Laura Wright (1)

In book one in the Wicked Ink Chronicles, Addison and her best friend Lisa head to Las Vegas for a tattoo convention in order to see Rush Merrick, a famed tattoo artist and Addison’s ex-boyfriend.
For the past five years, Rush has been nursing a broken heart and refusing all contact with Addison, but then he finally has to deal with the past when she shows up at his exhibit. Though he hates her, he still loves her
I love stories featuring tatted men, especially sexy-as-hell tattoo artists! Rush was deliciously wicked and foul-mouthed. Both Addison and Rush were pretty foolish when they were seventeen—she for taking their relationship for granted, and he for not giving her a chance to explain—but desperation and heartbreak makes people do crazy things.
Most of the story focused on the H/h’s emotions and internal conflict, and less with the world around them. I really wish there would’ve been more information about Addison’s family and why she was in foster care. I would also like to know how Rush became a well-sought-after artist.
The story has a HFN ending, but their story is continued in a second book. I’m really interested to know what happened with Lisa and Vincent (Rush’s tattoo artist friend and coworker).
I enjoyed Ms. Wright’s writing style, and though I normally don’t read 1st person narrative, I found this story easy to follow.
4 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
… (more)

Branded
4 Stars

After the death of their father, Deacon Cavanaugh and his brothers return home to the Triple C ranch with one goal - to destroy the ranch and their father's legacy. But Deacon's determination is tested when the ranch foreman, Mackenzie Byrd, challenges him at every turn, and soon he will have to choose between his obsession for revenge and a future with the woman he cannot live without.

While Deacon and Mac have strong chemistry, their backstory is underdeveloped, and their romance has little going for it other than insta-lust. Aside from mentioning Mac's girlish crush and Deacon's annoyance at her friendship with his sister, Cass, there are few details of their past acquaintance. Moreover, the transition of their relationship from opponents to soulmates is sudden and unrealistic, as is Deacon's decision with regard to the ranch at the end.

That said, the rest of the plot elements are much more intriguing. In addition to the kernels of a murder mystery, there are also snippets focusing on the lives of Deacon's brothers, all of whom have problems and secrets of their own. It will be interesting to see where the author takes these characters.

In sum, despite the shortcomings of the romance, Branded is a well-written and entertaining read and the mystery has definite possibilities.

… (more)

Broken
4 Stars

After the losses of both his younger sister and his fianceé in quick succession, James Cavanaugh has sworn to never love again. But his attraction to quietly confident Sheridan O'Neil challenges him to face his demons and risk his heart one more time.

James and Sheridan are both engaging characters and their romance progresses naturally at a smooth and steady pace. Nevertheless, their chemistry is not as tangible as that of Mac and Deacon. Moreover, James's constant self-deprecation and stubborn unwillingness to accept that he is in love with Sheridan gets old after a while.

The real appeal of this and the previous book is the investigation into the murder of Cass Cavanaugh. There are some intriguing developments in this regard, and it will be interesting to see where the author takes this in the third installment, which focuses on Cass's twin, Cole, and the former Sheriff's daughter, Grace.

Overall, this series has tremendous potential as a suspense novel, but the romances so far have only been so-so.… (more)

Brash
4.5 Stars

Brash is the third installment in the ongoing saga of the Cavanaugh brothers' investigation into the murder of their younger sister, Cass. This book focuses on her twin brother, Cole, an MMA fighter who uses his guilt to fuel his rage in the ring, and Grace Hunter, the daughter of the former sheriff, who botched the case. Cole and Grace work together to uncover new leads into the identity of the mysterious "Sweet" and his connection to Cass's death.

Cole and Grace's slow-burn, opposites-attract romance has all of the chemistry and true intimacy lacking from the previous books. Their teasing banter is particularly delightful, and it is fun following along as they finally submit to the tension that has been building from book #1. Wright also manages to avoid much of the angst and drama that detract from Deacon and Mac's as well as Sheridan and James's stories.

In terms of the mystery surrounding Cass's death, there has been a great deal of exposition and foreshadowing, which makes it relatively easy to guess some of the twists and turns that emerge. Nevertheless, these revelations add another layer of intrigue to the story.

The book does end on a rather jarring cliffhanger, but the final installment is thankfully published already so I am off to read it ASAP.



… (more)