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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
3.5 stars
'' We’re more than what we set out to be.
Matt touched Jon’s cheek.
You know that, right?
But he didn’t say anything.''
I think it depends what you expect. If you want a story about two delicious guys who have a lot of sex, then you will be more than happy. The book is well written, low on angst and rather sweet. If you like military men and tattooed guys, you'll probably be satisfied satisfied. But that is that. There is practically no plot, no narrative... It's just book porn with a minimum of personal development. The author had to create a storyline to make it almost 300 pages, but it's the sex first and everything else is just staffage.
Generally I like long books where you really get to dwell into the story and the characters, but as there's not a lot of meat to the story... well , there is a LOT of naked MEAT in the story, but it is just way too long.
Personally, I prefer the story to be primary and complete in itself, and then the hanky panky is secondary and dependent on the plot ... a sweet side win. I read somewhere that the books in the series can be read independently of each other. That's a good idea, because so far they look very much alike and the minimal plot and story are practically the same. Two guys meet over a tattoo and insta-attraction occurs. They decide to have a lot of sex, but without being committed. Along the way, insta-attractions develop into feelings, and after they have overcome their individual hang-ups, they enter into a relationship. Da daaaa ... And that is that. That being said, the guys are adorable and I did like them. And because of the Matt and Jon, I did like this book much more than Back Piece. So that's the reason behind the 3. 5 stars.
I'll read on because I have received the 3rd book to review it. I can do this! I will overcome!
'' We’re more than what we set out to be.
Matt touched Jon’s cheek.
You know that, right?
But he didn’t say anything.''
I think it depends what you expect. If you want a story about two delicious guys who have a lot of sex, then you will be more than happy. The book is well written, low on angst and rather sweet. If you like military men and tattooed guys, you'll probably be satisfied satisfied. But that is that. There is practically no plot, no narrative... It's just book porn with a minimum of personal development. The author had to create a storyline to make it almost 300 pages, but it's the sex first and everything else is just staffage.
Generally I like long books where you really get to dwell into the story and the characters, but as there's not a lot of meat to the story... well , there is a LOT of naked MEAT in the story, but it is just way too long.
Personally, I prefer the story to be primary and complete in itself, and then the hanky panky is secondary and dependent on the plot ... a sweet side win. I read somewhere that the books in the series can be read independently of each other. That's a good idea, because so far they look very much alike and the minimal plot and story are practically the same. Two guys meet over a tattoo and insta-attraction occurs. They decide to have a lot of sex, but without being committed. Along the way, insta-attractions develop into feelings, and after they have overcome their individual hang-ups, they enter into a relationship. Da daaaa ... And that is that. That being said, the guys are adorable and I did like them. And because of the Matt and Jon, I did like this book much more than Back Piece. So that's the reason behind the 3. 5 stars.
I'll read on because I have received the 3rd book to review it. I can do this! I will overcome!
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Rep: bi mc, gay mc
Warnings: coming out, ableism, sexual content, needles, getting a tattoo after losing a bet despite fear of needles, anti-queer language, binary language, cissexism/anti-trans language, anti-sapphic language, cheating, cancer mention, abusive relationship mention, parental death mention, misogyny, toxic masculinity, slurs, gendered slurs, eating disorder mention, trans joke (cis man saying "I'm pregnant" when friend says he's glowing)
Warnings: coming out, ableism, sexual content, needles, getting a tattoo after losing a bet despite fear of needles, anti-queer language, binary language, cissexism/anti-trans language, anti-sapphic language, cheating, cancer mention, abusive relationship mention, parental death mention, misogyny, toxic masculinity, slurs, gendered slurs, eating disorder mention, trans joke (cis man saying "I'm pregnant" when friend says he's glowing)
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Eating disorder, Mental illness
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First read: 8/8/17
Second read: 2/24/22
I think this is my favorite couple of the series, but the books keep ending on scenes that just feel abrupt to me. I don't know why that's standing out to me this time around.
Also, I've got a pretty concrete idea for my next tattoo.
Second read: 2/24/22
I think this is my favorite couple of the series, but the books keep ending on scenes that just feel abrupt to me. I don't know why that's standing out to me this time around.
Also, I've got a pretty concrete idea for my next tattoo.
