A tattoo parlor, a rock band, a youth center, and secrets make this second chance romance exciting and a must read.

Jackson Paige once tutored Jami Dillion when they were in law school. Years later the truth will come out as to why he suddenly left her behind. Their reunion is one that brings their world full circle, can they finally figure out what went wrong?

A story of a woman who will discover her voice, figure out her worth and feel loveable. The pain she has endured impacted her personal and professional worlds. Both of their families thrive on secrets, deception, and lies. Can they leave that world behind and live a life of passion, friendships and love?
Will Jax finally find a way to mend her heart and figure out that the only woman he wants in his life is Jami?

If you're looking for a second chance romance that has inferno level heat with BDSM elements check this one out.

I’m a sucker for books with musicians so when this book was offered up I jumped at it plus it filled my need to read a new to me author. Beautiful Mess was entertaining with a great hero, a heroine that drove me nuts, secondary characters I want to hang out with, and a reunited lovers story with a twist.

Jackson Paige (aka Jax Pain) is a talented tattoo artist and the drummer for Manix Curse, an up and coming band. He has a half sister he adores, parents he barely tolerates, and a group of friends he considers more family than friends, and ne never lacks for female companionship although he’s beginning to find that a bit old. The last person he ever expects to see walking into the shop he works in is the woman he walked away from 5 years ago and to find out she is one of his best friend’s sister makes life a bit more complicated.

JamiLynn Dillon will do anything to please her parents, seriously ANYTHING and that includes tracking down her former CEO brother, Mason in a tattoo parlor of all places. (Let me say that I found Jami’s inability to tell her parents no and her ridiculous need to make up for something that happened back when she was a teenager tedious especially given that the is a hard working attorney.) Finding her brother in the chair of Jackson, the man who left her back in law school without so much as a word throws her life into a tailspin, and while this Jackson is a bit different from the one she use to know, her body is screaming that he’s exactly the man she needs.

I really liked the overall story in this book, but it was very slow to start and it was repetitive. I often felt like I was being beat over the head with the same problem/arguments. While this couple had history, I had issues that the hero didn’t come clean soon after they reunited with what happened in the past and I could not understand how someone out of law school and supporting herself continued to let her parents run her life. I was happy to see JamiLynn grow a pair, but for me it was too little too late by the time she did.

Beautiful Mess was a good story that could have been a great one with just a bit more polishing.

***This review originally appeared in RT Book Reviews***

Lane’s earlier book was a little rough in places but this one is as smooth as silk. In the opening scene, heroine Jami is “assaulted” by a heavy metal anthem; struck motionless as it brings on memories of an earlier, much different life. Similarly, this book pounces instantly and drives on like the most relentless bassline. Riveting sexual tension slams these characters together but it’s the emotional arcs that make them leap off the page. This relationship breaks them both wide open and Lane shows us everything in their hearts – every messy, beautiful, artistic, erotic and imperfect bit that makes them perfect for each other.

SUMMARY: Jami’s brother is about to ruin his life, and it’s up to her to stop him. Trouble is, ruination soon starts to look pretty good to her, too. She arrives at Tattuagio to talk him out of a tattoo, but when the tattoo artist/metal band drummer turns out to be the hottest fling she ever had and lost, her tidy, well-structured life gets turned upside down. Suddenly Jackson Paige is everywhere – in her brother’s new inner circle, on her client list, in her bed… and in her heart. But she’ll never fit into a rock star’s lifestyle, and she couldn’t bear to hold him back.

What does a rock star and a lawyer have in common? Apparently, a lot because even after 5 years, they were still pining for each other.

The second book in the Rock 'n Ink series, "Beautiful Mess" follows attorney Jami Dillon and Jackson Paige, the drummer of Manix Curse, a metal band on the rise. They met at law school and though both thought they have moved one, just one meeting and they all the old feelings were back with a vengeance. But, before they can plan a life for the future, they still have to face their past, which was like opening a Pandora's box.

A complicated romance of star-crossed lovers, "Beautiful Mess" is also a story of second chances, not just for the lovers but also for family and friends. Author Kasey Lane developed the main characters with so many layers and facets that it is hard not be affected.

