Cracks in the Armor By Helena Hunting

I realize that all the novellas in this series is based on Sarah and Chris and it's probably because Tenley and Hayden's story have concluded but I am now interested in these two, especially after reading that novella.

I love how it's not insta love and they still have issues to work through even though they really are on the same page. It reminds me of every day life and the uncertainty we carry in relationships.

I am still not fully knowledgeable about either characters past but I assume we will be getting a full length novel some time soon? If not, then I guess this is a waste.

Chris seems to always be seeking approval, so I would really love to know why and Sarah is independent but dependent. They both seem to clash on paper but they seem so right together. They understand each other though they are uncertain where each other priorities lie.

I might not know much about their background but what I do know is that Chris is a sweetheart and Sarah is really a softy under all that armour. They are the perfect oxymoron and I really hope we'll get more on them, because though this was nice, sweet and to the point, it's too short to make a full assessment.

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18813945-cracks-in-the-armor

Inked Armour By Helena Hunting

I handle this series like a sitcom. I never expect it to end so I just wait for this season's climax and wonder what's gonna happen with the new season. Unfortunately, I think this series has ended o.O

I figure based on the novellas that Chris and Sarah are next but I am so much more invested and interested in Tenley and Hayden as a couple and as individuals. I also felt like while we focused on Hayden, there were a few unanswered questions from Tenley's past. Namely Trey.

Despite that, this novel continued with good dialogue, progression and story line. It held closure and promise but lacked much explosive moments that matches that of a good series closing. It was just like the endings before but without the obvious cliffhanger. Then again, I am hoping I am wrong and another novel is in the works :)

You were shown the different transitions between Hayden and Tenley's relationship and personal life. I found that I preferred Hayden's POV, which remained real, raw and true. His lack of filter and honesty continued to add substance and entertainment value.

Tenley got a little lost as the novel progressed, while we focused on Hayden and his demons and she became his anchor. She was stronger than before but somewhere along the line, the cupcake themed elements began to annoy me as they grew in frequency. I am actually shocked that she did everything with them but open a store.

As other cliches go, I saw a few miles away and already knew the answer to many questions, but it was still interesting to see them play out and I would trade all the detailed sex scenes for more time spent solving Hayden's parents murder or Tenley and Hayden's combined PTSDs.

The characters and story line have developed steadily throughout the series and this time was no different. There different proclivities changed as we progressed and it was good to have the tattoo as a symbolic tool of progression. It was continuously weaved into the story and conversations and in the end, we got to see all the changes that led to the perfectly balanced masterpiece.

This novel was good at closing old wounds and though it didn't bring the high drama and explosive moments that I normally look for with the closure of a series, it kept me intrigued, engaged, entertained and included in the story line from beginning to end.

I only have a novella left to read but I am glad I was in a book slump and unearthed this series on my kindle. It is memorable, well written and riddled with substance and as much reality as is possible. It truly is about ink and armour.

I also don't know where they found that embodiment of everything Hayden for the cover, but he really nailed the point home and I found myself staring at him sometimes too :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22180008-inked-armour

Between the Cracks By Helena Hunting

I find that the prequels for this series are always thorough and detailed in their small time frames. For 50 pages, this was a well written summary or the present and future as it relates to Tenley, Hayden, Chris and Sarah's stories. While we didn't venture much into 'Clipped Wings',we got a segue to what happens after Tenley's departure and a preview of those decisions in 'Inked Armour'.

We got an idea of where Tenley is from and her growth since she moved to Chicago. Some of these things aren't obvious though and you would need to take the time to review her reactions and decisions when she return to Arden Hills.

The thing about 'Between the Cracks' though is that it wasn't Tenley and Hayden overload. It wasn't even told in any of their POVs. It was all Chris looking in and showing us a different side to Hayden, Tenley, Sarah and Trey.

It's very short, to the point where I can imagine it being a nuisance if you were reading it before the entire series was released.

It's packed like a 100 page novella with drama and more. It actually has a story line and progression, despite the speed. It's got me pumped and ready to see what becomes of all the characters with the beginning of 'Inked Armour'.

To top it all off, it's currently FREE on Amazon :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22047032-between-the-cracks

Clipped Wings By Helena Hunting

I love it when a book meets my expectations and 'Clipped Wings' surely didn't disappoint after my 'Cupcakes and Ink' high. It was perfectly paced, concise and detailed in showcasing the similar struggles and insecurities between Tenley and Hayden. It's very rare that you see the main love interest fighting the same battles and reservations. Their realistic approach of just keeping it a secret made for an interesting and captivating story.

I loved the individualistic elements of this novel. You got to know, appreciate and understand all the characters. I can distinguish everyone and their proclivities and what's better is that I love them all in their roles. No one deviates and I actually like that even in the end there was uncertainty. It wasn't stretched across novels for sales alone, it's a story that needs depth and time and I find that the progression was perfectly timed and the ending left me comforted but wanting.

I know I appreciate a novel for it's content when I rush through the sex. Not that it's bad sex, but I crave the conversations and story line, more than I do the intimacy. I love the moments spent learning about Tenley and Hayden; getting updates on her tattoo and everything else spinning around them as a couple and as individuals.

Tenley piqued my interest as the novel began and immediately drew my interest to the staff of Inked Armor. She started as skittish but bold, then as the novel progressed, you unlock more of her personality. It's like your dating Hayden and Tenley as you spend the time knowing, opening and understanding their relationship, as if it's your own.

I had previously stated that Hayden reminds me of Rule from 'Rule' by Jay Crownover and suggested that he might be better. I was right and wrong. Though there are similarities that glaringly remind me of 'The Marked Men' series, Hayden is much more complicated, dramatic and intricate of a character and the Inked Armor crew take damaged to a next level.

There is sex and more sex for the sex fiends who might be interested in this novel but it's sparse in description and lack the BDSM touch that's present in most romance novels these days. Still, I am wired after reading this novel and I can't wait to get to see what's next after that ending.

I have never read a Helena Hunting novel before this week but I am glad I reached for this series in my book stump. It was well researched, executed and summarized. I was hooked from beginning to end and there was never a dull moment between the Inked Armor and Serendipity crew. Hayden's lack of a filter helped some too :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13424368-clipped-wings

Cupcakes and Ink By Helena Hunting

Ok. So I have been in a book slump and decided that I would troll through my kindle library among the many novels that I have and never read. I passed by 'Clipped Wings' and remember all the excitement when this was released, so I decided to start with 'Cupcakes and Ink', then work my way through the series. I am happy I did :)

This series so far reminds me of 'Rule' by Jay Crownover and Hayden might just be a little hotter and better! Sorry Rule :)

I haven't been this excited about a novel in a while so I have rather high hopes for this series.

I only know the basics but I know that the Hayden and Tenley combo should be a knock out! Tenley intrigues me because despite her weird past times and feelings, she remains skittish and I love that she keep a level head, even when she wants to dive in head first. Her fascination with body mod is another element to be added to the clue of who she is and what she is running from or to.

Hayden has zero filter both orally and physically. He makes me laugh in and out of his POV and I can't wait to get up close and personal with the rest of the cast. Cassie is a hoot and the dealings of "The Dollhouse" have my interest piqued.

It might be a story line that we've read before but I love the kick off and can't wait to get deeper in cupcakes and ink :)

- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18813938-cupcakes-and-ink