One of the rules you must follow if you plan on writing romance is this: If you name a character in a book and they speak to your main character you must consider them for a sequel. Bam, waddaya know it’s Matt and he is horny for sailor but he’s confused. Isn’t he straight? Jon (who is not a sailor, he’s a navy pilot – which makes as much sense as infantry in the RAF) walks in drunk as a skunk with his buddies and he’s getting an arse tattoo. Much to my relief Matt just takes a deposit and doesn’t tattoo the drunk lads. Jon though, is a serial slut (which we get constantly reminded about) and isn’t one for settling down (which we get constantly reminded about).
What I liked about this story was the first encounter between them wasn’t just a sex-at-first-sight. The characters had a chance to get to know each other before getting to know each other. It meant when Jon left the shop you did squirm a little looking forward to both of them meeting again. The conversation between the two was natural, and when Jon straight up asked Matt for a drink it was good to see that he wasn’t right about the sexual orientation on the first hit.
Where we would normally have a chunk of narrative surrounding sexual encounters we have instead a realistic desire for Matt to meet Jon again and visa versa. Colin from the previous book appears as the all-knowing friend to give valued advice. Even though his advice goes only as far as “I banged a client, you can, just not in my shop”.
This author appears consistent in her sex scene writing so I won’t go into my opinion of it unless it deviates. Safe to say, like clockwork, the break up happens to the page. At about 88% through the Kindle a one and a half page long chapter (uh huh) details the we need to talk. This time it’s the whole falling in love thing when I only wanted sex and I’m scared trope. With Matt only finding out he is gay through a threesome and now his encounters with Jon he feels guilty. I don’t believe anyone is scared of commitment, they just prefer to not be committed. The whole split was for a week, and two chapters later each man has talked to his fairy godmother for some advice. But it looks like the penis has cured all and Jon and Matt settle down.
It’s a modern world and people like having sex and moving on. There was great opportunity here for the author to let us see a relationship between Matt and Jon. I felt that once again the break up came in, the make up happened and then the ending came too soon (snort). The narrative showed a lot in the minds of the two characters about what they liked and once they both were happy they were in a relationship I wanted to see more.
Once we have the make up the book ends. It’s the literary equivalent of the vibrator running out of batteries when you’re… just… there… almost… !
The Cover: Thankfully this cover matches the first in the series. Unlike the first book, this cover doesn’t demonstrate the title. I can only imagine however, that if I had a physical copy of this book the inside cover would be the perfect place for a slightly raunchier interpretation. Did I judge this book by the cover? I’m a sucker for consistency so I already planned on reading Book 2!
Go hit up https://cannonballread.com for more great book reviews from a lot of different genres. And while you’re there go ahead and donate or use their Amazon affiliate links to help with Cancer Research in America.
What I liked about this story was the first encounter between them wasn’t just a sex-at-first-sight. The characters had a chance to get to know each other before getting to know each other. It meant when Jon left the shop you did squirm a little looking forward to both of them meeting again. The conversation between the two was natural, and when Jon straight up asked Matt for a drink it was good to see that he wasn’t right about the sexual orientation on the first hit.
Where we would normally have a chunk of narrative surrounding sexual encounters we have instead a realistic desire for Matt to meet Jon again and visa versa. Colin from the previous book appears as the all-knowing friend to give valued advice. Even though his advice goes only as far as “I banged a client, you can, just not in my shop”.
This author appears consistent in her sex scene writing so I won’t go into my opinion of it unless it deviates. Safe to say, like clockwork, the break up happens to the page. At about 88% through the Kindle a one and a half page long chapter (uh huh) details the we need to talk. This time it’s the whole falling in love thing when I only wanted sex and I’m scared trope. With Matt only finding out he is gay through a threesome and now his encounters with Jon he feels guilty. I don’t believe anyone is scared of commitment, they just prefer to not be committed. The whole split was for a week, and two chapters later each man has talked to his fairy godmother for some advice. But it looks like the penis has cured all and Jon and Matt settle down.
It’s a modern world and people like having sex and moving on. There was great opportunity here for the author to let us see a relationship between Matt and Jon. I felt that once again the break up came in, the make up happened and then the ending came too soon (snort). The narrative showed a lot in the minds of the two characters about what they liked and once they both were happy they were in a relationship I wanted to see more.
Once we have the make up the book ends. It’s the literary equivalent of the vibrator running out of batteries when you’re… just… there… almost… !
