Hot Ink (Inked in the Steel City Series #1) by Ranae Rose

Bank teller Mina feels 24 going on 40.  As guardian for her wheelchair bound 14 year old sister she doesn't get out much and can’t identify with her peers.  She meets sexy tattoo artist Eric when she decides to get a rather intricate tattoo.  He is nothing but professional while giving her the tattoo but when Mina’s best friend rising photographer offers to take pictures of some of the ink work as advertisement for the shop Mina and Eric end up in close quarters and the chemistry between them is obvious.  With some pushing from her bff Mina agrees to a date with Eric.  But will he still want to go out with her when he finds out that he can’t be her first priority?

I love that these characters are so real.  Mina is so strong but riddled with insecurity.  Eric is strong and sexy but not perfect either.  They are perfect for each other.  Hot Ink is a short book but it is filled with a terrific story with multiple sub plots.  It is well worth the read.  I do have one problem with it though.  The plot device to introduce the two is improbable given Mina’s character.  She wouldn't spend the money necessary for a tattoo especially one that involved.  But once you get past that…