Book Review: Darkest Link by Scarlett Cole

Darkest Link by Scarlett Cole is the fourth book in the Second Circle Tattoos series. I have not read the previous books, but like many series in the romance genre I was able to fully enjoy the book regardless. If I had read the earlier books I would have a better understanding of some of the characters, but that did not stop me from enjoying this book. 

When her car breaks down off the side of a lonely highway far from her sunny Miami home, tattoo artist Lia never expected her very own white knight to ride up on the back of a barely street-legal motorcycle...and she never expected to fall for her dark savior. After a string of failed relationships and a bruised heart Lia is not looking for forever, and the hot mechanic, with his sexy scruff and shaggy hair, is simply impossible to resist. He's the perfect candidate for a perfect, one-night stand. Reid left his life in Chicago far behind him and hasn't been back, but he's never been able to escape the guilt he feels about his own painful role in inviting a monster into his baby sister's life. A monster who almost destroyed her. Being with Lia is an unexpected gift, one he doesn't feel he deserves, and their one night together has him wanting more than he should. When he surprises her at her tattoo studio, Second Circle Tattoos, in Miami, he's in for a shock—and a fist to the face—when his past and present collide. With secrets coming to the surface, Reid and Lia are thrown into a world of betray and lies that threatens to pull them under, and the last link to his former life may be the darkest of them all.

Darkest Link is a story about falling in love hard and fast, facing the past, and moving on together. Lia is a tattoo artist with a rebellious streak, and some family issues- like a father that wants to control his family with no regard to what they want. Reid has some big dreams, but for now he is running from his past as he fixes cars and makes strides to fix his karma. He has made mistakes in the past, and when he meets Lia both of their issues come to a head- and everything is on the line. Will Reid entering Lia's circle of friends destroy everything- or finish settling things right. Coming to terms with past choices, sticking to your own ethics, and standing up to those who care about nothing as much as money and power are all strong themes here. I will admit that I saw some of the big twists and turns coming- but I really enjoyed the characters and the importance they put on communication. Those that have read the previous books are likely to see one coming much quicker than I, but the character reactions and whatnot were well done. This was a great weekend read, and I just might go back and read the previous books, because my interest has been peaked.

Darkest Link was a solid contemporary romance. I liked the realism of the character's emotions, even if the set up and situation were less than realistic. I enjoyed the characters and the read, and think that those that have read the previous books or are already fans of the author will enjoy it even more than I.