7th and Main has an original and outstanding cover that very much epitomizes the story. I love the tattooed forearms on the stack of books. It’s very attention grabbing. As for the book itself, I genuinely loved reading Ink: A Love Story on 7TH and Main. Elizabeth Hunter’s story centers around a bookstore owner who needs to revamp her store. Emmie never thought she would return to the little town she grew up in. But the decision to do so also means that she needs to find a tenant to help make her dreams for her family store a reality. When Miles Oxford (aka Ox) suddenly needs a space to tattoo, combining the two businesses seems novel and just crazy enough to work. Ox isn’t interested in quiet bookstore owning women, he likes them on the wild side. But like the saying goes, for still waters run deep, and Emmie is far more than she appears. The two have a chance at a groundbreaking new business in their small town, but will the relationship between Emmie and Ox ever be more than landlord and tenant? Or will exploring the budding feelings for one another cost Emmie and Ox everything?

Elizabeth Hunter’s Ink was a fun, fast read that I very much enjoyed. I did feel like it started a little slowly, but I also was intrigued enough that I didn’t let that stop me from continuing to read. The pace remained a bit slower than I would have liked, but I still enjoyed the book. I also I loved the concept for the store, a bookstore with a small space rented out to a tattoo shop. Since I am in a committed relationship with both, ? the idea seemed fantastic. I loved that Hunter set it in a small town that is seeing new life breathed into it. On the surface, Emmie and Ox seem like polar opposites so a relationship seems unlikely. However, they are both insanely interested in one another. The No Involvement Rule that Ox devises never had a chance of success, but it certainly led to some hilarious moments. Since Hunter wrote the book in duel POV readers will enjoy getting to know the characters in this story. Emmie and Ox both had an active voice that made it impossible not to love them. Emmie is very personable and Ox very swoon-worthy. I think the fact that Ox was so family oriented was my favorite thing about him…next to his tattoos of course. ? It seems like Hunter is planning to write other stories with the secondary characters and I will be on the lookout for them. Ink was a slow burn romance which I usually love. I felt that the heat factor in this story was dialed down a little too much and would have preferred to see more sizzle and sexy times. The book was light on angst, and had some witty banter back and forth between the various characters.

Since this is the first book I have read by Elizabeth Hunter, I will be commencing with operation social media stalking to keep my eyes peeled for more books in this series. In the meantime, I’d say that Ink: A Love Story on 7TH and Main was a solid four star read.

Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict. A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

“You want to put a tattoo shop in your book store?”
“I think I might.”
He grinned. “You are a daydreamer. I mean, it’s cute as {censored}, but also kinda nuts.” He put down the tangled cords. “But seriously cute.”

Emmie Elliot expected her return home to Metlin, California to be a quick trip. After all, it shouldn’t take long to go back, sell the building where her grandmother had her bookshop and then return to her life in San Francisco. But when she steps back inside the bookshop where she spent so much of her youth, she can’t bring herself to part with it. Reopening a bookshop in this digital age, however, is going to take some creativity. When she finds herself face to face with Miles Oxford, the extremely hot tattoo artist who just so happens to need a space to set up shop, she concocts a crazy scheme for them to partner up and open a combination bookshop/tattoo studio. It might just be the thing to attract customers in this up and coming small town. They both have a lot riding on the success of this joint venture, so it only makes sense for them to agree to keep things strictly business between them. But Ox has never been good at following the rules and it doesn’t take him long to give into his growing attraction toward this cute little bookworm.

I thought this was a really sweet story! There were lots of great characters and I loved the small town the author created. I could clearly picture everything and kind of wish I could visit Metlin and visit INK because it seemed like a super awesome place! My understanding is that Elizabeth Hunter primarily writes fantasy novels? Well, I can definitely see the influence of that on this story in terms of the world building. It really was done so well. Emmie and Ox were also so cute together. It wasn’t a burn-up-the-pages story, instead, it was a really sweet slow burn that really fit with the charming, small-town vibe of the book. I think bookworms far and wide will relate and fall in love with Emmie. She spoke to my bookworm soul! I’m pretty sure she and I have very similar bookish t-shirt collections! Ox was a great guy. I think I was expecting a bit more of a bad boy but he really was a sweetheart, and it was so endearing how much he loved his family. I also loved all the secondary characters, they were a great group of friends and I look forward to reading more about this crew.

“You caught me,” Emmie whispered.
Ox blinked and cupped her face in his palm. “What?” Red rode high on his cheekbones and his lips were swollen and dark.
“You caught me. I fell and you caught me.”

When two opposites tried not to mix business and pleasure, the book lover and the tattoo artist, both making their dreams come true by one special agreement, sharing both their love for Ink.

A bookstore where you could get tattoos as well? A strange but innovative concept that brought Emmie and Miles « Ox » together, and when they were, sparks would fly. An undeniable chemistry, more alike that they seemed, so sweet and hot, all at once.

The pace was kinda slow, but captivating nonetheless. I enjoyed Emmie and Ox’s interactions, with plenty innuendos, smartass comebacks. It was slick and smooth.

I appreciated to see their relationship growing, from friends who wanted more to be friends to lovers, with this hint of sweetness and hotness. How about finding the right balance, by not messing everything up, especially when they had to maintain financially both their shops if they didn’t want to lose it?

I was pleasantly surprised by Miles, definitely not the guy I was expecting, all broody and tattooed, but at times terribly charming, more than met the eye. Intrigued by Emmie, who was trying not to fall for him, and yes she was trying too hard. I liked these two, taking a risk in their lives, to take a leap of faith and let their dreams come true.

I appreciated how Emmie could keep him on his toes, and how everyday they seemed to be more fond of each other more than ever. There was a bit of drama, but not that much, giving more space for the main characters to see through each other, to build their relationship.

They were far from perfect, and of course making mistakes but they were so endearing and cute. This was the kind of romance I liked to read, the one that made me smile, swooned, laughed with bit of emotional moments.

Don’t forget their bunch of friends who loved to play matchmaker.

I really liked the mood and the setting, it was heartwarming. I can’t wait to read more about the characters from the INK universe. And we all probably need an Ox in our lives, just saying…

INK was my first book from Elizabeth Hunter and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hunter delivers a sweet and sexy book, based on such a cool premise. I love the idea of combining books and tattoos. There seriously needs to be a store like this somewhere, I have to go there!
The pairing of books and tattoos was similar to that of Ox and Emmie. At first, it seemed like an odd combination, yet the closer you look, the more you understand the connection. I liked both Ox and Emmie, as well as the secondary characters. They are all interesting and deep; I liked getting in their heads. The tension between Ox and Emmie was hot. The build of their relationship really drew me in. I liked that there was minimal drama, but the drama that was there, felt a bit forced. These two had terrible communication and while that definitely added some angst to the story but it was also frustrating.
This book was a nice break from some of the heavier things I have been reading lately. It was refreshing and I adored the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author and perhaps more from these characters.

