Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting is a story about Tenley and Hayden two people who have survived trauma early in their lives, and are trying to put the pieces back together. Hayden is a tattoo artist and Tenley is the deceptively conservative looking girl who recently moves into town. Their attraction and chemistry is undeniable which makes for a good romantic and erotic story. I really loved this story. Hunting's writing does not make me cringe, and her sex scenes are graphic without being crass or using contrived language. As I am an enthusiast of body art, I noticed the research that went into getting the psychology of body modifications right. People who aren't seriously into body mods don't understand that many times it's akin to a spiritual experience, also the looks that you get from others and the snap judgments that they make of you when they realize that you're tattooed or pierced aren't discussed enough. Hunting addressed all of that in her story. There was also a big play towards D/s which I was so grateful for. The characters often admitted their own failings which tells me that Hunting is not writing in a vacuum and understands that much of what we like is problematic, but that there are very legitimate reasons for it, and that how people choose to heal isn't right or wrong, but simply is. Back to the sex: Hunting writes about sex in very realistic terms that I appreciated. While I do love romance, flowery language gets in the way of my enjoying a story, and suspends belief, which I don't really like in my erotic stories. There were also scenes that describe the smells of sex, and the reactions that our bodies have during sex, which no one seems to enjoy talking about, but which are a reality. I'm totally here for more realistic portrayals of sex in my art. This is the first of a sequel, and I can't wait to pick up my next copy. I did hold back a star, because I was annoyed by how fragile Tenley originally was, Hunting made up for it though when she forced her to deal with her problems head on. I'm hoping to see more of that in the sequel. I read this book wayyy back when it was a Twi-fic and I loved it then. i could have totally read this one in a sitting but I had to grab bits and pieces between holiday festivities. This is Hayden & Tenley's story. both have suffered great loss and their worlds collide when tenley decides to get a huge back tattoo from Hayden. they are both keeping their huge pasts from each other and it all comes to a boil when Tenley's brother in law shows up at her apartment. just like the fic I read years ago, this one is still the emotional roller coaster. can't wait to start the 2nd part.
What do You think about Clipped Wings (2014)?
A bit cheesy and predictable, but I enjoyed it and can't wait for the next book!
—caitlingoboom
Tattoos.Piercings.Angst.Sex.Yummy boys.Good writing.A+ to this book.
—akshay
