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Art & Soul #1
Permanent Ink
At twenty-three, Poe Montgomery is going nowhere. He still lives in his father’s basement and spends most of his time tagging with his friends. When an arrest lands him in debt, Poe accepts the front desk job at Permanent Ink, the tattoo shop owned by his father’s best friend, Jericho McAslan. Jericho is nearly twice Poe’s age, but with his ink and prematurely graying hair, he quickly takes the starring role in Poe’s hottest fantasies.
Jericho is known for his ability to transform poorly designed tattoos into works of art, but he was once as aimless and misdirected as Poe. Wanting to pay it forward the way someone once did for him, Jericho makes Poe his apprentice and is determined to keep things strictly professional. Easier said than done when Poe makes his interest—and his daddy kink—abundantly clear.
Jericho can’t resist Poe or their intense chemistry for long. But between the age gap, tension with Poe’s father, and Poe’s best friend calling him a sellout, they’ll need to ensure they’re both on the same page before they can rewrite their rocky start into something permanent.
Jericho is known for his ability to transform poorly designed tattoos into works of art, but he was once as aimless and misdirected as Poe. Wanting to pay it forward the way someone once did for him, Jericho makes Poe his apprentice and is determined to keep things strictly professional. Easier said than done when Poe makes his interest—and his daddy kink—abundantly clear.
Jericho can’t resist Poe or their intense chemistry for long. But between the age gap, tension with Poe’s father, and Poe’s best friend calling him a sellout, they’ll need to ensure they’re both on the same page before they can rewrite their rocky start into something permanent.
256 pages, ebook
First published August 7, 2017
About the author
Avon Gale
26 books1,318 followersAvon Gale lives in a liberal Midwestern college town, where she spends her days getting heavily invested in everything from craft projects to video games. She likes road trips by car, rock concerts, thunderstorms, IPAs, Kentucky bourbon and tattoos. As a queer author, Avon is committed to providing happy endings for all and loves to tell stories that focus on found families, strong and open communication, and friendship. She loves writing about quirky people who might not be perfect, but always find a place where they belong. In her former life, Avon wrote fanfiction at her desk while ostensibly doing work in non-profit fundraising for public radio and women’s liberal arts education, and worked on her books in between haircuts and highlights as a stylist. Now she’s a full-time writer, delighted to be able to tell stories for a living.
Avon is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Enjoy fantasy with a bit of a kinky, darker edge? Check out Avon's fantasy books, co-written with author Fae Loxley, under the pen name Iris Foxglove!
Avon is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Enjoy fantasy with a bit of a kinky, darker edge? Check out Avon's fantasy books, co-written with author Fae Loxley, under the pen name Iris Foxglove!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 393 reviews
October 28, 2017
Disappointing for true daddy kink fans.
The more I sat on this review and the more I thought about the story, the lower my rating went. I was honestly really crushed that Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn didn't go for it.
I absolutely love daddy kink. Yes, I know it isn't for everyone (more on that later), but it's what I like. I love daddy kink in M/M, M/F and more, and I even love age-play books. It's a kink that speaks to me, what can I say?
I also love Avon Gale, so I was expecting something truly kink-a-licious. However, that isn't what I got.
This book is daddy kink for people who don't like kink. Honestly, all the "daddy-s" in this book could just have easily been substituted for "sirs", which isn't what daddy kink is about. It is about a certain dynamic, a certain way of playing, punishing, and living that is different than a regular sub/dom relationship.
Basically, a few "daddy's" and an implied paddling does not daddy kink make.
Aside from the kink aspect, I didn't really get the appeal of the two MCs together. Poe was irritating, and aside from attraction, I didn't see why Jericho (that name will always and forever remind me of The Fever Series, by the way) liked him all that much. The romance was very meh.
In addition, I'm 100% burnt out on tattoo artist books. This seems to be a hot trend in M/M right now, and I've read five in the past month alone. I get it, needles and tattooed men, I get it. It is just losing every bit of appeal for me, at the moment.
Most of my rating has to do with how let down I am about the kink aspect, but there were good parts of the story. I liked the general feel of it, and I had no trouble reading and getting into the story, even if it wasn't exactly what I was looking for.
I'm still looking for my perfect daddy kink story. Authors, be brave, be kinky, and take me there!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
***Pre-read feelings**
Daddy kink, daddy kink, DADDY KINK!!
The more I sat on this review and the more I thought about the story, the lower my rating went. I was honestly really crushed that Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn didn't go for it.
I absolutely love daddy kink. Yes, I know it isn't for everyone (more on that later), but it's what I like. I love daddy kink in M/M, M/F and more, and I even love age-play books. It's a kink that speaks to me, what can I say?
I also love Avon Gale, so I was expecting something truly kink-a-licious. However, that isn't what I got.
This book is daddy kink for people who don't like kink. Honestly, all the "daddy-s" in this book could just have easily been substituted for "sirs", which isn't what daddy kink is about. It is about a certain dynamic, a certain way of playing, punishing, and living that is different than a regular sub/dom relationship.
Basically, a few "daddy's" and an implied paddling does not daddy kink make.
Aside from the kink aspect, I didn't really get the appeal of the two MCs together. Poe was irritating, and aside from attraction, I didn't see why Jericho (that name will always and forever remind me of The Fever Series, by the way) liked him all that much. The romance was very meh.
In addition, I'm 100% burnt out on tattoo artist books. This seems to be a hot trend in M/M right now, and I've read five in the past month alone. I get it, needles and tattooed men, I get it. It is just losing every bit of appeal for me, at the moment.
Most of my rating has to do with how let down I am about the kink aspect, but there were good parts of the story. I liked the general feel of it, and I had no trouble reading and getting into the story, even if it wasn't exactly what I was looking for.
I'm still looking for my perfect daddy kink story. Authors, be brave, be kinky, and take me there!
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
***Pre-read feelings**
Daddy kink, daddy kink, DADDY KINK!!
July 31, 2017
Permanent Ink gets it right in so many ways:
- Delicious age gap (Jericho is nearly two decades older, not to mention wiser, than Poe.)
- Mild DADDY KINK (Both Poe and Jericho get off on Jericho calling the shots and Poe saying please.)
- Slow burn (Jericho is hell bent on not sleeping with a kid 17 years his junior who also happens to be his apprentice and best friend's son, but Poe is persistent.)
- POE, who acts like an entitled brat initially, really grows and matures as a person.
- JERICHO is absolutely amazing from page one: in control but not controlling, kind, smart, willing to give people a chance, and sexy as sin. Jericho is the ultimate book boyfriend!
- Complex secondary characters: Landon (Poe's dad), Callum (Jericho's friend), and Blue (Poe's friend). I'm furious with Blue. I wouldn't have been nearly as forgiving as Jericho, although I suspect Blue will redeem himself.
- Interesting take on ART: for the people, by the people. Art doesn't have to hang on a wall in a frame. Tattoos are art, and so is graffiti (although I absolutely see both sides of this debate).
- Strong HFN (Poe's raven is transformed from something weak and formless into a true thing of beauty that rises above the ashes.)
- Jericho's friendship with Landon; Landon is an amazing father, and a pretty fucking great human being. I REALLY want his story!
So why not 5 stars?
I needed more relationship development outside Jericho's tattoo shop. We get very few on-page moments with the MCs just chilling, cuddling, talking. They have hot sex, and they do bond, but the emotional connection wasn't quite strong enough.
Also, I did not appreciate the paddle scene being off page and mentioned in passing. *insert frowny face here*
But these are fairly minor complaints. Bring on more Art & Soul!
August 3, 2017
4.5 Stars
Who knew I would actually like Daddy Kink? I mean really like it? I didn't care for that dynamic, much at all, back when I read M/F, but now? M/M somehow makes it work for me. Or, maybe it's just Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn that make it work for me! Whatever it is, I'll take it -- Permanent Ink was deliciously dirty and I loved it!
I've gotta say, though, when I started reading Permanent Ink, I was skeptical that I would ever like Poe. He was a bratty, ungrateful punk with a penchant for graffiti. At 23, I thought he needed a serious lesson in adulting. Like his dad, Landon, finally getting tired of him freeloading and causing trouble and tossing him right out on his bum. Thankfully, Poe wins the award for The Most Character Growth in a Romance Novel and he did, eventually, win me over. He needed time and direction and someone to help him see that he could have his art without it becoming pretentious. Jericho really was a good influence on Poe.
I loved that Poe's transformation wasn't like a light switch. No, it took him time to finally make the right decisions. Oh, he would try, but old habits and bad influences sometimes won over being responsible. But he did make it! And, wow, I don't think I've ever been so proud of a book character.
Jericho knows what going down the wrong path is like. He was a troublemaker, much worse than Poe, when he was a teenager. He got himself straightened out and learned to tattoo, both with the help of his mentor, and discovered that tattooing was something he could really be proud of. Jericho has a lot to be proud of, and overcoming his troubled youth and owning his own tattoo studio are at the top of his list. But maybe Jericho had forgotten what was really important in life. Things like looking forward while embracing the now. Art is a living thing and it took Poe to remind Jericho of that.
Art was very much a focus of Permanent Ink. Though, like Jericho, I've admired some pieces of street art, for the most part, I've often viewed it as vandalism. But there's really more to it than that, and I liked that it was shown as having more depth than I had assumed. Art for the people. Add in tattooing, which is the ultimate in living art, and I'm in heaven. I love body art. And that reminds me...I want another tattoo.
The romance between Poe and Jericho was a bit of a slow burn, which I loved. Jericho didn't want to pursue his attraction to Poe for several reasons:
But Jericho's resolve eventually breaks and wowza. I thoroughly enjoyed their dynamic. "Daddy" was specifically for sexy-times and it was so much hotter than I thought it would be. A tone of voice was all it took to go from boss to lover and I enjoyed every moment.
I also liked how Jericho made the effort to see things from Poe's point of view. He wasn't perfect at it, by any means, but that just made him human. I liked that even though he was older, he didn't always get it right the first time (except with tattooing, of course). I like it better when the MC's are fallible, just like the rest of us.
I suspect the next book will be Callum and Blue, and that could be all kinds of fun (and also kind of funny because there is an actor named Callum Blue). I'm sure Blue will offer Callum all kinds of challenges. And though we don't know Landon's sexuality, at all, I do hope he gets a book, too. Please please please!
From the messages of everyone deserves a chance to shine and art is life, suffice it to say, I loved Permanent Ink and would definitely recommend it.