This is an amazing love story that I enjoyed every second of reading! This is the first book that I've had the pleasure of reading by this incredibly talented author and I can say for sure that it definitely won't be the last! I loved the originality of what Emmie creates with Ox and the chemistry between these two is off the charts intense!! Metlin sounds like a town that I'd love to live in and I hope to find such a creative up and coming town to live in one day. Reading this story had me itching to get new ink and I wish an illustration had been provided of Emmie's back tattoo. Ox is irresistible on every level and I applaud Emmie's ability to play it so cool around him because if it were me, I'd have been having to spend all of my time picking my jaw up off the floor. If you're looking for a really great, heart warming love story that will leave you with a huge smile on your face, then this is the one you've been looking for! I highly recommend reading this to anyone and I look forward to much more from this amazing author! I reviewed this for Reviews from the Heart.

"She couldn't say no when someone asked for a book recommendation. It was a compulsion."

I think to me this was a love story between a reader and their passion for books. Elizabeth just had to get inside a bookworm's head and show what's bubbling under the surface. And I luuurved it! From nerdy t-shirts to cozy sassiness of Emmie's mugs, including her care for her gran's bookstore and unstoppable desire to make it work again. Duh, never discount romance readers! We are a force to be reckoned with. *grins*

Folks, bookstores are my bookish catnip. You know why I still adore Three Sisters Island series by Nora Roberts? There is a magical bookstore with a cafe full of delicious pastries upstairs. Yup, it made an impression.

Emmie has worked in an upscale bookshop as a manager. She knows the industry through and through. Metlin is a hipster paradise and it's only getting trendier, so when she gets the idea of combining a failing bookstore of her gran with a tattoo salon, it only makes sense. I admired her vision and I loved her character. She had depths and she showed plenty of growth once the circumstances coaxed her out of her shell.

Ox. I got him as well. He was gentle and had this nurturer' instinct where he felt like he had to take care of people he loved no matter what. No one taught him that sometimes he needs to step back and let those people figure out if they need him or if they can manage themselves, and that's where his character grows. He couldn't figure out Emmie, as she kept shedding layers like an onion and making his mind go dizzy.

This is a cozy romance in an extremely sweet, comfortable environment with an array of very interesting secondary characters. Ox and Emmie are adults who might have issues and stumbling blocks, but who are also mature enough to talk about it and make progress. I felt rested after reading Ink, like my mind has been reset, and it certainly became one of this year's favourites for me.

Recommended, looking forward to more books in this series.

4.5 Stars
I was so excited about this story, after reading the blurb, and I was not disappointed! A booklover who reopens a bookstore she inherited and has a partner who’s a tattoo artist. INK: A Love Story on 7th and Main is a Standalone and I feel the need to let everyone know it’s a slow-burn story; something I’ve learned to appreciate, and love, the anticipation of what’s to come is too yummy to resist. This story checks all the boxes of a quirky and fun romance. With main characters like Emmie who’s a smart, funny, and witty h and Ox, the H, the quintessential book boyfriend. Then there are the secondary characters, who add so much to the story, and the small town atmosphere that rounds it out; you’ll want to read in one sitting. Who said print books are dead? If you’re like me you read eBooks and later buy the same book in paperback, too. Because who can resist the smell of paper and ink? **sigh**

Emmie Elliot has inherited her grandmother’s bookstore, Metlin Books, located in the small town of Metlin, California, where she grew up. Ironically she’d been working at a bookstore in San Francisco for several years, as a manager, and when she goes back home she’s determined to sell it. After taking stock of the store, full of reminders of her beloved grandmother, Emmie realizes she should stay and reopen it. The bookstore is large and comes with an apartment above it. She owns the building that houses the bookstore and the other two locations next door that are rented out and she wouldn’t have to worry about paying rent anymore. So, with a little nest egg, she decides to revamp, restock and reopen the bookstore.

After realizing the space is really too big, and with a separate entrance handy, she decides she could rent some floor space to someone else. When opportunity knocks on her door, in the way of Miles “Ox” Oxford, a tattoo artist who’s in desperate need of a new place to work, she makes him a proposition he finds hard to resist. After giving it some thought, he accepts, but he has one condition:

“You have to promise me we will never get involved.”

Ox has a lot on his plate. His sister and husband took over the family farm after their dad died, but when her husband died in an accident, Ox felt obligated to help out. Their mother does what she can by taking care of his niece. He made it clear to his previous girlfriend that his family comes first, even if he has to sacrifice his personal life, and puts his needs last.

Emmie has always yearned to be part of a family; she was raised by her bohemian mother, who was absent a lot, and her older grandmother. After her death, Emmie realized she was all alone; her mother was living her life with no real concern about Emmie. She longed to belong somewhere, to place roots down, and maybe find someone to share it with. But not with Ox, he’s made that perfectly clear.

With so many book references in the story, including mention of the Austen classic Sense and Sensibility, it’ll have the book nerd in us happy sighing. All the way to the HEA ending!

Since I'm not a big reader of fantasy or PNR, I have yet to read a book by Elizabeth Hunter. I've wanted to and even been tempted to just forge ahead into those genres in order to experience what reader friends have been sharing with me about this author. Imagine my excitement when I saw the release of INK. When I finally had the chance to read it, I was thankful I couldn't unfairly compare this book to her PNR releases.

I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. It was refreshing, original, and compelling. Every character brought life to the pages and the undefinable town of Metlin. Although the opposites-attract romance between Ox and Emmie was a fabulous tête-à-tête, it was the town, occupants, and overall writing that bolstered the story. Yet, the romance was fabulous. It wasn't necessarily a slow-burn, but paced perfectly to create some wonderful tension. What stuck out the most was the delicious dialogue. I could read the conversations between these characters forever. It was witty, natural, realistic, and straight-forward. It felt like I was just hanging out with all of them. I didn't want this story to end and I'm anxiously awaiting the next book that involves more of these characters and this town. Overall, a low angst and beautiful love story that isn't solely about the main characters but the town itself.

A bookworm and a taboo artist, what do they have in common? Ink, of course! So they set up shop together and the fun starts.

Emmie inherits the bookshop from her grandmother. Initially she plans sell it but when the moment arrives, she can’t. This bookstore is in a small town called Metlin in central California; Emmie lives in San Francisco and works at a bookstore there. She didn’t want to live in a small town again, but Metlin has evolved and its charms plus her friends there convince her to open up a bookstore in her grandmother’s place. She has a space for another business and the hot tattoo artist that worked in front was just kicked out. He’s hot, talented, and his momma was friends with Emmie’s grandmother, so it was a good deal.

Ox had been living with Ginger, owner of the tattoo shop in front of the bookstore, but the relation had gone south. He was tired of Ginger’s drama and excessive jealousy, so he was ready for a change. Emmie’s offer was perfect, allowing Ox to open his own shop finally.

They had one condition: they would never ever get involved, it would be only business. Cue sarcastic laughter!

Initially Emmie was a little intimidated by Ox’s size (overgrown) and by his loud fights with Ginger. Ox initially thought that Emmie was a timid mouse bit of a girl. As they work together, Ox recognizes Emmie’s quiet beauty and Emmie sees the gentle giant who loves his family dearly.

