Blank Canvas

3.5 stars. Okay, I get it now. This series is the M/M equivalent of Women's Fiction. It features romances, but the plots are broader than that, and they're all wrapped up in the found family of tattoo artists at Irons and Works. I was disappointed in the first book, [b:Free Hand 44752509 Free Hand (Irons and Works, #1) E.M. Lindsey https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554153249l/44752509.SX50.jpg 69385197], because the two MCs barely interacted until well into the story. In this one, Sam and Niko do spend more time together but there's so much additional drama swirling around them that it overshadowed their growing affection for each other. In fact, there's a scene in which Niko and his gym buddy (and future MC) Silas deepen their friendship that gave me more feels than any of Niko or Sam's professions of love. However, I have come to care about these guys and their issues. I wanted Niko to find a fulfilling life after his short-lived hockey career and I definitely wanted Sam to prevail in his efforts to formally adopt the 3 year old girl who was placed in his care. Reading about a group of men (and a few women) who are facing challenges but are always there for each other is comforting, and as long as the series remains available through Kindle Unlimited there's little risk in continuing to read it.