------------------
ARC of Permanent Ink was generously provided by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Who knew I would actually like Daddy Kink? I mean really like it? I didn't care for that dynamic, much at all, back when I read M/F, but now? M/M somehow makes it work for me. Or, maybe it's just Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn that make it work for me! Whatever it is, I'll take it -- Permanent Ink was deliciously dirty and I loved it!
I've gotta say, though, when I started reading Permanent Ink, I was skeptical that I would ever like Poe. He was a bratty, ungrateful punk with a penchant for graffiti. At 23, I thought he needed a serious lesson in adulting. Like his dad, Landon, finally getting tired of him freeloading and causing trouble and tossing him right out on his bum. Thankfully, Poe wins the award for The Most Character Growth in a Romance Novel and he did, eventually, win me over. He needed time and direction and someone to help him see that he could have his art without it becoming pretentious. Jericho really was a good influence on Poe.
I loved that Poe's transformation wasn't like a light switch. No, it took him time to finally make the right decisions. Oh, he would try, but old habits and bad influences sometimes won over being responsible. But he did make it! And, wow, I don't think I've ever been so proud of a book character.
Jericho knows what going down the wrong path is like. He was a troublemaker, much worse than Poe, when he was a teenager. He got himself straightened out and learned to tattoo, both with the help of his mentor, and discovered that tattooing was something he could really be proud of. Jericho has a lot to be proud of, and overcoming his troubled youth and owning his own tattoo studio are at the top of his list. But maybe Jericho had forgotten what was really important in life. Things like looking forward while embracing the now. Art is a living thing and it took Poe to remind Jericho of that.
Art was very much a focus of Permanent Ink. Though, like Jericho, I've admired some pieces of street art, for the most part, I've often viewed it as vandalism. But there's really more to it than that, and I liked that it was shown as having more depth than I had assumed. Art for the people. Add in tattooing, which is the ultimate in living art, and I'm in heaven. I love body art. And that reminds me...I want another tattoo.
The romance between Poe and Jericho was a bit of a slow burn, which I loved. Jericho didn't want to pursue his attraction to Poe for several reasons:
1) Poe is the son of Jericho's best friend, Landon
2) Jericho is Poe's boss
3) There is a 17 year age difference.
But Jericho's resolve eventually breaks and wowza. I thoroughly enjoyed their dynamic. "Daddy" was specifically for sexy-times and it was so much hotter than I thought it would be. A tone of voice was all it took to go from boss to lover and I enjoyed every moment.
I also liked how Jericho made the effort to see things from Poe's point of view. He wasn't perfect at it, by any means, but that just made him human. I liked that even though he was older, he didn't always get it right the first time (except with tattooing, of course). I like it better when the MC's are fallible, just like the rest of us.
I suspect the next book will be Callum and Blue, and that could be all kinds of fun (and also kind of funny because there is an actor named Callum Blue). I'm sure Blue will offer Callum all kinds of challenges. And though we don't know Landon's sexuality, at all, I do hope he gets a book, too. Please please please!
From the messages of everyone deserves a chance to shine and art is life, suffice it to say, I loved Permanent Ink and would definitely recommend it.
------------------
ARC of Permanent Ink was generously provided by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2017
***3.5 Stars***
There's so much that I loved about this book, unfortunately, the romance ended up being a bit of a disappointment. Well, let me clarify....it was delicious slow burn magic in the first half of the book, but then the romance got overshadowed by other things in the second half...which completely bums me out because Poe and Jericho were wonderful together.
Here we go....
Poe - I loved seeing his character growth. Poe started out as this stubborn punk kid and turned into a thoughtful young man. He slowly came into his own throughout the course of this book and realized that we evolve as we learn and experience new things. Watching his evolution was absolutely rewarding. I was worried in the beginning that I'd have a hard time connecting to him, but when I closed the book it was one of those "I'm so proud of you" moments.
Jericho - I loved him from the moment he appeared on page. Yeah, the cover of the book had me going before I even cracked the book open, but Jericho was just....GAH Fantastic!! He was a great combination of sincere, sexy, honest, protective, vulnerable, sweet, no nonsense, and bossy that ticked all my boxes.
Slow Burn & Sex - The buildup between Poe and Jericho was delicious. Those little moments where they were becoming aware of each other and that awareness turning into attraction and then more....GAH I live for that! And once they crossed that line....have a fan nearby! Yes, there's Daddy kink (which I know is not for everyone - truth be told, it's not something I seek out in my books) but it fits really well here and it's pretty mild. Seeing how turned on it made both guys took things to another level.
The Romance - Unfortunately, for me it was lackluster. I wanted explosions and all I got was a box of sparklers. The slow burn in the first half of the book drew me in, but it didn't deliver. I wanted more of them together as a couple...I wanted to see the bond they created in the tattoo shop transform once they were in a relationship. Instead, we're given brief time jumps (a week or two here or there) with a couple of sentences saying they would spend their nights cuddled on the couch or watching TV or talking. I just didn't feel that chemistry between them anymore. That beginning period in a relationship where you're deepening the bond, having sex, hanging out, being "coupley" was glossed over.
Instead the focus shifted to other issues. And all those other issues overshadowed the romance, took the focus away from what was building in the first half of the book. And because of that I just never got those butterflies in my stomach. That spark that started in the beginning never ignited in the second half of the book for me.
However, even though the romance didn't deliver what I expected, I still enjoyed this book. Avon and Piper's writing styles compliment each other perfectly. The writing was seamless.
I'm really looking forward to where the rest of this series is going. The hint at the next couple has me all kinds of excited!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
***************************************
That cover? That blurb? I don't wanna wait!!!!
July 27, 2017
*4.5 stars*
This book y'all...This book was everything! I was invested in it from the word go, and my interest never wavered. It's the kind of book that you think about when you 're not reading it, and that you 'd read in one sitting if real life let you. I love these two authors seperately, but together, they made magic!
Permanent Ink ticked off almost ALL my boxes. Even the ones I didn't know I had. Lets make a list, shall we?
-Hot tattooed silver fox
-Sassy 24 year old brat
-Lip piercings
-Daddy kink
-My dad's older best friend trope
-Age gap
-Amazing secondary cast
-DADDY KINK!
I 've got to say that when I read the blurb I thought that it might be ridiculous to name someone Poe. You know what, it' s actually not! It's pretty cool and badass, as you 'll see for yourselves. So, Poe is adrift. He's a 24 year old graffiti artist who still lives in his father Landon's basement. Poe is directionless, with a case of ADHD, who keeps causing grief to his father.
Jericho is Landon's best friend, and what better way to help him than hiring his son in his tattoo shop, and offering him an apprenticeship? Jericho will NOT take any bullshit from Poe. And let me tell you, by the end of this story, the way Poe grew as a character was pretty damn awesome.
There were a lot of ways to screw this up, but I pretty much loved how everything was handled here; the way Poe and Jericho's relationship was revealed to Landon, the way Landon reacted, the conflict towards the end, the UST, the way the MCs got together in the first place, the way the KINK was depicted!
There's a nice dose of daddy kink here, but ONLY in the bedroom department. Outside, Poe is such a mouthy, sarcastic little shit. The smexy times were delicious and just right.
I also loved the messages this story conveyed:
-Art is not just what you 'll find inside a museum or a gallery.
-Everyone deserves a second chance. Whether they grab it or not, it's up to them.
-Not all troubled teenagers come from broken homes, or negligent parents. Some people are restless just because. It only needs some direction and patience.
I consider the ending a HEA. I would have maybe liked an epilogue, but I didn't really care. The guys were really solid in the end.
I was delighted to see that this is going to be a series! I can't wait for more stories about Blue, Callum, and maybe Landon, from this amazing new collaboration!
Highly recommended!
*Review posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
This book y'all...This book was everything! I was invested in it from the word go, and my interest never wavered. It's the kind of book that you think about when you 're not reading it, and that you 'd read in one sitting if real life let you. I love these two authors seperately, but together, they made magic!
Permanent Ink ticked off almost ALL my boxes. Even the ones I didn't know I had. Lets make a list, shall we?
-Hot tattooed silver fox
-Sassy 24 year old brat
-Lip piercings
-Daddy kink
-My dad's older best friend trope
-Age gap
-Amazing secondary cast
-DADDY KINK!
I 've got to say that when I read the blurb I thought that it might be ridiculous to name someone Poe. You know what, it' s actually not! It's pretty cool and badass, as you 'll see for yourselves. So, Poe is adrift. He's a 24 year old graffiti artist who still lives in his father Landon's basement. Poe is directionless, with a case of ADHD, who keeps causing grief to his father.
Jericho is Landon's best friend, and what better way to help him than hiring his son in his tattoo shop, and offering him an apprenticeship? Jericho will NOT take any bullshit from Poe. And let me tell you, by the end of this story, the way Poe grew as a character was pretty damn awesome.
There were a lot of ways to screw this up, but I pretty much loved how everything was handled here; the way Poe and Jericho's relationship was revealed to Landon, the way Landon reacted, the conflict towards the end, the UST, the way the MCs got together in the first place, the way the KINK was depicted!
There's a nice dose of daddy kink here, but ONLY in the bedroom department. Outside, Poe is such a mouthy, sarcastic little shit. The smexy times were delicious and just right.
I also loved the messages this story conveyed:
-Art is not just what you 'll find inside a museum or a gallery.
-Everyone deserves a second chance. Whether they grab it or not, it's up to them.
-Not all troubled teenagers come from broken homes, or negligent parents. Some people are restless just because. It only needs some direction and patience.
I consider the ending a HEA. I would have maybe liked an epilogue, but I didn't really care. The guys were really solid in the end.
"Maybe art’s not permanent, but we are.”
I was delighted to see that this is going to be a series! I can't wait for more stories about Blue, Callum, and maybe Landon, from this amazing new collaboration!
Highly recommended!
*Review posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
August 5, 2017
I am a fan of both Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn so I was really excited to read this collaboration from both of them. BOY this one was good! I LOVED it.
First thing first... maybe I was in the right mood for this book because I enjoyed the daddy kink! It was a kink that I usually avoid, but somehow in here it worked well. Probably because both men owned it! Or probably, like my friend said, "It's your hormones talking" *laugh*. In fact I vehemently wished that there were more spanking, paddling, and gagging the boy involved... and I was rather bummed that it didn't happen *pout*.
