Angie
Proceed With Caution:
This book contains drug abuse, vandalism, discussions of parental neglect, and jail.
The Basics:
Permanent Ink is narrated by twenty-three-year-old Poe, who is on his last chance with his father, and Jericho, Poe's father's best friend who is willing to take Poe under his wing. Jericho owns a tattoo parlor and invites Poe to apprentice with him, but he doesn't expect the younger man to invite him for more than just a boss-employee relationship.
My Thoughts:
I loved Permanent Ink! Age-gap romances are my jam and this is an especially good one, even though the gap isn't too wide (seventeen years). Plus it has tattoos! It's also relatively low drama, or at least the drama that is present feels more real and natural rather than forced for the sake of drama.
Permanent Ink is focused on second chances and just giving people a chance in general. It starts with Poe being arrested, his father bailing him out, and then not knowing what to do with him. Jericho was a troubled youth who almost faced jail time, but someone stepped in and helped him find direction, so he feels like he needs to pay that forward. Poe also tries to help his best friend who's been getting into more trouble as well, but he's not quite as receptive to help. I do hope we get Blue's story in the future!
As for the romance portion, it was great! I loved how Poe was not shy or coy about his attraction to Jericho at all! Jericho is a silver fox, and Poe wants him! Jericho does try to maintain a professional relationship, but he's got a hot young man essentially throwing himself at him. It's hard not to give in. The two have several sexy-times, and yes, there is Daddy kink. Poe is very into that.
I also loved Poe's dad! He's very supportive of his son, and is doing his best. He also accepts him for who he is and his only issue with him dating his friend is the age thing. He worries that Poe has daddy issues! It was too cute reading his conversation with Jericho and then with Poe, making sure that he didn't do anything wrong raising Poe. He's a good dad.
I just adored everything about Permanent Ink. The characters are wonderful. The romance was steamy and sweet. The plot and themes were on point. It was just great. I smiled the whole time.