Permanent Ink by Jaime Samms

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Blurb

2nd Edition

Beauty is only skin deep, but some marks—and what they represent—are impossible to escape.

Eric resents his comfortable college life and the restrictions his family’s expectations put on him. Dwayne, his best friend Angel’s cousin, is a pierced and tattooed ex-con trying to rebuild his life. Eric sees only the tattoos and the way Dwayne’s upbringing have dictated his future. It takes a surprising revelation from Angel to force Eric to see past Dwayne’s defenses to the generous heart beneath and to realize it’s time for him to break free of his own instilled beliefs. The men can’t keep apart, and they gradually learn that everything they thought they knew about each other might be wrong.

Opposites attract as two men from very different backgrounds move from enemies to lovers in a story of understanding, compassion, and redemption.

First Edition published by Pink Petal Books, 2011.

Review 

My Rating - 3.5 Stars!

Jamie Samm's Permanent Ink is an interesting opposites attract romance which  delves into some tough topics.

It definitely explores the idea of first opinions, race, bigotry, and more. Eric  found Dwayne attractive, but was also very scared of him. The beauty of the story is that the Dwayne the world sees is nothing like the true Dwayne.

As the world sees an ex-con, and the bad boy with the dark skin, tattoos and piercings, that is not at all who Dwayne is. As we learn more about Dwayne and his background, my heart broke for the gentle man. A man who's loyal and generous, a man who's kind and will sacrifice for others, this is not who the world sees.

Eric, meanwhile, is a man who always lusts after unavailable men. I love his relationship and easy banter with his roommate. And with Dwayne, I really enjoy them as a couple. 

The author excels in her illustration of assumptions and misconceptions;

bigotry and judging one based on your impressions. She perfectly paints this world where color and class dictate everything, while also showing that under the armor Dwayne is a man full of loyalty and sacrifice.

An interesting look into race, oppression, and misconceptions, Permanent Ink is definitely a short and worthwhile read. 

Like No One is Watching (Dance, Love, Live #1) by Jaime Samms

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Blurb

Dusty has finally landed a job he thinks he’ll be able to keep long-term, even with his broken brain and bum knee. He didn’t anticipate that cleaning a dance studio would reawaken his yearning to dance—even though he is no longer capable—or that meeting the studio’s director would rouse his dormant libido. Or his sleeping heart.

Conrad thinks his life is finally complete with his successful dance studio and a steady stream of students. When Dusty arrives, he rediscovers his thirst for a man who will let him hand over control and give him the undivided attention he’s never had. The trouble is, Dusty isn’t sure he’s worthy of the studio director’s submission.

To make their relationship work, Dusty will have to trust his ability to dominate the powerful and beautiful dancer, and Conrad will have to stop talking long enough to hear Dusty’s promises.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!


Jaime Samms' Like No One is Dancing is an interesting read. I find it rather slow, but the message is beautiful. 

One can't help but to fall in love with Dusty. His lack of self-worth is emormous, as well as heart-breaking. His background is tragic, and dancing helps him feel centered and grounded again. But, with his bad knee, he struggles with taking the chance. 

Conrad's love for Dusty is strong, and is perceverience is even stronger. They're an odd couple, definitely not one you'd expect to see, but they're also a hot couple. 

Overall, Like No One is Watching is a sweet and touching romance. At it's heart it's about acceptance and healing. 

Not As Easy As It Looks by Jaime Samms

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Blurb

Don Jenkins will do anything for a happy, thriving family and home. When he discovers that Griff McAllister, his life partner and love since high school, seems to be losing faith in him, he’s at a loss for how to mend the relationship. Then Howard Campbell is added to the mix, a man Don and Griff both love beyond words, and jealousy and mistrust threaten not just their bond, but even Don’s ability to keep his farm viable.

Nearly losing Howard in an accident serves as a wakeup call. They begin to pull their relationship out of the muck and work to remember why they came together in the first place. If they can figure out how to help one another and make sure each man gets what he needs, the trio might build the loving future they’ve dared to hope for. They have to be brave enough to commit every resource they can muster—especially trust, understanding, and acceptance—and realize true love is never as easy as it looks.

Cover Artist - Paul Richmond

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Jaime Samms' Not As Easy As It Looks is one of those books that I just couldn't help but to fall in love with immediately.

Their love story is very complicated, with many feelings involved. They deal with fear and doubt, in addition to so much love. 

It's a tender story of three men, trying to fill in the holes in their relationship. They struggle with finding balance with each other and their efforts. These are three broken man, all with broken hearts. It is beautiful, tender, and has all the feels, as they try to figure out a way to all love one another equally. They strive to find a place where they are complete together.

Not As Easy As It Looks is fantastic. If you enjoy menage, do not miss out on this one by Jaime Samms.