The development of the book is slow, as they work on their attraction and the humor is quiet, very subtle. I loved the nuances on this story as the layers are peeled and we get to know our characters well. Second characters were great here, like Spider, a little mysterious, a little dark, but a big brother of the heart to Emmie. As with small town stories, there are businesses helping each other to achieve success. There are no villains in this book, just insecurities and misplaced loyalties. It’s all positive and good-feel. A very enjoyable book.

Sometimes you read a book and think to yourself, that is a place I would live in; a world that was created for me. That is exactly how I felt about Hunter's new release. INK was everything I wanted and needed from a book, a breathe of fresh air, amidst the shelves of contemporary books in the wild. If Metlin, California was a real place, complete with the a main street like the one Hunter has brought to life, you would find me with a trailer hooked to my car, no hesitations or regrets, ready for a new life and adventure. It has been a while since I longed for a book world to actually be real. But that is the brilliance of Elizabeth Hunter's writing. Hunter blends a reality that is so very tangible and real, characters that you grow to love and adore, giving you an experience of a story that is heartfelt and fun.

Emmie and Ox are the best. These two seem to have an opposites attract scenario going on but as the story progresses, you learn that their similarities are just below the surface and their differences create a puzzle piece love story that is satisfying and authentic. Add in a handful of fun and hilarious secondary characters and you have a book that delivers and the start to a series I know I will fall deeply in love with. 

Elizabeth Hunter has always been my go to author for paranormal stories. With this new series, she has proved her brilliance yet again in a completely new way. Her contemporary story is just as captivating as her paranormal and the world she builds is everything I want in a book. I wish this book would have had 20 more chapters and hundreds of more swoon worthy moments! I cannot wait to re-read INK! I already know I am going to love this series.

What's the common denominator between a bookstore & tattoo shop - a bookseller & tattoo artist? INK! Can they coexist in the same space? In harmony? Maybe . . . If the parties involved can agree on some ground rules like keeping their relationship strictly business and their hands to themselves. Easy, right? Not when sparks are flying and desire threatens better judgment.

Ink is a sweet, low-angst contemporary romance. While it started off a bit slow for me, it was easy to feel the undeniable chemistry building as Emmie and Ox danced around their mutual but unspoken attraction. Emmie is a quirky, down-to-earth, bohemian-style book girl - a t-shirt & jeans girl with a tendency to run when doubts and fears overwhelm her. Ox is a tall, dark, oh-so-handsome giant of a man with tantalizing tattoos covering his delicious body - a man that's surprisingly sweet. At first look, these two couldn't be more different. But don't forget what they say about opposites attracting!

Ink is intensified by a diverse support cast that enjoys stirring the pot and fanning the flames, adding to the "everyone-in-your-business" small town feel of the story. Their actions and words breathe life into the visual setting created by the author. I laughed at the snarky banter and soon found myself pulled into the growing tension between the main characters. While I would have enjoyed seeing the conflict explored in a little more detail, Hunter's writing flows effortlessly, as always, making for an easy-reading, slow-burn romance that I enjoyed reading. The stage is set for subsequent books which I look forward to. Another Must Read by Elizabeth Hunter!

3.75 stars. This was a pretty good book. This is Emmie and Miles story. Emmie has recently moved back to her hometown after her grandmother's death to close and sell her grandmother's book store. But when she gets there, she falls back in love with the store and her hometown and decides not to sell. She decides to revamp and reopen the store- with a twist. She meets Miles when he and his girlfriend break up in spectacular fashion on the street. He is left without a job as he worked at his ex's tattoo parlor. Emmie decides to offer to rent him part of her bookstore as a tattoo shop and rename the joint store Ink. The two become friends as they work on the store together and, even though they vow to keep things platonic, they fall for each other and begin a relationship. They have a few hurdles in Miles' family problems, his ex and a local guy interested in Emmie, but it is all pretty mild and it all works out easily in the end.

This story was really cute and sweet. It was a slow burn romance. I liked both Emmie and Miles. There is a lot of good stuff going on. I really enjoyed the sweet, low angst romance, the cute shop idea, the small town feel and the interesting side characters. The writing was very good. The only reason I didn't rate this higher is that it has a pretty PG feel. It didn't feel YA exactly, there is just a low heat level or maybe a slight lack of chemistry. I do hope this series continues because I am interested in some of the other characters' stories. Overall, I definitely recommend this unique and sweet love story.

I was drawn to this new author by its beautiful cover. I started reading and began to fall in love with her. The wonderfully creative fictional town, the quirky characters, the wonderfully drawn main couple, the idea that this was going to be a series so who would be next in line, and the thought that I wanted to live in this little town. I am familiar with the central valley so I saw this little town existing years ago and now trying to be recreated by those wanting a small town experience. I was hooked by the first chapter and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride to the ending. It was just a gentle drive to a HEA. The story was lovely and the writing was solid. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the sequel.
I would say that had I known the sequel was not coming until late 2019 I would have waited to read this book. I do not enjoy having that much time between books in a series. I understand this author has other work to continue and for those folks I am sure they are happy. I would love to see the author move up the publishing date a bit. I would not want her to rush the work but I would love to know if her other work has this time lag. It really is the only thing I had to pick on. I feel bad to pick but I am enchanted with this series! I also loved that this book was available in paperback. I look forward to seeing this couple in the next book because I want to know what is in store for them and to see what's next. Great work! denise bailey

It was the blurb that drew me in for this one and I loved the idea of a bookstore and tattoo shop combined. This was an opposites attract romance in a small town.

Emmie is back in her home town of Metlin to sell up her Grandma’s bookstore after she passed. However the more she thinks about it the more reluctant she is to let it go. With persuasion from her friends she contemplates the idea but it would need a big effort and a new hook to bring new life to the store. When an opportunity arises when a tattoo artist is down on his luck and needing a place for his business, Emmie offers him a chance to join forces with her due to them having the common denominator of Ink!

Ox is loyal to his family and continues to help out on the ranch even though he has his own business to control. When a new opportunities comes about he jumps at the chance to give his tattoo business a new angle.

This was a very slow burn romance but extremely engaging. Both main characters were likeable and I loved that two opposites did attract. I did expect Ox to be a little bit more alpha and some decisions he made had me questioning his devotion to Emmie. Emmie on the other hand seemed to be the one with her head on straight apart from where her feelings with Ox were at.

Overall an enjoyable read with a different slant on the small town romance that keep me engaged throughout. Four Stars.

Books and tattoos come together in perfection in Ink.

The author did an amazing job with this book. Emmie is my book nerd soul sister having a thing for good books, hot tattooed guys, and surrounding herself with awesome friends.

She steps outside her comfort zone, takes a chance on Ox, her new renter, and enters the world of owning a business. Together they learn how to bend without breaking in so many things. It was just wonderful. So many times it felt too real...when you have to balance family, work, and friends. Starting over and finding new love.

A must read love story!

This is my first book from Elizabeth Hunter and I loved it! I loved the premise, a book seller and tattoo artist. Two of my favorite things combined!

Emmie is practical and safe and a bit boring. I really related to her! LOL!!! She decides to take a risk on the book store she inherited, and another risk on the man she's been secretly lusting over.

