Susi Reviews – Clipped Wings by @HelenaHunting

Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting

Synopsis

An emotional love story that follows the touch-and-go relationship of Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.

As Hayden and Tenley navigate their newfound but slightly unstable relationship, they want to trust each other, but Hayden is hiding a dark and shameful past that he doesn’t ever want Tenley to find out about. And Tenley has secrets of her own that could make Hayden run away forever. When Tenley asks Hayden to put a beautifully elaborate tattoo across her back, the two form what they thought was an unshakeable bond. But when Tenley’s past shows up on her doorstep, will Hayden stand by her side…or run?

My Review

Where do I begin?  This is one of, if not the best book I have read this year.  Seriously,  I floved it! When I first received the ARC copy, it sat on my nightstand for a couple of days.  I finally read the synopsis and started the book.  Talk about surprise…. I couldn’t put this book down!  Seriously!

First of all, Helena did an amazing job creating her protagonists for this story.  Tenley and Hayden were perfect and well written.  She created characters with real problems and believable pasts.  Tenley, is a graduate student starting her life over again in a new city hoping to escape her traumatic past. Hayden is a tattoo artist who works across the street from Tenley’s place. He also has a traumatic past. From the moment they first see each other, the chemistry and connection is there.  Not only do they share traumatic pasts, they both keep secrets about their past from each other, each for different reasons.

Tenley decides to get a tattoo and there is only one person she wants as her tattoo artist.  This tattoo she wants represents many things to her, and will serve as a cathartic experience.

Hayden, a true tattoo artist, takes his work /art seriously.  He knows that this tattoo will require months to complete due to its complexity.  Their intense chemistry poses a problem due to his policy of client and artist relationship. Their friendship and relationship flourishes.  They soon realize how much they need each other. Their moments together from those at the parlor to those in her apartment are intense.

While Hayden appears to be this bad boy, covered in ink and piercings, a new side of Hayden is revealed, one which made him even more lovable to me.  I kid you not when I say, “I actually had dreams about this book.” Hayden is….well… intense and his character is just one I cannot let go of. Hayden knows that the past Tenley keeps from him must be awful. I love how hard he tries to get her to open up and trust him.

There are so many reasons why I love this book. The story of Tenley and Hayden would be the main reason but there are also many different symbolic and emotional elements that add to my reasons why this book was so complete.  The secondary characters were also well written and they too are so vital in Tenley and Hayden’s life.

Helena, your sex scenes are hot!  Umm… kitchen counter hot!

I really loved how much these two characters craved and needed each other.  I loved Hayden’s protective and OCD side too.

While the story ends with a cliffhanger, don’t fret.  This will give you some time to reread it and get ready for Inked Armor (May 2014) and more of Hayden.

I floved everything about this book!!!

I gave this book 5 steamy stars!

I can’t stop raving about it.

“Tell me you need this. Tell me you need me.”
“I need you.” We were united in our craving for each other. His desire was just as overwhelming as mine.

Beyond the tattoos and piercings, or because of it–I couldn’t decide which– he was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen.

If you haven’t read the prequel, Cupcakes and Ink by Helena Hunting, go one click it today.

It is definitely worth reading!  Here’s my review.

Inked Armor – May 2014

Since Hayden loved cupcakes and I love to bake just like Tenley,  I decided to throw in one of my recipes for Vanilla Cupcakes.  You see, every time I bake now, I think of Hayden.  Enjoy!  

Vanilla Cupcakes:

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

2/3 cup (130 grams) granulated white sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

Zest of 1 large lemon (outer yellow skin)

1 1/2 cups (195 grams) all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup (60 ml) milk

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

2 cups (230 grams) confectioners sugar (icing or powdered sugar), sifted

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk or light cream

Directions:

Vanilla Cupcakes:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.

2.  In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract.

3.  In a separate bowl whisk together the lemon zest, flour, baking powder, and salt.

4.  With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5.  Evenly fill the muffin cups with the batter and bake for about 17 -20 minutesor just until set and a toothpick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean. (Always check a few minutes before the stated baking time. Do not over bake or the cupcakes will be dry.) Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, frost with icing. If you want flat topped cupcakes then slice off the dome of each cupcake, with a sharp knife, before frosting. If you want to pipe the frosting, I like to use a large Wilton 1M star decorating tip. Cupcakes are best eaten the same day they are made, but they can be covered and stored for a few days.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

In an electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, cream the butter until smooth and well blended. Add the vanilla extract. With the mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the sugar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the milk and beat on high speed until frosting is light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add a little more milk or sugar, 

Makes about 12 cupcakes.

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About the Author:  Helena Hunting

Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s putting her degree in English Lit to good use by writing contemporary erotic romance. She is the author of Clipped Wings, her debut novel, and Inked Armor.

Website:    http://www.helenahunting.com/

Twitter:  @HelenaHunting