The story is not necessarily a tear jerker, yet you will find yourself cheering for Jami and Jax. Of course, having Kevan Landry and Mason Dillon (Book 1: Beautiful Crazy) appear in supporting roles added to the gravitas of the narrative.

A great read overall, "Beautiful Mess" is Rated M for Mature due to sexual content.

Jami was at the tattoo shop named Tatuggio. Jamie is a corporate law lawyer. Jamie felt her brother Mason had lost his mind. He quit his job as CEO of the biggest entertainment market company on the West Coast. Jamie was chasing after Mason. Jamie would do would do anything for her mom and dad that is why she is there to talk to Mason now. Jami pretty much let her parents run her life.Jami was now a control freak who lacks self confidence and self esteem from her parents constant emotional attacks on her. Mason and Jami are very close brother and sister and deeply care for each other. Jami did really love one aspect of her life she volunteered at domestic violence shelter and that makes her happy. Jami and pushed her real passion deep inside herself. Mason had gone crazy for Kevan who was from across the tracks. Jami liked Kevan and understood why his brother fell for her. When Jami went into the tattoo shop the song playing her mind went back to the past. Then Jami heard a voice she instantly recognized but hadn’t heard in five years.. Her body immediately responded to that voice. It was Jackson and he had been her college fling. Jackson and Jami had met when they were both in law school. Jami and Jax dated for about a month. Then Jax left Jami without a word and broke Jami’s heart. Jax had walked away from Jami because the both knew they didn’t fit and and her parents confronted Jax and made it clear they knew Jackson and Jami didn’t fit. Jackson let his fear rule him and he walked away. Then Jamie heard her brother Mason’s voice and he called her over to him he was getting a tattoo on his back and Jackson/Jax was doing it. Jackson now went by the name Jax. There was an electric connection the minute Jax and Jami’s eyes met. Jami did know Jax was a gifted artist. Jax also was a drummer in a band called band called Manix Curse.This was an up and coming band. Jax had come from a family with money and his parents expected him to become a lawyer and aid their political aspirations . Jackson quit law school and instead went after his passion music and art. The next time Jami see Jax it is as her brother's engagement party as Jax is his good friend. Jax and Jami end up in a guest bedroom. Jax decides he wants Jami back He is relentless. Jax’s band needed a lawyer for their upcoming tour in the spring and then another the following summer but also recording negotiations. Mason becomes Jax’s band P R manager hires Jami to be the band’s lawyer. Jami finally decides to give Jax another chance .This time Jax was all in and wasn’t afraid to let everyone know he loved Jami. Even though Jami tried to push Jax away as she wasn't going to let him break her heart again but once Jax committed to Jami again he didn’t leave her just was there for her anyway he could be.
. I really liked this story. It kept my attention from the beginning to end. I loved that Jax was strong enough to go against his parents for his passion that makes him happy. I wasn’t very happy when he left Jami and broke her heart but he did everything he could to make it up to Jami and I grew to love him. I know how much pressure parents can put on a boyfriend/ girlfriend. I’ll take Jax for my book boyfriend. I am glad Mason broke away also. I also love how Jami eventually becomes happy and trust Jax and has a good relationship with him. I also loved how after Jax decided he wanted Jami back he went all out and refused to leave her or let him drive him away and he didn’t care who knew he loved her. I love the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.

Beautiful Mess is the second book in the Rock 'n Ink series by Kasey Lane. I have to say that I definitely enjoyed this one much more than the first book. Jackson is the drummer for Manix Curse. Jami is Mason's sister and has spent the last few years trying to keep her life very ordered. It has already spun out of control once and she won't let it happen again. That is until Jackson comes back into her life.

Like I said, I really enjoyed this one. There is a bunch of angst, but it made the HEA that much more worth it. Jami is such a mess. Her parents really did a number on her self-esteem and confidence. Jackson is the perfect fit for her as he really sees who she is and how to help her find that out. Despite his mistake in the past, I was really rooting for them to make amends and take their second chance.

The other thing that I am liking about this series is the characters. I love how they have created their own little family and are willing to rally around each other when the situations calls for it. I am looking forward to seeing whose story is next. Maybe Bowen's?

Enjoyed Beautiful Mess by Kasey Lane. This was the second book in the Rock ‘n’ Ink series but can be read as a stand alone. Overall this book was well written but there were sections/thoughts that just kept being repeated. I think it could have used a little more editing.

