Maneuver

ManeuverMen of Inked: SouthsideChelle Bliss

Aug 7

Written By Ally Talley

Men of Inked: Southside #1

By Chelle Bliss

Reading Order Timeline for the three Men of Inked Series:

Men of Inked (original)
Men of Inked: Southside (Chicago)
Men of Inked: Heatwave (the second generation)
*Can be read as a standalone*

TheStory

Abandoned on the street by her alcoholic father, Delilah has no phone and no money but she does have a baby in her arms. When she walks into a bar to get off the street and make a game plan, the bar owner, Lucio Gallo, offers her and her baby a place to stay.

Leery at first, Delilah figures she has no other options, so why not. Lucio takes on the role of loyal protector to Delilah and her baby. And Delilah is realizing that he might just be everything she ever wanted but never dared wish for.

TheReview

What a beautiful love story this was. Unrealistic? Maybe a little, but it’s fiction so get over it. Everyone could use a Lucio in their life. Alpha hero? Check. Hunky? Check. Fiercely protective and loyal? Check and check. What a little dreamboat.

Delilah is a badass mother. Her personality is amazing. It strikes odd that she could move her and her baby in with a stranger, but desperate times and all that. Her and Lucio were both fantastically written characters.

Somewhat of an insta-love story, the build up and relationship progression was basically non-existent. But that’s the purpose of the genre, so it makes sense. And who wouldn’t be instantly in love with these two? Apart from the insta-love, it was actually giving throwback vibes to City and Suzy from Throttle Me (Men of Inked #1). Which, if you haven’t read that whole series, highly recommend.

Delilah’s baby daddy drama and the drama from her own father were juicy and captivating. Predictable for sure but still such a good addition to the story.

The writing in this series (so far, which is only one book in) is much better than the original Men of Inked series. That series was still really good but Chelle Bliss’ writing in this one is clearly much more developed. The characters were telling a story of how everyone deserves love, kindness, and family that cares.

I read the entire thing with a smile on my face.