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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher though Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars!
The Skin Deep series is all about tattoo artists and hot Navy men finding their way towards each other so I knew exactly what I was getting into the moment I started this book. Though I have no read the first book in this series, I feel like it didn't take much away from the story at all.
In this story we get to meet Jon and Matt, one (Jon) is a fighter pilot who just doesn't want to be tied down to anyone, no matter what. He's openly gay and casual sex is has been his MO for as long as he remembers. Matt is a struggling artist who is coming to terms with his sexuality (he's bisexual btw). His life is falling apart little by little and doubting his sexuality is the last thing he needs. When Jon's friends win a bet against him and Jon has no choice but to get his very first tattoo a the hand of the sexy yet shy Matt; the rest is history.
What I did love about this novel:
The smut is well done and consensual. It was hot, it was steamy and it sure had me blushing once or twice. There's switching (both MCs are both bottom and top) which is new for me in terms of m/m erotica. I enjoyed this because it broke that whole stereotype of how gay sex and relationships in general are supposed to work. There's a lot of communication and trust going on between the two so they both come out pleased and satisfied.
I also loved how Jon sort of teaches Matt about important things such as toxic masculinity and the fluidity of one's sexuality. These two are so domestic, it makes my heart ache. They both establish a strong friendship during their no strings attached affair and it shows a lot on page. Its nice to see them take care of each other and slowly learn their needs both as a couple and as friends. Their friends are involved in their relationship both as cheerleaders and support. Getting to see Matt's family was also a bonus, I love warm family scenes.
Matt is really struggling to find his place in the world and that's why he's my favorite out of both. His anxiety, his constant doubt and his fear for his future is something I could relate to deeply on and emotional level. I loved how he wasn't the poster boy of bad boy. Neither was Jon to be honest but Matt felt more real to me as a reader and as a bisexual person.
What I found lacking:
Okay so, I know this book is listed as erotica but sometimes I felt like there was just too much sex. It stunted their development as a couple and it dragged the story a bit more than I would have liked. I wanted to see them interact more as couple and maybe that would have let me get more attached to them as people but beggars can't be choosers I guess.
All in all, I found the story to be entertaining and fun, maybe a bit more repetitive and predictable than I was expecting. Nevertheless, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars!
The Skin Deep series is all about tattoo artists and hot Navy men finding their way towards each other so I knew exactly what I was getting into the moment I started this book. Though I have no read the first book in this series, I feel like it didn't take much away from the story at all.
In this story we get to meet Jon and Matt, one (Jon) is a fighter pilot who just doesn't want to be tied down to anyone, no matter what. He's openly gay and casual sex is has been his MO for as long as he remembers. Matt is a struggling artist who is coming to terms with his sexuality (he's bisexual btw). His life is falling apart little by little and doubting his sexuality is the last thing he needs. When Jon's friends win a bet against him and Jon has no choice but to get his very first tattoo a the hand of the sexy yet shy Matt; the rest is history.
What I did love about this novel:
The smut is well done and consensual. It was hot, it was steamy and it sure had me blushing once or twice. There's switching (both MCs are both bottom and top) which is new for me in terms of m/m erotica. I enjoyed this because it broke that whole stereotype of how gay sex and relationships in general are supposed to work. There's a lot of communication and trust going on between the two so they both come out pleased and satisfied.
I also loved how Jon sort of teaches Matt about important things such as toxic masculinity and the fluidity of one's sexuality. These two are so domestic, it makes my heart ache. They both establish a strong friendship during their no strings attached affair and it shows a lot on page. Its nice to see them take care of each other and slowly learn their needs both as a couple and as friends. Their friends are involved in their relationship both as cheerleaders and support. Getting to see Matt's family was also a bonus, I love warm family scenes.
Matt is really struggling to find his place in the world and that's why he's my favorite out of both. His anxiety, his constant doubt and his fear for his future is something I could relate to deeply on and emotional level. I loved how he wasn't the poster boy of bad boy. Neither was Jon to be honest but Matt felt more real to me as a reader and as a bisexual person.
