“Merry Inkmas” by Talia Hibbert – A Review
⭐ Rating: 4.25/5
Year Published: 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance
Page Count: 171
Quick Summary
If you’re looking for a cozy, festive romance with just the right amount of steam and emotional depth, Merry Inkmas totally delivers. The story follows Bailey, a sweet and socially awkward barista, and Cash, the broody, tattooed bad boy with a heart of gold. Cash has been crushing on Bailey for a while now, but when she ends up working at his tattoo shop, their chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. Of course, both of them are carrying some serious baggage—Cash has a rough past, and Bailey has trust issues when it comes to men—but as they navigate their growing feelings, they might just find the love they both deserve.
What I Loved
All the Holiday Feels: This book oozes cozy, festive vibes. The snowy setting, the warm drinks, and the holiday atmosphere make it perfect for a December binge-read.
Great Chemistry: Bailey and Cash are fire together. Their banter, tension, and eventual romance are so well done.
More Than Just Romance: This book isn’t all fluff—it also touches on tough topics like homelessness, domestic violence, and PTSD, which gave the story a lot more depth than I was expecting.
A Satisfying Ending: The epilogue was chef’s kiss—the perfect wrap-up to their story and totally worth the emotional rollercoaster.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me
A Slow Start: The first few chapters take a little time to get going, but once Cash and Bailey really start interacting, the story picks up.
Heavy Baggage: Both characters have a lot of past trauma to work through, which sometimes slowed things down. But honestly, it made their romance feel more real in the end.
Who Should Read This?
Anyone Who Loves a Holiday Romance – If you want a festive, heartwarming read with a bit of spice, this is perfect.
Fans of Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamics – Cash is the ultimate tough-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside hero, and Bailey is a ray of sunshine who makes him melt.
Readers Who Want Substance with Their Romance – If you like your love stories to come with real emotional depth and character growth, this one is for you.
Final Thoughts
Merry Inkmas is a sweet, steamy, and surprisingly emotional holiday romance that gives you all the warm fuzzies while also tackling some deeper themes. Talia Hibbert knows how to write characters that feel real, and Cash and Bailey’s story is no exception. If you’re in the mood for a Christmas romance that’s got both heart and heat, this one’s a great pick!
