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54th out of 190 books
—
347 voters
Bone Deep
by
Bonnie Dee (Goodreads Author)
In the fall of 1946, grieving war widow Sarah goes to the carnival with her friends and is riveted by the tattooed man in the freak show, sporting head to toe body art. Later she discovers him hiding in her hayloft, escaped from virtual imprisonment since childhood by the carnival's evil owner. She shelters him on her farm, fighting a powerful sexual attraction while learn...more
Paperback, 218 pages
Published
April 18th 2006
by Atlantic Bridge Publishing
(first published April 18th 2005)
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WHAT A BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY!!!!
Sigh!!!!!!!
The man was a walking tapestry of color. Every bit of his skin was covered in tattoos. Angels, devils, dragons, flames, flowers and skulls were tossed in blue waves. There was no common theme to the tattoos and only the decorative blue swirls connected them. It gave the impression of flotsam floating in the wake of a shipwreck.
In the center of the man’s chest was a red heart, not a Valentine confection but a knobby fist-shaped lump with stubs of aortas...more
33 likes · like · see review
view all 36 comments
I loved, loved, loved this book! It's a beautiful story about unconditional love and acceptance. This is what a great romance book should be.
If you're looking for something a little bit different to read, this is it. Please give it a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
If you're looking for something a little bit different to read, this is it. Please give it a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
27 likes · like · see review
4.5 stars
What a lovely, sweet, touching story <3
You know that wonderful feeling you get when you just sink into a well-written read? Well, I totally got that with this book. The writing style is strong, fluid and evocative and draws you right into the story.
I have to say I was hesitant to start this one because, just personally, I hate carnivals and I wasn't sure if this was a carnival-centric story... so, just to set the record straight: it isn't. Not at all. *nods* Right, ok, on to the re...more
What a lovely, sweet, touching story <3
You know that wonderful feeling you get when you just sink into a well-written read? Well, I totally got that with this book. The writing style is strong, fluid and evocative and draws you right into the story.
I have to say I was hesitant to start this one because, just personally, I hate carnivals and I wasn't sure if this was a carnival-centric story... so, just to set the record straight: it isn't. Not at all. *nods* Right, ok, on to the re...more
9 likes · like · see review
When widow Sarah was strong-armed into attending a local travelling circus, she goes with mixed feeling as although she is with friends she somehow feels as if she is forced into a situation that she is clearly not ready for. With this on her minds she makes the best of her night with good grace.
Not particularly impressed with the circus she makes the rounds with her friends and ends up visiting a tent which promises an array of weird and wonderful delights – one such is a beautiful tattooed man...more
7 likes · like · see review
5 Sweet Stars!!
This book was like a little piece of paradise.
Beautifully crafted characters, sweet sexy moments and my favourite thing, a happily ever after ending.
This book was like a little piece of paradise.
Beautifully crafted characters, sweet sexy moments and my favourite thing, a happily ever after ending.
3 likes · like · see review
![.þµŋψà. [Punya Reviews...]](http://d.gr-assets.com/users/1363347489p2/3840999.jpg)
Aug 26, 2011
.þµŋψà. [Punya Reviews...]
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to .þµŋψà. [Punya Reviews...] by:
Dinjolina
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Oct 22, 2012
Holly
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fans of spicy romance featuring a unique, sweet hero.
Such a sweet romance.
I had never heard of Bonnie Dee before picking up this book, but I will definitely be checking out more of her books.
Tom was one of the most unique and sweetest heroes I have come across in some time. His character was definitely the main thing I loved about this book.
I had a few issues that kept me from giving this a 5 star rating. Sarah came across as a little flat at times, and the story did seem to drag a bit towards the middle of the book. Also, I realize that Tom was...more
I had never heard of Bonnie Dee before picking up this book, but I will definitely be checking out more of her books.
Tom was one of the most unique and sweetest heroes I have come across in some time. His character was definitely the main thing I loved about this book.