What I found lacking:
Okay so, I know this book is listed as erotica but sometimes I felt like there was just too much sex. It stunted their development as a couple and it dragged the story a bit more than I would have liked. I wanted to see them interact more as couple and maybe that would have let me get more attached to them as people but beggars can't be choosers I guess.
All in all, I found the story to be entertaining and fun, maybe a bit more repetitive and predictable than I was expecting. Nevertheless, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Pouding Skin was recommended to me because I am a diehard fan of [b:Sunset Park|25842991|Sunset Park (Five Boroughs, #2)|Santino Hassell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445081788s/25842991.jpg|45707493]. While both of these stories do share a lot of similarities - a bi male mc discovering his sexuality - it did not live up to my expectations. Maybe I got too attached to Colin and Daniel in Back Piece? Either way, this companion sequel was a decent contemporary romance but failed to captive me.
Characterwise, I adored Matt. He was such a sweetheart! And I have a weakness for both shy/awkward characters - hello, relatable - and tattoo artists. Jon, on the other hand, was a little bland. He was not a character I felt had any particular presence. I found myself anticipating Matt’s chapters but I did appreciate his character development, particularly his arc in the final third. It was very heartwarming.
I struggled to get into the story because of the plotline. It took a while to find its feet and I was never too sure what exactly it was focusing on; too many topics were touched upon and not followed through. I wanted more of Matt’s financial struggles, more about Jon’s job, more tattooing! Yes, Matt and Jon’s romance was actually quite sweet. I really got into it in the last half, to the point that I got a little teary-eyed, but I needed more from the story to stay engaged.
The repetitive smut didn’t help. Look, I’ve read enough adult contemporaries to know that sex scenes are all but guaranteed. I just think Witt took it a little too far this time. If more of it had been focused on Matt coming to terms with his sexuality, maybe it wouldn’t have bothered me so much but after about the fourth scene? I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. It was too much.
Overall? I think Pounding Skin had a lot of potential but its focus on repetitive smut let it down. Matt and Jon were a cute couple and decent protagonists. I just needed more from the story to truly get engaged. Will I read the sequel? Yes. Lucas was an intriguing character and I am on edge for more Colin and Daniel (and now, Matt) cameos.
🌻 Trigger warnings for needles and coming out themes.
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Characterwise, I adored Matt. He was such a sweetheart! And I have a weakness for both shy/awkward characters - hello, relatable - and tattoo artists. Jon, on the other hand, was a little bland. He was not a character I felt had any particular presence. I found myself anticipating Matt’s chapters but I did appreciate his character development, particularly his arc in the final third. It was very heartwarming.
I struggled to get into the story because of the plotline. It took a while to find its feet and I was never too sure what exactly it was focusing on; too many topics were touched upon and not followed through. I wanted more of Matt’s financial struggles, more about Jon’s job, more tattooing! Yes, Matt and Jon’s romance was actually quite sweet. I really got into it in the last half, to the point that I got a little teary-eyed, but I needed more from the story to stay engaged.
The repetitive smut didn’t help. Look, I’ve read enough adult contemporaries to know that sex scenes are all but guaranteed. I just think Witt took it a little too far this time. If more of it had been focused on Matt coming to terms with his sexuality, maybe it wouldn’t have bothered me so much but after about the fourth scene? I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. It was too much.
Overall? I think Pounding Skin had a lot of potential but its focus on repetitive smut let it down. Matt and Jon were a cute couple and decent protagonists. I just needed more from the story to truly get engaged. Will I read the sequel? Yes. Lucas was an intriguing character and I am on edge for more Colin and Daniel (and now, Matt) cameos.
🌻 Trigger warnings for needles and coming out themes.
Blog • Twitter • Instagram
3 1/2 stars, rounding up bc it's LA Witt and I'm going to continue the series.
Didn't like this as much as Back Piece. Full RTC on my blog.
Didn't like this as much as Back Piece. Full RTC on my blog.