Toro (Alba) has spent the last six years living on the streets disguised as a boy but with her award-winning status, she’s become the toast of the art world. Thrust into a world where she doesn’t feel she belongs, she yearns to attract the attention of the only man she’s loved: Pharaoh. But everything turns upside down when her younger brother, Hanger, is kidnapped by Shark Man. Shark Man wants Toro and devises a wicked plan to make her marry him. But her heart belongs to Pharaoh. Will she give up everything she’s worked so hard for to free her brother from the clutches of an evil crime boss only to trap herself in the gilded cage?



This was my first Zara West book, so I knew I was diving into a series mid-way. Normally, I can catch on pretty quickly, but I had a little more difficulty trying to piece together the characters and backgrounds. But once I figured it out, it was smooth sailing.



Within the Skin is a dark romance with suspenseful undertones. I connected with Toro right away and I love her view on the world. Her world of street art is one I have no experience in but by the end of the book, I feel like I understood it better.



The dynamics between Toro, Pharaoh and Shark Man created an interesting triangle. I personally prefer Pharaoh for his undying love and willing to do anything for her. He’s a tortured hero, my favorite kind, and I even swooned a couple of times.



If you’re looking for a dark romance you won’t be able to put down, pick up Within the Skin today!



Favorite Character/Quote: She was no longer that girl. Tonight she would be the new Alba Vargas, reborn and re-baptized as a woman with power.



My Rating: 4 stars