Fighter pilot Jon Russell never sleeps with the same man twice. Known for his lack of shame when it comes to hooking up, Jon has no interest in commitment—even friends with benefits sounds like too much work.

Matt Huffman has slept with lots of women. He’s had loads of girlfriends. So why does the hot as hell pilot getting a tattoo as the result of a lost bet stop his breath? And how come he can’t stop thinking about him, even after he’s gone?

When Jon returns to Skin Deep the second time, he doesn’t want another tattoo. He wants to hook up with the gorgeous artist he spent hours agonizingly close to, and Matt wants to explore some curiosity about men. Fulfill the desire he can’t stop fantasizing over. And he wants to do it with Jon.

As their casual hook up becomes more than just skin deep, both Matt and Jon are faced with questions they don’t want to answer. Matt understands he’s bi—but are these feelings he has typical of hooking up with a man? Or is it only Jon that can make his heart pound? If Jon wanted nothing more than a fling, why does he find himself needing not just Matt’s body, but all of him? And can their relationship withstand the hardships that makes Jon avoid them in the first place?

The Skin Deep, Inc books can be read in any order—come enter a world where gorgeous tattoo artists and hot Navy men find passion, pleasure, and a happily ever after together.



Source: advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.



This is the second in the Skin Deep series (the first book was Back Piece - check out our review here). Matt works for Colin (from Back Piece) and recently had an experience that makes him think he's bi. When Jon comes in for a tattoo, bisexuality is pretty much confirmed. Jon's a promiscuous navy pilot who has to get a tattoo after losing a bet. He's on board for a hook up with the sexy tattoo artist, but the pick up doesn't really go as planned since Matt hasn't come to terms with his sexuality.

After some awkwardness, the two hook-up and keep hooking up. These two have some super hot sexy times, sometimes involving navy uniforms... Despite the fact that the two are clearly in a relationship, Jon (who initiates a lot of the relationship behavior) still can't admit they are in a relationship. This, of course, causes problems, which leads to drama and angst.

If you've read an L.A. Witt book, then you know that after the angst comes the happily ever after and Pounding Skin is no exception. Matt and Jon get their collective heads out of their asses and figure their shit out. And of course, we're all set for the next Skin Deep book by the end of this one. Book 3, Cover Up releases this fall and looks to be pretty entertaining.

If you like sexy soldiers and/or m/m books, check out Pounding Skin. You won't regret it!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/M Bi/Gay Romance

Matt and Jon are an interesting couple. I love how they met. The squadron that Jon belongs to is funny, fun loving, and good sports. When Jon loses a bet, he walks in to a tattoo shop to pay up... A tattoo on his butt! Reading how his friends took it in stride – choosing his punishment – giggling like girls – I could just picture it.

Then you have Matt. He's struggling with life. Not really sure if he can hack it as a tattoo artist and he's also struggling with his sexuality. While he has been with women for his entire life, there have been some recent turns that make him question his sexuality. Watching him work through his realization was a good part of the story.

These two have okay chemistry, but once they really delve into the story, I thought that their chemistry increased. However, I think it mostly increased because of what they shared within the story. I also really liked how Matt was instantly worried about Jon and his friends and family.

This was a sweet story about figuring out that love is scary but worth it and I can't wait to see what happens next, because Nathan's story has me so excited.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
The second book in this series is another hot pairing: talented tattoo artist Matt and fighter pilot Jon. While Jon is out and proud and an unapologetic player, Matt finds himself unexpectedly struggling with his sexual identity as a mature adult.

These two are great together. Jon is a bit of a lad and a bit of a daredevil. When we meet him, he has lost a bet and his Army mates are choosing a tattoo for his ass. I loved watching him fall for Matt, even though he professes an allergy to relationships. Jon does a good bit of growing up in this story and I enjoyed his journey.

