Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆
This is the story of the complicated relationship that develops between a tattoo artist with a complicated life and a young social worker who falls for her tattoo artist.

Jamie is trapped in an unhealthy cycle of caring for everyone in her life. While she’s happy to care for her daughter, she still feels responsible for her alcoholic parents and her ex-wife. I had mixed responses to Jamie. I had empathy for her stress, but I also just wanted her to do something about her situation. On the outside, she seems tough and in control, but I kept getting frustrated with her inaction.

I engaged more with Sierra. Like Jamie, her childhood was difficult, but she has moved on and become a strong adult. Sierra helps people because she enjoys it – not because she feels responsible for them. I love that Sierra continually surprises Jamie with her maturity and capability. Despite Jamie’s reservations, Sierra is the caregiver in their relationship.

As a romance, I’m not sure I really felt the chemistry between Jamie and Sierra – there are a few good steamy scenes in this story but I feel like there’s some sexual tension missing. I’m also not sure the sex in the book actually develops the characters and relationships as good sex scenes should.

For me, this was a slow, gritty read. Jamie and Sierra’s pasts are pretty dark, and the women go round and round in circles together. I feel like the story is missing an overarching plot. The romance is too quick to carry the story and the fundraiser storyline isn’t developed fully enough to carry the book either. Subplots about Jamie and Sierra’s families aren’t quite enough to pull the book together. The story wanders at times and so did my attention.

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't realize it was the 2nd in a series, but that is a good thing. You can totally read this as a standalone. I do plan on going back to read the first now that I know it is out there. I really enjoyed Jamie and Sierra chemistry. I appreciated that their relationship developed slowly and it felt very natural. I liked the setting of the tattoo shop and the whole aspect of Sierra’s job. Well written and plenty of characters left who could eventually have their own story.

I love when an author writes about MC's that have come through a tough childhood and are still thriving and surviving. I felt that the book was meaningful and the MC's character's had depth. Really, the book is about these women's past making them stronger. I loved the dialogue and the story. This was a winner

3.75 Stars. I’m a fan of this series. Something about tattoos mixed with romance just brings the heat. This is the second book in the series and I liked both books about the same. What’s nice about this series is that while it centers on a group of women, who work in a tattoo shop, the stories completely stand on their own. You can read these first two books in any order you want while not having to worry about any spoilers or any open storylines that might mess you up.

This is a small age-gap romance of about 12 years. Jamie, a tattoo artist is the “mom” of the group always taking care of everyone including her own parents. Sierra is almost the opposite of Jamie, very bubbly, outgoing, and up for adventure. Can two women with great chemistry, but that are so different, have a chance at being together?

I liked that while this book dealt with some tougher subjects like alcoholism, it really was a feel good romance. It did have some angst, but it was very low all things considering. I’m in a mood were I am craving drama and angst, so this was actually not the perfect book for me right now, but I really liked this couple so I was happy for them to have a mostly feel good romance.

The main characters worked for me. While both could drive me nuts for different reasons, I still enjoyed them. Even with Jamie being a little “subdued” at times, I think I was getting a little character crush on her. I was also happy with their chemistry together. The characters didn’t fall into bed right away and it helped their chemistry together grow so that the eventual sex scenes were pretty good too.

I did have a few complaints, but they were only minor ones. I did not understand why Davids made Jamie seem so old. She’s only 37! As a 37 year-old myself, you made me feel like I’m ready for retirement reading this, jeez. That was just weird and annoying. Secondly, I missed the other characters from the shop. I felt like in book one I was getting a good feel of the other artists, but here there was not a lot of interaction with them. There was a little with MJ but Cassie hardly even spoke, so that was a bit of a bummer. I wanted to see more from the characters I really enjoyed from the first book.

I’m definitely hooked on this series. Both books were good romances and I want more. I noticed one of the characters is thinking about doing a reality show like an Ink Master. The way it was thrown in I hope that means that is what book 3 is going to be about. I’d love to follow a character competing and falling in love on a tattoo competition show. Sounds perfect to me, but no matter what book 3 brings, I will absolutely be reading it.

Actual rating: 3.25

Inked with a Kiss is a contemporary romance between Sierra, a caseworker for a nonprofit that helps children in the foster system, and Jamie, a tattoo artist at Thorn & Thistle. Jamie has been giving Sierra her tattoos for a while, and while there is attraction for both parties, Jamie has always shut it down due to 12 year age gap and feeling she doesn’t have anything interesting to offer someone in their mid-twenties. When Sierra ropes Jamie into helping her with a fundraiser, they begin a casual relationship that gradually morphs into something more serious.

