The Strongest Steel: A Second Circle Tattoos Novel

Scarlett Cole

Jul 2015 · Second Circle Tattoos Book 1 · Sold by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About this ebook

In Scarlett Cole's The Strongest Steel, Harper Connelly never expected to find herself outside of a tattoo parlor at one in the morning. The scars that decorate her back are just one more reminder of things she'd rather forget, the past she wants to leave far behind her, but before she can move on, she needs him.

Tattoo artist Trent Andrews has his own reasons for specializing in inking over scars. And there's no way in hell he's going to turn Harper away. Not when a swirling mix of tenderness and desire slams into him every time he sees her. She stirs feelings in him he thought were long gone... if he can only get past her carefully constructed defenses.

As each session at Second Circle Tattoos gives Harper new ink to cover up old demons, it brings her closer and closer to Trent. His lingering touches seduce her, making her believe in a life without fear, where she can be happy, whole, in love. But when cryptic messages start appearing on Harper's phone, strange deliveries arrive at her door, and Second Circle is vandalized, Harper is convinced that her ex-boyfriend has tracked her down, and worse, that he knows about Trent. She ran from her past once before; this time will she have the strength to fight back?

"This book gave me so many feels! Angst, passion, and love all set in Miami, my favorite city. I can't wait for more from this author and I can't recommend this book enough." - Sidney Halston, USA Today bestselling author of Against the Cage

"An incredible story about healing, pain, and trust...you don't want to miss this one!" --New York Times bestselling author Jen McLaughlin

Ratings and reviews

What a story! Just wow! This novel runs the gamut with hard hitting, emotionally in depth topics, sweet romance, and wicked sensuality. The in-your-face look at the aftermath of serious, life altering abuse was brought even further to life by Cole’s vivid descriptions. At the same time, the recovery and sense of self was empowering. I love the in-depth look at tattooing. The why’s and how’s were intriguing, and Cole really made the notion palpable to those on both sides of the fence. I loved Harper’s courage to get passed everything with Trent, but every time something came up she’d revert to her past reactions. Trent’s patience was heart-warming, yet his alpha maleness really shone through. Separately these two were intriguing individuals, but together, they’re a couple you won’t soon forget. Cole also develops her supporting cast quite well. I fell in love with many of them and can’t wait for them to get their own stories. This novel was suspenseful and hard hitting, yet the idea of moving forward was very powerful. Cole has launched a series that I can’t wait to read more of. Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

This book was amazing! Angst, love, drama, etc., everything a book needs. Harper and Trent were well written characters. Could not put this book down! 10/10 would recommend to other readers.

So! Freakin! Good! Wow, I've read a lot of tattoo artists books and this one ranks up there with one of the best. I love this author's storytelling voice and the characters in the book are perfect! Trent is alpha, confident, but gentle and sensitive. Harper has faced horrific circumstances in the past but she's working to get past them without whining or bitchiness. The secondary characters give the story just enough humor to keep it light and fun to read. If this is the kind of book this author has as her debut, I can only expect great things in the future! She definitely has me as a fan. I highly recommend this book!

About the author

Born in England, SCARLETT COLE traveled the world, living in Japan and the United States before settling in Canada where she met her own personal hero – all six and a half feet of him. She now lives with her husband and children in Manchester, England where she's at work on her next book. She is the author of The Strongest Steel.