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ktjames's reviews
1119 reviews
The Trouble with Love and Ink by Harriet Ashford
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
"Well, give it time. They say tattoos are like chips. You can’t have only one."
Emily loses her promised job to a new hire. At the same time, she finds out her sister has started a calligraphy company - which was Emily’s hobby that she’s done since eighth grade. Hailey asks Emily to take over the company while she goes on vacation with a new man so that she doesn’t lose a big wedding client. So, Emily pretends to be her sister, only to find out that Beck is the brother of the big wedding client.
He decides to keep her secret, as long as she provides a “date” for him to the wedding. Hilarity and love ensues as she tries to keep her lies in line.
Tropes and Themes
This book is a great example of rivals to lovers and the fake dating is top-notch. Darker themes with homelessness, memory of a child drowning, and feeling out of control are present and handled very well within the book.
This book provided a lighthearted read while also reminding one that following their dreams may fail but trying is where life is. Emily’s character had a big journey of self-growth and learning how to let go of control.
I loved how they pushed each other to be better people - to take risks, to grow as a person and to be there to support them.
“If I don’t feel like myself with you, it’s because I’m more competitive... I’m bolder. Happier. You make me feel like a more vibrant version of myself.”
If you like fake dating, rivals to lovers, tattoos, calligraphy, one-bed trope, a bantering relationship and a little bit of spice, you’ll love this book!
"I'm not sad to leave," I answered honestly, threading his fingers in mine. "It wasn't hard to leave a vacation when your life back home was it's own shade of paradise."
*Note: These quotes are from the ARC, so they may change in publication
Emily loses her promised job to a new hire. At the same time, she finds out her sister has started a calligraphy company - which was Emily’s hobby that she’s done since eighth grade. Hailey asks Emily to take over the company while she goes on vacation with a new man so that she doesn’t lose a big wedding client. So, Emily pretends to be her sister, only to find out that Beck is the brother of the big wedding client.
He decides to keep her secret, as long as she provides a “date” for him to the wedding. Hilarity and love ensues as she tries to keep her lies in line.
Tropes and Themes
This book is a great example of rivals to lovers and the fake dating is top-notch. Darker themes with homelessness, memory of a child drowning, and feeling out of control are present and handled very well within the book.
This book provided a lighthearted read while also reminding one that following their dreams may fail but trying is where life is. Emily’s character had a big journey of self-growth and learning how to let go of control.
I loved how they pushed each other to be better people - to take risks, to grow as a person and to be there to support them.
“If I don’t feel like myself with you, it’s because I’m more competitive... I’m bolder. Happier. You make me feel like a more vibrant version of myself.”
If you like fake dating, rivals to lovers, tattoos, calligraphy, one-bed trope, a bantering relationship and a little bit of spice, you’ll love this book!
"I'm not sad to leave," I answered honestly, threading his fingers in mine. "It wasn't hard to leave a vacation when your life back home was it's own shade of paradise."
*Note: These quotes are from the ARC, so they may change in publication