cover image Inked Armor

Inked Armor

Helena Hunting. S&S/Gallery, $15 trade paper (368p) ISBN 978-1-4767-6430-6

Hunting’s sequel to Clipped Wings is a dark, intense, emotionally charged story of two tormented characters who can’t believe they deserve love. Tattooist Hayden Stryker hasn’t heard from his lover, Tenley Page, in three weeks. He begins to fall apart as he did seven years ago after his parent’s brutal murder. When Tenley reappears, she knows she owes Hayden an explanation, but his fear of her leaving again makes it hard for her to freely reveal her secrets. Fortunately, their intense, addictive emotional and sexual attachment, and their similar misery from guilt, allow them to understand and help each other and gives them hope of a future together. Hunting makes it easy for newcomers to dig into Tenley and Hayden’s story, which comfortably stands alone. Sensitivity to serious issues, adoring lovemaking, a look into the world of tattoos and piercings, a dash of humor, and a feel-good ending will delight fans and new readers alike. (May)