I think I liked the first one a bit better but this one was good as well. The tory and characters were consistent but to me it was missing a bit of progression. It felt like there was not much progression in their relationship until the end when everything burst and they loved each other forever. I wish I could have seen them falling for each other more because I don't think it was showcased enough.
P.S.: I read the preview for Nate's book. SIGN ME UP!

The story is pretty simple with not a huge amount of plot. However we have two likeable MCs, one who is coming to terms with bisexuality and one who has never committed to any relationship before. The progression of their relationship is sweet, sexy and made me smile. I enjoyed it a lot.

I'm also very much looking forward to the next book in the series, as it was set up quite nicely in this instalment.

One man questions his sexuality, the other doesn't do relationships.

I don't know why but it's been a little while since I've read a book by L.A. Witt. I don't know how I missed the first book in the Skin Deep Inc. series, Back Piece, but I'm glad I saw Pounding Skin available on NetGalley. This one stands alone with no problem; I didn't feel like I missed anything from the first story but I plan to go back and read it because I enjoyed Pounding Skin so much.

The book starts out in a kind of humorous vein; fighter pilot Jon Russel has lost a bet and must get a tattoo of whatever his buddies pick and on whatever part of his body; within reason. When he sees the tattoo artist who will be initiating him into the world of ink he is stunned speechless by the man's good looks.

Matt Huffman likes women but lately he's also realized he's attracted to men, although he's not really ready to admit it out loud. He's intrigued by Jon and his commitment to getting a tattoo even though he doesn't really want one.

I loved how this story developed a bit slowly. Not the sex part, these two guys hooked up quickly, but the relationship between them developed slowly. They both agreed that it would only be for fun, no strings sex and companionship. As things begin to change John gets scared.

The depth of feeling conveyed by Ms. Witt's writing was just perfect. In a way, I pretty much knew how the story was going to go but I just didn't know how it would get there. The writing kept me glued to my e-reader and I didn't want to put it down. The only thing that kept me from finishing this in one sitting was sleep – as in my e-reader fell out of my hands when I could no longer keep my eyes open!

I almost never read excerpts for the next book when they're found at the end of my current read. I'm not sure what compelled me to read the one for Cover Up but I did and now I can't wait to read it.

A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

This review will be posted to Xtreme-Delusions dot com on July 11, 2017.

This is the kind of L.A. Witt book that made me fall in love with her....
Developed characters, good plot, witty dialog, hot sex. What more could you ask for?
A Fighter Pilot and a Tattoo Artist.. Who would have thought they'd go together so well?
Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Loosing a bet turned out to be a great thing.

3.5 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

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 read this before book one and I had absolutely no problems with it. I think – now that I’ve read book one – very little came from knowing the other characters beforehand.

I definitely enjoyed this story more than book one. I really like Matt and found his self-discovery to feel really authentic and organic. I ached for his sense of desperation and his wanting to be a “grown up” but struggling with life’s everyday issues.

I didn’t connect as well with Jon and found him to be a bit more shallow. But… I really appreciated that they had really almost no relationship angst – just a normal progression of two guys moving from the “hook up” stage to the “relationship” stage.

As always the sex is phenomenal and I think the feels were stronger in this story than in book one.

I really enjoyed this and recommend it!

4.25 (rounded to 4.5) of 5 stars

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. The story is about a man (Matt) who is just starting to realize he may be bisexual and has started a relationship with a man (Jon) who is definitely gay. There is drama from others, noted in the story, that have an effect on them. They separate for a short time and realize they love each other. There is a lot of sex in this book but it is very well written. I would recommend this book.

I was very surprised by this book. The writing is very good, the story flows nicely. I love the build of the relationship and found it very realistic to what would happened between two men. I have a couple of gay friends in relationships and I found the two characters very much like my friend.s I would definitely recommend to others. I know its probably a taboo subject for some but this really was a good story. I'm definitely purchasing the others.

