Series: Evolution Ink (book 1)

Genre: LGBT (m/m), Romance

Rating: 4/5 stars

Cover: I could stare at that tattoo for hours

Goodreads: add

Trigger warnings: mention of domestic violence

Description: The deepest scars aren’t the ones that show.

Jacob Shain is your average member of Generation Screwed. He has a boring internship, no cash flow, and a tiny NYC apartment he has to share with Ethan, his much-cooler, tattoo-artist twin brother. Not to mention his love life is DOA. At least, until his brother’s shop hires on a new piercer, and Jacob’s humdrum life takes a turn for the weird.

Cody Turner is gorgeous, funny and kind—everything Jacob wants in a boyfriend. Except for the way he refuses to talk about his past, or where he lives, or anything about his personal life.

When Ethan is arrested while on a mission of mercy, the reason Cody is so tight lipped comes to light. And while Jacob and Cody fight to understand the depth of their feelings for one another, the police dogs catch their scent. So does the local mob.

Now Jacob has to make the hardest choice of his life: stay safe like a good boy, or dive headfirst into a world he barely understands…and hope Cody is there to break his fall.

Review: Let me start with saying that this book isn’t as dramatic as the summary seems. At least I expected lots of being threatened by the mob. If you’re looking for an angst free read, this is one for you.

I was seriously entertained, though. So much so, that I read High Contrast in one sitting. Jacob and Ethan are very cute together and sickenly sweet in their awkwardness around each other – especially Jacob. Their relationship is nicely slow build. Their back stories are interesting, too and the rest of the gang was just so much fun to read. I love feel good books like this one. Bonus points for no stupid stereotypes! (Spoiler: you don’t have to be the stronger one to top)

Disclaimer: I got it for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.