After the first book in the Thorn & Thistle series, I was hesitant but I’m here for more lesbian and sapphic romances. And I’m happy to say I enjoyed this one much more. I loved the chemistry between Jamie and Sierra and the ways their lives meshed. I also loved Riley, Jamie’s daughter, and how much Jamie loves her, how important Riley is to every choice she makes. Sierra has a lot of heart and I loved how her optimism and hope rubs off on Jamie.

This is a good romance and I was enjoying it, but then right at 90% there had to be a new explosion of drama, which killed so much of my precious enjoyment. It felt like that particular wrench, while not inconsistent with characters, was thrown into the story at a point when I’m expecting things to be merrily in their way to HEA, plus it meant things were resolved very easily and neatly. YMMV, but having a breakup of any kind at 90% is not the time to be throwing that into the story.

Other than that particular niggle, this is a good romance and I loved the romance between the main characters. If you’re on the lookout for a contemporary f/f romance with characters growing and becoming more secure, Inked with a Kiss may be right up your alley.

Another thought provoking and delicious romance from Davids. I especially enjoyed seeing caretaker Tattoo artist Jamie Winston finding someone who made her feel secure and cared for, in bed and out. The difference in age between the two love interests was also explored thoughtfully and full of emotion. A must have for library collections!

Inked with a Kiss is a wonderful, sweet and chemistry-laden tale about two ordinary women falling in love under the ordinary pressures of real life.

Thirty-seven-year-old Jamie Winston is a tattoo artist and shop manager with a dysfunctional family – a twelve-year-old-daughter, Riley, whom she adores but clashes with occasionally, her ex-wife, and two helpless, shifty, manipulative alcoholic parents whom she’s forced to care for as they refuse to care for themselves. Because of them and their dramas, she rarely thinks about what she wants or needs from life.

But she’s desperately attracted to Sierra Clark, a lively social butterfly of a twenty-five-year-old social worker. Sierra is fighting budget cuts at work, and when Jamie agrees to help her organize a fundraiser through the tattoo parlor, they begin to grow from smitten strangers to true lovers.

While Jamie encourages Sierra to start thinking of forever, Sierra starts giving Jamie the support she needs in order to draw a line between herself and her parents for good.  But Sierra, still haunted by the death of her mother, has been rigorously avoiding commitment for years. Can Jamie and Sierra overcome their family wounds to finally find real love with one another?

Reading Inked with a Kiss is like spending time with two good friends whom you’ve always rooted for and hoped would get together.  Jamie is hilariously awful at flirting; she’s a loyal daughter whose loyalty is being abused, she’s a great tattoo artist who loves her own child but must learn to communicate with her.

Sierra, meanwhile, is a spark of humor and joy and independence that hides the wounded child within her.  She’s lively and free but not childlike in the least respect.

When the two meet, their romance is both sweet and tempered with hang-ups.  Some readers may find Jamie’s tendency to infantilize Sierra or make a big deal of the twelve-year age gap between them annoying, but she gives good grovel about that by the end of the book, so it became less of an issue for me, especially when compared with their titanic chemistry, which brings the book to its wonderful and stirring conclusion.

The quality of the writing is very high and the author does a great job of making the reader feel like they’re settling down with two old friends, in an upper-middle-class (and lower middle-class) world of genuine emotions.

I loved Riley, who felt appropriately adolescent-ish, and Jamie’s parents are so great to hate.  For readers of the Thorn & Thistle series, MJ appears in this volume as well and continues to be wonderful.

In the end, Inked with a Kiss lands a high recommendation for the beauty of the romance between its characters.  It’ll make you consider getting a tattoo – well, at least looking in next time you pass by your local shop.

Buy it at: Amazon or shop at your local independent bookstore
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If you deal with a parent/parents that are alcoholics, this may not be the book for you. Jamie has many things on her plate- her alcoholic parents, her daughter and being an assistant manager at her tattoo parlor. Her brother has a hands off approach with their parents due to numerous ill attempts to help them. The burden falls on Jamie. Sierra, is one of Jamie's favorite clients. Not because Sierra flirts with her every time, but because Jamie is very attracted to her. Sierra discloses to her that she is a social worker. Jamie enlists her help with her parents, but to no avail. Sierra gives her advice on how to deal with them and tries to get Jamie's mind off of it by having her work on her new fundraiser. The more that Sierra flirts with Jamie, Jamie's defenses are wearing thin.
I would recommend this.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was never really interested in getting a tattoo but I have enjoyed reading about them. After reading the first book in the series, when I saw this one, I decided to read it too. This is a read that looks at several aspects of life and relationships. For example, happiness, friendship, family, love, alcoholism, children, and others can make a difference in your life if you let them. I like how the characters from the first book in the series provided story to this book.

