Hel's Ink Series by D.J. Krimmer

JanieWhen my father passed away, I assumed my grieving would be as simple as closing a book and starting another. Only, he had other plans.Leaving me his beloved tattoo shop, I’m stuck to figure out what exactly to do with it, all while being constantly reminded of him.Selling it was the easiest option, but after hearing some of the artists elated at the idea because they swore I’d ruin it if I took over, and reading the fine print of my father’s will, I’m determined to prove them wrong... moreJanieWhen my father passed away, I assumed my grieving would be as simple as closing a book and starting another. Only, he had other plans.Leaving me his beloved tattoo shop, I’m stuck to figure out what exactly to do with it, all while being constantly reminded of him.Selling it was the easiest option, but after hearing some of the artists elated at the idea because they swore I’d ruin it if I took over, and reading the fine print of my father’s will, I’m determined to prove them wrong.The only problem is Fox.He’s arrogant, self-absorbed, and rude–doing everything in his power to show just how true their words would ring.Unfortunately for him though, I’ve never been afraid of a challenge.FoxHel’s Ink was supposed to be mine, but after my mentor passed away, I learned he had other plans in mind.Leaving the shop to someone like Janie was a bad idea. Sure she may be able to make it look good on the surface, but there is more to running this place than social media posts and some paint. We’re a family and she’s not welcomed.Only, the longer she’s here, the harder it’s proving to believe my own words.She’s too young for me, and far too complicated, but I can’t help but wonder what would happen if I just give in. less

“I said, marry me.”Atlas-Lauren Locklear. She has no idea that I would do anything for her. She doesn’t understand the mountains I would climb just to keep her safe. That’s okay though, I’ll make sure she does.She thinks she’s weak, and given the lack of love and support from those closest to her, I can understand why. That changes now, I will make her see the strong woman I see when I look at her. I’ve pined for her in secret, wanting nothing more than to show her what she could have... more“I said, marry me.”Atlas-Lauren Locklear. She has no idea that I would do anything for her. She doesn’t understand the mountains I would climb just to keep her safe. That’s okay though, I’ll make sure she does.She thinks she’s weak, and given the lack of love and support from those closest to her, I can understand why. That changes now, I will make her see the strong woman I see when I look at her. I’ve pined for her in secret, wanting nothing more than to show her what she could have. But with my past still haunting me, I knew it would be best to stay back. That is, until she needs access to health insurance and I see a solution to both her problem and my dilemma. All she has to do is say yes.Ren-I’ve done something stupid. Something reckless. Something everyone will judge me for and I’m risking everything. My family. My career. Myself.I’m always too much to handle and the men I’ve allowed into my life have always reminded me of my shortcomings, even when it’s their fists doing the reminding.No one has ever truly cared for me, loved me. And then Atlas Hart asks me to marry him in order to save my life. This isn’t love. It’s barely a friendship, or so I thought. But as the days go by and I see what he so selflessly risks for me, I cannot help but think that maybe… this could be more. less

“Did I just see a hot chick running down the road with a live chicken under her arm?” Ash: Commitment is not my thing nor do I want it to be. After the things I’ve been through with women, I have sworn off relationships. There’s only ever been one woman that I thought I felt pulled to and I blew it. Not only was it the best date of my life, it was also the worst night of my life. Since then, I have become a nail and bail kind of guy... more“Did I just see a hot chick running down the road with a live chicken under her arm?” Ash: Commitment is not my thing nor do I want it to be. After the things I’ve been through with women, I have sworn off relationships. There’s only ever been one woman that I thought I felt pulled to and I blew it. Not only was it the best date of my life, it was also the worst night of my life. Since then, I have become a nail and bail kind of guy. But then Sunday Sutton bursts back into my life, and ends up living with her son and their pet chicken across the hall from me. There is no avoiding her or her radiant presence – everyone at the shop loves her, my sister loves her. Every time I open my mouth, I make it worse. But when I need a date to a wedding, Sunday is the only one that I can think I would want to be there with me. In fact, she’s the only one I want to be with anywhere. Sunday: Ash Johnson is unbelievable. He’s arrogant, conceited, self-absorbed and he’s everything I do not want in my life. We had one night, years ago, and ever since he has been awful towards me. Well, I am sick of him and his nonsense. It doesn’t matter anyways, my son and I have a few more months until we are back home in Alabama. But when I find myself living across the hall from him, I can’t help but be caught up in his charm. Ash could be easy to love, if only he would let people in to see the real him, and not this shallow version of himself he projects. less

"My house is a mess, my underwear is mixing with hers in the laundry, and my safe, quiet haven now smells of burnt candles and her."INDY Being the founder of a non-profit and keeping it going is my only focus right now. I don't have time for distraction–men, my health, my friends–all of it takes a back seat to me keeping this going. I've lived by other people's rules for too long, I am ready to break out on my own, and I'll prove to everyone I can do it... more"My house is a mess, my underwear is mixing with hers in the laundry, and my safe, quiet haven now smells of burnt candles and her."INDY Being the founder of a non-profit and keeping it going is my only focus right now. I don't have time for distraction–men, my health, my friends–all of it takes a back seat to me keeping this going. I've lived by other people's rules for too long, I am ready to break out on my own, and I'll prove to everyone I can do it. The Crown Project helps sick children and their families find some happiness during hard times, and I am committed to making it happen. If I can't have my own, I'll give someone else a fairytale. The only man I'd want is off-limits to me anyway. He's the meanest, grumpiest, and, unfortunately, the sexiest man I know. He also works with my brother. So there's that. I'll always be a supporting character, never the princess. My life just won't let me. It's impossible.DEREKWithout routine and order, the only thing left is chaos. Chaos leaves room for disorder and unhappiness. And that leads to betrayal. Never again will I allow that to happen. I am steady, focused, and at the top of my game as a tattoo artist at Hel's Ink. I am established, successful, and there is nothing that happens in my life that I don't allow. And then there is Indy. She is inescapable - a whirlwind of kindness and beauty and goodness. Everything about her is impossible. Left with no choice but to help her out of a challenging situation. I soon regret my decision and the insanity that comes with it. I let her in. Into my home and my life. But never– never- into my heart. There's no such thing as fairytales, and love stories don't really exist. But when everything changes, I wonder if maybe I've found a little piece of chaos I can live with. less

Friends with benefits - nothing more Stevie As the lead piercer at Hel’s Ink, I’ve gained skills, made friends, and accepted the chaos that is my family. Finally, good things are coming my way, and I am feeling confident, maybe a little too confident, when I post a video to my socials describing the toxicity and abuse that is all too frequent in my industry and the life I left behind... moreFriends with benefits - nothing more Stevie As the lead piercer at Hel’s Ink, I’ve gained skills, made friends, and accepted the chaos that is my family. Finally, good things are coming my way, and I am feeling confident, maybe a little too confident, when I post a video to my socials describing the toxicity and abuse that is all too frequent in my industry and the life I left behind. After it goes viral, I get threats that move from on-screen to real life and I’m forced to come to terms with needing help. Pushed into the protective arms of a man I can’t stand, but whose body I crave. He wants more, but I’m not even sure what it is I want, or if I even have anything left to give. Brooks After finding out that Stevie Campbell is being harassed over her viral video, I step up to keep her safe and protect her from the increasingly real and frightening threats she’s getting. Hel’s has become a family to me and Stevie, well, she’s become my entire world. Our physical chemistry is a perfect match, but as we get closer, I’m falling harder and she’s pulling away. I’d do anything for her, give her everything… if only she’d believe in herself the way I do. less