I had a few issues that kept me from giving this a 5 star rating. Sarah came across as a little flat at times, and the story did seem to drag a bit towards the middle of the book. Also, I realize that Tom was...more
2 likes · like · see review
After losing her husband at the end of WWII, Sarah is stil not ready to see other men although her friends are trying their best to see her settled again. But her quiet world is suddenly interrupted when a circus sideshow performer chooses her farm to hide out in when he decides to run away from the only home he's ever known. Something about the gentle, freakishly tattooed man fascinates Sarah and when a man comes looking for him, she instinctively decides to hide him rather than turn him over.
T...more
T...more
7 likes · like · see review
4.5-4.75 Stars
This was such a sweet & loving story. Our tortured hero, Tom, was so shy and sweet, you couldn't help but fall in love with him. Tom had lived a difficult life. Since the story takes place in 1946, Tom and his tattoos, which covers pretty much 99% of his body, lived all of his life as part of the circus' freak show. This is where he first saw Sarah, our heroine. Tom has had visions of Sarah and it was because of these visions, he finally has the courage to runaway. Sarah finds...more
This was such a sweet & loving story. Our tortured hero, Tom, was so shy and sweet, you couldn't help but fall in love with him. Tom had lived a difficult life. Since the story takes place in 1946, Tom and his tattoos, which covers pretty much 99% of his body, lived all of his life as part of the circus' freak show. This is where he first saw Sarah, our heroine. Tom has had visions of Sarah and it was because of these visions, he finally has the courage to runaway. Sarah finds...more
So. Freaking. Good.
One of the best I've read this year.
One of the best I've read this year.
3 likes · like · see review
Bone Deep was an interesting read with a really great concept.
Sarah goes to the carnival and sees Tom, a man completely covered with tattoos. She has an instant attraction to him but walks away because she is still in morning for her husband who died in the war. Tom follows her home and she realizes that he was abused within the carnival from a young boy, subjected to the tattoos without his choice. She asks for his assistance around the farm in exchange for food and bed.
There were two areas t...more
Sarah goes to the carnival and sees Tom, a man completely covered with tattoos. She has an instant attraction to him but walks away because she is still in morning for her husband who died in the war. Tom follows her home and she realizes that he was abused within the carnival from a young boy, subjected to the tattoos without his choice. She asks for his assistance around the farm in exchange for food and bed.
There were two areas t...more
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Enjoyed it, not a must read before you die.
Short sweet read, set in the 1940′s. Sarah lost her husband a year and a half ago. She goes to a freak carnival tent and sees a man whose whole body is covered in tattoos. He runs away from the carnival and ends up at her farm. Their relationship is predictable but Tom is like a lost puppy you can’t help but want to take care of. Tom is the quiet, abused, never-been-showed-love guy and Sarah falls...more
Enjoyed it, not a must read before you die.
Short sweet read, set in the 1940′s. Sarah lost her husband a year and a half ago. She goes to a freak carnival tent and sees a man whose whole body is covered in tattoos. He runs away from the carnival and ends up at her farm. Their relationship is predictable but Tom is like a lost puppy you can’t help but want to take care of. Tom is the quiet, abused, never-been-showed-love guy and Sarah falls...more
Feb 08, 2013
Jane Stewart
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
contemporary-romance-with-paranorm
3 ½ stars. Pleasant reading, above average, but I can’t say I really liked it which would be 4 stars.
Lonely widow Sarah lives on a small farm. She sees Tom the tattooed man as one of the “freaks” on display at the carnival. She and Tom share a moment when their eyes connect. After the carnival leaves town she discovers Tom in her barn. She feeds him and he stays - helping her with the farm.
The story and conflicts were predictable. Tom was abused and forced to get tattooed by the carnival owner w...more
Lonely widow Sarah lives on a small farm. She sees Tom the tattooed man as one of the “freaks” on display at the carnival. She and Tom share a moment when their eyes connect. After the carnival leaves town she discovers Tom in her barn. She feeds him and he stays - helping her with the farm.