Sierra Clark, is a passionate social worker/case worker with a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of others (especially young people and families). Jamie Winston, talented tattoo artist with a big heart attempting to take care of others (especially her parents) more than herself. With the self-talk, the reader is able to visualize the attraction between Sierra and Jamie as well as the issues they are dealing with and the rut they have gotten themselves into. Both characters are likeable as they put their work and family about all else. I enjoyed the slow wakening to what is important in life.

So god dang good! I love, love, love the relationship between the main characters and all the open communication. So much respect and healthy expectations. I adore that the conflict is resolved in a way that acknowledges the bad behavior without excusing it. The drama was so real I was having anxiety for the characters. I'd write more but I need to go buy and read the first book in the series. You should too!

This is a fantastic age gap romance set in my hometown Portland, OR. This story is sweet and lovable but also pretty heavy and emotional throughout.
Sierra and Jamie have so much in common yet are so very different. They are both compassionate and they both carry deep fears and insecurities from emotional traumas, yet they both want completely different things from each other. Sierra is looking for casual and fun, Jamie is looking for a true connection and serious relationship. Luckily they have this magnetic attraction that is so strong that they ignore all the reasons it can’t work and try to find compromises and essentially force their relationship. Even so they both keep trying to keep each other at arms length creating a push and pull dynamic that was really great.
The romance was sweet as they both had so much personal growth and had to learn to trust one another all while dealing with conflicts in their personal lives. The sex was extremely steamy and passionate building an even greater connection between them. It was really fun to see a genuine love story blossom between two women who aren’t perfect or perfect for each other all the time, but they bring out the best in each other most of the time and make each other happy.
I loved how art and tattooing influenced the story and the characters, I love seeing that drive to do something you are passionate about.
I wish they had communicated more at the end before the epilogue, without spoilers Sierra’s not communicating her feelings led to a situation that them both hurting and I would have liked see her open up to Jamie about it. I know they worked it out but would have liked to see the resolution for the sake of closure.
A super fun and sexy read that had an amazing cast of characters and a relationship that was at times messy yet beautiful in its authenticity. I look forward to more stories about the Thorn and Thistle crew.

3.5 stars - Inked With a Kiss is the second book in the Thorn & Thistle series by Jennie Davids. This time, the focus of the story is on tattoo artist Jamie Winston and her client Sierra Clark. Jamie doesn’t have much time for herself. She is a single-mom and takes care of her alcoholic parents. She has a lot on her plate, but she kinda lusts after Sierra, a 20-something social worker with a difficult past who comes to see her when she needs a new chibi animal tattoo to cheer her up.

They both didn’t want a relationship, or so they thought...

Jamie was definitely my favourite out of the two MCs. I guess she could be considered “boring”, but I kinda related to her the most. She’s responsible, likes her routine and isn’t comfortable in crowds. Sierra is more like a wild child who doesn’t want to get attached. She likes having fun and nursing plants back to health. I liked how both Jamie and Sierra were willing to do things out of their comfort zone to get to know and spend more time with each other.

I’ve been waiting for this book ever since I read New Ink on Life last year. I really enjoyed the first one, and this sequel ticked a few of my boxes. I’m a little bummed to admit that I enjoyed the first one more than this one. It’s not a bad book, I had a good time reading it, and I’m sure a lot of people will enjoy it, but I personally didn’t feel any connection between the two MCs and their relationship didn’t totally work for me. Often, I was confused and frustrated by Sierra’s thoughts and actions. I didn’t feel like she was completely committed to her relationship with Jamie and that’s obviously a turn off. It got better in the end though.

Still, I think you should give this book a try and support the author if you’ve read and enjoyed New Ink on Life, like cute tattoos and love plants :p

I really hope we get another book in this series!

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I haven’t read anything else by this author and didn’t realise this was the second in a series. The first book actually sounds more interesting, I might go back and read that one.

This was fine, but I didn’t love it. I liked the tattoo parlour setting and Sierra’s social work background. Sierra was a pretty interesting character, but I found Jamie dull. She also goes on and on and on about her age, but she’s 37 not 67. There’s a 12 year age gap between her and Sierra but it felt like it should have been 40 the way she carried on and it was tiresome.

