Reviewed by True
TITLE: Live Ink
AUTHOR: Clare London
PUBLISHER: Jocular Press
LENGTH: 82 pages
RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2023
BLURB:
When beauty brings not pleasure, but poison
Russ is an apprentice tattoo artist with big dreams but few opportunities. He’s a good, steady employee, he cares about the tattoo studio’s clients, and he has plenty of imagination invested in his own designs. But he never seems to catch a break.
Not like celebrity tattooist Leo Andersson, famous for his good looks, professional success, and artistic flair—and the subject of Russ’ hopeless crush.
Yet, maybe not so hopeless. When Leo asks Russ on a date, he also offers him a chance to have his amateur art brought to everyone’s notice. If only Russ had the courage and belief in himself to take it.
Then a disgruntled client secretly offers Russ a weird and disgusting talisman that’s supposed to grant wishes—and will make Russ’ talent fly. Desperate to be Leo’s artistic equal, Russ finds himself at a moral crossroads.
If you were offered a magical chance to let inspiration flow freely through you, to bring you rapid fame and fortune—and the admiration of the man you’re falling in love with—wouldn’t you be tempted to take it?
Without ever considering the price to be paid….
REVIEW:
Russ works as an apprentice tattoo artist at tattoo shop Inkorporated.
His boss told him already his own designs would not be used.
Russ has a crush on tattooist Leo Andersson, who works at Hearts of Ink on the other side of town. He is quite a famous tattooist.
So Russ took his design over to Hearts of Ink, to show them to Leo and get a chance to see the man himself.
Leo doesn’t act as the celebrity artist he is, he advised Russ to attend a design contest.
When they run into each other at a coffee shop, they start talking and talking. A friendship turns into something more.
Russ does random things around the shop, with no chance to fully grow. One night a customer hands over a kind of artifact that will change his life, drastically.
Russ’ life is indeed changing, it looks like it’s all on the bright side until it gets darker and turns into a nightmare.
It is a read full of kindness, friendship, a sweet blooming romance, some hidden layers that are slowly revealed, and last but not least a touch of magic.
I loved the mellowness of this story, while there’s romance the level is low, nothing to complain about.
Overall an interesting, captivatingly written read with some unexpected turns.
RATING: 
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