Ox is a sweetheart. I was perhaps expecting a bit more alpha-ness, because that's what I'm used to, but that's not what I got. It was refreshing and I was surprised to find I enjoyed a Hero without all the gruffness I usually go for.

This is a sloooooooow burn, which I love, so the wait was totally worth it to me. I really felt that Emmie and Ox built a solid foundation to their relationship before getting intimate.

The secondary characters are great and I'm really looking forward to more books in this series. This is an easy, sweet read with very little angst. I'd definitely recommend it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this witty exciting new read by an author I adore and admire. This may be a new genre for her, but she has done it well. The street sucked me in, Emmie and Ox sucked me in and the rest of the characters were interesting and brought the story depth and emotion. Tattoos and books are some of my favorite things and I can vividly picture this perfect place in my minds eye and I truly marvel at your ability to bring it so vividly to life, in detail and emotion. It pours off the pages in waves that culminate in a sanctuary for lovers of all types of ink and I commend the author for her ability to create such beautiful art. I would not pass this one up if you love Elizabeth, it may not be supernatural in any way, but the magic she creates is in every page regardless.

This is the first book I’ve read by Elizabeth Hunter.

I enjoying the story. I love sweet small towns. It was a little slow and while usually slow burns are right up my alley, I think that third-person narratives are a little hard for me.

Even though it did take me a little while to get used to the third person, I enjoyed Emmie and Ox’s story and I always love great secondary characters that still the scenes.

This was a solid 3.75 star read for me

I woke up at 2 a.m. wanting to read it and didn't go back to sleep!! I fell in love with Emmie and Ox, and Tayla was a hoot. I live in a small town and always love to find something that gives that authentic small-town feel that with the gossip mills but also shows not everybody knows everybody. Emmie has my dream job. I'd love to own a bookstore like that, and the idea of having a tattoo shop in a bookstore was genius. This was my first book by Elizabeth Hunter, and I can't wait for more. I'm happy to know there will be more Emmie and Ox and I'm hoping we will get a story on Tayla and whomever she chooses, whether it be Jeremy or someone else, but hopefully, it'll end with her happily ever after as well.

Though this did get off to somewhat of a slow start, this series starter proved to be an enjoyable read overall. The idea of a woman who wants to resurrect her grandmother's bookshop and a man hoping to open his own tattoo shop had me curious, especially given that Emmie and Ox seemed like such opposites. Theirs was a slow burn romance, and while I have nothing against this kind of love story, this one did tend to be a tad slower than I'm okay with, leading me to take quite a few breaks. Things do get more interesting about midway through, and Emmie and Ox really were a curious yet cute couple. I would have wanted a bit more oomph to them, like that extra something to make it feel as if the connection between them was so palpable that no one could deny they belong together. But while they lacked zing and the pacing was rather slow, I did appreciate that there wasn't a whole lot of unnecessary drama or angst thrown in just to make things complicated between them. The fact that they were making a go of their businesses and their being such different people was enough romance fodder. 3.5 stars for Ink. ♥

Reviewed on behalf of The Book Boyfriend Addict. A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

“You want to put a tattoo shop in your book store?”
“I think I might.”
He grinned. “You are a daydreamer. I mean, it’s cute as {censored}, but also kinda nuts.” He put down the tangled cords. “But seriously cute.”

Emmie Elliot expected her return home to Metlin, California to be a quick trip. After all, it shouldn’t take long to go back, sell the building where her grandmother had her bookshop and then return to her life in San Francisco. But when she steps back inside the bookshop where she spent so much of her youth, she can’t bring herself to part with it. Reopening a bookshop in this digital age, however, is going to take some creativity. When she finds herself face to face with Miles Oxford, the extremely hot tattoo artist who just so happens to need a space to set up shop, she concocts a crazy scheme for them to partner up and open a combination bookshop/tattoo studio. It might just be the thing to attract customers in this up and coming small town. They both have a lot riding on the success of this joint venture, so it only makes sense for them to agree to keep things strictly business between them. But Ox has never been good at following the rules and it doesn’t take him long to give into his growing attraction toward this cute little bookworm.

I thought this was a really sweet story! There were lots of great characters and I loved the small town the author created. I could clearly picture everything and kind of wish I could visit Metlin and visit INK because it seemed like a super awesome place! My understanding is that Elizabeth Hunter primarily writes fantasy novels? Well, I can definitely see the influence of that on this story in terms of the world building. It really was done so well. Emmie and Ox were also so cute together. It wasn’t a burn-up-the-pages story, instead, it was a really sweet slow burn that really fit with the charming, small-town vibe of the book. I think bookworms far and wide will relate and fall in love with Emmie. She spoke to my bookworm soul! I’m pretty sure she and I have very similar bookish t-shirt collections! Ox was a great guy. I think I was expecting a bit more of a bad boy but he really was a sweetheart, and it was so endearing how much he loved his family. I also loved all the secondary characters, they were a great group of friends and I look forward to reading more about this crew.

“You caught me,” Emmie whispered.
Ox blinked and cupped her face in his palm. “What?” Red rode high on his cheekbones and his lips were swollen and dark.
“You caught me. I fell and you caught me.”

When two opposites tried not to mix business and pleasure, the book lover and the tattoo artist, both making their dreams come true by one special agreement, sharing both their love for Ink.

A bookstore where you could get tattoos as well? A strange but innovative concept that brought Emmie and Miles « Ox » together, and when they were, sparks would fly. An undeniable chemistry, more alike that they seemed, so sweet and hot, all at once.

The pace was kinda slow, but captivating nonetheless. I enjoyed Emmie and Ox’s interactions, with plenty innuendos, smartass comebacks. It was slick and smooth.

I appreciated to see their relationship growing, from friends who wanted more to be friends to lovers, with this hint of sweetness and hotness. How about finding the right balance, by not messing everything up, especially when they had to maintain financially both their shops if they didn’t want to lose it?

I was pleasantly surprised by Miles, definitely not the guy I was expecting, all broody and tattooed, but at times terribly charming, more than met the eye. Intrigued by Emmie, who was trying not to fall for him, and yes she was trying too hard. I liked these two, taking a risk in their lives, to take a leap of faith and let their dreams come true.

I appreciated how Emmie could keep him on his toes, and how everyday they seemed to be more fond of each other more than ever. There was a bit of drama, but not that much, giving more space for the main characters to see through each other, to build their relationship.

They were far from perfect, and of course making mistakes but they were so endearing and cute. This was the kind of romance I liked to read, the one that made me smile, swooned, laughed with bit of emotional moments.

Don’t forget their bunch of friends who loved to play matchmaker.

I really liked the mood and the setting, it was heartwarming. I can’t wait to read more about the characters from the INK universe. And we all probably need an Ox in our lives, just saying…

INK was my first book from Elizabeth Hunter and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hunter delivers a sweet and sexy book, based on such a cool premise. I love the idea of combining books and tattoos. There seriously needs to be a store like this somewhere, I have to go there!
The pairing of books and tattoos was similar to that of Ox and Emmie. At first, it seemed like an odd combination, yet the closer you look, the more you understand the connection. I liked both Ox and Emmie, as well as the secondary characters. They are all interesting and deep; I liked getting in their heads. The tension between Ox and Emmie was hot. The build of their relationship really drew me in. I liked that there was minimal drama, but the drama that was there, felt a bit forced. These two had terrible communication and while that definitely added some angst to the story but it was also frustrating.
This book was a nice break from some of the heavier things I have been reading lately. It was refreshing and I adored the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author and perhaps more from these characters.

