Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Etched on My Heart

SERIES: My Heart (Book 2)

AUTHOR: Annabella Michaels

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 178 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 15, 2022

BLURB:

Everyone has secrets. Things about themselves they keep hidden out of shame or fear. Some secrets are so painful, so loathsome that leaving them in the past is the only way to move forward. But there’s one universal truth…secrets always have a way of coming out.

Outwardly, I look like a guy who has it all. I live in one of the greatest cities in the world, run my own successful tattoo shop, and have an amazing group of friends I can count on for anything. But even they don’t know my deepest, darkest secret. No one does and I plan on keeping it that way. That is until Maksim Benenati walks into my life.

Maks was supposed to be a simple one and done, the only thing I’ve ever allowed myself. But things become more complicated when he suddenly shows up at my shop looking as tall, dark, and stunningly gorgeous as the night we met. Just like that night, he’s sexy and charming, but he’s also stubborn and extremely determined when there’s something he wants. And what he wants, is me.

Little by little, Maks begins wearing me down until what started out as a random hookup turns into so much more. After years of keeping everyone at arm’s length, I find myself in danger of losing my heart for the very first time. But will love be enough to hold us together when my secret is finally revealed?

REVIEW:

Oh my what a fabulous book that deals with a very difficult and heartbreaking subject.

Jasper is one of the best friends/found brothers/college roommates of Akio,  Garrett and Travis. He is a one and done kind of guy. Never trust anyone except his “found” brothers, their mates and their families. Never trust a man. Never open your heart. And to get a one and done with him you have to agree with two simple rules: once only…no repeats and he only tops! When Maks, one of the newest members of Hamilton Security, spots the delectable man at Whipped gay bar he is instantly attracted to him. When Jasper issues his rules he doesn’t balk. Their night of passionate sex is all he could hope for until the moment it’s over and Jasper walks out immediately when he’s through. Still confused the next day Maks decides to distract himself by getting a tattoo of his beloved companion Bomber, his military working dog he retired with. When the guys at Hamilton Security recommends Timeless Tattoos and they have an opening from a cancelation he grabs it. When Jasper walks into his booth to tattoo his next new client he and Maks are both shocked. But what shocks Jasper more is when Maks states, when they are finished, “there’s something you should know about me, Jasper. I’m a Marine and Marines don’t quit.” What happens next when a head strong tattoo artist who doesn’t date and a strong, confident retired marine go head-to-head? Sparks are sure to fly but love may just prevail!

So many wonderful things to say but the biggest is…I’ve missed these wonderful men of Chicago that Annabella has created. From the Souls of Chicago series to the Hamilton Heroes series and now the My Heart series these books mix and blend with the friends and families of these wonderful and honorable men. You don’t necessarily have to read all these books. This book explains the basic friendships however why would you not want to? This universe that she has constructed in modern day Chicago is filled with rich and wonderful stories of men struggling but happening upon their perfect mate at the sometimes most inopportune times but that’s what makes their love even stronger.

I will say that there have been many touching stories in these series’s but what Jasper endured was heartbreaking and horrific. It broke my heart the way everything went down and you realize that he needs a honorable and patient man and Maks filled that to a T!

I did enjoy getting to see and hear from so many of the men in past books. How they support their friends and rally when needed is touching. These men all know that someone always has their back when they need it. I will caution you to please take heed of the warning that both myself and Annabella posted before you begin her book. If you have triggers with childhood sexual abuse and rape then this is not the book for you. However, if that isn’t a trigger then you are in for a journey that can’t help but melt your heart!

Warning: Past child sexual abuse is described in detail in this book

RATING:

BUY LINK:

Amazon