Pounding Skin was a good read. This is the first book I've read in this series and this is the first book I've read from this author so I had no idea what her writing style was like, but I enjoyed the story and the storyline. It's not often that I find myself reading strictly m/m romance reads, so I really love when I feel the story was done right. This story focuses on Jon and Matt. I enjoyed Jon's character a lot; he know exactly who he was and what he wanted in his life. Matt was still learning who he was and how to deal with it. It was crazy in a sort of way how everyone knew what he preferred including him but he denied himself because of what he thought everyone would think. I was glad he made the decision to live his life the way he wanted. I wished the story had a little less sex scenes but even with that said I thought they were done perfect. I would read other books from this author and for readers who enjoy a good m/m I'd recommend you giving this book a try.

The series is just getting better for me. I enjoyed this one a lot more than the last book.

I was really worried going into this one because a lot of my fellow GR friends who had already read it were iffy on their ratings. I read a few reviews that made me hesitant as well. But as usual what doesn't work for one reader definitely works for another.

The book starts with Matt coming to the conclusion that he might not be as straight as he had thought. Things took a turn in a threesome with his ex and her new bi boyfriend that he hadn't planned on taking. He ended up getting intimate with the boyfriend and it opened up a whole new world for Matt. He's a bit confused on why this is happening now and why he never figured it out sooner. But he later comes to the conclusion of why that is. I won't spoil it though.

Jon is a fighter pilot and is having a great time being a self proclaimed man slut. He seems to have a bit of a phobia of relationships. He has fears of getting too close to someone just for them to turn around and leave, cheat, and in the end, to hurt him. He doesn't want to hand over that kind of power to someone. But when a bet goes wrong and he finds himself in front of Matt with the rest of his crew to make an appointment for a tattoo that his buddies want tattooed on his ass, he is floored by how hot Matt is. He is also terrified of needles and on the verge of throwing up. lol

The men come together and fireworks explode. To say these men were hot together is an extreme understatement. They had chemistry for days y'all. In and out of the bedroom. I loved that this book was more focused on the men and the relationship. Yes, there is quite a bit of sex but it wasn't overwhelming and constant. These guys went out. They interacted with other people. They had conversations. I felt that all of that was lacking in the last book and is probably why I loved this one so much more.

I adored both of these guys and they had me swooning on multiple occasions. The tender moments literally had me saying AW out loud. The way they touched, kissed, held each other was just super sweet. Not like toothache sweet. Just adorably sweet.

Once I had the chance to sit and read this I couldn't put it down. I loved every minute of it. I liked that there wasn't any real big drama. It was just two guys who didn't think they wanted something serious and ended up finding their soul mate. There might have been a hiccup at the end, but it's kind of expected in such books. But as usual, it never lasts long.

I can't wait for the next book. I feel like saying who it will be about would be spoilery so I will keep mum on it. Just know I am excited! lol

Dolls, give this one a chance. I know if you liked the last book you will definitely fall in like/love with this one.

Happy reading! xx

Pounding Skin, L.A. Witt

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: LGBTQIA, Romance

I love LA Witt's books usually, but the first in this series just didn't do it for me. I didn't know if that was a one off, or if maybe its just this series.
Well, having read book two I think maybe its time for me to have a break from LA's novels.

I did enjoy this, but found I was putting it aside and picking up later, something that I don't do with a book I really like.
I didn't dislike the story, there were parts I liked a lot, but I also found there were swathes I just felt were either predictable, or felt too much like a previous story-line brought into this novel.
I need to be surprised, to wonder what can, will happen and how but somehow here I felt I knew that before I read it. 

If you're new to LA's books you'll probably love this, she's a great writing style and its a classic LA story, great characters, some angst and lots of hot steamy sex tied in to a real feeling setting with issues that people really do face. 
Of course all authors have fans who love everything they write, but I think I just need a break. I still love LA's writing style, love the way she can conjure up such realistic people but feel maybe I need to step away for a while. If I can resist the lure of the next book ;-) 

Stars: Three, a typical LA Witt well written, steamy read, but I just felt it was all too familiar, nothing new to hold my interest.. 