This is an amazing love story that I enjoyed every second of reading! This is the first book that I've had the pleasure of reading by this incredibly talented author and I can say for sure that it definitely won't be the last! I loved the originality of what Emmie creates with Ox and the chemistry between these two is off the charts intense!! Metlin sounds like a town that I'd love to live in and I hope to find such a creative up and coming town to live in one day. Reading this story had me itching to get new ink and I wish an illustration had been provided of Emmie's back tattoo. Ox is irresistible on every level and I applaud Emmie's ability to play it so cool around him because if it were me, I'd have been having to spend all of my time picking my jaw up off the floor. If you're looking for a really great, heart warming love story that will leave you with a huge smile on your face, then this is the one you've been looking for! I highly recommend reading this to anyone and I look forward to much more from this amazing author! I reviewed this for Reviews from the Heart.

"She couldn't say no when someone asked for a book recommendation. It was a compulsion."

I think to me this was a love story between a reader and their passion for books. Elizabeth just had to get inside a bookworm's head and show what's bubbling under the surface. And I luuurved it! From nerdy t-shirts to cozy sassiness of Emmie's mugs, including her care for her gran's bookstore and unstoppable desire to make it work again. Duh, never discount romance readers! We are a force to be reckoned with. *grins*

Folks, bookstores are my bookish catnip. You know why I still adore Three Sisters Island series by Nora Roberts? There is a magical bookstore with a cafe full of delicious pastries upstairs. Yup, it made an impression.

Emmie has worked in an upscale bookshop as a manager. She knows the industry through and through. Metlin is a hipster paradise and it's only getting trendier, so when she gets the idea of combining a failing bookstore of her gran with a tattoo salon, it only makes sense. I admired her vision and I loved her character. She had depths and she showed plenty of growth once the circumstances coaxed her out of her shell.

Ox. I got him as well. He was gentle and had this nurturer' instinct where he felt like he had to take care of people he loved no matter what. No one taught him that sometimes he needs to step back and let those people figure out if they need him or if they can manage themselves, and that's where his character grows. He couldn't figure out Emmie, as she kept shedding layers like an onion and making his mind go dizzy.

This is a cozy romance in an extremely sweet, comfortable environment with an array of very interesting secondary characters. Ox and Emmie are adults who might have issues and stumbling blocks, but who are also mature enough to talk about it and make progress. I felt rested after reading Ink, like my mind has been reset, and it certainly became one of this year's favourites for me.

Recommended, looking forward to more books in this series.

4.5 Stars
I was so excited about this story, after reading the blurb, and I was not disappointed! A booklover who reopens a bookstore she inherited and has a partner who’s a tattoo artist. INK: A Love Story on 7th and Main is a Standalone and I feel the need to let everyone know it’s a slow-burn story; something I’ve learned to appreciate, and love, the anticipation of what’s to come is too yummy to resist. This story checks all the boxes of a quirky and fun romance. With main characters like Emmie who’s a smart, funny, and witty h and Ox, the H, the quintessential book boyfriend. Then there are the secondary characters, who add so much to the story, and the small town atmosphere that rounds it out; you’ll want to read in one sitting. Who said print books are dead? If you’re like me you read eBooks and later buy the same book in paperback, too. Because who can resist the smell of paper and ink? **sigh**

Emmie Elliot has inherited her grandmother’s bookstore, Metlin Books, located in the small town of Metlin, California, where she grew up. Ironically she’d been working at a bookstore in San Francisco for several years, as a manager, and when she goes back home she’s determined to sell it. After taking stock of the store, full of reminders of her beloved grandmother, Emmie realizes she should stay and reopen it. The bookstore is large and comes with an apartment above it. She owns the building that houses the bookstore and the other two locations next door that are rented out and she wouldn’t have to worry about paying rent anymore. So, with a little nest egg, she decides to revamp, restock and reopen the bookstore.

After realizing the space is really too big, and with a separate entrance handy, she decides she could rent some floor space to someone else. When opportunity knocks on her door, in the way of Miles “Ox” Oxford, a tattoo artist who’s in desperate need of a new place to work, she makes him a proposition he finds hard to resist. After giving it some thought, he accepts, but he has one condition:

“You have to promise me we will never get involved.”

Ox has a lot on his plate. His sister and husband took over the family farm after their dad died, but when her husband died in an accident, Ox felt obligated to help out. Their mother does what she can by taking care of his niece. He made it clear to his previous girlfriend that his family comes first, even if he has to sacrifice his personal life, and puts his needs last.

Emmie has always yearned to be part of a family; she was raised by her bohemian mother, who was absent a lot, and her older grandmother. After her death, Emmie realized she was all alone; her mother was living her life with no real concern about Emmie. She longed to belong somewhere, to place roots down, and maybe find someone to share it with. But not with Ox, he’s made that perfectly clear.

With so many book references in the story, including mention of the Austen classic Sense and Sensibility, it’ll have the book nerd in us happy sighing. All the way to the HEA ending!

Since I'm not a big reader of fantasy or PNR, I have yet to read a book by Elizabeth Hunter. I've wanted to and even been tempted to just forge ahead into those genres in order to experience what reader friends have been sharing with me about this author. Imagine my excitement when I saw the release of INK. When I finally had the chance to read it, I was thankful I couldn't unfairly compare this book to her PNR releases.

I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. It was refreshing, original, and compelling. Every character brought life to the pages and the undefinable town of Metlin. Although the opposites-attract romance between Ox and Emmie was a fabulous tête-à-tête, it was the town, occupants, and overall writing that bolstered the story. Yet, the romance was fabulous. It wasn't necessarily a slow-burn, but paced perfectly to create some wonderful tension. What stuck out the most was the delicious dialogue. I could read the conversations between these characters forever. It was witty, natural, realistic, and straight-forward. It felt like I was just hanging out with all of them. I didn't want this story to end and I'm anxiously awaiting the next book that involves more of these characters and this town. Overall, a low angst and beautiful love story that isn't solely about the main characters but the town itself.

A bookworm and a taboo artist, what do they have in common? Ink, of course! So they set up shop together and the fun starts.

Emmie inherits the bookshop from her grandmother. Initially she plans sell it but when the moment arrives, she can’t. This bookstore is in a small town called Metlin in central California; Emmie lives in San Francisco and works at a bookstore there. She didn’t want to live in a small town again, but Metlin has evolved and its charms plus her friends there convince her to open up a bookstore in her grandmother’s place. She has a space for another business and the hot tattoo artist that worked in front was just kicked out. He’s hot, talented, and his momma was friends with Emmie’s grandmother, so it was a good deal.