The Cover: Thankfully this cover matches the first in the series. Unlike the first book, this cover doesn’t demonstrate the title. I can only imagine however, that if I had a physical copy of this book the inside cover would be the perfect place for a slightly raunchier interpretation. Did I judge this book by the cover? I’m a sucker for consistency so I already planned on reading Book 2!
Go hit up https://cannonballread.com for more great book reviews from a lot of different genres. And while you’re there go ahead and donate or use their Amazon affiliate links to help with Cancer Research in America.
https://celebrityreaders.com/2017/07/04/pounding-skin-by-l-a-witt/
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3.5 stars -- I finished this one last night, but was just so freaking tired I just sort of stream of consciousnessed out some thoughts before going to bed. Now I need to figure out what I wrote and make it make sense. All of which I really didn't need to include in this review, but in case I miss something and it sounds jumbled, that would be why.
This was a solid read, definitely leaning more towards the erotica end of the spectrum... I can never figure out what the line in the sand is for when a romance is labeled an erotica. Like, this book definitely had romance, but there is a LOT of sex in it. I actually forgot just how much sex was in the first book, so it caught me off guard in the beginning of this book. And funny story, I always bring my Kindle everywhere, and when I was on the bus taking me to the football game on Friday, I pulled it out, but forgot I was in the middle of a sex scene and I had to keep tilting it away from the guy beside me. I took a picture to show my hubby (because he was standing near the back), and he laughed and told me if they peak over my shoulder, they get what they get! And what they would get is a LOT of c*ck!! ROFL. OK, enough of these asides...
Let's talk characters!! I felt a stronger connection to Matt than Jon in this particular story. I did feel like we jumped into his story at a weird point, I almost wish we'd actually seen the scene where he has the threesome, instead of seeing him ponder it. Even if it was a flashback. Then again, maybe not. It just felt like we jumped into the middle of a story sometimes. BUT! I loved how Ms. Witt portrayed Matt's struggle with coming to terms with his newly discovered bisexuality. I loved the way his past played into him being in the closet for so long, and being so genuinely surprised when he figured it out. I loved the discussion about how his father's toxic masculinity really influenced him heavily. I also liked that they addressed how his constant vehement denial could hurt people (like Troy). I will say I was not too keen on the fact that it seemed no one was surprised when he came out. Not that that isn't necessarily realistic, but we never really find out what exactly gave it away for them. Having SOMEONE be surprised would have been nice. Or at least not sitting there saying "we were just waiting for you to say something."
I felt like Matt's financial struggles were added in at the beginning, and then didn't really go anywhere. Like the story got too cluttered, so that thread just got dropped unsatisfactorily. I really hate that, because I was interested in seeing how it was going to be resolved because it seemed to be building up to something, but then it just...fizzled, I guess. So then why was it there at all?
On to Jon! Jon was harder to warm up to. I never could figure out where he got his negative view on relationships. I guess some people just are that way, but in books it's nicer to read them having some incidence that leads to it (a rough childhood, divorced parents, no good role models, bad early breakup, SOMETHING). So that was a bummer. However, I loved that he was so confident in his sexuality, and very forthright about what he wanted, and very comfortable in his own skin. I loved that he was very good at his job and loved it, and they conveyed how smart he was. I also loved seeing some of the interactions with his squadron, but that fizzled a bit too...would have liked even more.
And Matt and Jon had amazing chemistry, and the steamy scenes were spot on (if prolific). I really did feel their connection and insatiability in the bedroom. But not at the expense of other connections. I felt friendship, and even romance too. I liked that we got to see their relationship slowly developing over time. You could tell they cared about each other. Frankly, it made the constant talk of casualness really grating on this romance reader. I think that was the point, but it's not something that this reader enjoys. I get it was the whole conflict of the book leading up to the climax, but it got tiring. And the turnaround in the end was a mite quick.
As for side stories, the subplot with Nate and his husband really broke my heart. It kind of threw off my mood, and if you know me as a reader at all, you know I HATE cheating. So it was hard to see it happening to a secondary character that was so important to one of our heroes. I get now that it was setup for book 3 though.
I liked getting glimpses of Colin and Daniel, but still wish we knew what happened to Daniel's family (particularly his relationship with his sisters). I guess nothing. That's the impression we're given. And I hated how they made Daniel sound like he was always so calm and cool and there for Colin, when often I felt like he was oblivious to Colin's problems. But that's a problem with a different story in the end.