Joining a couple for a threesome left Matt bewildered and wondering whether he was attracted to men. And the sexy fighter pilot who wanders into his tattoo parlour provides a willing partner to explore his attraction. I loved that Matt didn’t angst too much over his sexuality, he just jumped into figuring it out. The chemistry between Matt and Jon is hot and I enjoyed watching these two move from convenient hook-ups to something more.

This is a much lighter story than the first book. Matt and Jon both have lots going on in their lives but they definitely don’t have the complex problems that Colin and Daniel faced. I enjoyed seeing more of Colin and Daniel and more of the tattoo artists from the first book.

This is a bit more fun than the first book – we’ve still got two fantasy fulfilling men but with more sex and less angst, I think I prefer this second story.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and although we get to catch up with some of the relationship from book one, there is a new pairing here.

This is a super-hot read, with some very sexy scenes which definitely made my cheeks colour! I loved the two guys, the revelations that life brought them, and the way that they resolved the conflicts that were mostly in their heads.

The mix of fighter pilot and tattoo artist gave the author an opportunity to bring us into contact with two very different worlds, and yet, once again, enable them to meld. The issues were far less dramatic than in the first book, but enough to make a good plot. And, I have to admit that the few pages of the teaser have convinced me that I will be hoping to get hold of the next installment as soon as I can.

My best advice is to get yourself a copy and delve into one heck of a steamy, passionate, and ultimately very satisfying story. Thank you, Ms. Witt.

With Pounding Skin L.A. Witt wrote her second book in the Skin Deep Inc. series and this time it's about Matt, Colin's colleague in the tattooshop and Jon, a fighter pilot.

I really let out a scream of joy when I read about the fact that a tattoo artist and fighter pilot getting their love story because, holy moly, what's hotter than this combination? :D

The way both Matt and Jon met is pretty unconventional and Jon's reasons to get a tattoo - loosing a football bet with his military friends - isn't a thing which pleases Matt right from the start. But like Colin and Daniel (from Back Piece) had a connection right from the start, this is happening here too.

I really loved with what expertise L.A. Witt is writing about military stuff. She really do her research and I am really fond of the way she creates a setting around the character you truly believe. The character feel sometimes so real it's hard to say they are not. :D

The way how Matt and Jon connect to each other and how they reveal their feelings is sweet, powerful and full of emotion. Matt and Jon made the compromise only to have sex, keep it totally on the platonic, friends with benefits way. But soon, Matt isn't satisfied yet. The deep feelings set it.

It is heartclenching how emotional both guys get and you really suffer with them. You also understand both ways of thinking and you have until the last page your hopes - and you are - I assure you - satisfied at the end. :3

The erotic scenes, the sex between the guys was hot, really smoking and sensual. Emotions are there but they are surpressed first.

5 out of 5 stars for this. Jon sometimes annoyed me a bit, Matt had my whole heart. I can't wait to read the next book, because next to the major story between Matt and Jon there was the side story of his friend Nate. ;) The small glimpse at the end of the book was already really promising. :3

Review originally posted on my blog with added content on Mikku-chan / A world full of words

Pounding Skin by L.A. Witt is a fantastic attention to Witt's Skin Deep Inc. series. I cannot wait until the next in the series.

Another solid story from L.A. Witt. Really like this new series. Set in the backdrop of a tattoo shop and with military themes as well, Pounding Skin is the second of these interconnected standalones. Matt is confused and struggling with coming to terms with who he is in terms of his sexuality after a recent experience leaves him both confused and admittedly feeling right. They meet when Jon loses a bet with his buddies and he's forced to get a tattoo. The casual meeting sets off fireworks for the both of them that lead to some uber sexy hookups. Both are clear they just want to keep it casual, but what happens when feelings get involved? I enjoyed these characters so much. They had amazing chemistry and I thought Witt did a great job with the dual pov. I'll definitely be reading more!

i loved this so much.. absolutely adored it. it was sexy it was hott it was amazing.. so many words and yet none can describe this for me.. i loved the confusion.. i loved the fact that the big strong naval man.. forgot his name when he sees the sexy tattooist.. the writing was wonderful and i cannot wait to see what happens next. i am glad i got to review this one

I've read several L.A. Witt books before, so I was excited to get an ARC of "Pounding Skin" to read. As always, it was a smoking hot read, but this was a bit different from previous books I've read. Whereas a lot of them are nothing but sex it seems sometimes (which is a nice change of pace at times), this one genuinely had a great plot and storyline. I did feel as though Matt was more of the focus of this book than Jon and we really didn't learn a whole lot about Jon like we did Matt.