Ox had been living with Ginger, owner of the tattoo shop in front of the bookstore, but the relation had gone south. He was tired of Ginger’s drama and excessive jealousy, so he was ready for a change. Emmie’s offer was perfect, allowing Ox to open his own shop finally.

They had one condition: they would never ever get involved, it would be only business. Cue sarcastic laughter!

Initially Emmie was a little intimidated by Ox’s size (overgrown) and by his loud fights with Ginger. Ox initially thought that Emmie was a timid mouse bit of a girl. As they work together, Ox recognizes Emmie’s quiet beauty and Emmie sees the gentle giant who loves his family dearly.

The development of the book is slow, as they work on their attraction and the humor is quiet, very subtle. I loved the nuances on this story as the layers are peeled and we get to know our characters well. Second characters were great here, like Spider, a little mysterious, a little dark, but a big brother of the heart to Emmie. As with small town stories, there are businesses helping each other to achieve success. There are no villains in this book, just insecurities and misplaced loyalties. It’s all positive and good-feel. A very enjoyable book.

Sometimes you read a book and think to yourself, that is a place I would live in; a world that was created for me. That is exactly how I felt about Hunter's new release. INK was everything I wanted and needed from a book, a breathe of fresh air, amidst the shelves of contemporary books in the wild. If Metlin, California was a real place, complete with the a main street like the one Hunter has brought to life, you would find me with a trailer hooked to my car, no hesitations or regrets, ready for a new life and adventure. It has been a while since I longed for a book world to actually be real. But that is the brilliance of Elizabeth Hunter's writing. Hunter blends a reality that is so very tangible and real, characters that you grow to love and adore, giving you an experience of a story that is heartfelt and fun.

Emmie and Ox are the best. These two seem to have an opposites attract scenario going on but as the story progresses, you learn that their similarities are just below the surface and their differences create a puzzle piece love story that is satisfying and authentic. Add in a handful of fun and hilarious secondary characters and you have a book that delivers and the start to a series I know I will fall deeply in love with. 

Elizabeth Hunter has always been my go to author for paranormal stories. With this new series, she has proved her brilliance yet again in a completely new way. Her contemporary story is just as captivating as her paranormal and the world she builds is everything I want in a book. I wish this book would have had 20 more chapters and hundreds of more swoon worthy moments! I cannot wait to re-read INK! I already know I am going to love this series.

What's the common denominator between a bookstore & tattoo shop - a bookseller & tattoo artist? INK! Can they coexist in the same space? In harmony? Maybe . . . If the parties involved can agree on some ground rules like keeping their relationship strictly business and their hands to themselves. Easy, right? Not when sparks are flying and desire threatens better judgment.

Ink is a sweet, low-angst contemporary romance. While it started off a bit slow for me, it was easy to feel the undeniable chemistry building as Emmie and Ox danced around their mutual but unspoken attraction. Emmie is a quirky, down-to-earth, bohemian-style book girl - a t-shirt & jeans girl with a tendency to run when doubts and fears overwhelm her. Ox is a tall, dark, oh-so-handsome giant of a man with tantalizing tattoos covering his delicious body - a man that's surprisingly sweet. At first look, these two couldn't be more different. But don't forget what they say about opposites attracting!

Ink is intensified by a diverse support cast that enjoys stirring the pot and fanning the flames, adding to the "everyone-in-your-business" small town feel of the story. Their actions and words breathe life into the visual setting created by the author. I laughed at the snarky banter and soon found myself pulled into the growing tension between the main characters. While I would have enjoyed seeing the conflict explored in a little more detail, Hunter's writing flows effortlessly, as always, making for an easy-reading, slow-burn romance that I enjoyed reading. The stage is set for subsequent books which I look forward to. Another Must Read by Elizabeth Hunter!

3.75 stars. This was a pretty good book. This is Emmie and Miles story. Emmie has recently moved back to her hometown after her grandmother's death to close and sell her grandmother's book store. But when she gets there, she falls back in love with the store and her hometown and decides not to sell. She decides to revamp and reopen the store- with a twist. She meets Miles when he and his girlfriend break up in spectacular fashion on the street. He is left without a job as he worked at his ex's tattoo parlor. Emmie decides to offer to rent him part of her bookstore as a tattoo shop and rename the joint store Ink. The two become friends as they work on the store together and, even though they vow to keep things platonic, they fall for each other and begin a relationship. They have a few hurdles in Miles' family problems, his ex and a local guy interested in Emmie, but it is all pretty mild and it all works out easily in the end.

This story was really cute and sweet. It was a slow burn romance. I liked both Emmie and Miles. There is a lot of good stuff going on. I really enjoyed the sweet, low angst romance, the cute shop idea, the small town feel and the interesting side characters. The writing was very good. The only reason I didn't rate this higher is that it has a pretty PG feel. It didn't feel YA exactly, there is just a low heat level or maybe a slight lack of chemistry. I do hope this series continues because I am interested in some of the other characters' stories. Overall, I definitely recommend this unique and sweet love story.

I was drawn to this new author by its beautiful cover. I started reading and began to fall in love with her. The wonderfully creative fictional town, the quirky characters, the wonderfully drawn main couple, the idea that this was going to be a series so who would be next in line, and the thought that I wanted to live in this little town. I am familiar with the central valley so I saw this little town existing years ago and now trying to be recreated by those wanting a small town experience. I was hooked by the first chapter and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride to the ending. It was just a gentle drive to a HEA. The story was lovely and the writing was solid. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the sequel.
I would say that had I known the sequel was not coming until late 2019 I would have waited to read this book. I do not enjoy having that much time between books in a series. I understand this author has other work to continue and for those folks I am sure they are happy. I would love to see the author move up the publishing date a bit. I would not want her to rush the work but I would love to know if her other work has this time lag. It really is the only thing I had to pick on. I feel bad to pick but I am enchanted with this series! I also loved that this book was available in paperback. I look forward to seeing this couple in the next book because I want to know what is in store for them and to see what's next. Great work! denise bailey

It was the blurb that drew me in for this one and I loved the idea of a bookstore and tattoo shop combined. This was an opposites attract romance in a small town.

Emmie is back in her home town of Metlin to sell up her Grandma’s bookstore after she passed. However the more she thinks about it the more reluctant she is to let it go. With persuasion from her friends she contemplates the idea but it would need a big effort and a new hook to bring new life to the store. When an opportunity arises when a tattoo artist is down on his luck and needing a place for his business, Emmie offers him a chance to join forces with her due to them having the common denominator of Ink!

Ox is loyal to his family and continues to help out on the ranch even though he has his own business to control. When a new opportunities comes about he jumps at the chance to give his tattoo business a new angle.

This was a very slow burn romance but extremely engaging. Both main characters were likeable and I loved that two opposites did attract. I did expect Ox to be a little bit more alpha and some decisions he made had me questioning his devotion to Emmie. Emmie on the other hand seemed to be the one with her head on straight apart from where her feelings with Ox were at.

Overall an enjoyable read with a different slant on the small town romance that keep me engaged throughout. Four Stars.

Books and tattoos come together in perfection in Ink.

