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Under His Skin (So Inked #1)

by Sidney Bristol (Goodreads Author)

3.98 of 5 stars 3.98 · rating details · 59 ratings · 16 reviews

A woman who doesn’t believe she deserves love…

Toe-curling kisses and enough sex to fill a weekend were all Pandora wanted from a fling with her teenage crush. She’s never forgotten how he played the knight in shining armor to her damsel in distress. She’s ready to say thank you in several naughty ways, so long as she can walk away when it’s over with her heart intact.

A man...more

ebook, 170 pages

Published July 20th 2012 by Ellora's Cave

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Oct 28, 2012 Kendra rated it 2 of 5 stars

For full review including excerpt and dialogue highlight, please visit Reader's Edyn at:
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Review:

This is my first book by Sidney Bristol. I decided to read UNDER HIS SKIN for a couple of reasons; first and foremost being that I have read some very good books from Ellora’s Cave lately. When I had the chance to feature this book on the blog, I jumped on the chance. I also wanted to read this book because it explored some unfamiliar territory for me. I don’t know a lot about tatto...more For full review including excerpt and dialogue highlight, please visit Reader's Edyn at:
http://bit.ly/Slj1u8

Review:

This is my first book by Sidney Bristol. I decided to read UNDER HIS SKIN for a couple of reasons; first and foremost being that I have read some very good books from Ellora’s Cave lately. When I had the chance to feature this book on the blog, I jumped on the chance. I also wanted to read this book because it explored some unfamiliar territory for me. I don’t know a lot about tattoos having none myself, but I was intrigued by the idea of having a series/book centered within the tattoo world. I also liked that both of these characters had a lot of crap to rise up from before they found each other. Those factors considered, I decided to read and review this book.

Pandora has had a less than desirable past at best. She was deserted by her father at a young age and raised by her mother for several years until cancer claimed her life. She ends up the unwanted child of her father and never quite fits in with him or his new wife and new life. She bails at 18 and ends up eventually hooking up with her emotionally unbalanced and abusive ex, Robert. She tries to make a break from Robert only to be forced back into the relationship until one fateful night when she is rescued by her new “family”. She finds peace within her So Inked family and settles into a better life than she had before.

Brian has been there, done that. As a former rock star, there is not much he hasn’t been exposed to at one time or another. Life was good on the road to success until a plane crash takes the lives of the band members; all except Brian. Trying to cope from survivor’s guilt and some ass-kicking physical therapy, Brian decides to pay homage to his former band members by permanently inking them on his body. He finds Pandora after searching through several artists that can do the job.

Pandora instantly recognizes Brian when he comes to her for his tattoo and is mortified, but tries to play it cool and behave professionally. Several questions later, Brian has figured out who Pandora is. Ironically, as big as the crush was that Pandora had on Brian, he too did not go unaffected by the young girl from a few years back. Little does she know just how much of an impression she made on him. But a bad situation and feelings of guilt may make it impossible for them to move past the artist/client relationship. Several issues arise that interfere with a possible future for the two. Highest on the list being Pandora’s belief that Brian can do so much better than her. Of course Brian has baggage from the crash, and Pandora also has a crazy asshat of an ex who is lurking in the shadows.

What I liked most about this book was that each chapter began with a definition of tattoo terms such as stencil and flash. I mean I didn’t have a clue what any of this lingo meant, but the descriptions allowed me to continue reading without interference from my lack of knowledge in this area. It was beyond apparent that Ms. Bristol knows her tattoos, the processes, and just about everything else someone would need to know. I appreciated that she included so much information about tattooing without presenting it in a confusing way. I came away feeling somewhat educated. I also enjoyed that Pandora and Brian remained consistent in character throughout the story. I felt like they knew who they were, they knew their faults, and they made no bones about it except to try and make a go of a difficult situation.

