What do you think?
Rate this book
Skin Deep
This is an alternate-cover edition for ASIN B00FLYFWGW.
A wickedly delicious story from USA TODAY and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Dez Burke...
A #1 Bestseller in 2 Amazon Categories
Beauty is only skin deep.
So are scars...
Stock car racing champion, Shane Davis had it all-money, fast cars and even faster women until a fiery crash changed everything in a flaming instant.
Shane never intends to get married; not with the way he looks now. He knew no woman could ever love him and wasn't about to find out if he was wrong. But when he needed a woman in his life to play a pretend girlfriend for a few short weeks, he selected the one he felt would suit his needs with no strings attached: Angela Neil.
The first time Angela came face to face with Shane, she was taken aback by his scars but more so by his sizzling magnetism. The way he looked at her, with a searing heat made her simmer in secret places. This was supposed to be all about business, but Shane made it clear early on that he wanted much, much more. Angela was a smart woman and wasn't about to let her hormones rule her common sense. But temptation called Shane Davis was a dangerous thing to resist...
Show less
A wickedly delicious story from USA TODAY and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Dez Burke...
A #1 Bestseller in 2 Amazon Categories
Beauty is only skin deep.
So are scars...
Stock car racing champion, Shane Davis had it all-money, fast cars and even faster women until a fiery crash changed everything in a flaming instant.
Shane never intends to get married; not with the way he looks now. He knew no woman could ever love him and wasn't about to find out if he was wrong. But when he needed a woman in his life to play a pretend girlfriend for a few short weeks, he selected the one he felt would suit his needs with no strings attached: Angela Neil.
The first time Angela came face to face with Shane, she was taken aback by his scars but more so by his sizzling magnetism. The way he looked at her, with a searing heat made her simmer in secret places. This was supposed to be all about business, but Shane made it clear early on that he wanted much, much more. Angela was a smart woman and wasn't about to let her hormones rule her common sense. But temptation called Shane Davis was a dangerous thing to resist...
Show less
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2013
164 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
About the author
Dez Burke
40 books376 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Dez Burke writes hot, steamy books featuring bad boy alpha males.
Go here if you would like to sign up for my newsletter : http://eepurl.com/wxERT
Website: http://www.authordezburke.com
Go here if you would like to sign up for my newsletter : http://eepurl.com/wxERT
Website: http://www.authordezburke.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
May 31, 2015
Here's the thing: Overly descriptive narratives will kill a book for me faster than a speeding bullet. It wasn't really the storyline or the premise (though that one was a far reach as well but I could have forgiven it if the writing had better).
Everything was handed to you by the author. I mean EVERYTHING. She gave it all away in the character's thoughts and none through their actions or dialogue. And a lot of the stuff in there was nonsense that didn't contribute to creating an environment or the storyline....just noise that wasted your time.
Sasha had seen the papers and Angela had had to explain it was nothing serious, just a PR thing as part of a new project she was about to take on. It was at times like this Angela was glad that her father couldn’t really follow the news or gossips for now. She wouldn’t have been able to explain how come she was now dating a famous racecar driver that none of her family members could meet.
Angela wandered into the kitchen and picked a couple of the delicious ready-made courses the chef had waiting for them in the fridge. She learned he came in a few times during the week to whip up different dishes from a menu Shane picked out. Shane leaned toward heart-attack-on-a-plate meals with lots of red meat and potatoes. Always watching her weight, Angela was glad to find a few healthier meals she could enjoy. She wondered how hard it would be to convince the chef to cut back on some of the fatty meals. It couldn’t be healthy for Shane to eat the way he did. Unfortunately she wouldn’t be around long enough to find out. Pushing that thought aside, she finished with lunch, eager to see what the rest of the day would bring.
This goes on and on and on...for chapters at a time. Just the author TELLING you stuff. No inference, no guessing, no reading into it.
Anything else besides this book. Moving on.
Read
August 9, 2015DNF at 50%...
I'm sorry, but I found the heroine to be SUCH a bitch. Seriously. It was ALL ABOUT HER and if I had to read one more shitty comment she says about Shane, I would have literally screamed.