The author did an amazing job with this book. Emmie is my book nerd soul sister having a thing for good books, hot tattooed guys, and surrounding herself with awesome friends.

She steps outside her comfort zone, takes a chance on Ox, her new renter, and enters the world of owning a business. Together they learn how to bend without breaking in so many things. It was just wonderful. So many times it felt too real...when you have to balance family, work, and friends. Starting over and finding new love.

A must read love story!

This is my first book from Elizabeth Hunter and I loved it! I loved the premise, a book seller and tattoo artist. Two of my favorite things combined!

Emmie is practical and safe and a bit boring. I really related to her! LOL!!! She decides to take a risk on the book store she inherited, and another risk on the man she's been secretly lusting over.

Ox is a sweetheart. I was perhaps expecting a bit more alpha-ness, because that's what I'm used to, but that's not what I got. It was refreshing and I was surprised to find I enjoyed a Hero without all the gruffness I usually go for.

This is a sloooooooow burn, which I love, so the wait was totally worth it to me. I really felt that Emmie and Ox built a solid foundation to their relationship before getting intimate.

The secondary characters are great and I'm really looking forward to more books in this series. This is an easy, sweet read with very little angst. I'd definitely recommend it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this witty exciting new read by an author I adore and admire. This may be a new genre for her, but she has done it well. The street sucked me in, Emmie and Ox sucked me in and the rest of the characters were interesting and brought the story depth and emotion. Tattoos and books are some of my favorite things and I can vividly picture this perfect place in my minds eye and I truly marvel at your ability to bring it so vividly to life, in detail and emotion. It pours off the pages in waves that culminate in a sanctuary for lovers of all types of ink and I commend the author for her ability to create such beautiful art. I would not pass this one up if you love Elizabeth, it may not be supernatural in any way, but the magic she creates is in every page regardless.

This is the first book I’ve read by Elizabeth Hunter.

I enjoying the story. I love sweet small towns. It was a little slow and while usually slow burns are right up my alley, I think that third-person narratives are a little hard for me.

Even though it did take me a little while to get used to the third person, I enjoyed Emmie and Ox’s story and I always love great secondary characters that still the scenes.

This was a solid 3.75 star read for me

I woke up at 2 a.m. wanting to read it and didn't go back to sleep!! I fell in love with Emmie and Ox, and Tayla was a hoot. I live in a small town and always love to find something that gives that authentic small-town feel that with the gossip mills but also shows not everybody knows everybody. Emmie has my dream job. I'd love to own a bookstore like that, and the idea of having a tattoo shop in a bookstore was genius. This was my first book by Elizabeth Hunter, and I can't wait for more. I'm happy to know there will be more Emmie and Ox and I'm hoping we will get a story on Tayla and whomever she chooses, whether it be Jeremy or someone else, but hopefully, it'll end with her happily ever after as well.

Though this did get off to somewhat of a slow start, this series starter proved to be an enjoyable read overall. The idea of a woman who wants to resurrect her grandmother's bookshop and a man hoping to open his own tattoo shop had me curious, especially given that Emmie and Ox seemed like such opposites. Theirs was a slow burn romance, and while I have nothing against this kind of love story, this one did tend to be a tad slower than I'm okay with, leading me to take quite a few breaks. Things do get more interesting about midway through, and Emmie and Ox really were a curious yet cute couple. I would have wanted a bit more oomph to them, like that extra something to make it feel as if the connection between them was so palpable that no one could deny they belong together. But while they lacked zing and the pacing was rather slow, I did appreciate that there wasn't a whole lot of unnecessary drama or angst thrown in just to make things complicated between them. The fact that they were making a go of their businesses and their being such different people was enough romance fodder. 3.5 stars for Ink. ♥

Oh this book. As soon as I read the blurb I had gimmie hands for this book. Emmie has jyst made a drastic change in her life. She moved back to her hometown to reopen her grandmother’s book shop. Shr just needs a hook something to make thdm stand out. Enter Miles a hot tattooist. She going to open her book store with a tattoo shop. Great idea until there sexual chemistry starts flying all over. I love me an opposits attract book and this one was a absolutely must read gotta have one.

Emmie Elliot returns home ostensibly to sell her late grandmother’s beloved bookstore. When she decides to reopen and modernize the bookstore instead, Emmie comes up with the wild idea of sharing her space with Ox, a tattoo artist with a few drama issues. Coming out of a bad relationship, Ox plans for their interactions to be business only; no more mixing work with pleasure. Both Emmie and Ox are trying to find their footing in owning a business and dealing with a personal life. Emmie's is essentially limited to the few close friends she grew up with in Metlin, and one friend from San Francisco who arrives to help out. Ox has serious responsibilities to his family farm as well as trying to run his own business. While working together to create the new store and after it opens, Ox and Emmie develop a strong attraction to one another, but both are determined to keep hands off because “here be dragons.” Neither one wants to take the risk of ruining something in which they have both poured so much time, money, and effort. Except Ox has never been a following the rules kind of guy, and Emmie is so very much tempted.

At the outset, it would seem that books and tattoos have little in common, and yet they both tell stories. So in truth both types of aficionados, readers of books and those who adorn their bodies with words and images are book lovers in a sense. I enjoyed the trope of books being intrinsic to Emmie’s life; it would be sheer bliss to have a dream bookstore like hers available. Reading and then gathering to talk about books in a welcoming and fun environment is a bibliophile’s paradise. Also explored from Ox’s side of the story, his customers and the various reasons leading them to get something so indelible as tattoos. Surprisingly to Ox, Emmie is no stranger to tattoos herself.

INK is definitely a slow burn romance as Emmie and Ox do a complicated dance around each other interwoven with a mixture of desire and restraint to keep themselves from crossing firmly established lines. Ms. Hunter's writing style and skills are a reminder of why I enjoy reading so much. The finely crafted word is a joy to behold.

I don't just like buttons, I love Buttons. Buttons and OX. Elizabeth Hunter is my favorite PNR author. In this venture to contemporary romance, I didn't just follow, I did it shouting for joy. And an Elizabeth Hunter book never fails to leave me happy.

While reopening her grandmother's bookstore, Emmie needs a solution to bring the bookstore to back to life. That solution just happens to be Ox, Miles Oxford. It's not crazy to open a tattoo shop inside the bookstore, right?

I loved this book because Emmie and Ox just fit. They were friends and fell in love slowly. No long drawn out drama. Just sweet and cute love. The secondary cast was great too and definitely makes me want more of Metlin.

I've already recommended this book to all my friends and everyone I saw today!

Elizabeth Hunter is forever on my favorite author list and this book just reinforces that decision. I'm usually more a fan of paranormal or urban fantasy reads, but when Ms. Hunter writes contemporary romance I read it because I know it will be amazing. This story is basically every avid readers dream: open a bookshop and fall in love with your insanely hot tenant lol of course. But seriously you need to read this book and feel all the feels Ms. Hunter brings to this story, they are amazing and so relatable. Can't wait to read whatever she writes next!

I absolutely loved this book! It was a tad predictable but I personally didn't mind. I enjoyed the idea of a tattoo parlor in a bookstore; combine that in with characters that were relatable and you end up with one enjoyable read!

