Under Her Skin by Adriana Anders is a great debut novel in her Blank Canvas series!



Reasons to read Under Her Skin

Ivan - bearded, blacksmith neighbor who looks dangerous but has a heart of gold
Uma - on the run from abusive ex but stays strong through her road to recovery
Ms. Loyd - old hag that needs love and friendship
Romance novel wrapped in mystery, suspense and the dark and light sides of love
Uma's past wouldn't have allowed for an instant hook up and I'm really like how the romance element was the main focus until about half way through the story. The romance between Ivan and Uma was a slow burn something both of them needed. These characters were hunted and tormented by their pasts and they really needed each other. Their connection was so beautiful.

The suspense of what could, would, should happen with surrounding the events of Uma's past kept me on the edge of my seat. I wondered when the shit would hit the fan. Would someone get hurt, die or kill someone. (You'll have to read to find out!)

Ms. Loyd is a perfect old hag that turned out to be an enigma wrapped in a mystery. She helped deliver some much needed humor (although dark) to Uma's life. She also worked as a safe place for Uma even when she didn't want to be in her house.

Ivan is all the things that Uma needed in her life after Joey. Kind, gentle, strong, sexy, protector (when she needed it) and allowed her to be strong for herself. A man who knows when his woman needed him to be a caveman and when she needed he to stand be side her and let her lead.

Under Her Skin was a great read and had me up way past my bed time to see how the story ended.

I've already requested the next novel in the Blank Canvas series, By Her Touch from Netgalley. It will release April 4th from Sourcebooks. It features Dr. George (Georgette Hadley) who helps Uma in Under Her Skin.

An excellent, emotionally captivating, romantic suspense that's a must read! This story captured me right from the start, and stayed long after the last word was read. With an interesting storyline, complex characters, humor, sensual and borderline erotic sexual encounters, secrets, intense situations, and intriguing surprise twists, this story is a page turner you won't be able to put down till the end. A fantastic story, and a great beginning to this new series. 

I'll be honest, there were parts of the story that were upsetting to read due to the severity of the abuse. However, it also made my connection with the characters that much stronger. The author did an outstanding job of conveying the emotions of each character, which made me feel as though I was right there with them throughout the story. I could feel their fear, terror, helplessness, anger, vengeance, determination to help themselves &/or others, and so much more. 

I really liked Ivan and Uma, and they were perfect for one another in so many ways. The elderly woman that Uma worked for was quirky, at times seemed over the top hateful, but after being taken advantage of on numerous occasions, and her own traumatic past, there were reasons for this. I believe that she helped Uma in her own stern way. By making Uma stand up for herself, to realizing that she didn't have to put up with the emotional abuse from anyone, as well as give her something else to think about besides the circumstances that had led her there, she also became a loyal friend, and someone who Uma could count on. I liked Ivan's sister Jessie, and can't wait for her story! 

This was a fantastic story that I think everyone should enjoy reading. I will caution those who have been in abusive situations that this is very detailed and could be a trigger. I'm looking forward to the next book in this excellent new series! 
I strongly recommend this book and great author! 

I have voluntarily reviewed this arc I received from the publisher via NetGalley.

I really struggled with this book and as it started off really well and I was enjoying it I don’t know where it went wrong. 
Uma left an abusive relationship six months ago and what a horrible, abusive, disgusting relationship it was. She landed in Blackwood to get a treatment so that she could get rid of the marks of her past. 
I felt for Uma but I didn’t like her. Yes what she went through was awful but I could connect to her as much as I wanted to. It wasn’t her fault and these things usually happen gradually it was just as a person she did act like a survivor but she was getting there. 
Ivan is one big Hero with a heart of gold who has picked up strays throughout his life. He has an anger management problem but seems to be doing alright. I liked Ivan he is a great Hero. 
For me it felt as if Uma was using Ivan and he let himself be used by Uma: I don’t like that kind of thing. 
The main characters didn’t have a connection in my opinion although the sex although hot at times and the author had it done pat I felt uncomfortable as the Hero submitted a lot to the heroine. That thing isn’t for me. I need me an alpha Hero. I find it hard to explain. 
Not to mention the fact that every time they did the nasty she would constantly compare Ivan to her ex Joey the abuser. Really off putting. 
I skimmed and my mind wandered to other things which meant I had to reread a couple of times. I was close to giving up on it as well. 
I reckon that this is a strong case of this is ME and not YOU!

The first line of Under Her Skin had me hooked. I was expecting a steamy romance, and the start of the book had me doubting my own expectations, but I soon found out I was right all along. Getting to know all of Ander's characters and their difficult pasts was delightful.