I know, SHOCKING, coming from me
What I loved the most about Permanent Ink was the complex characters. We have Poe, a 23-year-old brat who loves his graffiti art and probably gives his dad, Landon, a lot grey hairs with his attitude. Then we have Jericho, a 40-year-old tattoo artist and owner of a tattoo shop who also a good friend of Landon. When Poe is arrested once again for vandalism, Jericho offers a job via Landon to help Poe to pay his dad for the lawyer's fee. It t is a way for Jericho to "pay it forward" because a long time ago, someone gave Jericho a second chance to get his life in line.
I loved that the slow burn -- Poe IS the son of Jericho's best friend, so it's complicated -- but boy the chemistry and tension sparkled between these two. It wasn't just the romance though, there was personal development too, which for me was VERY important.
Poe matured up as the story went along. He realized the importance of tattoo and different kind of art. He became respectful towards Jericho. In short, he GREW up. While Jericho learned a different way to appreciate art and life ("You remind me that life is like art. It isn’t static"); I guess being with Poe made Jericho wanted more of what he was content with.
Another thing that I loved was the description and appreciation of TATTOO ART. I don't have tattoos but I could feel how this was important for both authors. It became an extra character, I think, in this book
The only thing that I wish to be more present is the relationship outside the tattoo shop. I want to see how Jericho and Landon connect outside of the art. Because I believe that is also important for a long-lasting relationship, right? Oh and also, what's up with dangling the readers with paddle gift and NOT write in on page, authors?!
As a reader, for me, one of the signs of great writing collaboration is when the two authors can mesh their style seamlessly that I can forget that actually two minds are involved in creating the book. In that point, I thought Permanent Ink delivered. I didn't know which author wrote which character and I didn't really care.
This book has deliciously sexy romance with two characters I genuinely care about. I cannot wait for the next book in this series -- or for more collaboration between Gale and Vaughn!
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
First thing first... maybe I was in the right mood for this book because I enjoyed the daddy kink! It was a kink that I usually avoid, but somehow in here it worked well. Probably because both men owned it! Or probably, like my friend said, "It's your hormones talking" *laugh*. In fact I vehemently wished that there were more spanking, paddling, and gagging the boy involved... and I was rather bummed that it didn't happen *pout*.
I know, SHOCKING, coming from me
What I loved the most about Permanent Ink was the complex characters. We have Poe, a 23-year-old brat who loves his graffiti art and probably gives his dad, Landon, a lot grey hairs with his attitude. Then we have Jericho, a 40-year-old tattoo artist and owner of a tattoo shop who also a good friend of Landon. When Poe is arrested once again for vandalism, Jericho offers a job via Landon to help Poe to pay his dad for the lawyer's fee. It t is a way for Jericho to "pay it forward" because a long time ago, someone gave Jericho a second chance to get his life in line.
I loved that the slow burn -- Poe IS the son of Jericho's best friend, so it's complicated -- but boy the chemistry and tension sparkled between these two. It wasn't just the romance though, there was personal development too, which for me was VERY important.
Poe matured up as the story went along. He realized the importance of tattoo and different kind of art. He became respectful towards Jericho. In short, he GREW up. While Jericho learned a different way to appreciate art and life ("You remind me that life is like art. It isn’t static"); I guess being with Poe made Jericho wanted more of what he was content with.
Another thing that I loved was the description and appreciation of TATTOO ART. I don't have tattoos but I could feel how this was important for both authors. It became an extra character, I think, in this book
The only thing that I wish to be more present is the relationship outside the tattoo shop. I want to see how Jericho and Landon connect outside of the art. Because I believe that is also important for a long-lasting relationship, right? Oh and also, what's up with dangling the readers with paddle gift and NOT write in on page, authors?!
As a reader, for me, one of the signs of great writing collaboration is when the two authors can mesh their style seamlessly that I can forget that actually two minds are involved in creating the book. In that point, I thought Permanent Ink delivered. I didn't know which author wrote which character and I didn't really care.
This book has deliciously sexy romance with two characters I genuinely care about. I cannot wait for the next book in this series -- or for more collaboration between Gale and Vaughn!
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
July 24, 2017
Permanent Ink... where to start? I mean:
Age gap ✔
Snark ✔
Daddy kink ✔
Character growth ✔
Sexy ✔
It's kinda got it all, you know?
Anyhoo, Permanent Ink is the story of Poe (love that name and its inspiration), a 23-year-old graffiti artist who lives in his dad basement and is driving his dad crazy with the legal bills he's amassed. Landon (his dad) worries that Poe will never wisen up. While venting to his best friend, Jericho his best friend decides he wants to give Poe a chance- pay it forward. He's been there before and wants to help his friend's son if he can.
At first the two clash but as Jericho notices Poe's artistic talent decides to take him on as an apprentice. Little by little the attraction between them grows and grows, and Poe's not one to hold back. He lets Jericho exactly what he wants.
Some of my highlights:
-The characters. I felt that both Poe and Jericho were well fleshed out and exhibited growth throughout the story.
-The side characters. As frustrating as some could be (one in particular...), I was rooting for them too and can't wait for their stories. **Landon, I LOVE YOU!!!**
-The sexual chemistry. The fact that they were so compatible and were so into their kink was smoking hot.
-Drama. There were some issues in the story: Poe's attitude, Jericho's thoughts on their age difference, Jericho's friendship with Landon, Poe's friendship with his best friend Blue- but none of them went overboard or felt contrived.
-And the end- left me wanting more! I. CAN'T. WAIT. FOR. THE NEXT. BOOKS! I'm going to have a hard time not nagging the shit out of Piper Vaughn and Avon Gale for updates on these books.
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely!!
Permanent Ink is a fun, sweet story about finding our place in the world and taking chances on love. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. 5 Stars.
September 17, 2017
It was an okay book. I loved the details and insights I got about the art of tattooing, and I loved how it was such a big part of the story. I liked the romance development between Jericho and Poe, and I somewhat liked both their characters. Neither of them made my breath catch, but they didn't make me hate them either.
I've never read daddy kink, and I'm not sure it's something that I would enjoy reading again. So it took off some from the flow of my reading, which led to my skimming the sexy bits of the book. It didn't really make me warm up to them both.
I think because I don't really understand art, I didn't get the twice-mentioned perspective/reason for why Landon was with Poe. I tried, but nothing. I couldn't get what meaning the author wanted me to know.
I did struggle a bit with finishing the book. I was bored in parts, or sometimes I would just not feel in sync with them. I think if it wasn't for my fascination with the whole tattoing portion, I might not have finished it. So the rating gets divided like this:
2 stars for the tattooing information, and 1 star for the general story and characters and romance.
I'm not sure I'll continue this series, but I'm happy that I've finally finished it.
I've never read daddy kink, and I'm not sure it's something that I would enjoy reading again. So it took off some from the flow of my reading, which led to my skimming the sexy bits of the book. It didn't really make me warm up to them both.
I think because I don't really understand art, I didn't get the twice-mentioned perspective/reason for why Landon was with Poe. I tried, but nothing. I couldn't get what meaning the author wanted me to know.
I did struggle a bit with finishing the book. I was bored in parts, or sometimes I would just not feel in sync with them. I think if it wasn't for my fascination with the whole tattoing portion, I might not have finished it. So the rating gets divided like this:
2 stars for the tattooing information, and 1 star for the general story and characters and romance.
I'm not sure I'll continue this series, but I'm happy that I've finally finished it.
March 3, 2018
3.25 stars
-First Natasha snow should get an award for the awesome cover.
-This book was just ok so its me not the book.
-I liked the characters, Jericho and Poe were likable. And Landon Poe's father, i loved him.
-IMO this is not Daddy Kink, it was just role playing, i was so excited to read Daddy Kink but i ended up disappointed.
-The sex was hot, but i felt the relationship development between Jericho and Poe was lacking, the two did not spend enough time together, we are told they did but not shown, so i ended up not connecting with them in a deeper level.
- I liked the tattoo shop and the art part
- I felt Blue's story was unnecessary, it took so much page, at some point i started skimming.
- I liked there was no miscommunication, when Jericho and Poe disagreed they talked like adults.
Overall it was just ok, but if you are looking for a hardcore Daddy Kink, IMO this is not it.
-First Natasha snow should get an award for the awesome cover.
-This book was just ok so its me not the book.
-I liked the characters, Jericho and Poe were likable. And Landon Poe's father, i loved him.
-IMO this is not Daddy Kink, it was just role playing, i was so excited to read Daddy Kink but i ended up disappointed.
-The sex was hot, but i felt the relationship development between Jericho and Poe was lacking, the two did not spend enough time together, we are told they did but not shown, so i ended up not connecting with them in a deeper level.
- I liked the tattoo shop and the art part
- I felt Blue's story was unnecessary, it took so much page, at some point i started skimming.
- I liked there was no miscommunication, when Jericho and Poe disagreed they talked like adults.
Overall it was just ok, but if you are looking for a hardcore Daddy Kink, IMO this is not it.
July 30, 2017
I love Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn, so I was very excited to read this one. It was only later on that I realized that this was a book with "Daddy" kink.
Now I love books with age-gaps and I don't mind a sexy older man...but a 22 year old wanting to be called "boy" and pleading his "daddy" to pound him harder...yeah that doesn't really do it for me.
So this is definitely a case of "it's me and not the book".
So what's the story about...
Poe is a 23 year old "graffiti artist" still living in his father's basement, while working at a gasstation. He and his friend Blue have some plan of making it big in the graffiti world, while getting arrested in the mean time.
Poe's father Landon, isn't too pleased with Poe's behavior lately...which I completely understood. After all, he is living for free in his father's basement, while dear old dad gets to cough up money to bail him out.
When Landon has a talk with his best friend Jericho, who owns a tattoo shop, Jericho suggests letting Poe work at the shop. First as a receptionist and later on, if he is interested and behaves, as an apprentice. Being so much into art, this might be the way to get Poe on the right path and still enjoy what he's doing.
Of course Landon is very thankful with his best friend's offer and after some whining....Poe agrees as well.
Poe and Jericho don't really see eye to eye in the beginning, this mostly because Poe is acting like a spoiled brat. After a while though, Jericho can see the potential in the Poe. He also sees something else he likes, but he tries to push those thoughts away...because it's a bit inappropriate and all, since he is much older, his boss and Poe is his best friend's son.