That being said I will be checking out other books by this author because the story was interesting.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I love yoir book. Great story. Jami and Jackson are beautiful and strong together. Friendship and love are powerful.

Beautiful Mess is a second chance romance about a rock star and a lawyer who is hired to help the band but finds out the drummer is her old flame from college. Jackson and Jami are hot together, but there is so much to overcome. The differences in what they want out of life seem insurmountable.

I was given a chance to read this through NetGalley. This is my first time of reading a book by Kasey Lane and I enjoyed it.

I voluntarily received an ARC copy of Beautiful Mess in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful Mess is another sizzling and captivating romance from Kasey Lane. Jax is a strong sexy alpha with one heck off a dirty mouth and he intrigued me in Beautiful Crazy, book 1 in the Rock n Ink series, so I was thrilled to find out he was getting his own book.

I have wanted to read this series since the first time I saw the cover for book 1. The cover art is truly beautiful! But I forgot to go back to read the first so I picked up this second one instead (another cover that I loved!) I tend to love stories centered around tattoo artists and I was expecting a bit of that, mixed in with a “good” girl needing to loosen up a bit. Sadly, as much as I wanted to really like this story, I just couldn’t connect with it.

The first thing I was a bit thrown off by is the mesh of tropes thrown in here! The hero is a law school dropout turned tattoo artist (apparently a really good one) plus he’s the drummer of a up and coming (on the verge of massive success) band. I wish there would’ve been less there to deal with. Otherwise, I really liked Jackson’s character. Well, that is until we figure out why their relationship failed in the past. This is after all a second chance story and I couldn’t help but get a bit pissy about the reasons why he couldn’t stick around and make their relationship work. Honestly, I just lost some respect for him.

Jami, our heroine, is now practicing law and letting her family dictate how she lives her life. Always has. Her true passion is something she barely even considers for herself. I wanted more from her character. There were a lot of things that could’ve made the story more emotional and deeper in her backstory and issues. They’re only touched on superficially and I think that may have been a missed opportunity on getting more meat from the story. She seemed a bit naive and one dimensional.

In the end, I found this story was lacking something to get me interested in the characters and I was never invested in the outcome. It’s not a bad story, it was just okay and not much about it stood out to me. I wanted the emotions to run deeper and in the end I didn’t get that out of this book.

A strong second chance romance from Kasey Lane. Though it is book 2 in a series, it reads well as a standalone. The hero and heroine are multi faceted , as are the secondary characters. The way that Ms. Lane writes made the possibility of other books centered on the secondary characters seem inevitable but interesting. Beautiful Mess is a well-crafted, easy read. It's a fun, sexy read, and looks like an entertaining series.

Beautiful Mess is a beautifully written, sexy, sweet, tempting romance that swept me off my feet and left me in a completely blissful state! The cover literally took my breath away, but it was the wonderfully made up characters and steamy romance that really took my heart for a drive. I HIGHLY recommend this incredible romance to one and all that love a great read with a beautiful cover and a stunning story!

Beautiful Mess is messy...for your heart...in one of the BEST ways imaginable. I won't say too much more about this book because you need to READ this to get the full AMAZING effect of the story. You won't put it down once you start and you will LOVE it!

Beautiful Mess gets a BEAUTIFULLY SEXY FIVE SHOOTING STARS! This book had incredible heat, HIGH OCTANE passion and impressive characters.

I really enjoyed this sexy and angsty second-chance romance. This is the first book I have read by this author and I can't wait to read more!

When attorney Jami Dillon strides into the conference room to meet her new client, she's stopped in her tracks by an all-too familiar figure. Jackson Paige. He's her tall, tattooed, and sexy as hell hook up from law school-who also broke her heart.

Hell's bells.
Jackson Paige was, in fact, Jax Pain, the drummer of Manix Curse.
That thing in Jami's chest tightened, making it hard to breathe.

Jackson Paige, aka Jax Pain, has worked hard to put that unfor-frickin-gettable fling behind him and the nasty secret that made him leave her. Truth is, life as the playboy drummer of Portland's hottest metal band hasn't helped him to forget the fiery, sexy woman who stole his heart. Lucky for him, Jami was just hired as his band's new attorney. But when he sees the look on her face when she realizes who her new client is, Jax wonders if maybe being this close to her again isn't such a great idea. The explosive chemistry is there, but so are the dark secrets...