Unfortunately, I had a few things that I didn’t like. There were a few sections of the book that mimicked things that had been stated prior. For example, two or three times we read about how jealous Pandora is that someone else had tattooed Brian before she did. I felt like I was re-reading parts that had already been covered. I also disliked that the whole story ended so abruptly. I was reading and then it was over. I had no clue that the story was about to cut out on me. I feel like there was so much left unfinished. Robert, Carly, Ike’s mother ~ just to name a few things that I felt left me hanging. The only thing I can think of is that the following books may cover some of these topics because this is the first in series. But that may be a bit of an unfortunate circumstance if that is the way things are handled because the couple featured in the next book would lose some of their time. I am not saying what will or will not happen in the next book because I have absolutely no clue. I just don’t like finishing a book and being left with a million questions. I also really disliked Robert. As a psycho, he works. But I felt like he could have been mentioned as part of Pandora’s past and reason for many of her insecurities without actually being a part of her current life. His actions toward the end of the book were unexpected and I felt like Carly was thrown under the bus as a secondary character. I just didn’t like how things played out.

This book is not going to make it as a favorite read for me. And although I really enjoyed the educational aspects of tattooing that was added to the book, it wasn’t enough for me to be able to really like the book and overlook the flaws that interfered with my enjoyment. The story is a good attempt and can likely be enjoyable for many people as a quick read to pass the time. Of that I have no doubt. And in fact I have seen several positive comments about this story. But for readers like me who hate to be left with questions at the end and who want to see more of an HEA (especially when reading a novella), you might want to think twice about this particular story.

(eBook copy provided by author/tour company in exchange for an honest review.)(less)

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Oct 22, 2012 Tana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Under His Skin (So Inked #1) By Sidney Bristol

This is the first time I’ve read a book by Sidney Bristol and I will say her writing is very good, the story and plot flows well and you really enjoy her characters in this story and actually want to learn more about everyone we meet.

We meet Pandora who is a tattoo artist and she has entered a tattoo contest, you can feel that Pandora is very nervous but really wants to win this contest to her it’s not just about winning it more about proving somet...more

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Oct 19, 2012 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars

Pandora is in a tattooing contest and her canvas turns out to be local rock'n roll bassist Brian Adler. Brian lost his band mates in an airplane crash that left him badly scarred. He wants a tattoo that will be a memorial to his lost band mates. Pandora and Brian share a weekend of fabulous sex and Pandora figures that will be the end of it but Brian has different ideas. But someone else wants Pandora and will stop at nothing to get her.

I liked Pandora and Brian. Both were broken and patched up....more

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Aug 27, 2012 Kristy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, app-kindle, ebook, famous-rising-star, hott-spots, tattoos-piercings, short-stories

This was a cute story. I love books about people with tattoos and piercings. This is only the second book I've read where the female has more tattoos than the male. I liked it, it made her more edgy.

This book was about healing and trust. Both Pandora and Brian both had their own issues with pain and hurts from the past. They were perfectly matched for each other for that reason. Without hardly trying they helped to heal each other's hurts. By being who they were, they ended up being what the ot...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Lillie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-or-blog-tour, ebook, received-for-promotion, review-copy, reviewed-for-blog, series, elloras-cave

See the full review at: Read My Mind

I was really interested in UNDER HIS SKIN when I saw the cover and read the blurb. Tattoos are a bit of an obsession with me; after I got my first one, I just wanted to keep going back for more. So of course, I was intrigued by the prospect of reading a romance that had a tattoo parlor (and female tattoo artist) as part of the story. Each chapter is headed by an important tattoo definition, and as I read, I noticed how the lead-off was related to the chapter...more

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Oct 20, 2012 Jody rated it 4 of 5 stars

Under His Skin by Sidney Bristol presents us with two physically and emotionally scarred individuals in order to help them find happiness and move on from their pain. I loved both of these characters and applaud the author for bringing such a unique and memorable couple to the forefront. They may not be what every reader pictures as the perfect couple, but for me I found much to like in their pairing.

