Happy Release Day!
Cupcakes and Ink by Helena Hunting
Tenley Page is looking for a new start: a new city, a new apartment, a new life. Her plan is to keep to herself and stay focused. But leaving her past behind and starting over isn’t as easy as she thought. And neither is maintaining her solitude. As Tenley settles into her new surroundings, she finds herself drawn to Inked Armor, the tattoo studio across the street. But it’s the gorgeous, dark-haired tattoo artist who captures her interest. There’s something about his severe beauty that captivates her—and not just in her waking hours.
Covered in the ink he inscribes on other people’s skin, Hayden Stryker has made a career out of being a tattooist. He’s got his own business and a tight circle of friends. As far as he’s concerned, that’s all he needs. At least until his aunt, who owns the antiques and used book store across from his tattoo studio, hires a new employee. At first his intrigue is based on physical appeal; hot chick equals something nice to look at. But as he begins to catch glimpses of the fiery personality under the fragile, feminine exterior, his fascination with Tenley grows. Annoyed by his inability to control his fixation, Hayden decides the best way to cure him of the new obsession is to get to know the girl under her skittish façade.
But like the ink he wears as armor, Tenley has the ability to get under his skin and stay there.
My Review
As a baker, I love all things related to baking and desserts. When I first saw this cover and title, I knew this was a book for me. What I did not know was that I would become so consumed by this story of Tenley and Hayden. Cupcakes and Ink is a prequel. It introduces the reader to the characters in Clipped Wings. This prequel may be short but I felt that it was essential to really understanding the characters. Written in both Tenley and Hayden’s point of view, the reader is able to get into the mind of both of the characters and truly understand their feelings and insecurities. You also meet the secondary characters which each play a significant role in Clipped Wings.
I immediately fell for Hayden and I am pretty sure, just like Tenley, you will be dreaming about him too. He is quite a complex character. He is gorgeous and covered in tattoos. I also loved Tenley, a young girl starting her life over in a new city, who bakes, like me. 🙂
I have to say, Helena, did an amazing job of keeping me hooked to her story. Her writing is exquisite and memorable. I read Cupcakes and Ink and immediately read Clipped Wings. Yes, I am now a huge Helena Hunting fan. I have been raving about her books for the past couple of weeks.
I’d love to say more about this prequel, but do not want to give too much away. I highly recommend this read as well as Clipped Wings which you can pre-order and get next month.
I gave this book 5 brilliant stars.
Now, go get this book. It is available on Amazon today!
My vision of Hayden…
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
About The Author – Helena Hunting
Reading & Writing Between The Wines Blog 