"Maybe it was time she stopped looking for problems in every aspect and simply enjoy it all while it lasted. Her very own Cinderella moment though instead of Prince Charming, she got the Beast."
"As she dressed, she wondered what kind of attention Shane's looks would draw in such an esteemed gathering and also, what it would look like when he showed up with her."
And THIS is who our sexy, scarred and tortured hero is supposed to end up with? Nope. I'm tapping out before that happens.
I'm sorry, but I found the heroine to be SUCH a bitch. Seriously. It was ALL ABOUT HER and if I had to read one more shitty comment she says about Shane, I would have literally screamed.
"Maybe it was time she stopped looking for problems in every aspect and simply enjoy it all while it lasted. Her very own Cinderella moment though instead of Prince Charming, she got the Beast."
"As she dressed, she wondered what kind of attention Shane's looks would draw in such an esteemed gathering and also, what it would look like when he showed up with her."
And THIS is who our sexy, scarred and tortured hero is supposed to end up with? Nope. I'm tapping out before that happens.
August 9, 2016
Shane is a race car driver, who got severely injured during a wreck, leaving one side of his upper body with ugly burns. After a year of rest and recuperation, he wants to pretend to his family, that he is on the right track of life again, and therefore needs a fake girlfriend for several weeks.
Enter the picture: Angela
A wannabe actress, waiting patiently for a breakthrough in the film industry.
So...
Reading their story really entertained me, but I cannot remember the last time I have read such a cheesy book!
Oh my...oh my, oh my...
I cringed inwardly, sighed countless times and had to close my eyes, looking at my kindle through slits to be able to continue reading...
"masculine dominance"
"seeking to master her"
"his powerful arousal would be a rock-hard manifestation..."
"her sheathe"
"a moan of carnal want"
"a mast of steel prodding"
I could go on for days; I have highlighted half of the book with these precious pearls of wording...
The story was all over the place!
They spent three weeks together, and it was rather more telling than showing, a glimpse of their activities here and there. And for the rest, I had to use my imagination...
On one page Angela was 27 years old, later on she was 26. Shane was naked on one page, the next second he had his boxers on...
The first sex scene went over 20 pages and you would think they worked their way through the Kamasutra, but no!
The pages were filled with their alternating internal monologues, and I thought if Shane continued thinking this hard, he would probably solve the issue of global economy upon his climax.
Angela was portrayed as some demurely, down-to-earth female but once in horizontal position the beast became unleashed and she spoke in a language totally unsuitable for her...at least that´s what I thought!
OK! Enough of my ranting!
Why 3 stars if I had so much to complain about?
I just need two words:
Longish hair!!!
Shane has long hair and this is all what it takes for me to be sold on a hero...
I am such a sucker for long hair, you wouldn´t believe it!
And this is so rare for me to find these days in a romance novel, with all the tattoed and pierced guys nowadays, that like a drowning female I clutch at it like to a lifeline!
Enter the picture: Angela
A wannabe actress, waiting patiently for a breakthrough in the film industry.
So...
Reading their story really entertained me, but I cannot remember the last time I have read such a cheesy book!
Oh my...oh my, oh my...
I cringed inwardly, sighed countless times and had to close my eyes, looking at my kindle through slits to be able to continue reading...
"masculine dominance"
"seeking to master her"
"his powerful arousal would be a rock-hard manifestation..."
"her sheathe"
"a moan of carnal want"
"a mast of steel prodding"
I could go on for days; I have highlighted half of the book with these precious pearls of wording...
The story was all over the place!
They spent three weeks together, and it was rather more telling than showing, a glimpse of their activities here and there. And for the rest, I had to use my imagination...
On one page Angela was 27 years old, later on she was 26. Shane was naked on one page, the next second he had his boxers on...
The first sex scene went over 20 pages and you would think they worked their way through the Kamasutra, but no!
The pages were filled with their alternating internal monologues, and I thought if Shane continued thinking this hard, he would probably solve the issue of global economy upon his climax.
Angela was portrayed as some demurely, down-to-earth female but once in horizontal position the beast became unleashed and she spoke in a language totally unsuitable for her...at least that´s what I thought!
