Inked: The Novel

In Drummond's uneven novel, when Avery Carmichael goes to get a tattoo, she doesn't expect to become smitten with sexy tattoo artist Brody Duncan. Brody doesn't expect it either, but they end up having a passionate weekend together. Then Avery disappears. Five years later, they run into each other, and Brody still has feelings for Avery. He's in the middle of a divorce, however, and Avery has a secret: a son named Parker, who was fathered by Brody. Soon Avery and Brady are thrown back together. But Avery is supposed to take over the family business in New York, and Brody can't uproot his life in Boston. While Avery and Brody have undeniable chemistry, the impediments to their relationship often feel contrived., and the characters and their motivations are somewhat underdeveloped, making it difficult for readers to empathize with their troubles.