Review: Fantastic read that you MUST buy!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 30, 2013
I was excited to read Midnight Ink because I have been a long-time fan of Jayne Rylon and Mari Carr. While I had heard of some of the other writers who contributed to Midnight Ink, this was my first introduction to most of them. Well, after reading Midnight ink, they all have a new fan. I don’t think I can say enough good things about this anthology because it was beyond amazing.The stories in the anthology are grounded in the Midnight Ink tattoo shop set in New Orleans. Each story includes a couple at a crossroad in their life and how they work through it. The culture and beauty of New Orleans is reflected in each tale and every author has captured the essence of New Orleans in their descriptions and characters. I have never been to New Orleans, but after reading Midnight Ink I think I’m going to have to book a ticket.The stories flow so effortlessly and seamlessly, that they almost appear to be written by one author just using different names. I was amazed and impressed how several characters appeared in multiple stories, yet the characters remained true to themselves no matter which author included them. Each story, despite being novellas, provided a complete story. The relationships between each couple leapt off the pages and right into my heart. I loved the friendship and camaraderie among the staff at Midnight Ink. Their receptionist Sassy was the glue that held the stories, and the tattoo shop, together. On her own she was an amazing character and I just wish that she had found her own HEA.At this point I must confess that I do not have any tattoos myself, nor have I ever understood the fascination with ink. However, after reading Midnight Ink, I have come to appreciate the thought that goes into each tattoo and the artistry that is needed to create them. Each tattoo that one of the characters had received, had a personal meaning and represented something special to the wearer. I loved that even the tattoo artists themselves, and they are indeed artists, took the time to understand their client and create a piece of art that truly represents the wearer.It would be nearly impossible to tell you which of the stories were my favorite because each one touched me in a different way. In each story, the hero and heroine were people that I came to care about and cheered for their happy ending. Whether it was the woman coming to terms with surviving breast cancer, or the woman breaking off from her controlling mother, or the woman trying to move on from a divorce, each woman was strong and determined to regain control of their lives. The men were strong yet sensitive, dominating though caring, and pretty close to perfection. There wasn’t a bad story in the bunch which is pretty amazing. I can honestly say that I have never before read an anthology in which I loved each and every story.Midnight Ink is currently priced at only 99 cents. This is an unbelievable bargain considering the high quality of the writing. My suggestion is run, don’t walk to your computer and download this anthology just in case the powers that be realize the gem they have and raise the price. You won’t regret your decision.