I did like the way they met and that their relationship unfolded through them spending time together, also liked Jordan and Riley as secondary characters. The tattoo parlour characters might have made more impact had I read the first book. Jamie has serious parental issues, and I liked how these were depicted as well, and that she stood up for what she needed in the end.

Like I said, I liked it enough to finish it, but I wouldn’t re-read it. Those who read the first book would likely get more out of it. 3 stars.

I’m always impressed when an author takes two characters who have gone through really trying times and still writes a rather light and fluffy story. Fluffy doesn’t mean it’s not meaningful, by the way, but rather that it’s heartwarming without being depressing. That’s what we get here with Inked with a Kiss.

Both Jamie and Sierra managed to rise above tough childhood and become kind and selfless adults. At thirty-seven, Jamie is a respected tattoo artist. She’s on pretty good terms with her ex-wife and her teenage daughter, not so much her brother and alcoholic parents. Her parents are functioning alcoholics, have been throughout Jamie’s childhood. It’s all she’s ever known, and while her brother has decided to stop helping them since they’re not willing to help themselves, she has a very hard time letting go. She’s aware she’s enabling them to some extent, but she needs that feeling of helping, of saving.

Sierra is a twenty-something social worker whose job is threatened by budget cuts. She’s full of energy and ideas. Her latest endeavour is a fundraiser to get disadvantaged kids access to art supplies. When she asks Jamie – who does all her tattoos – for her help, she’s also hoping the attraction she’s feeling for the artist will flourish and lead to something real. She’s down for a fling, Jamie isn’t. Neither does relationships, for reasons linked to their past. Sierra lost her mother at a young age and was rejected by her grandmother until her outcast gay uncle took her in. Jamie doesn’t want to impose her complicated life (the complicated part being mostly due to her parents) to anyone.

Life, however, has a way of not caring about self-imposed boundaries.

There’s nothing intense about this novel, nothing depressing, but it doesn’t shy from sensitive and painful issues (I’m not talking tattoos, though they play a big part in the story). It’s a good example of what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. The Carina Press HEA/HFN promise guaranteed that Jamie and Sierra would find a way to be together, but it never felt artificially straightforward. They both had to work on themselves and on the relationship, accept that not everything would be perfect every day. They’re both relatable and complex characters, with very different personalities. The secondary characters were layered too, from Jordan, the young adult working with Sierra to Jamie’s brother Ryan or her daughter Riley.

There were also characters from the first book in the series, New Ink on Life, namely Jamie’s coworkers. I haven’t read this one yet (Inked with a Kiss can be read as a standalone) but it’s going on my list right now.

I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is the first book I’ve read in this series and I will definitely read Book 1. I really enjoyed everything about this book. I found Jamie and Sierra to be great, well-rounded characters. I loved the back drop of a tattoo shop and all of the supporting characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a different type of romance, one without a lot of angst and unnecessary drama. It’s simply about two people finding their way to one another and accepting the other’s baggage and helping them through.

Jennie Davids brings us another episode in the Thorn and Thistle books. Inked with a Kiss is the second book in the series and this one has one of my favorite tropes: age-gap.

Jamie is a 37 year old assistant manager at Thorn and Thistle tattoo shop, single parent, responsible for taking care of her alcoholic parents. Jamie is also crushing pretty hard on her client Sierra. Sierra is a 25 year old social worker, passionate about her work, loves tattoos, super into Jamie.

The chemistry between Sierra and Jamie is pretty electrifying. Both of them really enjoy each other but have created some obstacles for themselves. Sierra is afraid of commitment because she doesn't want to lose another person that is safe and grounding. Jamie is worried that Sierra will just be another person in her long line of people to take care of and save. Both of them navigate these obstacles and find each other in the end.

I really believe in this author and this series. That being said, Jamie is one of my least favorite characters of the Thorn and Thistle group so far. She treats Sierra like a child because of her age and it's unwarranted. Sierra has consistently been taking care of herself her entire life. In the end Jamie redeems herself slightly but her apology to Sierra seems a bit flat. Overall, I enjoyed Jamie and Sierra’s story. I’m eager to see what's next for the Thorn and Thistle crew.

3.5 stars

I was curious with unflappable Jamie when I read the first book of this series, New Ink on Life, and wondered who would be her love interest.