What Jericho doesn't know though, is that Poe has a huge kink for older men. So when Poe finds out that Jericho is actually gay, all bets are off and Poe intends to get what he wants. He goes after Jericho no holds barred.
Jericho tries to hold back...again because of the inappropriateness, but when he finds out the both of them share the same kink...he is done for.
"Suck my balls. Come on boy. Get your daddy off".
I have to admit that these two were definitely HOT, but like I said before. The whole boy/daddy thing made me cringe. Especially since Poe's real dad was Jericho's best friend. Maybe I wouldn't have felt this way if Poe's father wouldn't have been in the picture this much. I actually liked Landon a lot.
The story was entertaining though and having worked at a tattooshop myself for years, I am was very pleased to see, that the authors did some good research !!
I guess most of my niggles are with Poe. From the moment he was introduced, I didn;t really like him. He came across as bratty and immature. I figured my feelings toward him would change...but unfortunately they never did.
Jericho I actually did like. He was a cool dude and for the life of me...I couldn't figure out why he wanted Poe and why he would risk his friendship with his best friend like that. I know love is blind and all, but I myself think friendship is sacred...especially when it's your best friend.
But yeah....the heart wants what it wants, and I have thankfully never been in such a position, so who am I to judge ;)
My reviews are posted on Dirty Books Obsession
August 5, 2017
The weirdest thing happened with this book. I absolutely hated it at first. I had a lot of trouble liking Poe, so I was convinced this would be a 2 star read. But then I actually started to get into the story and I ended up really liking it.
For lovers of true daddy kink, look elsewhere, because this was incredibly tame concerning the daddy kink. We got maybe 3 sex scenes where Poe called Jericho daddy and Jericho called Poe boy. But that’s about as far as it went.
I actually like daddy kink, but I don’t necessarily need it in my story, so I was okay with the couple of times these guys explored the daddy kink a bit. But I wouldn’t call this a book with a heavy daddy kink at all.
At first I had a bit of trouble with Poe and the life choices he made. Not necessarily with the things he did (because let’s face it, we all do stupid things when we are young), but how he thought about it. I thoroughly disliked his inner thoughts. I really could have gone without his thoughts about a woman in her fifties he had sex with and how she spanked him and rode him 'til he was exhausted. I don’t get why authors include those kind of things. I really don’t want to read about past hookups or how they get turned on thinking about it.
But after the first 25% the feeling of the book changed. Poe got more serious about his life and I especially liked how he was serious about Jericho instead of him being just a hookup.
And that’s when I really started liking this. I could totally understand what Jericho’s problem with some of Poe’s decisions was, but I also got how Poe felt about Jericho interfering in his life. Definitely no fabricated angst here. It all felt natural and I knew these guys would talk everything out like adults.
After a slow start I ended up really liking this May-December romance between a bratty 23 year old and a 40 year old tattoo artist. Throw in a bit of daddy kink and I was one happy girl.
------------------------------
An ARC of Permanent Ink was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
For lovers of true daddy kink, look elsewhere, because this was incredibly tame concerning the daddy kink. We got maybe 3 sex scenes where Poe called Jericho daddy and Jericho called Poe boy. But that’s about as far as it went.
I actually like daddy kink, but I don’t necessarily need it in my story, so I was okay with the couple of times these guys explored the daddy kink a bit. But I wouldn’t call this a book with a heavy daddy kink at all.
At first I had a bit of trouble with Poe and the life choices he made. Not necessarily with the things he did (because let’s face it, we all do stupid things when we are young), but how he thought about it. I thoroughly disliked his inner thoughts. I really could have gone without his thoughts about a woman in her fifties he had sex with and how she spanked him and rode him 'til he was exhausted. I don’t get why authors include those kind of things. I really don’t want to read about past hookups or how they get turned on thinking about it.
But after the first 25% the feeling of the book changed. Poe got more serious about his life and I especially liked how he was serious about Jericho instead of him being just a hookup.
And that’s when I really started liking this. I could totally understand what Jericho’s problem with some of Poe’s decisions was, but I also got how Poe felt about Jericho interfering in his life. Definitely no fabricated angst here. It all felt natural and I knew these guys would talk everything out like adults.
After a slow start I ended up really liking this May-December romance between a bratty 23 year old and a 40 year old tattoo artist. Throw in a bit of daddy kink and I was one happy girl.
------------------------------
An ARC of Permanent Ink was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
August 6, 2017
4.5 stars
I was immediately sucked in and connected to this story. I stayed up so late reading over half the book in one go. I can't believe how emotional I'm feeling.
To think that I almost passed it up because I didn't want to read Daddy Kink. Thank goodness one reviewer was kind enough to point out that there really isn't much of it. This isn't erotica DK. Not at all. Although it does appear in the story, so those of you who like reading it will enjoy those parts, it isn't a main focus. It's only one aspect of the relationship that stays in the privacy of their bedroom and only serves to enhance their compatibility. For those of you, like me, who don't necessarily jump to read DK, it does not detract from this love story at all.
And..It is a love story.
It's beautiful and emotional and captivating.
The parent/child relationship, the childhood friendship, the adult friendship, the mentor relationship --- all of it tugs at your heartstrings.
Do you like reading about good people? Not perfect people, not innocent people, but down deep good people?
Permanent Ink has good people.
If the author is taking requests, I'm putting mine in early for Callum and Blue. *fingers crossed*
Review ARC graciously provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley
I was immediately sucked in and connected to this story. I stayed up so late reading over half the book in one go. I can't believe how emotional I'm feeling.
To think that I almost passed it up because I didn't want to read Daddy Kink. Thank goodness one reviewer was kind enough to point out that there really isn't much of it. This isn't erotica DK. Not at all. Although it does appear in the story, so those of you who like reading it will enjoy those parts, it isn't a main focus. It's only one aspect of the relationship that stays in the privacy of their bedroom and only serves to enhance their compatibility. For those of you, like me, who don't necessarily jump to read DK, it does not detract from this love story at all.
And..It is a love story.
It's beautiful and emotional and captivating.
The parent/child relationship, the childhood friendship, the adult friendship, the mentor relationship --- all of it tugs at your heartstrings.
Do you like reading about good people? Not perfect people, not innocent people, but down deep good people?
Permanent Ink has good people.
If the author is taking requests, I'm putting mine in early for Callum and Blue. *fingers crossed*
Review ARC graciously provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley
May 25, 2023
First: the ranting: How the heck can you write an ending like that, it's like having one of the world's best orgasms only to be left cold, alone and sullied by your partner right after you cum. I would pull my hair out if I didn't like it so much.
Gaaah. Honestly, we have the "I love you"s only in the last paragraph of the book and then it just ends.
That just didn't fit at all with the rest of the book, which starts off rather slowly, not really slow burn but rather in quite a realistic slow evolving relationship way.
It started off small, my eyes lingering a bit too long on his ass. Or on the way he sucked that lip ring into his mouth when he was concentrating, flicking his tongue in a way that shouldn’t look nearly as obscene as it did. 😳
Second: the likes: Until then, until the last page, I liked the book, it's nothing amazing, but it's a nice story, with characters you can relate to, so it's well written. On an emotional level, Poe and Jericho are sometimes a bit difficult or lack understanding of their counterparts, but it's also plausible and not too annoying.
And yes, the cover convinced me in that case that I have to read it, just so obvious ... tattooed silver fox ... yum yum.
Jericho and Poe slowly grow on you and when they finally give in to their attraction to each other...wow, super hot.
I wasn’t subtle about it as I sat there and eyed his impressive bulge. He was packing, I could tell that much, and it made my mouth water to imagine tasting him. I wanted to reach out and touch. I wanted to fall to my knees, undo his zipper, and tease him through his boxers until he forced his cock into my throat and ordered me to suck it. 🔥🔥🔥
another short rant: Blue pissed me off to no end.
Gaaah. Honestly, we have the "I love you"s only in the last paragraph of the book and then it just ends.
That just didn't fit at all with the rest of the book, which starts off rather slowly, not really slow burn but rather in quite a realistic slow evolving relationship way.
It started off small, my eyes lingering a bit too long on his ass. Or on the way he sucked that lip ring into his mouth when he was concentrating, flicking his tongue in a way that shouldn’t look nearly as obscene as it did. 😳
Second: the likes: Until then, until the last page, I liked the book, it's nothing amazing, but it's a nice story, with characters you can relate to, so it's well written. On an emotional level, Poe and Jericho are sometimes a bit difficult or lack understanding of their counterparts, but it's also plausible and not too annoying.
And yes, the cover convinced me in that case that I have to read it, just so obvious ... tattooed silver fox ... yum yum.
Jericho and Poe slowly grow on you and when they finally give in to their attraction to each other...wow, super hot.
I wasn’t subtle about it as I sat there and eyed his impressive bulge. He was packing, I could tell that much, and it made my mouth water to imagine tasting him. I wanted to reach out and touch. I wanted to fall to my knees, undo his zipper, and tease him through his boxers until he forced his cock into my throat and ordered me to suck it. 🔥🔥🔥
another short rant: Blue pissed me off to no end.
August 5, 2017
I have very mixed feelings about this book and I'll try my best to explain them.
Firstly Poe seemed more like a teenager than a twenty-three year old and I wasn't sure I'd be able to get on board with the sexy forty year old Jericho lusting after such a selfish sullen brat.
But as the story progresses we get a fuller picture of Poe and although I still felt he was too childish for his age I came to accept him.
Now I didn't realise when I requested this that it was a daddy kink. It may seem odd because I like the daddy kink when it comes to a young innocent woman and an older more experienced man but I don't like it in a m/m book.
Strange I know but that's how I feel.
My problems started at 14% when Poe announced that he's bi and he likes rough older men who make him call them daddy and a fiftysomething fem domme he subs for.
The fem domme thing just isn't for me but it is only mentioned not dwelled on.
I loved Jericho, Landon and Callum and I'm hoping both Landon and Callum get their own books.
So Poe goes to work for Jericho and Jericho finds himself attracted to him but fights it as long as he can. This might have worked if Poe hadn't been equally attracted to Jericho but he is and he pushes forward.
Jericho's best friend is Landon (Poe's dad) and this makes for an interesting situation.
I liked most of the characters and would like to continue on with this series, my only problems were Poe and the daddy kink.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Riptide Publishing.
August 13, 2017
4.5 tattoo stars rounded down to 4 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and Blue annoyed me too much for me to want to round up...sorry :(
Ok...so daddy kink...still not my thing, but...