All in all a solid romance that leans more towards the erotica end. I think the relationship was more satisfying than Colin and Daniel's from book one, but I enjoyed the extra elements in the first book's story a wee bit more, so they kind of balance out in the end. I will say I'm looking forward to the next book in the series though! That sneak peak was tantalizing!
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3.5 stars -- I finished this one last night, but was just so freaking tired I just sort of stream of consciousnessed out some thoughts before going to bed. Now I need to figure out what I wrote and make it make sense. All of which I really didn't need to include in this review, but in case I miss something and it sounds jumbled, that would be why.
This was a solid read, definitely leaning more towards the erotica end of the spectrum... I can never figure out what the line in the sand is for when a romance is labeled an erotica. Like, this book definitely had romance, but there is a LOT of sex in it. I actually forgot just how much sex was in the first book, so it caught me off guard in the beginning of this book. And funny story, I always bring my Kindle everywhere, and when I was on the bus taking me to the football game on Friday, I pulled it out, but forgot I was in the middle of a sex scene and I had to keep tilting it away from the guy beside me. I took a picture to show my hubby (because he was standing near the back), and he laughed and told me if they peak over my shoulder, they get what they get! And what they would get is a LOT of c*ck!! ROFL. OK, enough of these asides...
Let's talk characters!! I felt a stronger connection to Matt than Jon in this particular story. I did feel like we jumped into his story at a weird point, I almost wish we'd actually seen the scene where he has the threesome, instead of seeing him ponder it. Even if it was a flashback. Then again, maybe not. It just felt like we jumped into the middle of a story sometimes. BUT! I loved how Ms. Witt portrayed Matt's struggle with coming to terms with his newly discovered bisexuality. I loved the way his past played into him being in the closet for so long, and being so genuinely surprised when he figured it out. I loved the discussion about how his father's toxic masculinity really influenced him heavily. I also liked that they addressed how his constant vehement denial could hurt people (like Troy). I will say I was not too keen on the fact that it seemed no one was surprised when he came out. Not that that isn't necessarily realistic, but we never really find out what exactly gave it away for them. Having SOMEONE be surprised would have been nice. Or at least not sitting there saying "we were just waiting for you to say something."
I felt like Matt's financial struggles were added in at the beginning, and then didn't really go anywhere. Like the story got too cluttered, so that thread just got dropped unsatisfactorily. I really hate that, because I was interested in seeing how it was going to be resolved because it seemed to be building up to something, but then it just...fizzled, I guess. So then why was it there at all?
On to Jon! Jon was harder to warm up to. I never could figure out where he got his negative view on relationships. I guess some people just are that way, but in books it's nicer to read them having some incidence that leads to it (a rough childhood, divorced parents, no good role models, bad early breakup, SOMETHING). So that was a bummer. However, I loved that he was so confident in his sexuality, and very forthright about what he wanted, and very comfortable in his own skin. I loved that he was very good at his job and loved it, and they conveyed how smart he was. I also loved seeing some of the interactions with his squadron, but that fizzled a bit too...would have liked even more.
And Matt and Jon had amazing chemistry, and the steamy scenes were spot on (if prolific). I really did feel their connection and insatiability in the bedroom. But not at the expense of other connections. I felt friendship, and even romance too. I liked that we got to see their relationship slowly developing over time. You could tell they cared about each other. Frankly, it made the constant talk of casualness really grating on this romance reader. I think that was the point, but it's not something that this reader enjoys. I get it was the whole conflict of the book leading up to the climax, but it got tiring. And the turnaround in the end was a mite quick.
As for side stories, the subplot with Nate and his husband really broke my heart. It kind of threw off my mood, and if you know me as a reader at all, you know I HATE cheating. So it was hard to see it happening to a secondary character that was so important to one of our heroes. I get now that it was setup for book 3 though.
I liked getting glimpses of Colin and Daniel, but still wish we knew what happened to Daniel's family (particularly his relationship with his sisters). I guess nothing. That's the impression we're given. And I hated how they made Daniel sound like he was always so calm and cool and there for Colin, when often I felt like he was oblivious to Colin's problems. But that's a problem with a different story in the end.
All in all a solid romance that leans more towards the erotica end. I think the relationship was more satisfying than Colin and Daniel's from book one, but I enjoyed the extra elements in the first book's story a wee bit more, so they kind of balance out in the end. I will say I'm looking forward to the next book in the series though! That sneak peak was tantalizing!