Uma and Cookie had me laughing with their back and forth. I admired Uma's strength to fight against her fears and stand up for herself. She even stood up for Cookie when it came down to it, which only made me like her more. Ivan is dreamy. Let's just get that out there. He is a blacksmith, hunter, and an empathetic and caring soul. Plus, he knows how to handle himself in a fight and treat a lady right.

Under Her Skin combined just the right amount of mystery, romance, and steam to create a compelling debut novel for Ms. Anders. I have already added book 2 in the Blank Canvas series to my TBR list hoping to spend more time with these characters.

I was given an copy of this book by Netgalley, for an honest review 

5 Stars*****

Uma is on the run. She finds herself in a quite little town, a place that offers her something that can hopefully change her life and get rid of the reminders of a terrible, traumatic relationship. Uma wears clothes from neck to feet, not a piece of her skin left exposed because what lies under they clothes is a canvas of hate and vile words which were tattooed and forced upon her during that final night of abuse before she escaped from under the hands of her ex boyfriend.

Uma, desperate to make money responds to an ad in the newspaper advertising a job in the very town that she needs to be in. Although the job is a far cry from the photographer she was supposed to be, the job with the extremely cranky older women is exactly what she needs to stay hidden and get things done. Her plan however, do not include falling in love with the big friendly giant Ivan.

Her new neighbor Ivan keeps cropping up and Uma tries to stay as far away from him as possible. His appearance often gives people the wrong impression, a giant of a man, with scars on his face and a beard that covers half of that face. Ivan has a dark past, however this has shaped him into the wonderful man he now is. Ivan likes to be alone though, so why does he feel so drawn to Uma?

Ivan rescues Uma one night she finds herself locked out of the house, but it isnt the only way he ends up saving Uma.

This story has some extremely touching moments, the sex scenes are incredibly graphic but so breathtakingly beautiful that I honestly cant say I’ve ever read a book quite like some of the scenes that were in this book. At the heart though, this book is a story of how Uma becomes a strong women again, overcoming the heartbreaking life that shes had to endure.

Uma’s plan is to keep running after she gets the tattooes removed, but can Ivan convince her to stay or will the past catch up with Uma and destroy everything shes built for herself.? Can two people, who are broken in different ways, become one and heal each other?

Honestly, read this book. You wont regret it. This book will make you laugh out loud, and it will make you cry.

Ill be keeping an eye out for future work by this author, I loved it!

As a general rule, I don't read contemporary romances. I just don't. The description for this book caught my eye and I decided to take a chance on it, hoping that it might be like the small handful of contemporaries that I have read and enjoyed in the past. I am so incredibly glad that I decided to take a gamble with Under Her Skin. This is a beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional roller-coaster ride of a book from a new author whose next work I can't wait to get my hands on. 

This is a different kind of love story. It ventures into some very dark places, but it comes out swinging. This book made me laugh, made me cry, smile, cringe and shudder a bit in horror. At the end it left me feeling good. Feeling hopeful about the possibility of healing and recovering from trauma, about taking back yourself after someone else has done their very best to crush, threaten, and ridicule out of existence those things that make you who you are. This isn't a book about victims, it's a book about survivors.

The subject of domestic abuse, whether it be enduring it, escaping it, or recovering from it, is always very tricky territory in fiction. I think Adriana Anders handled it well without going overboard in any way. There are some artistic liberties taken, in my opinion, but not to an extent that struck me as being absurd. Those liberties ensured that the story would be able to flow and progress within the framework of this genre. Given under 400 pages and total realism, Uma and Ivan would never have entered into their relationship, nor would Uma's issues with her controlling, abusive psycho of an ex been resolved. So I can understand and get behind those liberties, as they were necessary to the work.

I absolutely loved watching the romance between Uma and Ive unfold. It's a slow-burn romance that begins with the building of a strong foundation of trust, respect and understanding. I wondered at first just how Anders would manage to pull it off! Uma and Ive are like night and day. She's a fragile, terrified young woman on the run from her ex (both physically and mentally). He's a rugged bear of a man who is, in a way, also on the run. Only he's running from his past and his issues with anger.

Ive has a protective instinct that manifests through his kindness towards animals. He feeds the stray cats and other wild things that come near his home searching for food. He rescued his dog Squeak from her abusive owner. When he sees Uma, he's both smitten with her good looks and compelled to protect her from the monster who is responsible for putting so much fear in her eyes. He works to earn her trust through kindness and friendship, giving her the support she is lacking and providing a safe place when she needs one. 