A good story, is a good story, is a good story and this one was for me a step above good. When i can read something that contains a topic that I have to be honest is one I tend to avoid and really enjoy the story anyways and not be bothered by that particular aspect...well, for me it says a lot about what an amazing job the authors did with this book.
Ok, so confession time. I took a short break here and went poking around at some other reviews because I have to admit as much as I enjoyed this story I was surprised by the fact that the 'daddy kink' didn't really bother me and I think I found my explanation in reviews written by fellow reviewers whom I respect and definitely consider to be more knowledgeable about this topic and according to those reviews the 'daddy kink' in this story is 'mild' and/or not representative of 'true daddy kink'. This makes sense to me so I'm good with that and since I wasn't really looking for 'daddy kink' it in no way changes how much I enjoyed the story.
The age gap here is 17 years and even though I've essentially gotten past my whole age gap issue. I have to admit this is a big gap in my eyes but things worked. it was a combination of the blind optimism of youth that was exhibited by Poe's belief that age is just a number and don't misunderstand in many ways it is and in all honesty thank heavens for the optimism that we have in our youth it's what frequently gives us the faith and courage to step beyond the boundaries that we set for ourselves as we get older. We got to see Poe do a lot of growing up in this story. He learned from his mistakes and as he did he also redefined who he was and what he wanted from life. He went from being a son who Landon loved but was at his wits end as to what the do with him to being a son, Landon could be proud of and a man that Jericho could truly love and be partners with.
I also totally understood Jericho's perspective while the age gap frequently bothered him and he was the one who more often than not brought it up. I liked that he also seemed to come to the realization that sometimes when something works and it feels right you just have to go for it. Let it happen, seize the day whatever adage you want to apply. Jericho finally accepted that he and Poe were good for each other and they were good together...it worked for them and really at the end of the day isn't that what matters most that a relationship is good and the people involved are happy and where they want to be.
Along with Jericho and Poe who I truly would love more of we are given Poe's father Landon and honestly I'd love a story for him. Landon...hot men, fast cars...I can so get behind this idea... mmmmmmm...yummy and then there's also Callum. Callum strikes me as someone who's story could be fascinating to say the least. Along with Landon and Callum we are given Poe's best friend Blue, I'm really torn on how I feel about Blue part of me wants to just smack him upside the head and tell him what a total douchecanoe he was for the things he did another part of me wants to feed him milk and cookies and help him see that he's worth so much more than he gives to himself and that he deserves some happy and love too but maybe he needs to learn to value and respect himself first so that other people will value and respect him as well. Lastly we have Pete one of the tattoo artist in Jericho's shop we don't really see much of the grumpy dude but again I think there might be an intriguing story there.
'Permanent Ink' was an excellent start to 'Art & Soul' a new series by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn and I'm really looking forward to adding this to my reading list.
********************
A copy of 'Permanent Ink' was graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ok...so daddy kink...still not my thing, but...
A good story, is a good story, is a good story and this one was for me a step above good. When i can read something that contains a topic that I have to be honest is one I tend to avoid and really enjoy the story anyways and not be bothered by that particular aspect...well, for me it says a lot about what an amazing job the authors did with this book.
Ok, so confession time. I took a short break here and went poking around at some other reviews because I have to admit as much as I enjoyed this story I was surprised by the fact that the 'daddy kink' didn't really bother me and I think I found my explanation in reviews written by fellow reviewers whom I respect and definitely consider to be more knowledgeable about this topic and according to those reviews the 'daddy kink' in this story is 'mild' and/or not representative of 'true daddy kink'. This makes sense to me so I'm good with that and since I wasn't really looking for 'daddy kink' it in no way changes how much I enjoyed the story.
The age gap here is 17 years and even though I've essentially gotten past my whole age gap issue. I have to admit this is a big gap in my eyes but things worked. it was a combination of the blind optimism of youth that was exhibited by Poe's belief that age is just a number and don't misunderstand in many ways it is and in all honesty thank heavens for the optimism that we have in our youth it's what frequently gives us the faith and courage to step beyond the boundaries that we set for ourselves as we get older. We got to see Poe do a lot of growing up in this story. He learned from his mistakes and as he did he also redefined who he was and what he wanted from life. He went from being a son who Landon loved but was at his wits end as to what the do with him to being a son, Landon could be proud of and a man that Jericho could truly love and be partners with.
I also totally understood Jericho's perspective while the age gap frequently bothered him and he was the one who more often than not brought it up. I liked that he also seemed to come to the realization that sometimes when something works and it feels right you just have to go for it. Let it happen, seize the day whatever adage you want to apply. Jericho finally accepted that he and Poe were good for each other and they were good together...it worked for them and really at the end of the day isn't that what matters most that a relationship is good and the people involved are happy and where they want to be.
Along with Jericho and Poe who I truly would love more of we are given Poe's father Landon and honestly I'd love a story for him. Landon...hot men, fast cars...I can so get behind this idea... mmmmmmm...yummy and then there's also Callum. Callum strikes me as someone who's story could be fascinating to say the least. Along with Landon and Callum we are given Poe's best friend Blue, I'm really torn on how I feel about Blue part of me wants to just smack him upside the head and tell him what a total douchecanoe he was for the things he did another part of me wants to feed him milk and cookies and help him see that he's worth so much more than he gives to himself and that he deserves some happy and love too but maybe he needs to learn to value and respect himself first so that other people will value and respect him as well. Lastly we have Pete one of the tattoo artist in Jericho's shop we don't really see much of the grumpy dude but again I think there might be an intriguing story there.
'Permanent Ink' was an excellent start to 'Art & Soul' a new series by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn and I'm really looking forward to adding this to my reading list.
********************
A copy of 'Permanent Ink' was graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2017
3.5 "but I skipped almost all the sex scenes" stars.
When I first heard about Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn writing a romance about a tattoo shop owner and a younger graffiti artist falling in love I was so in. I love a good May/Dec romance.
When I heard there was "daddy kink" involved, I paused but then ultimately decided to forge ahead...
...and I've learned something about myself: Daddy Kink squicks me the hell out.
It turns out it really impacts my enjoyment of a story. But! But once I started skipping the sex scenes entirely I totally enjoyed the story.
There's a lot to love about the story: the dual POV, the characters show a good amount of growth, especially Poe, the relationship didn't feel rushed or instant, Jericho is a hot, super sexy, older guy. This definitely felt like it was setting up a series that might focus on a couple more age gap romances.
And if you do like Daddy Kink you'll probably be over the moon for it. If, however, you turn out to be like me and can't deal with it - just skip the sexy bits and it's still a good story.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Permanent Ink provided by the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
When I first heard about Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn writing a romance about a tattoo shop owner and a younger graffiti artist falling in love I was so in. I love a good May/Dec romance.
When I heard there was "daddy kink" involved, I paused but then ultimately decided to forge ahead...
Right now I only wanted one thing.
I tugged on the waistband of his sweatpants and gave him my naughtiest grin. “May I see your cock, please?”
He grabbed my hand and put it back on the bed. “You’re getting warmer.”
“Please, Daddy, let me see your cock,” I said, testing the waters.
Jericho’s eyes darkened, and the dick-print on the front of his sweats became more pronounced.
Jackpot.
I pressed my palm to that stiff cock, giving it a squeeze. “Yeah. You like that? Want me to call you Daddy while you call me your boy?”
...and I've learned something about myself: Daddy Kink squicks me the hell out.
It turns out it really impacts my enjoyment of a story. But! But once I started skipping the sex scenes entirely I totally enjoyed the story.
There's a lot to love about the story: the dual POV, the characters show a good amount of growth, especially Poe, the relationship didn't feel rushed or instant, Jericho is a hot, super sexy, older guy. This definitely felt like it was setting up a series that might focus on a couple more age gap romances.
And if you do like Daddy Kink you'll probably be over the moon for it. If, however, you turn out to be like me and can't deal with it - just skip the sexy bits and it's still a good story.
“I love you, you know.” My delivery probably could’ve been a bit more romantic. Despite that, the words were true.
“I know.” Jericho chuckled against my skin. “I love you too.”
“You’ve claimed me, so now you’ve gotta keep me around,” I told him. “There’s no escape. Maybe art’s not permanent, but we are.”
Jericho pulled back to grin at me. “Yeah. We are.”
Advanced Review Galley copy of Permanent Ink provided by the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
May 16, 2018
~PERMANENT FAILURE~
I’m going to lead off with this is my first audiobook review so don’t hold it against me. So here goes…
The Story: 3 Pants Off
I was very excited to listen this one and I am just sad that it didn’t deliver.
Poe Montgomery lives the life of a punk ass kid. He’s got crazy artistic talent but he spends his time tagging private property with his best friend. He’s been in trouble before but what he fails to realize that he’s older and a more slip ups will have him serving time. His dad has had enough of getting him out of jail, and getting on his dads bad side is a bad move since he’s basically supporting him. But Poe is an artiste 👨🎨 and his talent cannot be contained. When his fathers best-friend offers him a job at his tattoo parlour he accepts grudgingly. Poe soon starts to realize that setting a foundation isn’t selling out, and the talent that he has can be used to make many people happy and it’s legal too.
Jericho owner of Permanent Ink decides to take on his best friends son as an apprentice to keep him out of trouble. What Jericho never expected was to be getting lust filled for the brat, and Poe is strictly of limits because 1, the boy is young enough to be his kid and 2, he’s the son of a friend and that alone puts him in the no fuck zone.
I was hoping to really like this one a lot. It has some of my fave things. The daddy kink (supossebly), tattooed dudes, and that whole disciplinary type of feel but the story didn’t quite deliver. It wasn’t as hot as I’d hoped and Poe and Jericho lacked chemistry. In the end I just had meh-ish feels. The plotty device with Poe’s best-friend failed to add excitement it only highlighted Poe’s immaturity and that brought down my enjoyment of the story.
Also Daddy Kink!! Bitch where???
The Narration by Kirt Graves: 2.75 – 3 Pants Off
I think if I had read the book I might have liked it more, because the narration wasn’t working for me. I felt like Jericho needed a stronger voice, something amidst that of a Vin Diesel level; strong and commanding. I have this weird thing with voices and sounds, I get annoyed enough that there are people I just don’t want to hear speak. While I didn’t hate the narration, it wasn’t doing me any favours. I listen to audiobooks when I’m doing errands and such, so I get to enjoy sexy scenes in the outdoors and usually sometimes I be blushing or smirking but for this one I felt nothing. The sexy times was read like the regular stuff and I felt nothing.