Pandora has been treated badly by most men her whole life. From a father who ignored her to a fo...more Under His Skin by Sidney Bristol presents us with two physically and emotionally scarred individuals in order to help them find happiness and move on from their pain. I loved both of these characters and applaud the author for bringing such a unique and memorable couple to the forefront. They may not be what every reader pictures as the perfect couple, but for me I found much to like in their pairing.

Pandora has been treated badly by most men her whole life. From a father who ignored her to a former fiancée who abused her and is still obsessed with her, she's hesitant to open her heart again. The one bright spot amongst all the men she's known was rock star Brian Adler. Their time together may have been brief but it affected both of them profoundly and for her he became the benchmark by which she's measured every man since. Pandora's worked hard to gain confidence and meeting up again with Brian throws her into a tailspin that ends up in the bedroom. Her brain wars with her heart every step she takes in her relationship with Brian which leads to confusion for poor Brian. It's not until an earth-shattering event at the end of the story that Pandora realizes what she truly has and that she'll fight to keep the man who's given her the strength to rely on another.

Brian is the lone survivor from his rock band's plane crash and carries guilt around as well as scars and a limp. He's felt adrift until he's reunited with the young woman who left a part of her with him all these years which helped him get through the worst of his recovery. He jumps into this relationship quickly and wholeheartedly and their numerous sexual encounters are hot and heavy. He's not afraid to put his heart on the line and all he wants is to do whatever makes Pandora happy. He wants to be her protector but at no time does he smother her. He gives her the strength to overcome her past and at the same time he moves past the guilt he's been carrying.

The villain in this story is made obvious very early on but leaves a lasting impression. I almost found his actions a bit over-the-top though. He's truly vile, and not only does he try to harm Pandora but also the business she works for. I can't help but think though that a simple restraining order would've solved a lot of her problems and saved her a lot of pain. The heart stopping conclusion of the story is his final deranged act and puts some intriguing secondary characters in jeopardy as well as opening Pandora's eyes as to what she has with Brian. The villain may be crazy but he serves his purpose! The ultimate ending isn't completely tied up but for Brian and Pandora their path is much clearer.

From the wonderful characters to the steamy sexual encounters, Under His Skin got under my skin and has me excited for the next book in this series. With its strong and unique female protagonists I could almost feel my fist pumping for all the girl-power being exuded and have high hopes for where things go from here. I'm already counting down the days until I can revisit these bad girls who are oh so good!(less)

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Jul 26, 2012 Rhonda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Pandy has never had anything in live easy. Since her mom died of cancer when she was a little girl, no one has loved her. So, when someone does, it’s too good to be true. She fights it. She doesn’t want to get crushed when he leaves. Brian has lost his band. Everyone died in a plane crash but him. When he finds Pandy again, after 10 years, he’s struck by how right they are together. She wants a fling and he wants so much more.

I loved this book. It was full of struggle, a man who loved a woman w...more

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Nov 18, 2012 The Book Tart rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review originally posted at http://thebooktart.com/book-review/qu...

It’s like Sidney got into my head! One of my fav dream guys is a rock star… I want a guy who can sing. I wanted Brian! I loved how he loved Pandora. *melt* Under His Skin is the story of two damaged people, Pandora and Brian. Some of the scars are on the outside and some are emotional wounds.

I adored Pandora. She likes cheesy musicals and zombies. She’s funny and smart… But she doesn’t see that. She is recovering from a really b...more

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Jul 20, 2012 Cynjin rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm not great with reviews, but I can tell you I lost myself in the book, it felt very real to me. The author made me feel like I was just was a quiet observer of Pandy's life. Things happened in her life that I wouldn't wish on anyone, but she also got a guy who was incredibly sweet and determined and, at times, clueless...just like a real guy, lol. He cared enough to not be all macho, and asked questions and just kept trying. Pandora had a harder time realizing and expressing her feelings, and...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Nikki Brandyberry rated it 3 of 5 stars

The last book I read from Bristol was a novella. In that review I pointed out that I would have liked a bit more suspense in the lead up to the climax of the story. I had also stated that the climax should have been a bit more drawn out. Under His Skin made some steps toward what I was looking for but I still think there could be room for improvement.

