This is book number 3 in the series Belladonna Ink. It’s surprising how all the books in the series are so different from each other. Ms. Brown manages to create romances with flawed, conflicted characters with unusual but realistic plots. This is the story of Tansy, a 26 year-old bride who cancels her wedding at the very last minute when she walks into her fiancée cheating. That same day she meets Cai, a 39 year-old tattoo artist, and eventually gets involved with her. Tansy realises that she was in an abusive relationship with her ex that left her broken and fearful. On the other hand, Cai doesn’t do relationships, too traumatised by events of her past. Somehow, both of them find momentarily solace in each other but, will their relationship last?

Written in first person and in present tense from the point of view of both main characters, this book describes their search for redemption, understanding and love. Somehow it is coherent with the plot that their relationship would thrive in a BDSM context but the scenes are sometimes awkward and repetitive. Maybe in this case less would have been much more effective. Fortunately, the emotional aspects of their relationship are explored much better but, in my opinion, part of the reader empathy is lost.

Overall, an ok read if you can put up with long and repetitive BDSM scenes. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.