Permanent Ink was a total letdown in the story and for my ears!!!
SideNote- In a weird way I’m kinda looking forward to book 2 but I think I’ll go ahead and read the book for that one.
August 24, 2017
Me after seeing reading Daddy Kink
August 7, 2017
I had high hopes for this but sadly it didn't work for me.
Poe is 23 going on 13. I'm not sure I've ever read such an immature and childish MC outside of YA books. He lives in his dad's basement where he spray paints on the walls and rides his skateboard on ramps he's made indoors. He has zero motivation to do anything with his life. When he gets arrested for graffiti his dad is at his last straw and mentions it to his best friend Jericho. Jericho offers to give Poe a job at his tattoo shop because he once had a mentor that helped him out of his troubled childhood. Poe takes the job and they become friends and then more.
I had lot's of niggles with this. First off, the fact that Poe's dad and Landon have businesses next door to each other and have been close friends for four years (including Christmas together) but Jericho and Poe have barely met each other and don't already know each other??? So odd to me.
Secondly, Poe was a mess and I didn't like him until the last 20% or so of the book. I can buy age gaps when the two MC's are on a similar life path and/or share a maturity level. That was not the case here. Jericho was a high functioning, responsible 40 year old. As I said at the beginning, Poe acted 13. I could not even begin to imagine what would attract someone to that level of immaturity. At one point Poe's dad (who was a good guy) asks Jericho what he saw in Poe. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for that answer myself. He gave some inspirational "He makes me see life differently" BS answer. I was not buying it for a minute. I'm not a big fan of daddy kink anyways but it really didn't work for me here because they were on such different developmental levels it was like they were really dad and boy. Bleh..... Also, as a mom of tween boys, I identified with Landon way more than Jericho or Poe. I was as befuddled as he was throughout the book.
Most importantly, I felt zero chemistry and zero emotional connection between the two MC's. They just came off as teacher and apprentice. I could have overlooked some of my other complaints if they had some connection I could feel but there was nothing. There was far more emotional connection between Poe and his best friend Blue. There was one scene in a building they're hanging out in, where the chemistry snaps and crackles between them. I would have loved to see a book about the two of them together. There's also more affection and emotion between Jericho and Landon and I would have LOVED a book where they became a couple.
The end of the book left Poe and Jericho with a half-assed "I loved you" at the end (& by the end I mean the very last page) that I didn't buy for a single minute and I guess a hea (also which I didn't buy for a single minute). So.....not my jam at all.
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinon**
Poe is 23 going on 13. I'm not sure I've ever read such an immature and childish MC outside of YA books. He lives in his dad's basement where he spray paints on the walls and rides his skateboard on ramps he's made indoors. He has zero motivation to do anything with his life. When he gets arrested for graffiti his dad is at his last straw and mentions it to his best friend Jericho. Jericho offers to give Poe a job at his tattoo shop because he once had a mentor that helped him out of his troubled childhood. Poe takes the job and they become friends and then more.
I had lot's of niggles with this. First off, the fact that Poe's dad and Landon have businesses next door to each other and have been close friends for four years (including Christmas together) but Jericho and Poe have barely met each other and don't already know each other??? So odd to me.
Secondly, Poe was a mess and I didn't like him until the last 20% or so of the book. I can buy age gaps when the two MC's are on a similar life path and/or share a maturity level. That was not the case here. Jericho was a high functioning, responsible 40 year old. As I said at the beginning, Poe acted 13. I could not even begin to imagine what would attract someone to that level of immaturity. At one point Poe's dad (who was a good guy) asks Jericho what he saw in Poe. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for that answer myself. He gave some inspirational "He makes me see life differently" BS answer. I was not buying it for a minute. I'm not a big fan of daddy kink anyways but it really didn't work for me here because they were on such different developmental levels it was like they were really dad and boy. Bleh..... Also, as a mom of tween boys, I identified with Landon way more than Jericho or Poe. I was as befuddled as he was throughout the book.
Most importantly, I felt zero chemistry and zero emotional connection between the two MC's. They just came off as teacher and apprentice. I could have overlooked some of my other complaints if they had some connection I could feel but there was nothing. There was far more emotional connection between Poe and his best friend Blue. There was one scene in a building they're hanging out in, where the chemistry snaps and crackles between them. I would have loved to see a book about the two of them together. There's also more affection and emotion between Jericho and Landon and I would have LOVED a book where they became a couple.
The end of the book left Poe and Jericho with a half-assed "I loved you" at the end (& by the end I mean the very last page) that I didn't buy for a single minute and I guess a hea (also which I didn't buy for a single minute). So.....not my jam at all.
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinon**
August 7, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Daddy kink for the win!
Daddy kink for the win!
July 27, 2017
Review also posted on From Top to Bottom Reviews.
Hi, I’m Annie and I think I have a problem because I’m obsessed with Permanent Ink. I’ve read this at least four times now? First as a draft and then again and again until it was finished. Sometimes I just go back to read a favourite scene of mine – I just love the whole thing so much. It could only be more my thing if one of them was a hockey player; although Jericho is a hockey fan (a Blues fan!!), so there is an aspect of hockey in there, making this pretty much the perfect book for me.
I love a well written May/Dec story and can’t get enough from sassy, snarky characters like Poe. That paired with Jericho, a tattoo artist and rather dominant character, plus the Daddy-kink I didn’t know I loved reading – and I’m in heaven.
When he get’s in trouble with the law for tagging anothing building with his friend Blue it’s the last straw for Landon, Poe’s father. During his next tattoo appointment with Jericho, Landon vents about Poe’s most recent run in with the police. Jericho – who is in need of a new receptionist – offers to let Poe work at Permanent Ink.
Jericho wants to pay it forward because once upon a time someone helped him out and gave him perspective. He wouldn’t be owner of Permanent Ink without Chris, his mentor’s, help. Jericho can relate to Poe and he thinks it might help to get him on a straight path. What he did not expect was that Poe is a little shit that loves testing boundaries.
At first the two clash a bit, because Poe doesn’t see the job as anything serious – he’s only doing it because it’s not as boring as the job as a cashier at the gas station. Jericho was already aware of Poe’s artistic talent – he had see some of Poe’s grafitti before – but when he notices Poe drawing in the shop he offers him an apprenticeship.
The more time Jericho spends with Poe, the more their mutual attraction grows. Poe – who know’s exactly who he wants – doesn’t hold back and lets Jericho know that. At first Jericho is hesitant because Poe is his best friend’s son, but he can’t resist the attraction for long.
I literally fell in love with Poe maybe 10 sentences into the first chapter. I just was a goner the first time he snarked back at his dad.
Out of both of the main characters Poe clearly is my favourite. I do love Jericho too, but I want to be besties with Poe! To me he’s definitely not fictional and I won’t listen to anyone who says otherwise! ;) I feel like I could get up in the morning and meet up with him. As a character he’s so fleshed-out – with flaws and doubts every young adult has; he has a bit of a temper and doesn’t have the experience you get with age, but at the same time he does know what’s right and wrong. He’s strong and determined. In some aspects he knows exactly what he wants (like Jericho for example. ;)) And in others he’s still very much a 23 year old who doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life. Poe just enjoys tagging with Blue, but is otherwise a bit aimless. To earn some money he has a job at a gas station as a cashier, but of course it’s not something he wants to do for the rest of his life – at the same time he’s drifting and not doing anything to figure out what he does want to do. This aimlessness, the determination and his smartass-ness made him very relatable to me.
Throughout the story particularly Poe does a lot of growing up. And I loved seeing him figuring out what he wants to do and realize that he can’t only live his life doing graffiti with his best friend.
I love the story, the characters and just everything about this writing duo works. Gale and Vaughn are amazing at creating fully fleshed out main and side characters, who bring their story to life. They both have this deep understanding of who Poe, Jericho and the minor characters are – and it shows. It gives the reader the sense that they really know the characters as if they were real. I absolutely love that!
Additionally I felt like the surroundings really came to life on page, and damn the two for making me want to go back to St. Louis!
I could easily picture myself walking into Jericho’s tattoo shop to get a tattoo or accompanying Poe and Blue when they hang out at The Pit.
The chemistry between Poe and Jericho is in one word: explosive. They simply belong together.
I mentioned above that I didn’t know that I loved reading Daddy-kink – and perhaps it’s just a Jericho/Poe thing – but I absolutely enjoyed it. I loved how their relationship seamlessly progressed from the trainee-mentor one to being in a relationship at the end of the book. Of course there were a few bumps along the road as they figured out how to navigate the new territory – being in a relationship with your dads best friend/your best friends son is not easy – but it just worked in Permanent Ink. It didn’t feel forced or unnecessarily dramatic, it was realistic and true to life.
It’s not the first book Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn have co-written, but it’s the first to get published and I am really excited for everyone to fall in love with the story just as I did. I am also really looking forward to the second book!
Hi, I’m Annie and I think I have a problem because I’m obsessed with Permanent Ink. I’ve read this at least four times now? First as a draft and then again and again until it was finished. Sometimes I just go back to read a favourite scene of mine – I just love the whole thing so much. It could only be more my thing if one of them was a hockey player; although Jericho is a hockey fan (a Blues fan!!), so there is an aspect of hockey in there, making this pretty much the perfect book for me.
I love a well written May/Dec story and can’t get enough from sassy, snarky characters like Poe. That paired with Jericho, a tattoo artist and rather dominant character, plus the Daddy-kink I didn’t know I loved reading – and I’m in heaven.
When he get’s in trouble with the law for tagging anothing building with his friend Blue it’s the last straw for Landon, Poe’s father. During his next tattoo appointment with Jericho, Landon vents about Poe’s most recent run in with the police. Jericho – who is in need of a new receptionist – offers to let Poe work at Permanent Ink.
Jericho wants to pay it forward because once upon a time someone helped him out and gave him perspective. He wouldn’t be owner of Permanent Ink without Chris, his mentor’s, help. Jericho can relate to Poe and he thinks it might help to get him on a straight path. What he did not expect was that Poe is a little shit that loves testing boundaries.
At first the two clash a bit, because Poe doesn’t see the job as anything serious – he’s only doing it because it’s not as boring as the job as a cashier at the gas station. Jericho was already aware of Poe’s artistic talent – he had see some of Poe’s grafitti before – but when he notices Poe drawing in the shop he offers him an apprenticeship.
