Tattoo artist Brody "Cujo" Matthews knows how to keep things simple. In life and in love. Abandoned as a child by a mother who refused to stick around to raise three boys she didn't want, he's intent on staying clear of complicated women. The only things complicated in Cujo’s life are the killer tattoos he designs and inks. That all changes when he’s asked to help organize his best friend Trent's engagement party, which means working with Trent's fiancée's best friend, Drea, the definition of high maintenance and sizzling curves. And the one woman he doesn’t want to walk away from.
Andrea "Drea" Caron is broke and tired. After years of caring for her ailing mom, she's at the end of her rope trying to manage the piling medical bills, two jobs, and a life placed on hold. She certainly doesn’t need the added frustration of a sexy playboy tattoo artist messing up her best friend’s engagement party or her carefully balanced life. But when Drea witnesses the abduction of a woman from the café she works at, she can’t help but turn to Cujo who’s determined to prove to Drea that he’s someone she can count on forever…but as they attempt to bring the truth to light, someone is working to bring that forever to a sudden, deadly halt.
Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble iBooks
Publishing Date: January 5, 2016
Stars: 4
My Review: 4 don't you know all creative types have a VIVID imagination stars. The first book in the series is where we meet Cujo as Trent's best friend and partner at Second Circle Tattoos. He's cocky, loyal, fun-loving, and protective. We also meet Drea in the first book as she's Harper's best friend.While Harper and Trent are on the fast track to marriage, Drea and Cujo are responsible for putting together their engagement party and sparks do fly.
Drea didn't have time to go to college because she was stuck taking care of her mother and providing a roof over both of their heads. She works multiple jobs in order to live. She's hardworking, honest, loyal, sweet and in serious need of love and care. She can't help but be attracted to Cujo but knows she should stay away from him.
Cujo loves his life but there are parts of it that led him to be who he was including a run in with cancer in his teens and his mother taking off. He works hard, is loyal to those he cares about, and is extremely sexual. It is really easy to like Cujo and even more so when he goes out of his way to help and take care of Drea.
The two struggle with their attraction, being together and all the other things life throws at them. The story is about learning to forgive, learning to accept help and learning to let others love you and give love. The novel is decently paced, there's no rush to the finish line but there's also no dragging. I liked Cujo from the first book and am glad to really see him in this one. The way he lives his life makes sense given what he has dealt with and gone through. I remember Drea vaguely and really enjoyed seeing all her sides and shades.
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