Will she be strong enough to fight for what she wants?
‘Old hag in need of live-in helper to abuse. Nothing kinky.’
When Uma Crane answers the ad, she’s alone in the world, desperate, with no choice but to take the job. She’s also got a secret: under her clothes, her body is covered in tattoos, etched into her skin against her will by the powerful man who ruined her life-and who continues to hunt for her. In Blackwood, Virginia Uma hopes to get the ink removed before disappearing into anonymity forever.
To keep his latent rage at bay, big, rough ex-convict Ivan Shifflett fights and pounds metal. He’s also a sucker for strays. So, when Uma marches into town, damaged but proud, Ivan can’t stop thinking about her-and wondering who’s got her so scared.
Uma won’t bare her body; she can’t. She’s been branded by another man. But, with Ivan, she embarks on a game of give and take-a blindfolded power play fueled by fear, but leading to something sweeter, headier, and full of hope. While the looming threat of her ex draws closer, Uma finds that she no longer wants to run, but is she strong enough to fight for what she wants?
‘This super-sexy but nonetheless poignant love story pulls at the heartstrings. It’s interspersed with action scenes that go in unexpected directions. Anders has written a terrific novel about abuse that doesn’t become maudlin. There are graphic scenes, but the writing makes them bearable. The emotional growth of Uma, Ive and Ms. Lloyd is a beautiful thing to watch.’ RT Reviews
Anders elevates the sex heals narrative common in romance with lovely writing and deeply emotional intimate scenes. Importantly, Uma’s recovery is her own achievement, aided by the women in her life, not something bestowed on her via the attentions of a gorgeous man. An incredibly sexy, heartbreaking, and intense romantic debut. Kirkus