Okay, so at first this book was 4 stars for me and then it became 3 stars because I just couldn't stand all the issues Jami had. I like a good book with the heroine overcoming something and it deals with it in a manner that doesn't last the entire length of the book....like the whole book almost. Plus, if you're an attorney - you'd think Jami would have no problem saying the word "NO" but for some reason, she can't tell her parents that. I'll help you out Jami...NO. If it were me and I was in her shoes, I would have booked, like a plane somewhere away from her parents! I read other books at the same time I was reading this one because it couldn't keep my attention. I was like a rabid dog hyped up on adrenaline to get at its victim. It was that through almost the whole book. The beginning was slow but then the rest of the book was basically Jami and her trust issues and problems surrounding that. I felt like this was more school-age and not adult genre. The side characters were all likable but at the same time, you had to wrap your mind around what was going on in the central story.

I was given a copy of this ARC from the publisher on NetGalley for an honest review. All of the above comments are my express opinions and no one else's.

After reading the first installment in the Rock 'n' Ink book series I couldn't wait to return to the world of Manix Curse with the band's tattooed rockers looking for love. In this story of opposites attracting Ms. Lane not only beautifully balances the sweet and sexy romance but also addresses the issue of domestic violence in a respectful yet deeply affecting way. It all adds up to a compelling read with a delicious drummer who claimed my heart and a frustrating at times heroine trying to find herself.

Jackson Paige came from a family of money who expected him to be a good boy and become a lawyer to aid in their political aspirations. What Jackson wanted though was to create art which made school a lonely place to be until he found Jami Dillon. Their month-long relationship changed both of their lives irrevocably but her parent's machinations, and his belief that he's not good enough for her, had him vanishing without a word. Fate drove him further away from her and towards a life of art and music, a music career that has his band on the cusp of fame. Fate intervenes once again though by bringing Jami back which gives him the chance to make things up to her and claim her as he always wanted to in a story of putting the past behind you and fighting for your own HEA. Jackson's a sexy beast, with his tatted-up body and sensual smirk, and I couldn't help being drawn to him. He's flirty and a master at dirty talk which had me blushing during some of his and Jami's erotic encounters. He's the quintessential book boyfriend for always saying the right thing and is quick to be there for Jami when she needs support. He knows he let fear rule him their first time around but he's all-in now and proclaims his love loudly and often which endeared him to me. He embraced the possibilities of what they could be as opposed to her, who felt their love was fleeting which left me frustrated by her oftentimes.

Jami Dillon's home life was one of towing the line, constant criticism, and fear of repercussions as her wealthy parents always found fault with her and her brother. Her attraction to the inappropriate Jackson, followed by a painful and emotionally scarring relationship with another, brought her to a very low point that changed her completely. Her once lively personality morphed into a buttoned-up and judgmental duplicate of her parents. She fought to keep in control and make her parents proud despite how unhappy she was becoming. Her brother's unexpected connection to Jackson though reawakens all the emotions she once had for him in a sensual tug-of-war that leaves her questioning everything she thought was right. Jami's a bit cold and condemning when readers first meet her, lonely with few friends as all she does is work on not disappointing her parents. Her life is regimented along with a style that is severe and warns others to stay away. Her only joy early on is her work at a domestic abuse shelter. Being with Jackson though brings out a softer side, a playful side that has her becoming a part of his group of friends who are more like family. She never wanted help or support before, but this edgy and eclectic group unselfishly help her at every turn which shows her that you can't judge a book by its cover. Because of her fears and self-doubts though their relationship doesn't run smoothly. She always assumes the worst and lets her parents manipulate her despite how loudly she proclaims herself to be a strong-willed woman. I was often frustrated by her being ruled by her past, not wanting to commit fully out of fear, and felt that she didn't deserve the near-perfect Jackson. It's not until very late in the story that she proves herself worthy of him, and even then he makes it very easy for her to make amends, which made me love him even more. Ultimately she's not a perfect heroine, but one who's flawed and who learns to love through friendship and the unconditional acceptance of a drool-worthy drummer who wears his heart on his sleeve.