Uma is like a deer in headlights when confronted with genuine kindness from a man. Especially one as big and gruff looking as Ive. Her ex left his mark on her in a very cruel, permanent, and visible way: her body is covered by his rage-filled tattoos. Her reason for coming to Blackwood is to have them removed at a clinic that provides the service free of charge to women in her situation. At this point, she's been cut off entirely from any sort of support network. Her friends were shoved out of the picture by her ex, Joey, in a successful attempt at isolating her. 
Uma's absent mother, while not intentionally cruel, is a gullible woman who believes the lies fed to her by Joey. He expertly manipulates her into taking his side in all matters pertaining to his relationship and control over Uma. She berates her daughter for overreacting and throwing away the 'best thing that's ever happened to her.' Little does she realize the truth about the man her daughter is running from, or the abuse and horror she's endured because of his sickness. 

Coming from this situation, just how is Uma supposed to even begin to allow herself to believe that anyone could possibly be in her corner? That's where this story shines brilliantly and I'm not going to say anything else. I don't want to spoil the hows! 

The relationship that grows throughout this story is one of very few that I can imagine being successful long after the last page is turned. From Uma and Ive's tentative first steps in friendship to their smoking-hot, emotionally charged intimate moments, I can believe in this love and its ability to endure. For me, that was the absolute best part of this book; being able to believe that love can heal deep wounds and help us understand that the scars left behind by them are indicators of strength, courage, and the will to live.

Very emotional read. Lots of pain for almost all of the characters. Each one had their own demons and they banded together to help each other. This is a story of healing and loving. It is a journey and it takes time.

Uma was an interesting character and throughout the story she grew and found herself again. I detest men that hurt woman and manipulate those around them to justify themselves. I want to do what Ivan wants to do to those men. Ivan is so wonderful. I can't find the words to say about him and wonderful seems so lame. He has a heart of gold and he is so accepting and sexy too. He has his demons and he too has to go through to become an even better man.

The pace of the book does seem to lag at times and I dreaded the whole climax at the end. The supporting characters were really good too. Jessie is interesting and I hope we get a story about her. The Doctor is also someone who needs her story told.

Great read and I definitely want more from the tiny town of Blackwood.

Received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Quick Review: 
Under Her Skin is by debut author Adriana Anders, and boy what an emotionally charged debut it was!  This definitely deserves a trigger warning though because it deals with some heavy stuff. That stuff is in the past, but it plays front and center as the main theme of the book.

Uma is on a mission to erase the evidence of her last horrible relationship. The tattoos her darkly possessive ex left on her skin are nothing compared to the damage to her mind. She's come to this small town in the hopes that doctor there can heal her physical wounds while she works on the emotional ones. 

Ivan is no stranger to a bad temper. He's let his temper get the best of him a time or two and paid the consequences. Now he's reigned it in and accepted life as the loner he knows he is. Until the new live in helper to his geriatric neighbor looks at him like she's deathly afraid of not just him, but life in general. He knows she's keeping secrets but he's determined to find out what has her running scared and slay all her demons too.

Under Her Skin is definitely a tear-jerker. I felt poor Uma's pain. She was so scared of life and of being found. Having said that, her tenacity and her braveness while trying to move past her demons should be commended. I also loved how she handled her shut in boss and didn't let the older woman walk all over her. 

Ive was incredibly patient with Uma throughout the book, often treating her as fragile and precious.  Yet when he finds out her secrets he is enraged, justifiably. I liked how he had both sides to his personality yet when push came to shove he thought of Uma first and his own need to unleash his temper second. 

This was a debut sure to hook readers for future installments of this series as well as other books Anders may crank out! 

I give Under Her Skin by Adriana Anders 4 stars!

For such an emotionally cold and characteristically harsh book, Under her Skin was an intensely emotional read for me.

The world is not a kind place as Uma discovers in this book so do readers who understand what its like to be on the receiving end of relationships like the ones she's suffered through. 

Under her Skin is a great read, and although I have few words to express why I liked it so much that will remain a personal thing for me.

This is a new author to keep a eye on. Looking forward to the next book in the Blank Canvas series.

A romantic thriller, “Under Her Skin” follows Uma Crane, a battered woman who was able to escape her abuser. With no ID, no money and nowhere to go, Uma found herself in rural Virginia because of a free clinic for women like her. 

And in this little town where everybody knows everybody, Uma unexpectedly found friends and most of all, love. But, with her history, can she sustain it? The nightmare is not over and she is poised to run once again.

