Fox

Hel’s Ink #1

By DJ Krimmer

~ Can be read as a standalone ~

TheStory

When Janie’s father, who also happens to be Fox’s mentor, passes away, he leaves the tattoo shop to Janie. Janie has the option to either sell it to Fox or stay on for one year as a co-partner and then decide whether or not to stay on as a co-owner full time. The problem? Fox and Janie absolutely loathe each other.

TheReview

The beginning is a little juvenile for my tastes. I understand that Janie has an online persona that she is trying to keep up with, but she really does come across as a spoiled brat, as well as a basic millennial influencer. I totally felt for Fox’s hatred of her. 

As the book went on, I found myself thinking like Fox - not liking her but she did start to grow on me. She had some depth to her, even if it was a little bit forced.

And my goodness does she cry her eyes out A LOT! Ugh. Not for attention or anything - she does it by herself. But still, it was a looooot of tears. There was reasoning behind it all - dead dad, illness, awful boyfriend, career down the toilet, etc. etc. Plus, she needed to be vulnerable or something in order for Fox to start seeing her as a human. Basically, her breakdowns are how the two bonded. 

Fox is just a grumpy old man. Onward.

The tension was there but it wasn’t exactly central in most of the story. When the tension first breaks (slightly), that scene had me rolling on the floor laughing. It was super funny. Lots of back and forth, fighting, tears - the both of them cried a lot. Very vulnerable people for claiming not to be. I guess they are more emotionally damaged rather than straight up vulnerable. 

Janie was really the instigator in their relationship almost constantly. I kind of thought, “Girl, have some respect for yourself!” She just kept on trying to get closer and he kept pushing her away. It made sense that Fox pushed her away because he was so torn about what the right thing to do was. But Janie wouldn’t stop - just over and over and over and over again. It was a little redundant… okay, a lot redundant. 

The ending it SO CHEESY! It was really sweet but soooooooo cheesy. Overall, I enjoyed the read (even with its faults) but I am so much more excited for the rest of the characters’ books. It wasn’t one of my favorite reads but I think the series might end up being one of my favorites as I continue.

TheRating

Storyline: 3/5

Characters: 4/5

Side Characters: 5/5

World Building: N/A

Writing: 4/5

Overall: 📘📘📘📘

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Hel’s Ink Series

Fox

Hel’s Ink #1

Atlas

Hel’s Ink #2

Ash

Hel’s Ink #3

Derek

Hel’s Ink #4

Stevie

Hel’s Ink #5