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

I liked this book. The progression of Matt and Jon's relationship was sexy, sweet, and quite romantic.

Matt's obliviousness to his sexuality could be relatable to many. He spent so much of his life ignoring and dismissing his bisexuality. And his AHA moment when he realizes that it was most likely due to the toxic masculinity he was surrounded by was great to witness.

Jon took a minute to warm up to. He was a self professed slut and likes his lifestyle just the way it is. Unfortunately, I didn't understand his hesitancy with relationships? I feel like that part of his character could have been developed better.

The chemistry between these two was off the charts hot! Matt was all in when it came to exploring his bisexuality. One thing LA Witt sure knows how to do is melt your kindle!

But what I liked most was the quiet moments between Matt and Jon when things were clearly developing into more without either man really realizing it. It was sweet and tender and real-world romantic.

However, as I've come to notice is my issue with this author, this book is padded with some filler. Scenes, observations, details that don't really add anything to the story or the characters.

I like that we got to see Daniel & Colin from the previous book, but it kinda felt forced into parts of the book and didn't flow naturally.

Also, the ending was too rushed for my tastes. Jon flipped his switch too easily. One conversation and BOOM all these realizations hit him....but I didn't feel any of the emotion behind those realizations. And I feel like Matt gave in too easily.

We're given an excellent set up for the next couple in this series, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the author takes those characters because they both have interesting backstories.

This is a cute read.

Matt a tattoo artist who's struggling with his sexuality. He's a contradiction of sorts, all tall, dark, tattooed and ruff round the edges yet actually quite introverted and shy. Through the book you get to see him come to terms with his sexuality, accept what he's been denying himself for so long and come out of his shell. I enjoyed his character... He was super cute With his blushing cheeks and shy personality but I also loved when he felt comfortable in his skin and the cheeky smirking dirty mouthed naughty boy came out to play.

Jon is a USA navy pilot and resident manwhore. While he was completely out there and unashamedly confident in who he was and what he wanted it didn't mix with his actions towards Matt. He seemed to love the comforts of having Matt there as a constant. He didn't shy away from the affection nor did he draw lines in where their "friend with benefits" relationship went. I really enjoyed seeing the softer more sensitive side to him when he was with Matt.

Together they had a great connection. The chemistry was off the charts and this author nailed the sex scenes literally and figuratively. I enjoyed their journey of self discovery. They grew as charters both together and separately at a nice believable pace and were totally sweet together. The side characters were a great addition to the story all very likeable and relatable adding good substance to an already good story.

its been a hot minute since I've read a m/m romance and this didn't disappoint. It's a cute story with no unnecessary drama and super hot sex between two gorgeous guys!. This is the first I have read from this author but it won't be the last. I can't wait for Nate and Lucas story!.

I kindly received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This is the second in the Skin Deep Inc. series, but it worked as a standalone.

Fighter Pilot Jon meets tattoo artist Matt when Jon loses a bet and the forfeit is his first ever tattoo.

Jon is an out, gay, commitment-phobe. Matt, until one very recent experience , considered himself straight, but is now wondering if he might be bi.

There is a great attraction between them and they start having a casual sexual relationship.

They have frequent sex. They see a lot of each other and attend work functions and parties together. Jon goes home with Matt to his mother for Thanksgiving to support him while he comes out to his family. The crisis comes after New Year. Matt realises he wants more than a casual fling. Jon has just seen Nate and Caleb’s 10 year marriage break up. Can he commit to a serious monogamous relationship?

I found the numerous sex scenes a bit boring after a while as they always seemed to be much the same and I ended up skimming through them. There was also quite a lot of fairly repetitive introspection.