From start to finish I found myself fully immersed in this story for its engaging main couple and angsty journey to HEA. I enjoyed their crackling connection and combustible encounters in and out of the bedroom and the straight forwardness of Jackson in dealing with their issues. Once he committed to their being a couple he never ran, despite how hard she tried to push him away. Along with this appealing main couple came a delightful cast of secondary characters who were supportive and gave a unique definition to family. The glimpses of the women who worked at the shelter showed women with painful pasts that they're still dealing with but not being defined by. Seeing the other members of Manix Curse gives readers lots of delectable eye candy as they're a self-assured group of talented men, a bit cocky as well when it comes to Marco especially, and I look forward to them being brought down by love. The character that most captivated me though was Bowen, a recovering addict trying to make amends for his past of hurting others. He's more contemplative and quiet this time around, weighed down by his past with his pain and uncertainties palpable. I look forward to seeing more of his road to recovery as he finds a worthy woman of his own. This was a solid read that stands nicely on its own, but reading the previous installment will help in understanding the family dynamics that drive Jami. Ms. Lane nicely balanced the serious issue of domestic abuse with an erotically-charged romance, and a delicious hero who I still see in my dreams, and I'm greatly anticipating the next installment set in the sensual world of tattoos and rock 'n' roll.

Sometimes fate just jumps out and bites you on the butt – surprised, painful and a bit annoyed is the usual reaction when that happens. For Jackson and Jami you could add in totally rocked their world and neither is sure just yet if that’s a good thing or not. There was a time when they might have been each other’s world – then nothing, Jackson disappeared off the face of the planet, no word, no reason simply gone. Now they’re face to face once again, and it doesn’t look like the past is going to stay back in the past. But are the risks of learning the reasons from back then worth the possible future they might make right now. That is still up for debate.

Beautiful Mess is a second chance for two people who had a short relationship during law school that affected them each. But life, decisions and circumstances had them making choices that would change the course of what might have been. Now they have the chance to reunite almost with strangers for they both are definitely not the people they once were. It was emotionally heartbreaking at times to see how dominated Jami was by her parents’ desires and their control of her life. She has issues, now she has to make choices that won’t be easy, will definitely rock the world she’s been living in but the man she loves is worth it – as long as she can become what he sees, a strong, brave woman. Jackson kept secrets from Jami, the truth is always painful and difficult to admit to, yet this time around things will be different. They have to be if he is to have the woman he loves, needs in his life again. There will be battles to be fought, choices to be made but they are the only ones who can decide if what they have together is worth the risks.

I enjoyed Beautiful Mess. This couple had things that had to be dealt with, not always easy or pleasant but necessary. Yet the good things in life are rarely too easy. Going along on this journey with Jami and Jax was touching, sexy and enjoyable. I’d recommend this story for any Romance reader.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Jax is a talented artist/tattoo artist along with being the drummer of the band Manix Curse that is just ready to break out. What happens when his best friend’s sister who he walked away from five years ago comes into his shop? Jami is a hard working attorney who has family issues and those issues ended up chasing Jax away all those years ago. Is Jami ever going to stick up for herself and is Jax deserving of a second chance?

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for a freely given and honest review.

Beautiful Mess is a sexy, second chance romance. Jax (Jackson) and Jami had a hot hookup, well more than a hookup, back while they were in law school. But, he disappeared on her and she hasn't seen him in 5 years. She's become a boring corporate attorney living her life to her parents' expectations, or at least, trying to live up to their expectations, when she runs into him at his tattoo shop where he's giving her brother a tattoo. They're so opposite of each other that it's a wonder how they manage to get back together, but I'd guess it's because once Jax sees her again he's bound and determined to get her back.

But, there are more obstacles to a happy relationship between the 2 other than just that he ghosted her 5 years ago. There's the fact that she's so prim and boring that she knows there's no way she fits into his exciting artist life. But the biggest obstacle is that Jax and his band are on the cusp of becoming famous rock stars. How can Jami possibly mesh with a sexy, tatted up, soon to be famous rockstar?