The more time Jericho spends with Poe, the more their mutual attraction grows. Poe – who know’s exactly who he wants – doesn’t hold back and lets Jericho know that. At first Jericho is hesitant because Poe is his best friend’s son, but he can’t resist the attraction for long.
I literally fell in love with Poe maybe 10 sentences into the first chapter. I just was a goner the first time he snarked back at his dad.
Out of both of the main characters Poe clearly is my favourite. I do love Jericho too, but I want to be besties with Poe! To me he’s definitely not fictional and I won’t listen to anyone who says otherwise! ;) I feel like I could get up in the morning and meet up with him. As a character he’s so fleshed-out – with flaws and doubts every young adult has; he has a bit of a temper and doesn’t have the experience you get with age, but at the same time he does know what’s right and wrong. He’s strong and determined. In some aspects he knows exactly what he wants (like Jericho for example. ;)) And in others he’s still very much a 23 year old who doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life. Poe just enjoys tagging with Blue, but is otherwise a bit aimless. To earn some money he has a job at a gas station as a cashier, but of course it’s not something he wants to do for the rest of his life – at the same time he’s drifting and not doing anything to figure out what he does want to do. This aimlessness, the determination and his smartass-ness made him very relatable to me.
Throughout the story particularly Poe does a lot of growing up. And I loved seeing him figuring out what he wants to do and realize that he can’t only live his life doing graffiti with his best friend.
I love the story, the characters and just everything about this writing duo works. Gale and Vaughn are amazing at creating fully fleshed out main and side characters, who bring their story to life. They both have this deep understanding of who Poe, Jericho and the minor characters are – and it shows. It gives the reader the sense that they really know the characters as if they were real. I absolutely love that!
Additionally I felt like the surroundings really came to life on page, and damn the two for making me want to go back to St. Louis!
I could easily picture myself walking into Jericho’s tattoo shop to get a tattoo or accompanying Poe and Blue when they hang out at The Pit.
The chemistry between Poe and Jericho is in one word: explosive. They simply belong together.
I mentioned above that I didn’t know that I loved reading Daddy-kink – and perhaps it’s just a Jericho/Poe thing – but I absolutely enjoyed it. I loved how their relationship seamlessly progressed from the trainee-mentor one to being in a relationship at the end of the book. Of course there were a few bumps along the road as they figured out how to navigate the new territory – being in a relationship with your dads best friend/your best friends son is not easy – but it just worked in Permanent Ink. It didn’t feel forced or unnecessarily dramatic, it was realistic and true to life.
It’s not the first book Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn have co-written, but it’s the first to get published and I am really excited for everyone to fall in love with the story just as I did. I am also really looking forward to the second book!
December 30, 2019
I dunno. I love Avon Gale (especially when she writes about hockey players) and at the end of this book - while I enjoyed it - I guess I wanted to love it more than I did.
It had a good plot about Jericho, an established tattoo artist (and sexy silver fox) who is attempting to give back by mentoring his friend's 23-year-old son Poe. Poe grows from being a ungrateful thoroughly irritating character to a responsible adult, and Jericho and Poe falling in love (with a tasty side of daddy kink) is pretty damn hot. Jericho's niche is covering up and transforming badly done or ill-advised tats and there's an interesting bevy of side characters at Permanent Ink as well as some compelling stories about transforming the tattoos.
But about 2/3rds of the way through, it felt like Poe and Jericho's story was put on the back burner as Poe's friend Blue is introduced and he wreaks havoc. If Poe starts out as an ungrateful jerk, Blue is exponentially worse and much more irritating, IMHO, and it appears the next book will be about Blue and Jericho's friend Callum. I don't know if I'll be reading this book because at least at the end of Permanent Ink this next match-up reads like a rehash of the older/younger MCs with the mentoring aspect. 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
It had a good plot about Jericho, an established tattoo artist (and sexy silver fox) who is attempting to give back by mentoring his friend's 23-year-old son Poe. Poe grows from being a ungrateful thoroughly irritating character to a responsible adult, and Jericho and Poe falling in love (with a tasty side of daddy kink) is pretty damn hot. Jericho's niche is covering up and transforming badly done or ill-advised tats and there's an interesting bevy of side characters at Permanent Ink as well as some compelling stories about transforming the tattoos.
But about 2/3rds of the way through, it felt like Poe and Jericho's story was put on the back burner as Poe's friend Blue is introduced and he wreaks havoc. If Poe starts out as an ungrateful jerk, Blue is exponentially worse and much more irritating, IMHO, and it appears the next book will be about Blue and Jericho's friend Callum. I don't know if I'll be reading this book because at least at the end of Permanent Ink this next match-up reads like a rehash of the older/younger MCs with the mentoring aspect. 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
September 12, 2018
*Edit: Take this review with a grain of salt, because I was being way too nice. I found this generic at best, and the rest was so disappointing. I’m fact I’m STILL annoyed with what a letdown this was given how much hype there was. I hate to admit that I was walking on eggshells because the Santino Hassell clique had a lot of clout at the time. That was dumb. Lesson learned, if you’re going to spend your money and take the time to write a review, don’t let a pack of bullies who give minimal fucks about their readers keep you from being real.*
I didn't connect with this one as much as I hoped. It's not that it isn't a well written book, it just wasn't what I was expecting. Maybe that's partially because I built my expectations based more from the hype than blurb.
I've been hearing a lot about daddy kink and age difference, but the kink factor is VERY minimal. It's a sweet love story between a young, directionless twenty-something and an nice, older guy who wants to see him have a more fulfilling life. And while that makes a good story on its own, and I don't think super explicit, freaky sex are necessary for a good romance, this felt too.. cautious for me, if that's the right word.
It's like it was tiptoeing around kink but hesitant to go for it. They call each other daddy and boy sometimes, and the characters have a little bit of a D/s dynamic. I think what disappointed me in that regard was that in the beginning of the book, it sounded like there was tons of room to go for it. Poe is bratty and experienced in the scene. Jericho is a gentle but dominant guy. I feel like we were teased with what could've been. All this buildup and there's one sentence saying a paddle was given as a gift.
I get it, romance isn't about just the sex. But to me, it seemed that's where these characters would go. And while I like sensitivity in a book, it just felt too careful for me to connect with it. I liked these guys, but I wasn't attached to them. The emotional chemistry just didn't do it for me.
That said, I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes. I like the style of the book, and I'm intrigued by the secondary characters. It just wasn't the gritty, intense story I had anticipated.
I didn't connect with this one as much as I hoped. It's not that it isn't a well written book, it just wasn't what I was expecting. Maybe that's partially because I built my expectations based more from the hype than blurb.
I've been hearing a lot about daddy kink and age difference, but the kink factor is VERY minimal. It's a sweet love story between a young, directionless twenty-something and an nice, older guy who wants to see him have a more fulfilling life. And while that makes a good story on its own, and I don't think super explicit, freaky sex are necessary for a good romance, this felt too.. cautious for me, if that's the right word.
It's like it was tiptoeing around kink but hesitant to go for it. They call each other daddy and boy sometimes, and the characters have a little bit of a D/s dynamic. I think what disappointed me in that regard was that in the beginning of the book, it sounded like there was tons of room to go for it. Poe is bratty and experienced in the scene. Jericho is a gentle but dominant guy. I feel like we were teased with what could've been. All this buildup and there's one sentence saying a paddle was given as a gift.
I get it, romance isn't about just the sex. But to me, it seemed that's where these characters would go. And while I like sensitivity in a book, it just felt too careful for me to connect with it. I liked these guys, but I wasn't attached to them. The emotional chemistry just didn't do it for me.
That said, I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes. I like the style of the book, and I'm intrigued by the secondary characters. It just wasn't the gritty, intense story I had anticipated.
October 13, 2017
Cute and fun!
It took me a while to warm up to Poe. He's 23, but by his actions were those of a bratty teenager. But once Jericho took Poe under his wing, it didn't take long for Poe to begin acting his age.
I was half in love with Jericho from the get-go. He's an older tattoo artist with a bit of bad boy vibe, and has a heart of gold. Definitely boyfriend material!
When Poe and Jericho first meet, they're only tolerating each other. I love an enemies-to-lovers vibe, so I really enjoyed their early dynamic and sniping.
The two men slowly warm up to each other, as they spend hours together while Jericho teaches Poe how to channel his artistic energy into a career. It's not a smooth ride - they bump heads often and take a number of steps backward.
But there's a definite click between them that can't be denied. For Poe, Jericho becomes the stability he needs, while Poe reminds Jericho how colorful life can be.
Plus, it doesn't hurt that their sexual chemistry is through the roof! The mild daddy kink added to the fun.
However, I would have liked more on-page relationship development in the second half of the book. Once the two hook up, the relationship development took a backseat.
Even so, 'Permanent Ink' was a fun read. If you're looking for something sexy with not too much angst, give this book a try!
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
It took me a while to warm up to Poe. He's 23, but by his actions were those of a bratty teenager. But once Jericho took Poe under his wing, it didn't take long for Poe to begin acting his age.
I was half in love with Jericho from the get-go. He's an older tattoo artist with a bit of bad boy vibe, and has a heart of gold. Definitely boyfriend material!
When Poe and Jericho first meet, they're only tolerating each other. I love an enemies-to-lovers vibe, so I really enjoyed their early dynamic and sniping.
The two men slowly warm up to each other, as they spend hours together while Jericho teaches Poe how to channel his artistic energy into a career. It's not a smooth ride - they bump heads often and take a number of steps backward.
But there's a definite click between them that can't be denied. For Poe, Jericho becomes the stability he needs, while Poe reminds Jericho how colorful life can be.
Plus, it doesn't hurt that their sexual chemistry is through the roof! The mild daddy kink added to the fun.
However, I would have liked more on-page relationship development in the second half of the book. Once the two hook up, the relationship development took a backseat.
Even so, 'Permanent Ink' was a fun read. If you're looking for something sexy with not too much angst, give this book a try!
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
September 8, 2017
3.5 stars for this story. I enjoyed the theme and the storyline but the chemistry was just a little off for me. I don't mind the kink or the age difference but I couldn't really feel the heat between them... there was an edge missing. Still enjoyed it just didn't love it
Read
August 1, 2021Not rating because I honestly don't remember much but I remember not liking this at all.
August 7, 2017
Review (with book giveaway!) originally posted at Sinfully.