It turns out that Ms. Davids give Jamie Winston a bubbly younger woman, Sierra Clark, who works as a social worker and loves her chibi animals tattoo. Sierra makes Jamie's world tilted. She used to be the one taking care of everyone; Jamie has been doing that for a long time, starting from her alcoholic parents. However, this time, Sierra makes Jamie feels like a teenager and her feelings going up and down.

Okay, first thing first... I can understand Jamie. She has been one that everybody relies on. I think she needs to be; even if that makes her predictably boring. Heck, even her ex-wife thinks so. So Jamie wonders what to do with Sierra - with her being younger than Jamie too. She doesn't know if some of the excitement that Sierra is ready giving her, it's the right thing.

The only thing that bothered me about Jamie is the way she's so hang=up with her age... You're 37, Jamie, not 107. Come on!

Sierra, on the other hand, I'm having trouble with. I really don't understand her aversion towards relationship. Is it because of her age? That she's just want to have fun? But it doesn't feel like it when she approaches Jamie. If Sierra's reason it's because she doesn't want to lose someone she loves, it's not convincing enough for me. It doesn't feel like Sierra is a "screwed up" ... you know?

Guess my biggest issue with this book is I don't feel that the relationship is "balanced". That's why I don't love this as much as book one. Having said that, I still look forward to the next book of this series whenever that be.

I've been waiting for the second one in this series, and I wasn't disappointed. It also made me want to go back and re-read the first one with MJ and Cassie. And also, just to get more Jamie time since I liked her so much.

This is Jamie's book, and Davids paired her up with a good one in Cassie. Both of these two were very well developed and also, brought out the best in each other. What was interesting to me, was that Jamie was the older of the two but she also seemed to grow the most. She had a lot of self help to work through in this book, and it was cute to see Cassie lend her the support she needed when Jamie was so worried about the age gap. On the flip side, Jamie helped focus Cassie's energy so that she was more productive and thoughtful. It's a cute, but also hot at times, relationship.

I'm really looking forward to the third (hopefully) book in this series. I'm not sure who exactly it will be centered on, but I can't wait to read more about the whole gang at Thorne and Thistle.

“Art was like a muscle in that it worked best if used frequently. But thankfully, it wasn’t a muscle. It lived in your soul. Your unique perspective never went away whether you were practicing or not.”*

Jamie is extremely attracted to the pretty and oh so young social worker who always asks for cute animal tattoos. Jamie doesn’t have room in her life for another relationship. She is the calm voice of reason in the tattoo shop where she works. She’s co-parenting a daughter with her ex-wife and keeping her hot mess parents from being evicted.

Sierra fears abandonment. After her mom died, she’d spent several months in foster care until her beloved uncle was allowed to adopt her. Now, she devotes her life to helping kids and families in need. Her idea of a fundraiser with the local tattoo shop provides an opportunity for the two women to spend quality time together and a chance to open their hearts to love.

Davis’s follow up to NEW INK ON LIFE is a lovely romance. I loved how the age difference between the women (Sierra is twenty-five and Jamie is thirty-seven) is handled and reflected in their personalities. The baggage each brings to the relationship is relatable. The fundraiser, which provides a fantastic cohesive element, nicely displays Sierra’s passion for helping people and Jamie’s love for art. The kids, with their ache to create art, pulled at my heartstrings.

The novel showcases the other artists who work at the tattoo shop, but the largish cast doesn’t bog down the story in any way. The tattoo artists and piecer play a small part in the novel, yet they add nicely to the overall story and the world. MJ from the series starter has the biggest role, as the owner of the shop, and while Cassie her love has a smaller part, her personality shines through.

I really enjoy this series and I hope it continues with another of the tattoo shop workers finding a happy ever after.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Carina Press for providing an Advance Reader Copy.

*Please note that my review is based on uncorrected text.

Heavy but uplifting book about finding the person who helps you see the good in the world. Book 2 in the Thorn and Thistle world, but you do NOT need to read in order. This can be a stand-alone read.

Jamie, a 30-something tattoo artist at the Thorn & Thistle, has spent her life dealing with her alcoholic parents. As they spiral downwards, Jamie is left with the unenviable choice: keep supporting them, thus enabling their addiction or cut them off, losing contact with her parents. Sierra has had the hots for Jamie ever since she started getting tattoos from her. A social worker, Sierra teams up with Jamie to do a fundraiser and as the two get to know each other better, sparks fly.

Both women, for different reasons, are apprehensive to get into a relationship, but neither can resist the pull. And as their lives get more and more complicated, each finds that perhaps having someone to lean on is not a bad thing.