I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth Hunter’s PNR writing, and was excited when I learned she would be writing a contemporary romance. And then when I saw that blurb, I knew I had to have it. And I’m happy to say that it more than met my expectations! This book is lots of fun, with a chemistry-filled, slow-burning friends-to-lovers romance, lots of funny moments, lots of heart, and a beautiful love story. I read this book in one sitting, unable to put it down, and I absolutely loved it!

Emmie Elliot has returned to her home town of Metlin, California following the death of her grandmother. She is tying up loose ends and is looking over her grandmother’s beloved bookstore, which she intended to sell, when she decides to uproot her life in San Francisco, stay and make a go of it for herself. She’s a mad booklover, and the store has been in her family for years, she can’t just let it go. But the store is too big, and she’ll need a partner of sorts to help with the costs. And then she Miles ‘Ox’ Oxford.

Ox is a talented tattoo artist whose relationship has just blown up (all over the street in fact), becoming even more of a disaster because he was dating his boss. So now he is unemployed and looking for work. And then the nerdy book girl over the road offers him an unusual opportunity – to open up a tattoo studio in her bookstore. They are both dedicated and driven to succeed, they both deal in ink, and it’s an unusual twist that could just work in their small town, so their store, Ink, is born.

But with so much on the line for both of them, and Ox’s bad experiences leaving its mark, they put a rule in place where they keep things strictly business between them. Which is all fine… until their friendship begins to simmer with the attraction that they both so clearly feel for each other, and the lines of their arrangement become all kinds of blurry.

OMG, I love, love, love this relationship! The chemistry is fantastic, and Emmie and Ox together are something really special. Their friendship is easy and natural with great banter and sweet moments. And the fact that the two of them are wildly attracted to each other underneath it all brings a fantastic dynamic. The slow build-up had me tingling with anticipation, loving every moment while waiting for something to happen, and it’s paced perfectly as we watch things between them shift and change and oh-so-naturally become something so much more.

But can they balance their business relationship with their deepening personal one? And do they both have their attention focussed in the right place to really make a go of things? Their feelings for each other are strong, but it takes more than just that to make a relationship work, and their journey is realistic and beautifully written.

The love story is the heart of this book, and it’s fun and flirty with lots of emotion. Emmie and Ox are wonderful characters and seeing them become friends, get to know each other and then fall for each other was just gorgeous. But there’s so much more to this book! The friendships and family relationships are wonderful, with great side characters and lots of scope there for future books. And the creation and running of their store was a fantastic backdrop to it all. Does every book lover dream about what it would be like to run their own bookstore, or is that just me? Regardless, I thought it was fun and interesting, and something that all book lovers will be able to relate to and enjoy.

This is such a great read. Smart and fun, with characters that you can’t help but love and a gorgeously slow-building, chemistry-filled romance. And with so many more stories just begging to be told, I can’t wait for more from this series.

“She’s. Watching. Us.”
“Don’t care. Let her watch.” Ox drew her up and kissed her temple. “I’ll take care of this.”
Emmie might have imagined the collective sigh that emanated from the romance section of the bookstore, but she didn’t think so. She also didn’t think she imagined the daggers that shot from Ginger’s eyes or the swirling feeling in her own head.
Did that just happen?
***

What reader doesn’t love a story that is based on a book lover opening a bookstore? It has to be a readers dream, right? I know it is mine, and seeing Emmie do it exactly like I would, apart from the tattoo parlor, is like a fantasy of mine. I am not knocking the tattoo part, just never crossed my mind. But it is actually pure genius. "The smell of ink." I would have a hard time NOT getting a tattoo. You know, being a weenie to pain and all.

Hunter’s writing gets me in the gut every single time I pick up one of her books. It's a good gut wrenching feel. It comes off sophisticated, yet laid back. Enticing, lyrical, and alluring, but in a way that is not above you. Does that make any sense? My rambling is probably utter nonsense, but it is hard for me to describe how her words affect me. I just know that no matter the genre, when I read her books I am drawn in and held comfortably captive by her unique imagination.

Hunter is a pro when it comes to paranormal writing with her vampires and shifters, but one of my most favorites of hers is a contemporary: THE GENIUS AND THE MUSE. It is an amazing read. And I have always hoped that she would do more in the future. I am so glad she did with INK. I cannot tell you the last time I finished a book in one day. I usually don’t have the time. But once I started I absolutely could not put it down.

INK is a little bit angsty...a lot a bit sweet...and the chemistry between Emmie and Ox was sensational. Ox is definitely my new book boyfriend. 5 Sigh and Swoon Stars!

Take one adorable bookworm, add one scorching hot tattoo artist, mix in a dash of fantastic friends, and you get the recipe for an amazing read called Ink: A Love Story on 7th and Main! This is one of those books that just wraps you up the minute you start reading. I dragged it around with me all day so I could pretend to be a responsible adult while I was actually hiding away with Emmie and Ox.

I knew the second Emmie said “Bow ties are cool.” I had found my book soul sister. Anyone who appreciates the Eleventh Doctor enough to slip that in to casual conversation can sit with me. Shy but not lacking in strength Emmie was someone I found easy to connect with. Her calm and sweet personality made her absolutely adorable, plus she had a T-shirt collection that I really want to steal. Needless to say, Emmie is epically cool.

The idea of combining her grandmother’s bookstore with Ox’s tattoo shop was not only brilliant, but something I want to see in real life. Every where. Someone with better business sense get on that, I’ll gladly buy all the books and ink. Ox was a great big sweetheart. Much more outgoing than Emmie, but with a heart so big he put everyone he cared about before himself. They were perfect together even before they were together. Seriously, the sparks were real between these two. It was delicious!

I really liked the interactions between Emmie and Ox and at times busted out laughing. Theirs is a sweet slow burn that is fascinating to watch. Along with her friends Emmie sets out to create a new life in her grandmother's book store. In order to make a go at it she opts to rent out space for a tattoo artist. As they work towards opening the store, their hearts become involved. I look forward to reading more in this series.

This was a great book. I was intrigued from the start by the blurb, and couldn't wait to read this, and was not disappointed. The story is of a bookworm, and a tattoo artist, and that right there, had me. The story was well written, the characters well developed, and not over the top. Very enjoyable story. Told in third person.

Good story ,slow read. Emmie and Ox are cute together but their lack of communication seemed a typical. The story line only focused on their life for the most part, when there were other people in the story. That could have added value to the story. However their lives remain insignificant.

I happened on this book by chance, and bought it because I love all romances about tattoo parlors/artists and I love books. I am a big fan of Elizabeth Hunter after reading this story. I am hoping she is going to continue to write about the other characters and I'm definitely going to read more from her.

Emmie and Ox are such a great couple. It was great to read through and go on their journey. And what a great idea to have a tattoo parlor attached to a book store! I would hang out there all the time!

Oh I adored this book to the core. It was sweetly romantic, funny, and just refreshing to read. Look forward to reading more, cause I'm hooked. I LOVE BOOKS and this book was one of the many reasons I read. I would recommend this book. Adding it to my favorites!