Matt is a tattoo artist at Skin Deep and is really struggling with life right now. He's broke, has car problems, can barely pay rent and just had a confusing sexual experience with his ex-girlfriend. But then Jon walks into the shop to get a tattoo after losing a bet and Matt is even more confused by his attraction to Jon.

Jon is a Navy fighter pilot and he's a self-proclaimed gay manwhore. So when he spots the sexy tattooed Matt, he wants him, but keeps telling himself that maybe he was reading the signals wrong since Matt claims "I'm not gay" adamantly.

Matt struggles with his sexuality. He's been picked on since he was a kid and uses the 'I'm not gay' mantra as a shield. However, his threesome with his ex girlfriend and her boyfriend recently kind of throws a wrench in that theory. Turns out, he's bi-sexual and he jumps right into bed with Jon after deciding to just go for it.

The chemistry between these two is off the charts hot. There's no denying that there's some big sparks between the two. Unfortunately, Jon is a commitment-phobe and he wants to try and keep things casual. But their relationship grows slow and sweet, which I came to love about this book. Yes, there was instant attraction, but the love took a while to develop and they actually went on dates, met the family, met the friends, etc., so it seemed real and like an honest progression.

Now, I do have to complain about some of the writing. It seemed as though the author kept repeating herself every other paragraph throughout the book. Some of the same phrases were reused and I found myself confused and wondering if I was re-reading what I had already read - but nope, just the same phrase being used a couple lines down. And I really got tired about hearing Matt complain about his car and lack of income every chapter. It seemed to be the only thing he'd focus on at times. I've been there before myself, but the self-pity became annoying and was too much of a focus in this book. There were some editing issues, but that happens with ARC's sometimes.

Having never read the first book in the series, I can say that it wasn't really necessary before reading this one, so know that you can read this one as a standalone.

The preview of the next book was very interesting and I really can't wait to read that one given all that went down in this book with those characters.

*3.5 stars*

This might be my favorite L.A. Witt series in years. Sure, these books have a LOT of sex and you have to be into both military men and tattoos, but there is also some real emotion in these stories, and I think L.A. Witt is onto something special.

To be honest, this story came tailor-made for my tastes. I absolutely adore a story where a man is discovering his sexuality for the first time, so Matt's realization that he likes men... yum, TOTALLY my thing. Matt was a very eager student (*wink, wink*), and I loved going along for that ride!

Still, I was a little doubtful that I would like this story in the beginning. It felt... slow, and repetitive for some reason. I didn't feel like much was happening, which I often feel in this author's books. However, the more I read the more the story grew on me, and by the end I had a total smile on my face.

The story is mostly sweet, with a tiny bit of angst. It is a F*ck-buddies-to-lovers story, with some very tender and very hot moments. Yes, I think the sex became a bit too repetitive, even for me, but I left the story with a very positive feeling, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for me.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

Hot Hot Hot! A bi curious tattoo artist and a hot navy pilot... what more could you ask for. The pacing of this relationship was perfect. I enjoyed how the author handled Matt questioning his sexuality and his eventual coming out. Both MC were engaging. Jon was just frustrating enough that you wanted to hug him or smack some sense into him Nice set-up for the next book with investment in secondary characters. Witt's writing is always well edited and her dialouge is fast paced. Definitely an enjoyable book :)

3 solid stars

This was a sweet and light read. I didn't read Back Piece, but this can be read as a stand-alone.
I asked for this ARC because I really love L.A. Witt's writing style. The beginning of this one wasn't as interesting as I thought it might be. I didn't get to turn the pages real fast. But I ended up enjoying it way more than I expected. I must admit I got curious about this book from the blurb. I'm a BIG fan of manwhore characters, especially those who don't believe in relationships and here I got exactly that. And a little more. Well at one point it ended up being kind of frustrating seeing how Jon kept saying over and over that he and Matt didn't have something special. But overall the angst was bearable.