Pandora is a physically and emotionally abused woman who has found her calling in being a tattoo artist. Breaking away from her past she has found...more The last book I read from Bristol was a novella. In that review I pointed out that I would have liked a bit more suspense in the lead up to the climax of the story. I had also stated that the climax should have been a bit more drawn out. Under His Skin made some steps toward what I was looking for but I still think there could be room for improvement.

Pandora is a physically and emotionally abused woman who has found her calling in being a tattoo artist. Breaking away from her past she has found a home with an all female tattoo shop and the three other women that work there. Even with her large strides toward recovery, she is still understandably skittish around men. When she runs into Brian, a beacon of both hope and incredible despair from her past, Pandora isn’t sure whether to jump into his arms or run away. She comes up with the perfect combination, one night and then move on. She isn’t sure she’s capable of giving him more and doesn’t view herself worthy to try.

Both Pandora and Brain had some serious baggage in this one. Brian is healing from a plane crash that killed his band mates and left him mangled and nearly paralyzed. His recovery has been slow but being with Pandora seems to leave him invigorated and that’s not something that he’s willing to easily give up. There was one thing that left me wondering in his back story. At one point Brian is thinking back about the plane crash and remembers learning that the rest of the band died either on or before the actual crash. The next paragraph down Brian thinks about how the lead singer Ike had talked to him for awhile after the wreck. I was confused. Were they all dead prior to impact or not? Perhaps Bristol meant they THOUGHT they were all dead beforehand…if that’s the case it just wasn’t worded plainly enough. Maybe I'm the confused one....who knows.

I think Bristol made strides with this one regarding suspense but I think there could have been more lead up. A lot of time is spent talking the villain (Pandora’s ex) up but we don’t really see a lot of him. Then BAM he’s there and there is some action. Then nothing again for awhile. Then the climactic ending. I wish we could have gotten a bit more insight from him. Or more from his point of view. I wanted more smaller things to happen before he came out balls to the wall. The last few chapters are action packed though and I enjoyed those but I felt it came a bit out of nowhere with the small lead up.

I really liked the almost dark feel to this one. With so much emotional turmoil it’s bound to get a bit dark. Pandora’s flashbacks and Brian’s pain leap from the pages making this one I couldn’t put down! I enjoyed Brian trying to convince Pandora of her worthiness to be happy. Their conversation did get a bit repetitive and simplistic at times but when they were together I just didn’t care. I enjoyed them, I enjoyed the plot…I enjoyed the book. I look forward to the continuation of this story line with the rest of the women from the shop! Bristol improves with every book I pick up! Under His Skin is a darkly sensual novel that should sit well with romance lovers and tattoo enthusiasts alike!

I give Under His Skin by Sidney Bristol 3.75 stars! (less)

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Oct 19, 2012 Sophie Sansregret rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book. And sometimes for me, the hallmark of a good ending is when I read through it so quickly that I have to flip back a few pages once in a while to see what I missed. Not that I'm going to put a spoiler here, but the ending is very, very (and I rarely say "very very") exciting and is full of heroic goodness and tension. I found I whipped through just to find out how it was going to end, then had to reread to savour.

The beginning, on the other hand, is something I lingered over. W...more I loved this book. And sometimes for me, the hallmark of a good ending is when I read through it so quickly that I have to flip back a few pages once in a while to see what I missed. Not that I'm going to put a spoiler here, but the ending is very, very (and I rarely say "very very") exciting and is full of heroic goodness and tension. I found I whipped through just to find out how it was going to end, then had to reread to savour.

