Book Reviews

Book Blurb

As a teenager, Robert McKinnon left his native Scotland and moved to America. That was sixteen years ago, and Professor McKinnon has never quite settled in his new home or found his place this side of the pond. He might be prematurely old, but he has his cat, and his books, and that's all he needs.

Then Chris Ford explodes into Robert's life with a crash of cymbals. The younger man is the polar opposite of Robert's calm civility. Bright tattoos cover his skin, and he wears his hair in a Mohawk and plays drums for a rock band. But he's a shot of color in Robert's black-and-white world, and Robert turns out to be the one thing Chris can count on. Despite all the reasons it shouldn't work, somehow it does.

Even if Robert wasn't looking for love—especially not with someone nearly ten years his junior—he can't deny being with Chris is fun. But sometimes Chris's free-spirited nature leaves Robert feeling vulnerable. If they can't find a balance between tattoos and teacups, their relationship won't survive—and neither will Robert's newfound lust for life.

 

 

First edition published by Dreamspinner Press, July 2012.

 

Book Review

There is definitely something to be said for a "comfort read". Much like comfort food, a comfort read is what I pull out when I want something I know one hundred percent that it's sweet and easy and fun and sexy. Nothing too dramatic or hardcore, just comforting like an old quilt you wrap around you on rainy days. 'Tattoos & Teacups' by Anna Martin is most definitely a comfort read and an excellent story that I enjoyed immensely.

Robert is a thirty-two year old college professor of colonial literature with an emphasis on Kipling. Personally, I don't recall my university offering a class in colonial literature but it sounds rather interesting. Robert lives a pretty basic, simple life with his work, his cat, and his small apartment. He hasn't had too many relationships and he's usually over-thinking everything. His best friend is a married woman (who is hysterical) and her family and life is routine. Until he meets Chris, one night in a bar.

Chris is a percussionist in a band and also does side work in symphonies and orchestras. He is twenty-three with tattoos up and down both arms and a few other places. His band is spending a few months in Boston on their big city tour and when he hears the sexy Scottish accent on the handsome guy at the bar, he can't help but say hello.

One of the best things about Robert and Chris's love story is the fact that they are very different personalities. Robert is very staid and proper while Chris is an artist and more bohemian. However, at the core of things, they share many of the same values regardless of the age difference. I adored the writing and the evocative description of them as they fell in love. It made me feel warm inside and reminded me that love can be easy and simple, but should never be taken for granted because, sometimes, it doesn't always stay easy and simple, and when it gets tough is when it gets real.

I absolutely loved this story. I can't recommend it enough. And, if you're lucky enough to live somewhere where it gets cold in the winter, curl up on the couch, light a fire, have a nice cup of tea, and read this beautiful love story.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 310 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	14-February-2020
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Tattoos-Teacups-Anna-Martin-ebook/dp/B084DS7MPX