I really like Jax, he's sexy, and sweet and so fiercely determined to get Jami back. Jami, though, I never connected to. Actually, not only did I not connect to her, she drove me batty. She's more than a bit whiny, she's got so many damn insecurities and they dragged this story down, A LOT. I understand why she's got the insecurities and issues she has, but it didn't help make me like her any more. Had she been stronger, far less whiny and annoying, I would have definitely rated this 5 sexy, tattooed stars. Alas, Jami prevented me from giving Beautiful Mess a higher rating.

Jackson Paige AKA Jax Pain. Drummer of the up and coming metal band- Manix Curse. Jackson shocked to see his old lover walk through the door of his tattoo shop after he left her with no explanation five years earlier and never looked back. Time hasn’t dulled his feelings for her and he wants back in her life but once she hears his reasons for leaving, she may be the one this time who leaves and never looks back.

Jami Dillon. A contract attorney who always follows the rules. She never expected to see her greatest heartbreak when she comes looking for her younger brother, Mason, concerned over some of the choices he’s making in his life (book one-Beautiful Crazy). She is stronger this time around but still hiding some pretty deep scars. She can’t/won’t allow Jax to break her heart again…because this time she won’t survive it.

I was really looking forward to reading this installment after reading book one, Beautiful Crazy, and briefly meeting our leads. Second chance romances with an opposite attraction trope and buoyed by some serious undertones? Sign. Me. Up. Unfortunately, what should be an emotionally complicated and extremely sexy romance struggles under the weight of too many tropes, an underdeveloped storyline, repetitive dialogue, and two characters who romance I didn’t buy.

The beginning starts off on a high note as our hero and heroine run into one another for the first time in five years. It’s deliciously tense scene with plenty of sexually fueled anger and shock. We learn that Jackson and Jami were fellow law students and lovers. Jackson lets us know right off that he left her one night without so much as a goodbye and that she deserved it. And you believe it because Jami comes off rather snobbish in her attitude and dialogue. Right away Lane sets up the dichotomy between this couple- giving more credence to Jackson’s claims. Jami is so uptight and rigid while Jackson seems to go with the flow. Jami followed her parent’s demands and became an attorney while Jackson grabbed his dreams with both hands and is a talented artist and musician. I liked the tone of this couple and was ready to see how Lane was going to break them and then put them back together whole.

Their next meeting is at Jami’s brother’s engagement party and that’s the beginning of where the story started to fail for me. Jackson and Jami have an interlude in the guest bedroom and while it was H.O.T. as all get out, it felt manipulative. Jami doesn’t say boo to Jackson over his disappearance five years ago but we are suppose to believe she will fall into bed with him a few days after seeing him again?

From there the relationship picks back up with Jackson and Jami bobbing and weaving; unsure if this was the route they wanted to take again. It made me nervous too. We really don’t get to see what they were like previously nor do we get to see the fallout so I never got a good feel for how they were compared to now. Also, while the chemistry between them is smoking -Jackson is quite the bossy boy with the dirty mouth- I was more weary of what kept the attraction alive for five years of no contact and how easily it was for them to fall back into it.

Jami and Jason’s reconnection is littered with numerous pitfalls. Jami is a control freak who lacks self-confidence and self-esteem due to her parents’ constant emotional attacks on her. They really are awful people. She develops some coping mechanisms but they aren’t healthy. Jackson also suffers from some self-esteem issues. When we learn exactly why Jackson left Jami five years ago, it explains some things but also makes him look like a huge arse and I lost respect for him. Lane does an admirable job of facilitating communication between Jami and Jackson over Jami’s many issues but they seem to rehash the same things over and over with no real insight or resolution. Lane truly misses an opportunity to dig in and extract more from both characters. As it was, they stay pretty much one dimensional and boring.

I did enjoy seeing some familiar faces from Beautiful Crazy. Kelvin and Mason are still crazy in love and the band is on its way to stardom. Mason and Jami have a wonderfully close sibling connection and their interactions are where she seems to really shine. Lane gives just enough interaction with various other the secondary characters to ensure fans there is more Rock and Ink to come.

Beautiful Mess suffers from the dreaded sophomore slump and is sadly not of the same quality as the first book in the series. It does have a solid base, strong writing, and plenty of potential so I hope this was just an anomaly and book three brings back quality I know Lane is capable of.

RATING: D