REVIEW: Holden by Kate Hawthorne (Ink and Ember #1)

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HOLDEN

by Kate Hawthorne

Ink and Ember - Book One

Release Date: May 21, 2026

Review

Love this couple.  They are adorable and sexy, and I love the pairing of grumpy tattooed Holden with the endlessly chatty Bryce. 


Holden is reluctant to anything with Bryce, because he’s chatty, because he works with Bryce’s brother, because he’s not convinced about building connection. But Bryce’s assuredness and eagerness are hard to resist.


It’s a fun relationship, with some light kink (especially by Kate standards!) but perfectly them.

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GOODREADS LINK

Synopsis

Ink and Ember is open for business.


Holden Walker likes peace and quiet, which sometimes makes working at a boisterous tattoo shop, Ink and Ember, hard for him. Fellow tattoo artist Merrick does not know when to stop talking and inserting himself into other people’s business, which is how Holden ends up escorting Merrick’s younger brother Bryce Shannon to lunch on his first day in LA.


Attraction between the two men is immediate, and their first time together is incendiary. Without meaning to, Holden creates a safe space for Bryce to slow down, breathe, and explore some interests he’s never been brave enough to ask for before. In return, Bryce shows Holden that there’s nothing wrong with speaking up for the things you want in life.


Their relationship can only stay casual—and secret—for so long. It’s only a matter of time before Merrick finds out what his co-worker and brother have been doing behind closed doors. Will Holden and Bryce survive when their relationship comes to light, or will their future extinguish before it has a chance to ignite?


Holden is a low angst, high heat romance from Kate Hawthorne. A spin off of the successful Risk Aware series, the Ink and Ember books are short, spicy, and straight to the point (which in this case is bed). 

About Kate Hawthorne

With over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch. Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she spends her time writing romance, reading romance, and hiding from the humidity


Where to find them:


Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram | BookBub | Facebook Group

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