If you like “Sleeping with the Enemy,” then you will find “Under Her Skin” more than just another story. An emotional read, Uma catches the reader’s attention from the first page. And as the story progresses, Uma becomes real and not just a character in the book. You hope that she is not your neighbor, because how can you wish something like that to someone you know. But, you have seen the likes of Uma on television and in the news. With that, you start rooting for her, including the newfound love she has.

“Under Her Skin” is Rated M for Mature due to violence and sexual content.

DISCLAIMER!

If you have ever been in an abusive relationship and HAVE NOT healed, there may be some triggers in this one. So proceed with caution.

Review -

Wow! This was completely unexpected. In fact, as a reviewer, I didn't even ask to read this (sorry, just being honest). But it fell in to my lap and I have to honestly say that I'm very pleased that it did. I've never read this author before. And from the looks of it, this could be her first one? If that's the case, then bravo. Very well done.

Uma is running. She's running from a very abusive relationship, has nothing including zero money to her name and finds herself answering a help ad. At least the position keeps her off the streets and away from being found, right? The hiring lady is an "old hag" who's afraid to go outside and is basically in need of some serious companionship. Once Uma gets the hang of the hag, things become a bit easier for her. You know what's not that easy though? The feelings she's having toward the next door neighbor. And those feelings aren't exactly the bad kind.

Ivan (Ive) is the next door neighbor. Over the years, he's taken in many strays. Stray dogs, cats, even a mini pony. But it's the look that Uma gives him that make him want to take care of her too. The only problem is that he doesn't want to scare her in the process. After all, he's got a little bit of a past that he's sure she won't like too much.

I REALLY don't want to give any of this away. Writing this review is becoming hard with every word. When you start reading this story, you might start thinking that it's moving pretty slow. But I'd have to disagree. I think that the pace of this was absolutely perfect. Especially considering the healing going on individually for both Uma and Ive. Not to mention the fact that they both help each other with the healing as well. Ive was the perfect gentle giant to Uma's fragile feminine psyche. Like I stated earlier, everything was perfectly timed (timeline) for me to truly appreciate everything about the story. And OMG, when the poo hits the fan.........lets just say that you'll find yourself flipping the pages quicker. LOL....damn that old hag...in the end, loving that lady.

P.S - I had NO IDEA that this was the first in a series. So imagine me doing a happy dance when I found out that this is a trilogy!!! I'm hoping that Uma makes an appearance in the next one because I read the blurb on the next one.....EEEEKKKKK....I'm in!!!!!

reviewed by Chris

4.5 of 5

Adult Romance (Warning - contains abuse).

ARC provided for an honest review through NetGalley.

Uma is on the run. She leaves behind a toxic and abusive relationship, knowing she deserves more...she wants more. She can only run so far and for so long because he has the means to find her. Although she runs, she can't seem to get away and is trapped by the scars on her body. When she find a new place, a place that can help the memories and abuse fade away, she doesn't expect a rough and tough ex con to understand or save her.

This story is about Uma. Yes it's a romance but it's so much more. It's about her struggles, her growth and her acceptance of who she is. I LOVED that! At times it was tough to read and difficult to understand but Adriana writes a story of hope and love that resonates deep.

This read was "slow" but steady and so captivating. To really understand Uma and what she was thinking, I had to read each word with care and had to fully take in every sentence. It helped me to relate and feel for Uma. I made a strong connection with her and that was everything. I became fully invested in her and wanted her to succeed because she was so well developed...and real. 

I did like Ivan and his character. I would have loved to have "seen" more of his backstory in this book BUT I totally understand. Uma, this book was about her.

This book is so well done! It's a deep and emotional read that will stick with you days after reading.

Releases Feb 7. Preorder on Amazon now! (Looks like Adriana Anders has more books coming this year - By Her Touch (Blank Canvas Book 2) releases April 1 and In His Hands (Blank Canvas) releases August 1.