The story and conflicts were predictable. Tom was abused and forced to get tattooed by the carnival owner w...more
BONE DEEP by Bonnie Dee
BONE DEEP is an historical romance novel (re-release May 2012) without the usual feel of the historical aspect. Taking place in 1946, Bone Deep follows the life and love of military widow Sarah and how she learns to overcome grief when she realizes that are far worse things in life than having a loved one die-a survivor who must face the reality of abuse with every stare and every mirror.
Sarah will embark on a journey of discovery when she finds the ‘tattooed’ man from the...more
BONE DEEP is an historical romance novel (re-release May 2012) without the usual feel of the historical aspect. Taking place in 1946, Bone Deep follows the life and love of military widow Sarah and how she learns to overcome grief when she realizes that are far worse things in life than having a loved one die-a survivor who must face the reality of abuse with every stare and every mirror.
Sarah will embark on a journey of discovery when she finds the ‘tattooed’ man from the...more
BONE DEEP
Ok.. Another recommendation from my girls… Lori and Chris… they seem to have liked this one quite a lot… so, I gave it a try… I don’t think I liked it as much as they did; not saying it was bad… it just didn’t touch me the way it did them…
The plot is set in the late 1940’s and for me, that was already a turn off… but I was assured that the timeframe didn’t matter… well, they were right… even though it was post WWII and people were lucky to have indoor plumbing, it still came across to m...more
Ok.. Another recommendation from my girls… Lori and Chris… they seem to have liked this one quite a lot… so, I gave it a try… I don’t think I liked it as much as they did; not saying it was bad… it just didn’t touch me the way it did them…
The plot is set in the late 1940’s and for me, that was already a turn off… but I was assured that the timeframe didn’t matter… well, they were right… even though it was post WWII and people were lucky to have indoor plumbing, it still came across to m...more
When I started reading Bone Deep I wasn't sure it
was the book for me. By the time I reached
chapter 2 I knew I was wrong.
It's time period is after world war 2, 1946.
The main character Sarah
learned right before the war ended in 1945
that her husband had died in battle.She has
been living alone on his family farm doing what
she can to survive.
One evening her friend Grace and her husband Mike
takes Sarah to a carnival that just arrived in town.
Grace feels like Sarah has mourned long enough
and b...more
was the book for me. By the time I reached
chapter 2 I knew I was wrong.
It's time period is after world war 2, 1946.
The main character Sarah
learned right before the war ended in 1945
that her husband had died in battle.She has
been living alone on his family farm doing what
she can to survive.
One evening her friend Grace and her husband Mike
takes Sarah to a carnival that just arrived in town.
Grace feels like Sarah has mourned long enough
and b...more
Loved this book. Reminds me of the author's other book A Hearing Heart with the tortured hero. In fact the heroine Sarah talks about how her grandmother fell in love with an unconventional man, maybe she's a granddaughter from A Hearing Heart?
Sarah's husband died in WWII. She's still grieving two years later when she's set up on a blind and unknowing date for the traveling carnival. When they enter the freak tent, she sees Tom covered from head to toe with tattoos. She totally absorbed in the w...more
Sarah's husband died in WWII. She's still grieving two years later when she's set up on a blind and unknowing date for the traveling carnival. When they enter the freak tent, she sees Tom covered from head to toe with tattoos. She totally absorbed in the w...more
Sarah is a lonely widow who was dragged to the traveling carnival reluctantly by some friends. Once there she is enthralled by the tattooed man in the freak tent. While the others gawk and point at the man Sarah admires the beauty of him. The next morning while Sarah is still thinking of the tattooed man she actually discovers him in her barn. He has escaped the carnival and the evil man who has kept him imprisoned his entire life. Sarah agrees to let Tom stay with her and within Sarah's home an...more
5 likes · like · see review
4.0 stars. This one stayed with me afterward. I loved it; it was sweet, made me sad and was a heart clencher. I was thrilled these two lost and lonely courageous souls find their HEA together, a very worthwhile read. Set in 1946, Sarah, the lonely war widow of 4 years goes to the carnival with friends and goes through the tent that showcases the “unusual” (in carnival speak “freaks”, a word that I despise when it comes to these people) when she sees the Tattooed Man, their eyes meet and there’s...more
2 likes · like · see review
Bone Deep is one of those books that I don't think I would have picked up without a recommendation from one of my followers. This weekend I was in a bit of a book funk and two little birdies told me I should give this one a try. I am so so glad that I did! It was a BEAUTIFUL love story!