The beginning, on the other hand, is something I lingered over. Why? Because it's chock full of steamy goodness and frankly when it comes to romance, I am not a pleasure deferrer. I like steam right away. To be fair, the entire book is filled with steam. I mentioned the beginning and the end more for parallel structure, to appease my former English teacher, than anything.

Now here's the story What we have here are two members of the Walking Wounded. Both protagonists, tattoo artist Pandora and musician Brian, are wounded people. But they are not pathetic. They are simply wounded. And one cannot help but feel extreme sympathy for the catastrophes in their lives, but they are not shriveling the contemptible characters. Each struggles and each triumphs. They don't triumph in a perfect TV situation comedy triumph. They triumph insofar as they work through their troubles, physical and emotional, while we, the reader, cheer them on.

Pandora is a tattoo artist who has struggled with a terrible and cold family background to move into a physically and emotionally abusive relationship, who frees herself from this relationship to move forward and realize her dream to be a tattoo artist. Brian is a former musician who has survived a tragedy which killed his bandmates and left him physically and emotionally scarred on many levels. The two had met previously, some 10 years before the story begins, both leaving on each other an impression on each other for extremely different reasons.

Fast-forward 10 years and they reunite at a tattoo competition. Pandora is competing, Brian is the person on whom she freehands a commemorative tattoo in honour of his lost bandmates. Their subsequent meeting is passionate but is riddled with self-doubt. Mercifully, the self-doubt is pushed aside for Ms. Bristol's deft handling of some really delicious sex.

The story is supported by well-drawn and colorful secondary characters, and a particularly adorable dog. The secondary characters: Pandora's friends and coworkers in particular, make this read a rich and real experience. The entirely despicable antagonist Robert is--frankly--painfully and realistically depicted. A word of warning to those sensitive to violence: Robert is viciously psychotic.

Each chapter begins with a brief epigram explaining the various tools and procedures involved in tattooing. As a structural feature, this works admirably. My personal favorite is the epigram for Chapter 13: Tattoo Removal: Fucking painful.

This book is first in Ellora's Cave's new imprint, Pricked, for tattoo-themed romances. If this is representative of the line, then we are in for a treat.

I look for to Ms. Bristol's next book.(less)

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Aug 30, 2012 Andrea Mansue rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book gave me chills. The hero and heroine are so damaged by the past that everytime they try to open up to each other, I had goosebumps. I really enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down.

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Jul 23, 2012 C.A. Szarek rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this book. It was a fast read for me. Couldn't put it down. Very steamy. Nice exciting start to a series l'm looking very much forward to keeping up w/. Sidney did a FANTASTIC job. I can't WAIT for the next one!

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Jul 25, 2012 Suzan Butler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books

I feel like I should preface this with the fact that Sidney is part of my critique group. So take this review as you will. We work as a group because our tastes are similar. It's still an honest review.

I loved this book. I loved that Pandy was the one who had a hard time with her feelings rather than Brian. It's a switch from the tropes in romance. Sidney did a wonderful job of building up all characters (including secondaries) and letting us see the world in which they live. It was a beautiful,...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Heather Mckenna rated it 5 of 5 stars

I would never want to be called Pandy. That is the only thing I didn't like.

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Oct 30, 2012 Fallon Blake rated it 4 of 5 stars

Loved this one. Different from the usual and I really appreciated that.

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Shelves: read-again

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May 14, 2013 Sonotjade is currently reading it

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About Sidney Bristol

It can never be said that Sidney Bristol has had a ‘normal’ life. She is a recovering roller derby queen, former missionary, and tattoo addict. She grew up in a motor-home on the US highways (with an occasional jaunt into Canada and Mexico), traveling the rodeo circuit with her parents. Sidney has lived abroad in both Russia and Thailand, working with children and teenagers. She now lives in Texas...more

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Under His Skin (So Inked #1)

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