One of the things that didn't really work for me was the bet that Jon lost and he ended having a tattoo. It's not my business, I know, but I really think getting a tattoo should be something special as it's something permanent. Oh, and I should say there's another thing that bothered me. I really would have enjoyed it much more if Matt was totally inexperienced (view spoiler)

Anyway, when Jon met Matt - his tattoo artist, well he was hooked. The attraction was huge and this story has SO many HOT scenes. WOW!
But Matt also had his reasons to keep his distance, at least at first. He was convinced he was straight. Both characters were flowed and were afraid to take a chance.
Unfortunately I can't say this story surprised me much and I kind of wanted more. At least we got a nice and sweet ending, with a HEA. If you're looking for a light read, then this is for you.

I'm curious about the next book. Lucas and Nate. This should be really interesting. Poor Nate. I can't wait for him to learn to trust again and give Lucas a chance.

ARC kindly provided to me by the Publisher - St. Martin's Press, via Net Galley, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

While book one didn't really work for me, this one is way much better for my reading mood.
Jon and Matt got 'it' from the very beginning, though they didn't realized that bonding after awhile.
After that one night stand hook up became two night stand and another, seemed they cannot stay away from each other for too long.
Denial is sucks, when what you need is a great relationship and you had already told your love interest that you're not into relationship, you need to work harder to make it right.
But somehow, Jon and Matt learned by time. Especially with Nate and Caleb's relationship in the picture.
Now I'm curious about the next book. I hope, I'll getting more and more interesting.

Heads-up, hot man-on-man actions between a slutty, needles-phobic, navy fighter pilot and one hunky tattoo artist's up ahead. Those who look for steamy yet sweet read with characters' self-contemplation, might consider to read this book.

Pounding Skin is the second entry to "Skin Deep Inc" series and starring one of Skin Deep Inc's own, Matt Huffman, who's been straight his whole life yet found himself drawn to Jon Russell. Matt's confusion - and of course the following self-acceptance and gratification - was quickly dealt with. What followed was Jon and Matt's gradual attachment to each other where the feelings involved; spiced up with their bedroom - or out of bedroom - gymnastics.

Sexual factor aside, Jon and Matt's romance was quite a sweet one. Told alternately from Jon and Matt's POV, it showed the growing attractions they felt; how they gradually depending on each other. The plot might be predictable, but I relished the character's quick and thoughtful action once decision made as it didn't prolong unnecessary angst of the story.

The book also paved the way for the next installment of the series; of which - considering what one of the future MC went through - I look forward to.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Pounding Skin
Skin Deep Inc #2
L.A. Witt
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another great read by L.A. Witt!! Couldn't put it down. I got so involved with Matt and Jon that I had to finish it to see what happened between them. I'm such a sucker for Happy Ever Afters. I enjoyed finding out that Colin and Daniel are still making things work from the first book in this series. Can't wait for Book 3 to come out in the fall.

Fighter pilot Jon Russell never sleeps with the same man twice. Known for his lack of shame when it comes to hooking up, Jon has no interest in commitment—even friends with benefits sounds like too much work.

Matt Huffman has slept with lots of women. He’s had loads of girlfriends. So why does the hot as hell pilot getting a tattoo as the result of a lost bet stop his breath? And how come he can’t stop thinking about him, even after he’s gone?

When Jon returns to Skin Deep the second time, he doesn’t want another tattoo. He wants to hook up with the gorgeous artist he spent hours agonizingly close to, and Matt wants to explore some curiosity about men. Fulfill the desire he can’t stop fantasizing over. And he wants to do it with Jon.

