The Purest Hook
A Second Circle Tattoos Novel
-
- $5.99
-
- $5.99
Publisher Description
Can a love built on secrets survive?
Rugged and hot, heavy metal rockstar, Dred Zander is exactly the type of man that normally sends Pixie running. Not dreaming about running her hands down his washboard abs...and lower. The lead singer and guitarist for the band Preload embodies trouble behind his quick smile and guarded eyes, and Pixie left trouble behind her years ago along with the name Sarah Jane Travers and the pathetic trailer her mom called home. With her abusive past in her past, she has a new life, a new family at Second Circle Tattoos, and a dream of opening her own business. She needs capital and time. What she doesn't need is a tempting long-haired rocker or the paparazzi that follow him around.
But Dred has other ideas. Pixie's sweet hazel eyes, purple hair and kaleidoscopic tattoo of exotic flowers that swirl up her arm haunt his dreams, and he knows she wants him too. He just has to convince her. But as a juicy exposé threatens to expose their pasts, and a blackmailer terrorizes their present, Pixie and Dred have to decide what really matters and fight like hell to keep it.
Fall in love with The Purest Hook, a sexy, emotional, thrilling full-length rockstar tattoo romance from Scarlett Cole, the third book in her Second Circle Tattoos series that follows new couple Dred and Pixie, and don't miss the rest of the band Preload with Jordan Reclaimed, Elliott Redeemed, Nikan Recovered, and Lennon Reborn.
Customer Reviews
Second Circle Tattoos
This is the third novel in Ms. Cole's captivating series about a tattoo shop in Miami, it's owners, lovers and friends. It's suspenseful, heart rending and filled with family and love. The families are a little out of the normal range, which makes it an even more enjoyable read.
Pixie (Sara-Jane Travers) has been with Second Circle Tattoos, Cujo and Trent for six years. They found her nearly unconscious on their doorstep after she was mugged and going through drug withdrawal. They picked her up, helped her through rehab and she has been a sister to them ever since. The fact that she's an amazing manager for the shop is icing on the cake. Her past is her secret to share when she's ready, if she ever is. Pixie has a small business, selling party dresses for little girls on line. She loves the work and it's starting to take off. Trent's co star and now friend on the reality tv show where they judge tattoo artists is Dred Zander. He is lead singer of the metal band Preload, and known for his amazing tattoos. He also happens to be tall, dark and very sexy. They have a running joke, Dred asks for a date, Pixie comes up with a crazy answer, but lately seems to be softening just a little bit.
Dred lives eats and breathes with his band, a group of young men who met as kids sharing a childhood of pain, drug abuse and a last ditch foster home that saved their lives. They all have issues, and sharing as brothers keeps them safe. Their albums have gone platinum, they make lots of money, but being constantly on the road makes writing and recording difficult. Their manager Sam is pushing, leaks have started going public about them, and Dred can't keep Pixie off his mind. When she finally agrees to a date he jumps at the chance. But Dred and Pixie have ugly pasts, parents that were drug abusers, homes they had to run away from and the distance between Miami and Ontario. Pixie is confronted by her worst fear, and Dred is faced with the last thing he could imagine. Will the secrets make or break them?
I highly recommend this series, and for full enjoyment reading it in order. It touches so many emotions and leaves you smiling.
I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
Pat Fordyce
4 Stars!
The Purest Hook is a rocker story with very tragic pasts. Both Pixie and Dred both have overcome very dark childhoods that could be triggers for some readers. The story is maturely written and despite all the dark tones in the story, Pixie and Dred are the light of the story. The way they take care of each other was beautiful to read. There were a few times Dred messed up but quickly realized his mistakes. The other band members come from the same background as Dred but you don't really learn their story. I admit, it has me curious and hoping the author will write a story for each of the band members.
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.3 ~ Family is not defined by blood but by bond.
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
⭐ ⭐ Provided by Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest Review ⭐ ⭐
Judging a Book by it's Cover:
As with the other books in this series, there is a shirtless make with tattoos dominating the cover in a washed out Black and Grey scheme. The text font is plain, but color choice is bold and eye-catching. Synopsis sounds like something I'd enjoy reading.
Looking Deeper:
When Scarlett Cole came bursting on the scene with THE STRONGEST STEEL, I knew she was an author to watch out for. Her writing style is flawless and the flow is incredibly smooth. THE PUREST HOOK was no different. The lead characters had a complexity and depth to them, even while being the more flawed characters to-date. Many of the secondary characters provided a strong base that redefined family and provided warmth and support. I did not get the chance, due to a tight reading schedule, to read THE FRACTURED HEART, but have every intention now to do so. Ms. Cole made me remember just how great Cujo is as well.
Cast interaction was good, although I'll never understand several decisions that were made (or not made) in regards to Amanda and Arnie. I had [the mole] pegged from the beginning, but it did not detract from the story. I am hoping that the rest of Preload will eventually get a story as well as Lia, Erik, and Truly.
The epilogue provides a satisfying conclusion with an implied HEA and room to grow as the series evolves.
Overall, I would recommend this book but strongly suggest - for maximum enjoyment - to read the books in order ALTHOUGH it can stand on it's own well enough, Trent and Cujo are just too special to overlook.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.35 ~ Stars: 4
Trigger warning: touches on PAST drug abuse and child abuse/neglect.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------