The set-up for ‘Bad Boy Ink’ is established during the previous book in this series, ‘Old Ink’. I think this book can stand alone despite the prior background for these characters. In this installment of the series, tattoo artist Bryce is gunning for the same FBI position that Aiden is after. Both men are former hackers now wanting to prove themselves worthy of working with law enforcement. In their computer forensics class, they are paired on an investigative project. They both hope that a good grade will increase their chances of recruitment to the FBI. Can their competition leave room for a budding romance?
Lyda has written a great character-driven romance. Bryce and Aiden have very similar pasts that have created contrasting personalities. Bryce is upbeat, friendly and flirty to draw others to him. Aiden prefers to solve his issues by being acerbic in order to keep people away. Each man makes assumptions about the other that don’t get resolved until they finally spend significant time together getting to know one another. The scenes that have Bryce and Aiden interacting with each other are the most enjoyable of the book for me. I especially liked their sparring dialogue and their need to one-up each other. The reader gets some added levity to the journey of discovery for themselves and each other.
The cadence and inflection of Connor Brown’s narration are sometimes unnatural feeling. Some of the text is delivered with an odd rush. Overall, though, it’s a good performance.
I requested a free review copy of this audiobook and have written this voluntary opinion.
Recommended.