As their casual hook up becomes more than just skin deep, both Matt and Jon are faced with questions they don’t want to answer. Matt understands he’s bi—but are these feelings he has typical of hooking up with a man? Or is it only Jon that can make his heart pound? If Jon wanted nothing more than a fling, why does he find himself needing not just Matt’s body, but all of him? And can their relationship withstand the hardships that makes Jon avoid them in the first place?


Thanks NetGalley and SMP Swerve for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Jon and Matt

They meet in the tattoo shop where Matt will put a tattoo on Jon's....butt....yeah he lost a bet with his friends/colleagues.

Matt having trouble to find out who he really is. His first act was always "I'm not gay!" And that's exactly what he tells Jon. But lately he has his doubts
Jon, fighter pilot, doesn't do relationships....nope... he only does one time fucks...so that's what he wants from Matt. After hearing from Matt that he's not gay he apologize for getting the wrong idea. Matt takes him apart and tells he do want a one time fuck....and no strings at all. Because Matt wants to spread his wings with men...and he can practice with Jon.
That's precisely what they both want. No strings.....
So they hook up....one time...and another....and another....
Damn they are so hot and vibrant. They fit perfectly together and in no time they are inseparable.....and uhuhh no relationships....

What first looks as the perfect arrangement is exactly the one thing that kills their relationships.

Well written, enough developed story and entertaining hot.
Both men, their friends and colleagues were well put down.
Worth reading!
Kindly received a link to the copy @SMPRomance SMPRomance

3.5- 4 stars.
I have a hard time finding a rating for this book.
On the downside - the sex. At first, it was super hot and had a role to play in the development of the story, but soon it became that of page filling. I would have enjoyed this story more if 50% of the sex scenes had been edited out.
On the plus side, It was a wonderous story in which a straight man discovers that he is in fact bi.
I liked the characters and they were genuinely sweet and so believable.
The story was well written and I'd definitely recommend it to my fellow readers.

First of all, the hero Jon got bullied to get a tattoo he never wanted doesn't sit well with me, despite the fact that is the precursor for him to meet our other hero, Matt, the tattoo artist.

Matt is under going some confusion over his own s3xual orientation. He thought he is straight but after a great threesome, he starts to question himself. It doesn't help that Jon walked in and he's all Matt can think about. Meanwhile, Jon is a total manwh0re and a commitment phobe, but he is more than happy to let Matt practice on him and confirm his s3xuality.

It goes without saying LA Witt doesn't fail in delivering some heated scenes. The guys have great chemistry and I enjoyed their progression on their not-a-relationship. What will happen when one of them wanted more than these constant hook up? The drama towards the end isn't all that surprising and it did get resolve without much fan fare.

Jon and Matt were just hot hot hot! This book hooked me from the get go just like the last one. The writing is great and story is a good one. If you like your books hot and steamy, this author is for you.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Pounding Skin
By: L.A. Witt

📚💕⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💕📚

This book, oh my so many intense and honest and heartbreaking words page after page. This beautifully written m/m book will take you on a roller coaster ride. It has new beginnings, first experiences, self doubt, prejudice, eating disorder, kindness, loyalty, laughter, sorrow and ultimately love and acceptance.

Take the journey and read this intense and sexually captivating book. Matt a tattoo artist and man that is just discovering his sexuality, he's struggling not only financially but how he fits into this world. And. Jon a Marine Fighter Pilot of over twelve years and openly gay. This book will give you amazing and hot sex, you'll get to watch as two men discover who they can be together and the sacrifices they will make for each other.

For this reader my only complaint would be I want more of Jon and Matt. That to me is a sign of a well written book. This author hits some very sensitive topics. She was considerate with the topics yet they are so incredibly well told. If I could give more stars I would have!!!

Written in Dual POV my personal favorite!!

This book was provided by Netgally for an honest review!!!

This is a great addition to this series, however be advised this can be read as a stand-alone. Matt and Jon are great characters, with steamy chemistry. The story has plenty of drama and emotion and held my interest throughout. The sex is steamy, the read is entertaining and fast-paced. I really liked it.