The Strongest Steel

Trent is a 32 yr old tattoo artist who owns tattoo parlor Second Circle. Harper is running from an ex who severely traumatized her and later her family. She's been in Miami for 4 years now and is barely existing. Taylor has heard of Trent and knows he has a specialty of tattooing over scar tissue which leads to their initial meeting. Trent is one of the better MC's I've read in awhile. He was old enough to be more mature and knew what he wanted out of life. I loved the way Trent handles Harper's fear. She has a lot of reason for that fear and he's the first person in four years that has tried to help her overcome it. You can't help but fall for Trent with the way he heals her. There was no constant pushing away that can get to be too much in a story. There were the times Harper was scared but due to the trauma she suffered, I felt it was only natural to the story. This story was focused on Harper and Trent and overcoming Harper's traumatic past. The only problem is Harper's ex isn't done with her, but now she has Trent to help her overcome. Great story! I really enjoyed it and love that the series continues with a focus on the other characters of the Second Circle Tattoo parlor. ***complimentary copy proved by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Loved it, read the whole thing in a day! It was funny, smart, sweet, and sexy. I wanna go out and get a tattoo!

Excellent story! When a book is written well and written with an engaging story line, it plays like a movie in my mind while I'm reading. This book played vividly! Trent Andrews is one sexy tattoo artist. I still have the scenes from the private room at Second Circle playing in my head. Harper Connelly is an amazing woman. The things Nathan put her through were gut wrenching and it felt good, as a reader, to go through the healing steps with her. The finished tattoo...WOW! I absolutely loved this first book in the Second Circle Tattoos series. I can't wait to read book 2. Received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed is my own.

I liked this book. It was very well written. I love that she actually took the time to let the characters get to know each other and really fall, rather than just first date sex and magically in love. I was left wondering a lot though. Why continue to mention Reid if there would be zero follow up on him ever??? That was really annoying and useless. I have so many questions about Nathan but they would spoil things. This is the first book where the author actually acknowledged the pain after tattoos, proper care, etc. I would love to know what happens with Harper's career. Very good book. Excellent sexy scenes. All believable scenarios. I will read the next one to see if her good writing continues.

I really don't know what to say about this book, it had me in tears before I even finished the first chapter, it had me wanting to hit someone when the bar scene happened, and it had me on the edge of my seat biting my nails when Harper's past caught up with her. I loved how Trent was with Harper when she first went to see him at the tattoo studio. He knew how to handle her delicately without even really knowing why she was as skittish as she was. After hearing a little of her story he was able to designed the perfect tattoo for her to show her rebirth into her new life. Not only were Harper and Trent great together but all the secondary characters were great as well, the chemistry and the banter with all of them made you feel like you were one of their friends out for a drink with them or just hanging around the Second Circle tattoo studio. This is Scarlett Cole first novel and I look forward to reading more of her work. ***I have received this book from St. Martin's Press through netgalley in exchange for my honest review***

This was a fantastic debut book by Scarlett Cole! I couldn't have guessed that I would like it as much as I did! It had wonderful characters, a very engaging storyline, and an appealing setting. It was a wonderful start to the series, and I am highly anticipating the next book! Harper Connelly went through a horrific experience and has decided to try to take part of her life back by covering her scars with a tattoo. Trent Andews, a respected tattoo artist, is immediately drawn to this damaged girl and is determined to help her however he can. Harper, who hasn't trusted anyone since the incident that changed her life, finds Trent's protective understanding and patience just what she needs. The two quickly become very close, developing a strong relationship, but as Harper's attacker is released from prison and appears to be after her again, they have to not only deal with keeping her safe, but also with the secrets they have been keeping from one another. I really felt for Harper, with all she went through in the past. She was such a loving, sweet person, and I was so glad when she found Trent. Trent was strong, protective, and very appealing. The two of them were wonderful together, and I thought their romance was incredibly sweet and touching. I liked the storyline and thought it had a nice balance of suspense with the romance. Miami and the Second Circle Tattoo Shop provided a great background for the story. This book was such a wonderful surprise for a debut novel! Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

** Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest Review. ** -- MY THOUGHTS -- Judging a Book by it's Cover: Brightened B&W photo gives it a washed out, faded appearance, allowing the blue font to be more prominent and eye-catching. Subtle, yet appealing. The synopsis hints at a pair of people with scarred pasts, hope for a new life, and the dangers of the past coming back to bite them. I'm excited to sink into this one. Looking Deeper: Wow, are you flippin' kidding me right now?!? THIS is a DEBUT novel / author?!? From the first page, I was sucked in. Harper's blend of timidity and bravery is fantastic. Trent has an amazing protective patience that is incredibly attractive. Their chemistry and compatibility builds at a natural pace, lending to the believability of the story. The secondary characters add just enough support and layers to create a richer fuller plot, but do not overpower the lead characters. The reader is given Harper's back story in parts and pieces, allowing you to feel what Trent feels. With the littlest incidences, we were left on the edge of our seats, wondering... waiting... he's bound to make a move soon... right? Page-turning excitement, laughs, heartache... this story had it all covered. There are numerous conflicts that are resolved in very real, raw ways - not always right or mature, but believably human mannerisms and reactions are allowed to play out. Predictability played only a minor role towards the end and there were little surprises / twists throughout. The conclusion is wrapped up tight in a perfect epilogue. The only thing that could have made it better would've been to shed some light on Reid's disappearance (I have my suspicions: guilt-ridden), but other than that, this was a freakin' fantastic debut novel and I truly and wholeheartedly look forward to reading book 2 in the series! ---------------------------------------------------------- Heat Level: 3 [PG-13 / R] ~ sexual content, 4.25 ~ Score: 4.7 ~ Stars: 5 physical, graphic violent event from the past but described in detail and relived throughout the story ----------------------------------------------------------

Hooked from the beginning. Someone like Harper, who has so much potential can make such a great story when she has the right motives and support. Trent is that perfect duo. Such a an awesome love story!