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kelly_diaryofabooklover 's review for:

Skin of a Sinner by Avina St. Graves
4.0
adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

"๐“ฆ๐“ฎ ๐“ช๐“ต๐“ต ๐“ฑ๐“ช๐“ฟ๐“ฎ ๐“ญ๐“ฎ๐“ถ๐“ธ๐“ท๐“ผ. ๐“—๐“ฎ ๐“ฑ๐“ช๐“น๐“น๐“ฎ๐“ท๐“ผ ๐“ฝ๐“ธ ๐“ซ๐“ฎ ๐“ถ๐“ฒ๐“ท๐“ฎ."

๐Œ๐ฒ ๐“๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ ๐Ÿ’ญ

This was the craziest start to a book I think I have ever read. From the very first page, it grabbed me by the throat and didnโ€™t let go. I mean, how often do you read a story where the MMC apologises for waking the FMC while โ€œremovingโ€ her foster family? (Disclaimer: they were awful!)

Roman Riviera (aka Mickey) is completely unhinged. A full-blown psychopath. And as always, I couldnโ€™t get enough of him. He is the very definition of โ€œhates everyone but her.โ€ He took loving and protecting her to a whole new level. The red flags were green, just painted in blood ๐Ÿ˜‚, and I didnโ€™t care one bit. His deadly devotion, paired with unexpected moments of sass and softness (particularly moments of uncertainty), made him such a loveable character, even if absolutely terrifying.

Bella was an absolute sweetheart. This girl endured so much pain and trauma, and watching her grow stronger throughout the book was beautiful. She gave Mickey hell when he deserved it, and his inner monologue during those moments was absolutely hilarious.

Their bond was everything. Childhood friends ripped apart, yet always finding their way back to each other (I mean, Roman would always find her!). The chemistry between them was so good, and the multiple timelines were done so well, blending past and present and leaving no loose ends.

This book was dark, twisted, intense, and totally unhinged, and I loved every second. If you enjoy morally grey characters, obsessive love, and stories that walk the line between love and madness, this one is a must-read. Iโ€™d recommend it in a heartbeat, and Iโ€™d definitely read it again.