At twenty-three, and having just been bailed out of jail for tagging again, Poe knows he is wearing his father, Landon’s, patience thin. Working as a cashier at a gas station and living in his father’s basement allows Poe to spend the nights with his friends and pursue his passion for graffiti art, but he understands his father’s frustration with him, even if he mouths off about it. He just wishes his father respected his art a bit more. When Landon’s friend Jericho, owner of the tattoo parlor next to his garage, offers to take Poe on as a receptionist and possibly as an apprentice, Poe is less than thrilled, regardless of how sexy Jericho is. Jericho’s been in Poe’s position and was given a hand up and he’d like to pay that favor forward, plus he knows Poe is a talented artist.
Poe has always gone for older men or women and likes to be dominated and used by them and being around Jericho, watching him work at his passion, just has Poe’s attraction growing. Jericho has taken notice of Poe but there are so many reasons not to get involved. Poe gets aggressive, makes it clear that he is eyeing Jericho and they ultimately give in and find out their interests may line up even more than expected. When Jericho manages to get over the employer/employee stumbling block, he still has concerns about the seventeen year age-gap, his friendship with Landon and the daddy play. He doesn’t want to be a father to Poe for sure, but he does like taking care of Poe and the kink works for both of them.
I really enjoyed this story and these characters. I love a mouthy character, especially when his love interest knows how to react to him and that is Poe and Jericho, so their back and forth from the start worked for me. As far as the romance goes, it’s a slow build at first, but once Poe and Jericho get together, they jump right into exploring the daddy kink. I liked the way it worked for them, it’s only during sex and is pretty mild, but I wanted it explored just a little more (I also admit I was disappointed when a celebratory sex scene was teased and then not shown). While we see that they are compatible in the work and bedroom settings, I wanted more of Jericho and Poe’s relationship development outside of those places so I could feel their romantic connection a bit more. Other than that I liked the tension in the buildup and the challenge Poe posed for Jericho.
As expected, Poe has the most growth in the story, but there is a lot at play here, offering growth arcs for Jericho and a bit for Landon as well. There is so much that changes when Poe starts working as an apprentice, it touches every aspect of his life and not all of it turns out for the better. As much as I enjoyed Poe and Jericho, I was also invested in the friendship between Jericho and Landon and the father-son story as well.
The authors did a great job writing the main story while setting up the other characters that I assume will have stories in the coming books. There are several secondary characters that made themselves known and teased future stories to come, all of them different and interesting. Blue, Poe’s best friend and partner in art, is trouble in so many ways, but Poe doesn’t see past the friendship and loyalty he has towards him. Landon is fantastic, walking the line of friend to Jericho and single father to Poe and Jericho’s ex, Callum, adds some flirty fun to it all while helping to set Jericho straight.
This was a successful collaboration for me and I’ll be looking forward to more in the series. Looks like the next book will again, have a significant age-gap (a win for me!) and an even tougher nut to crack than Poe was.
At twenty-three, and having just been bailed out of jail for tagging again, Poe knows he is wearing his father, Landon’s, patience thin. Working as a cashier at a gas station and living in his father’s basement allows Poe to spend the nights with his friends and pursue his passion for graffiti art, but he understands his father’s frustration with him, even if he mouths off about it. He just wishes his father respected his art a bit more. When Landon’s friend Jericho, owner of the tattoo parlor next to his garage, offers to take Poe on as a receptionist and possibly as an apprentice, Poe is less than thrilled, regardless of how sexy Jericho is. Jericho’s been in Poe’s position and was given a hand up and he’d like to pay that favor forward, plus he knows Poe is a talented artist.
Poe has always gone for older men or women and likes to be dominated and used by them and being around Jericho, watching him work at his passion, just has Poe’s attraction growing. Jericho has taken notice of Poe but there are so many reasons not to get involved. Poe gets aggressive, makes it clear that he is eyeing Jericho and they ultimately give in and find out their interests may line up even more than expected. When Jericho manages to get over the employer/employee stumbling block, he still has concerns about the seventeen year age-gap, his friendship with Landon and the daddy play. He doesn’t want to be a father to Poe for sure, but he does like taking care of Poe and the kink works for both of them.
I really enjoyed this story and these characters. I love a mouthy character, especially when his love interest knows how to react to him and that is Poe and Jericho, so their back and forth from the start worked for me. As far as the romance goes, it’s a slow build at first, but once Poe and Jericho get together, they jump right into exploring the daddy kink. I liked the way it worked for them, it’s only during sex and is pretty mild, but I wanted it explored just a little more (I also admit I was disappointed when a celebratory sex scene was teased and then not shown). While we see that they are compatible in the work and bedroom settings, I wanted more of Jericho and Poe’s relationship development outside of those places so I could feel their romantic connection a bit more. Other than that I liked the tension in the buildup and the challenge Poe posed for Jericho.
As expected, Poe has the most growth in the story, but there is a lot at play here, offering growth arcs for Jericho and a bit for Landon as well. There is so much that changes when Poe starts working as an apprentice, it touches every aspect of his life and not all of it turns out for the better. As much as I enjoyed Poe and Jericho, I was also invested in the friendship between Jericho and Landon and the father-son story as well.
The authors did a great job writing the main story while setting up the other characters that I assume will have stories in the coming books. There are several secondary characters that made themselves known and teased future stories to come, all of them different and interesting. Blue, Poe’s best friend and partner in art, is trouble in so many ways, but Poe doesn’t see past the friendship and loyalty he has towards him. Landon is fantastic, walking the line of friend to Jericho and single father to Poe and Jericho’s ex, Callum, adds some flirty fun to it all while helping to set Jericho straight.
This was a successful collaboration for me and I’ll be looking forward to more in the series. Looks like the next book will again, have a significant age-gap (a win for me!) and an even tougher nut to crack than Poe was.
October 11, 2020
DNF @51%. Even Kirt Grave could save this book for me.
It lacked tension, was choppy, and I wasn’t invested in the characters. I didn’t like Poe, he acted quite childish without a real reason to do so. Maybe this was resolved later on, but the authors didn’t draw me into the story.
Oh well, I really wanted to like this. I should have paid attention to the lukewarm reviews from my friends.
My rec? Just enjoy at the delicious cover, it’s way better than what’s inside.
It lacked tension, was choppy, and I wasn’t invested in the characters. I didn’t like Poe, he acted quite childish without a real reason to do so. Maybe this was resolved later on, but the authors didn’t draw me into the story.
Oh well, I really wanted to like this. I should have paid attention to the lukewarm reviews from my friends.
My rec? Just enjoy at the delicious cover, it’s way better than what’s inside.
December 4, 2017
4,5 stars
I loved this one more than I expected. This writing duo surprised me. I turned the pages super fast.
More thoughts soon.
I loved this one more than I expected. This writing duo surprised me. I turned the pages super fast.
More thoughts soon.
August 3, 2017
***ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
Okay, so first this book was "meh" for me, mostly because Poe was a punk ass bitch who I was like "how am I going to end up liking him?" and then it got super hot once they got together - daddy!kink hellooo, which was actually fairly mild throughout this, but it was there and I do have to say I really really like the daddy!kink, if it is done right and isn't completely cringe-y which thankfully, this book didn't do - and then Poe started to grow on me to the point where I loved him as much as Jericho by the end of this.
But my annoyance with Poe turned into to full on hatred of Blue, his best friend, during this. I don't know how on earth these two ladies are gonna make me like Blue in his book - because I bet you the next book will be Blue and Callum - but if they made me love Poe after I wasn't sure how they would, then I hope they'll make me love Blue too. But for this, he was wayyyy worse than Poe ever was.
Because Poe honestly was just like a 23 year old that was still stuck in his "rebellious teen years" and had an attitude to match it. But it wasn't serious, and his behavior improved the more this book went on. But what Blue did....
Ultimately I really enjoyed this and I've always liked Piper Vaughn but was weary of Avon Gale after I read a book of hers I only gave two stars to - but these two together is good, because this was a wonderful story overall. I really loved the romantic moments between Poe and Jericho, and I was sooo happy this book didn't fall prey to the miscommunication trope. A few instances, it could have gone that way and it didn't and I was like thaNK YOU. And Jericho telling Landon, Poe's father almost right away was such a deviation from the norm in these types of stories it made me incredibly happy. For once, they tell someone who should know near the beginning of their relationship, not when it's months and months into it. Or more.
Only took a star off because of Poe's earlier behavior, goddamn Blue who pissed me off to no end, and the "meh" beginning that took a while to warm up, to me at least.
Otherwise this was really enjoyable and I think its worth a read, especially if you are into or don't mind the daddy!kink.
Okay, so first this book was "meh" for me, mostly because Poe was a punk ass bitch who I was like "how am I going to end up liking him?" and then it got super hot once they got together - daddy!kink hellooo, which was actually fairly mild throughout this, but it was there and I do have to say I really really like the daddy!kink, if it is done right and isn't completely cringe-y which thankfully, this book didn't do - and then Poe started to grow on me to the point where I loved him as much as Jericho by the end of this.
But my annoyance with Poe turned into to full on hatred of Blue, his best friend, during this. I don't know how on earth these two ladies are gonna make me like Blue in his book - because I bet you the next book will be Blue and Callum - but if they made me love Poe after I wasn't sure how they would, then I hope they'll make me love Blue too. But for this, he was wayyyy worse than Poe ever was.
Because Poe honestly was just like a 23 year old that was still stuck in his "rebellious teen years" and had an attitude to match it. But it wasn't serious, and his behavior improved the more this book went on. But what Blue did....
Ultimately I really enjoyed this and I've always liked Piper Vaughn but was weary of Avon Gale after I read a book of hers I only gave two stars to - but these two together is good, because this was a wonderful story overall. I really loved the romantic moments between Poe and Jericho, and I was sooo happy this book didn't fall prey to the miscommunication trope. A few instances, it could have gone that way and it didn't and I was like thaNK YOU. And Jericho telling Landon, Poe's father almost right away was such a deviation from the norm in these types of stories it made me incredibly happy. For once, they tell someone who should know near the beginning of their relationship, not when it's months and months into it. Or more.
Only took a star off because of Poe's earlier behavior, goddamn Blue who pissed me off to no end, and the "meh" beginning that took a while to warm up, to me at least.
Otherwise this was really enjoyable and I think its worth a read, especially if you are into or don't mind the daddy!kink.
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