'Lukas' by Carian Cole tells the story of Ivy, a 36-year-old woman who wins a tattoo session and meets Lukas, a 24-year-old tattoo artist. Their romance blossoms despite the age gap and challenges they face, including Ivy's ex-husband's betrayal and her daughter's manipulative behavior. is praised for its sweet and romantic storyline, with readers appreciating Lukas' character as a sensitive and loving partner. However, some readers express disappointment in the rushed ending and the inclusion of a secret baby storyline.

Characters:

Characters include Lukas, a sweet and romantic tattoo artist, and Ivy, a 36-year-old divorcee, along with a manipulative ex-husband and a complex daughter.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is emotional and engaging, blending sweetness and romance, but tends to rush the ending.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a controversial secret baby storyline and ends on a disappointing note with unresolved narrative threads.

Setting:

The setting includes a tattoo shop and the home life context of the characters within a contemporary backdrop.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, slow in the middle, and rushes through the ending.

Concern is all over his face, and it looks sincere, causing my stomach to turn again at the thought of how long he’s been lying to me. Right to my face. I vomit again, and he takes a step backward. My...

Notes:

The main character Ivy is a 36-year-old single mother who goes through a divorce after discovering her husband's infidelity.

Lukas is a 24-year-old tattoo artist who has an instant attraction to Ivy, creating a reverse age gap romance.

The story explores the complexities of relationships, including jealousy and past traumas.

There are several unresolved plot elements, particularly regarding Ivy's ex-husband and her daughter's behavior.

Readers had mixed feelings about the ending, finding it rushed and unsatisfactory amidst the buildup of the story.

Many readers enjoyed Lukas's character as a soulful, romantic figure, contrasting with his brother Vandal who is described as darker.

The book starts with a dramatic scene where Ivy overhears her husband on the phone with his mistress, setting a heavy tone.

Some readers expressed disappointment over the 'secret baby' trope, feeling it detracted from the realism of the story.

Ivy's daughter displays manipulative behavior, which surprises readers and complicates the family dynamics.

Carian Cole's writing often blends romance with drama, and readers appreciate her ability to engage them emotionally.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include discussions of infidelity, manipulation, family conflicts, and a secret baby plot.

Has Romance?

The romance between Lukas and Ivy is a central focus of the narrative, with a high level of romantic development.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

A thirty-six year old mother of two finds out life isn't over after divorce when a sexy as hell twenty-four year old tattoo artist kisses her senseless under a shooting star.Ivy thought she had it all-married to her high school sweetheart, two great kids, and a beautiful house. But her world comes crashing down when she catches her husband with another woman.When her best friend gives her a gift certificate to a local tattoo parlor to cheer her up, Ivy gets a helluva lot more when inked-up Lukas Valentine-renowned tattoo artist, violin player extraordinaire, and extreme hopeless romantic-captures her heart.Lukas is an old soul with a heart of gold. When Ivy walks into his shop, he's instantly drawn to her shy smile and down to earth personality. Tired of the dating scene, Lukas is ready to settle down, and he's hell-bent on making Ivy believe they can have the happily ever after they both dream about - with each other.Despite their age difference, the chemistry and love they share is undeniable. Lukas is everything Ivy never knew she wanted in a man, but can she trust her heart with a much younger man, and can they overcome the hurdles that life keeps throwing in their way?

Ratings (4)

Incredible (3)
Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (12):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (4)

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Lukas?

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About the Author:

Carian Cole is the author of the Ashes & Embers series, which includes the novels Storm, Vandal, Lukas, and Talon. Born and raised in New Jersey, she now lives in New Hampshire with her husband and a multitude of pets. Visit her at cariancolewrites.com.

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