Six months ago Uma ran away from her controlling and abusive boyfriend. Now she's hiding from him, knowing he's looking for her and that he has contacts in law enforcement. This all means Uma's old life is something she has to stay away from. Uma started out as a photographer but that's a far cry from what she's doing now, working as a live in help for a truly cantankerous older lady but some things are worth putting up with because Uma has plans. Her plans don't include a man because what hides beneath Uma's clothes is something she cannot bare not even to her own eyes. Yet the neighbour Ivan keeps cropping up. This giant with a good heart seems kind but Ivan has a dark past which has shaped the man he has become. Still, Uma can't stop thinking about him , listening to him at night working in his forge and then when she's locked out of the house it's Ivan who comes to her rescue in more ways than one! 
Yes there's a romance here but it's the story of how Uma becomes her own woman again that pulled me in. I had seen wildly conflicting reviews for this so had to satisfy my curiosity. Yes she has been through a traumatic event and has genuine reasons to be afraid but she is an odd conundrum . Nervous yet fierce, wanting to be alone but attracting friendship and then there's her ability to change from a mouse to a lion that roars! The opening line to this book mentions the old hag that is looking for a home help and admittedly that surprised me but Uma takes on her employer to glorious effect but even then there's a twist I just hadn't seen coming! 
The word dichotomy describes Uma, particularly when it comes to her interactions with Ivan. Without saying too much I think this is where we first start to see Uma gaining in confidence as Ivan lets her call the shots . I really liked that this man was man enough not to be phased by that and it made a wonderful change from all the macho alpha type males that often feature in romance that has a darker side . This is not in my opinion a dark romance but it is one with a heroine who has and indeed still actually is living in a dark place. 
Definitely a story of hope but the abuse mentioned is sickening . I would have liked to know more about her ex as his character just didn't feel real although I do understand that true evil and madness can often be found under the face of an angel . Yet Uma triumphs and regains that which is most precious, her feeling of self worth. Not a preachy story and it's definitely an adult one as Ivan doesn't just stoke the fires when he's working! 
A copy of this was provided for me which I have voluntarily read and these comments are my own honest opinion

This book was a different kind of romance than I typically read; that being said I still loved it just as much if not more. Uma is running from a scary, unsafe life when she stumbles upon a job that will be under the table and provide room and board. When she meets Ivan, she is too withdrawn to even forge a friendship; thankfully for her, Ivan is patient enough with Uma to wait it out. A wonderful story that deal with some hot topics but does so with such care. I will say that I absolutely loved, loved, loved Ms. Lloyd.

In this book you will read about three people who deal with their past in different ways. 
Uma is running away from her abusive ex. She fears men thanks to her cruel brutal ex boyfriend. He left her with physical and emotional scars. But thanks to her sweet caring neighbor she learns to open up to new experiences. 
Ms. Lloyd is a grumpy old lady that gives Uma a job. I think she deals with her past by pushing people away. By being mean and strict. 
Ive deals with his past by rescuing those who are runaways or who have been hurt. And he doesn't just save Uma but run away cats and dogs. Which I found adorable. 
I am a very sensitive person and this kind of books depress me. Because I wish everyone can find someone like Ive. But real life is not as hopeful and Romantic as in books. Not everyone finds a Ive. 
Overall this book was great, the characters were well develop, The pace was good, The plot wasn't boring. The romance and sex scenes were amazing.

This was such a stunning and emotional debut novel, I am in awe at the talent of Ms. Anders. 
I don't want to write any spoilers so I will instead say what I loved about this book. 
Uma is a survivor. She is taking control of her life and starting over, and through the course of this book we see her discover her backbone and her voice. Ivan, or Ive, surprised me. Here was this gruff, large, alpha man slash recluse... who took such gentle care with Uma and handed over the reins to her. When these two finally come together it is steamy! The way that Ivan loves Uma is beautiful. The only thing I was disappointed in was that it didn't have an epilogue, Which probably says more about how invested I became in these characters :) I can't wait for her second novel to come out.... as in I..am..waiting....!

The fact that the book was about empowerment following a brutal assault, didn't diminish the fact that i was slightly disappointed with the book. The story was good, right amount of elements and drama was used to enrichh it. But the main character of Uma just felt a little short of hitting all the right chords, though her story definitely will make you feel and emphatise more. Unlike her opposite Ivan, there was just something core missing that stopped me from making a bond with her. 
Considering the plot, I expected a more dramatic cover image than the elegant one that has been depicted.

Under Her  Skin  is heartbreaking, emotional, and hopeful. It's a story of survival and finding love after abuse. Although Under Her Skin is romance, it's not a light read and it deals with topic of domestic violence and physical abuse. The author did a very good job writing about such a heavy subject without trivializing it (which I see quite a lot in romance novels) and I applaud her for being sensitive and respectful.

In Under Her Skin Uma is on the run from her abusive ex and arrives in small town, Virginia to hide and heal. She meets Ivan, her broody neighbor, who is ex-con and is rough around the edges but has a heart of gold. Their relationship is slow burning, there is no insta love and understandably so because Uma has to let go of her fear and learn to trust again. Ivan is the perfect hero, he is a gentle giant who understands Uma's fragility and makes it his mission to make her happy again. But he also has some anger issues and is fiercely protective of people he loves. It was a joy to see Uma healing from her ordeal and learning to love herself and her body again with the help from Ivan. I really enjoyed Under Her Skin and I am looking forward to the next book.