Hard Ink cover art

Hard Ink

Get Ink'd, Book 4

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Hard Ink

By: Ali Lyda
Narrated by: Connor Brown
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About this listen

I don’t have the best history with older men.

When Mateo saw my last relationship implode, he was there to help. He saved me. Hopefully, self-defense lessons will keep me from getting hit again.

I can’t ask for more of my friend. Even dreaming of keeping him is wrong. But when my ex makes things difficult, Mateo steps up again.

I don’t want a protector, but maybe, it’s time to accept a little help. For the first time in my life, I want something real.

What will it cost to keep the man I’m falling for?

Bryan needs a protector. Those rich old guys that chase after him aren’t the answer. All I want is to keep him safe.

I want to watch him grow into the strong man I know he can be. Falling for him wasn’t the plan. But now that I’ve had a taste, I can’t let him go.

Sparks and ink fly in Hard Ink, a 60,000-word stand-alone m/m workplace romance between a tattoo artist and teacher Mateo and his student and co-worker Bryan.

©2020 Special Fiction Books (P)2020 Special Fiction Books Contemporary Contemporary Romance Romance Romantic Suspense Suspense Heartfelt

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I really liked Hard Ink. I am loving the Get Ink’d series and this one did not disappoint. I liked the sweetness between Mateo and Bryan, I loved the respect and time to allow Bryan to mature. I thought the pace of the story was perfect as these two build their relationship. Especially as Bryan was so young, it was a great Young Adult story. I thought that each of them having more in common and to discuss than tattoos was nice. I liked the side stories and the growth each of them developed over the course of their romance. I still loved getting to keep in touch with the rest of the Get Ink’d crowd. I am looking forward to the next story.
I really enjoyed Connor Brown’s voice was very nice to listen to. I liked the pace of narrating and loved listening to a book I had read. I definitely recommend this audio book.

I love the Get Ink'd series

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Mateo is such a protector and a real sweetheart. When he witnesses Bryan being roughed up by an abusive, controlling ex he immediately steps in. Bryan is feisty and working really hard to rebuild his life. Both men try to resist their attraction to each other but the more time they spend together, the more difficult that becomes.
I loved how strong both of the characters are, even though they both have their vulnerabilities, they keep fighting for and supporting each other.

loved this book

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This series started a little rough for me but I’ve settled into the later books with enthusiasm, snapping them up as they’re released on audio. In Old Ink, Regan brought Bryan into the ink shop after Brian had served time in juvie. Bryan was jaded, to be sure, but wanting to start fresh. Regan and his shop offered him that chance.

That book ended where this one picks up – with Bryan being attacked. There’s a predator who is going after young men looking for sugar daddies – something we all wish wasn’t necessary, but sometimes young people need money fast and there are always older adults ready to exploit that need. Bryan has got himself entangled with one of these predators and can’t seem to extricate himself. Mateo comes to the rescue and Bryan is humiliated that he needs help at all.

Mateo understands second chances. He also served time in juvie and although he’s only twenty-seven, he’s already got a solid reputation in the ink community as well as teaching art at a community college. Bryan signs up for Mateo’s class which makes things really interesting – because the professor is very attracted to the student.

Now, at one point the plot hinges on Bryan moving in with Mateo for protection. I wasn’t convinced Bryan leaving his grandfather alone was safe, but sometimes plot devices don’t have to make sense. Bryan moves into Mateo’s home as his stalker continues his pursuit.

Then Mateo’s mother reappears after years of neglecting her son. As a drug addict, she was a terrible mother and now there might be a chance for reconciliation – but Mateo will have to let go of all the old hurts. Balancing that fragile relationship and a young lover proves too much. So the question was – would the two men be able to right their relationship or will Bryan’s immaturity prove to be too much?

The narrator for most of the books in this series is Connor Brown and I have to say he’s great. His voice suits the characters and his narration is unobtrusive as he tells the story. A story I enjoyed.

Turning his life around

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Listener received this title free

Four books into a great series, and I think I have a new favorite. 📍

Bryan has been through some rough spots in his life, including juvie. Things aren’t all sunshine and roses when he gets out, but he found an ally in Reagan, and a job at Get Ink’d. One requirement of the help he was getting to better himself, was to go to college as well. Things begin to look up for him, but he knew his luck was bound to change. Nothing good lasts long. On top of that, he has a crush on someone who probably wouldn’t even bother with him. 📍

Mateo was older, wiser, and has been around the block a few times. Yet, he finds himself drawn to this adorable, young redhead at work. After coming to his rescue, he finds himself wanting to help him. Since he felt like they could never happen, he had to at least teach him how to defend himself. The more time they spent together, the deeper they both fell, until it was inevitable. They were a forgone conclusion. With Bryan’s stalker still out there, and not taking no for an answer, the stakes become higher. 📍

This is a well written story. It was great seeing old faces again, as we get to know Bryan and Mateo better. I liked the dynamics of their relationship. They were sweet, and supportive of each other. The crisis kept me on my toes, and I found myself as nervous as Bryan was at various times throughout the book. This was more than just a romance; it is a story of personal growth for Bryan and Mateo. They both had demons to put to rest. It was touching watching them both be there for each other. Watching Bryan discover his worth, and that he had the strength all along, was incredible. 📍

While this story can technically stand on it’s own, I recommend reading/listening to them in order. It’s a good series, and you won’t regret it. 📍

Connor Brown does another great job with giving these characters a voice. This is the third book, in the series, he’s narrated. I read the book prior to listening to the audiobook, so I was able to focus more on his narration, and I felt like he did the story justice. His voice did not detract from the story; it enhanced it. He captured their emotions and personalities well. I’d gladly listen to his work again. 📍

Great story!

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Listener received this title free

I have found myself really enjoying this entire series so much. This is just another book in the series that has shown what a great writer this is. Mateo isn't a character that has been in the limelight of the Get Ink'd series, so I wasn't sure how into his story I'd be, but this is actually so interesting and deep that I found myself entranced in it quickly and really getting into their differences and strengths. Another great story out of this series!

Another amazing addition to the series

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