This is a unique and heartwarming tale of unconventional romance. My heart broke for Tom; he had endured a life of abuse and spent his adult life on display like an animal. I loved Sarah because she was able to lo...more
This is a unique and heartwarming tale of unconventional romance. My heart broke for Tom; he had endured a life of abuse and spent his adult life on display like an animal. I loved Sarah because she was able to lo...more
1 like · like · see review
WWII widow Sarah is still grieving for her late husband, and not interested in romance, until her friends bring her along to a traveling carnival. Tom has known no other life but the carnival, where he now stands as a freak show exhibit, the tattooed man. Covered head to toe (and everywhere, and I do mean everywhere) in between, he doesn't believe himself worthy of love until the woman of his dreams -literally- walks into his tent. Tom has "seen" Sarah in his mind, and this gives him the courage...more
This was not a book I would have ever thought to read if had not come so highly recommended on GoodReads. I added it to my “To Read” shelf thinking that it might be something that I would read someday. I wasn’t sure I would get to reading it because it was classified as a “Historical Romance” which is not one of my favorite genres. Two days ago, it was a FreeBookFeed.com free Kindle Book, and I couldn’t pass it up!
I started reading it last night, and I read about 3/4 of the book before I finally...more
I started reading it last night, and I read about 3/4 of the book before I finally...more
I've read a few of Bonnie Dee's other books and have always admired her unique main characters that are less-than-perfect in the eyes of others but are amongst some of my favorites and extremely memorable. Bone Deep continues in that vein by presenting a young man with unique psychic talents whose body is forced into being an artistic canvas and put on display in a traveling circus. Tom has never been away from the circus and is kept uneducated by the smarmy circus owner so as to keep him depend...more
I love love LOVED this story. It was so beautiful and poignant and the message of how LOVE comes in different guises and goes beyond skin deep was received loud and clear!! It's a gorgeous yet heartbreaking story of how two lonely people, each for their own reasons, find each other and attempt to overcome all obstacles and prejudices to stay together and let their LOVE conquer all!!
Sarah is a lonely widow whose husband was killed during WWII. Her friends take her with them to a traveling carniva...more
Sarah is a lonely widow whose husband was killed during WWII. Her friends take her with them to a traveling carniva...more
6 likes · like · see review
Bone deep is a highly emotional and touching novel...I love the heroine Sarah,she is so loyal,so fierce and protective of Tom,loving,strong,courageous woman...she nurtured Tom like her child...She is someone who I have come to admire immensely...coming to Tom,the hero of this book,he is completely tattooed from top to bottom(yes,even his dick is tattooed)He is displayed as a freak in the circus,abused by its owner and so many others...you couldnt help but feel for this guy...he is so damaged...y...more
Jan 27, 2013
Lise *friends don't flag*
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-romance
Very touching story.
Loved the way the author portrayed Sarah as a women taking a risk on love and not being consumed with what everyone thought of Tom.
Sarah saw Tom as the beautiful, sweet and loving person he was meant to be. I really wanted to learn more about Tom and wished this story had been much longer.
Highly recommend this book as well as anything Bonnie Dee writes!
Loved the way the author portrayed Sarah as a women taking a risk on love and not being consumed with what everyone thought of Tom.
Sarah saw Tom as the beautiful, sweet and loving person he was meant to be. I really wanted to learn more about Tom and wished this story had been much longer.
Highly recommend this book as well as anything Bonnie Dee writes!
3 likes · like · see review
This is a beautifully written book, it highlights that love knows no boundaries and sometimes the way a person looks is only skin deep. It is who they are inside that matters. This is considered to be a short story, and it only took me a few hours to read but I was thoroughly satisfied with the length of the book. The characters are well developed and the love is so pure and honest it brings tears to my eye.