The writing is good and flows along nicely. The dialogue works and sounds realistic. I did get a bit of an idea of what Jon and Matt were like as people, but not enough, as they spent much of the time tearing each other’s clothes off. I would have enjoyed more character development. I think, also, that
a bit more of a build up to Jon and Matt getting together might have added something for me.Some of the secondary characters came over well, particularly Nate and Lucas who will figure in Part 3.

The book will appeal to readers who like plenty of steamy sex, hunks in uniforms and tall, tattooed men.

Overall, 3 stars.

I have read books by this author before and thoroughly enjoyed them. This book is the 2nd in the Skin Deep Inc. series and follows, Jon, a fighter pilot and Matt, a tattoo artist; very sexy jobs, who wouldn’t be drawn in by tattoos and military men? I really wanted this book to live up to its premise and it definitely did. Both Jon and Matt have their struggles in this tale and after they hook up for some no strings attached sex, the relationship starts to become so much more than either of them bargained for. The details about Jon’s work in the military was well researched, and was told in quite a believable and realistic way and the sex scenes were off the charts hot and beautifully described. It could have been quite bland and formulaic telling but this story had lots of substance and I found myself really invested in both the MC’s and I rooted for a HEA – do they get it? You’ll have to read the book and you won’t be disappointed. I really did love this book, I read it in one sitting which shows how much I enjoyed it.

I loved reading this one,
it is about taking a chance,stepping out of your comfortzone.
Matt discovers that he at least is bisexual,when He has insta-lust.
the moment that jon walks in Skin Deep,in order to get a tattoo.
Jon a lovely manwhore,who firmly believes that he is only into
hook-ups and weekend flings.feels the same.
they begin with a friends-with benefits deal.
that soon become more.
when its pointed out to jon,he balks and backpeddels.
Matt will not stand for it,He feels he wants more and is
hurt about jon`s attitute about the past months.
I love it that Matt is the strong one in that moment.

I liked the parts of Nate and Lucas,and look forward to their story.
This book is not only about the love between Matt and Jon.
but also about stepping out your comfortzone,trying something
new.and dare to take the risk.

L.A.Witt is a very talented author,She have written many books.
lots off series,and each serie is different.but overall they have
a good storyline,a flawed hero`s who do their best.and are
willing to work for their H.E.A.

As hardcore as the title sounds, L.A. Witt's "Pounding Skin" delivers a surprising and heartfelt romance between two unlikely (but still likable!) people. Jon, in the military and terrified of needles, loses a bet with his unit and gets a tattoo. Matt, a struggling tattooist who is coming to terms with his bisexuality, is the artist Jon's buddies hire to do the ink. The two have an immediate attraction and decide to start a purely physical relationship--which, over times, develops into a real relationship. Jon's not sure he's interested in an emotional commitment, but Matt is, and the two men need to come to terms with what they both want.

Pleasant secondary characters round out this narrative. While Matt and Jon spend a fair amount of time in the bedroom, Witt's writing makes it clear that their connection is more than physical. It's really nice to read a romance that is a romance--they like each other, and they are supportive of each other. "Pounding Skin" (a tattoo term) allows its male characters (there are three women in this book, two of whom are Matt's family members) the chance to provide emotional stability and support. This support extends to the secondary characters as well, which makes this series' continuation something to look forward to.

I'd really enjoyed Back Piece by the same author so I was looking forward to this, and I wasn't disappointed-- steamy, sexy, and gorgeous.

Another solid installment in the Skin Deep series by L.A. Witt.

This story center's around Matt, one of the tattoo artists at Skin Deep. For all of his life, Matt has identified as straight, but one hot threesome where he seriously enjoys the attention of another man, get's him to thinking.

Then, in walks Jon...hot, sexy, out and proud pilot and Matt's world is tilted on it's axis. So these two start a little thing, try to keep it simple, but, as always, those pesky feelings get involved. Matt has to do some soul searching, but once he digs deep enough, he realizes who he is and what he want's is righty in front of him.