I like the fact that Tom is quite and softly spoken and Sarah is strong willed and determ...more
I like the fact that Tom is quite and softly spoken and Sarah is strong willed and determ...more
Just finished, what a satisfying read. And so different from so many other books out there. I'm usually a PNR girl, but this was just fantastic! It's about a side show freak (and I use the term, used in the book). He's the tattoo man and during the era post WWII, he's considered an abomination. People pay to look at him all while insulting and reviling him. But one woman sees beneath the canvas on his skin and ahhh... just lovely. A modernish version of Beauty and the Beast and all I can say is...more
I had no idea this was an erotic novel and once I figured it out, the prude that is me pretty much died.
I never really garner towards books that have physical over emotional connection, and this book is no exception. But, the story line was rather cute and when not having sex(Which was A LOT. Seriously, how did I not connect the dots?), it was quite enjoyable.
I wish she would have written it longer and with less sex scenes so there'd be time for character development and for the plot to take off...more
I never really garner towards books that have physical over emotional connection, and this book is no exception. But, the story line was rather cute and when not having sex(Which was A LOT. Seriously, how did I not connect the dots?), it was quite enjoyable.
I wish she would have written it longer and with less sex scenes so there'd be time for character development and for the plot to take off...more
Easy 4 stars...maybe more. I really liked this book. The idea of a sideshow tattoo 'd guy and a sweet widow was unique. It was set in the 40s, and the h's young husband was killed in the war. She mourned for over a year, and then at a carnival, toured the sideshow tent...saw the H. Instant chemistry. He runs away from an abusive situation at the carnival and hides on her farm. She finds him...and a gentle, tender friendship develops, and becomes more. The small town doesn't accept him, or them....more
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I began telling stories as a child. Whenever there was a sleepover, I was the designated ghost tale teller. I still have a story printed on yellow legal paper in second grade about a ghost, a witch and a talking cat.
Writing childish stories for my own pleasure led to majoring in English at college. Like most English majors, I dreamed of writing a novel, but at that time in my life didn't have the...more
More about Bonnie Dee...
Writing childish stories for my own pleasure led to majoring in English at college. Like most English majors, I dreamed of writing a novel, but at that time in my life didn't have the...more
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“The little group before her finally moved on and Sarah took its place, standing before Tom like he was a painting in a museum.
And then his vacant eyes dropped from that point somewhere above her head and he looked at her—looked into her eyes and registered her presence. His eyes widened and his mouth opened wordlessly.
For the space of six heartbeats they stared at one another and then Sarah simply said, “Come home.” She held her hand out to him.
He gazed at it for a moment.
“Come with me,” she said softly.
Slowly he rose from his chair and walked toward her. He slipped his hand into hers and his palm was warm and callused.
She stepped back and pulled him along with her. Suddenly his arms went around her, hugging her tight, his head dropped to her shoulder and his mouth pressed into her hair as he whispered, “I can’t believe you’re here.”
Her hands slipped up the smooth, supple skin of his back to hook over his shoulders. She buried her face against his chest, breathing him in, forgetting time and place and circumstance and just holding him.”
—
5 people liked it
And then his vacant eyes dropped from that point somewhere above her head and he looked at her—looked into her eyes and registered her presence. His eyes widened and his mouth opened wordlessly.
For the space of six heartbeats they stared at one another and then Sarah simply said, “Come home.” She held her hand out to him.
He gazed at it for a moment.
“Come with me,” she said softly.
Slowly he rose from his chair and walked toward her. He slipped his hand into hers and his palm was warm and callused.
She stepped back and pulled him along with her. Suddenly his arms went around her, hugging her tight, his head dropped to her shoulder and his mouth pressed into her hair as he whispered, “I can’t believe you’re here.”
Her hands slipped up the smooth, supple skin of his back to hook over his shoulders. She buried her face against his chest, breathing him in, forgetting time and place and circumstance and just holding him.”
“She snuggled against Tom, grateful to have him back and ready to face any obstacles to their happiness. “You won’t leave again, ” she demanded, “No matter how difficult things might get for us.”
“Never again,” he promised.”
—
4 people liked it
More quotes…
“Never again,” he promised.”