OK! Enough of my ranting!
Why 3 stars if I had so much to complain about?
I just need two words:
Longish hair!!!
Shane has long hair and this is all what it takes for me to be sold on a hero...
I am such a sucker for long hair, you wouldn´t believe it!
And this is so rare for me to find these days in a romance novel, with all the tattoed and pierced guys nowadays, that like a drowning female I clutch at it like to a lifeline!
October 14, 2013
NASCAR Cup drivers showcase their skills and abilities live before thousands of fans at local racetracks somewhere around the nation nearly every weekend. Millions more fans are glued to the live action on their small screens. Ordinarily, even when a little friendly co-opetion is involved, most everything goes right down on the track. Every once in a while the unforeseen occurs and something, like in Shane Davis' case, goes horribly, horribly wrong. This story is in keeping with author Dez Burke’s beautiful, charming and sensitive story telling abilities. Her heroines are determined, passionate and convincing career women that don’t define their choices in life by the color of their skin. Her heros are powerful, intense and compelling professional men who recognize a good woman when they see one. Both her female and male leads exhibit deep-seated convictions about who they are and what they want. Ms. Burke has definitely captured the checkered flag with Skin Deep. I received an ARC of this book.
October 11, 2013
I was intrigued when I first started reading this book.. it had a sort of beauty and the beast type of feel to it. Dez Burke really made these characters come to life. You saw the raw feelings from a man's point of view about his flaws and insecurities. About feeling less than. She kept you reading this by holding back and giving you a little here and a little there. Building up to a wondrous ending. From beginning to end it was a well written book. This book leaves you satisfied but wanting more. Good luck to Ms. Burke.
November 12, 2013
I'm going to start by saying that before Skin Deep I'd never read a book by author Dez Burke before. I'm not certain why. But based on the review of a fellow GoodReads member I decided to give this book a shot. Boy, am I ever so happy that I did!
The Low-Down: Skin Deep is the story of a successful race car driver and handsome playboy named Shane who was in a tragic racing accident. Following the accident Shane was literally half the man (appearance wise that is) that he used to be due to severe burn scars covering half of his face and body. Shane needs to convince his family that he's doing okay so he hires an actress named Angela to play his girlfriend. As they each play their role in front of his family and remaining friends, real emotions begin to develop between the two.
The Good: Shane. This poor man was in such pain. Not the agonizing screaming type of pain, but the emotional type that was eating him up inside. He wasn't abusive with his anger, but he was angry and you could feel and sympathize with his struggles and insecurities. I liked that his accident wasn't due to a drunk driver, a distraction, bad weather, an argument, or a wild animal on the road. Those are the usual suspects when it comes to a car related injury in a book, and while they are legitimate reasons, we've in books many times before. Race car driving is dangerous and these types of accidents can and do happen. The fact that his injury was due to his career stood out, added another dimension to the story for me and kept it fresh. I also liked Angela. She wasn't a pushover and stuck to her convictions when it came to Shane. No weak willed woman here. The thing that I liked the most about this story is that Shane and Angela fell in love. Sure he was attracted to her and there was "something" about him that lured her, but they got to know each other and what they felt wasn't based on having sex two pages into the story. In fact, sex between these two doesn't happen until later in the book and when it did there was some serious emotion (and steam!) going on.
The Bad: It was too short! Really. This was a great story that needed more story. This is a problem with IR romances... they're just too short and often I feel cheated. The build up that was so great in this story could have been fan-frickin'-tabulous (or just awesome to the point that I make words up to describe the serious greatness of it) if only the writer had pushed further! I would have loved to see Shane address and deal with some of the other losses associated with his accident (you've got to read it to know what I'm talking about here). I also would have liked more in terms of them falling in love. Ms. Burke I have faith you could have delved deeper and I wouldn't have gotten bored in the least.
My Final Thoughts: BRAVO Ms. Burke! This was a well thought out LOVE story that had me hooked from the start. This may be the first book that I've read by this author but it won't be the last. I highly recommend purchasing and reading Skin Deep. Although it isn't long (and yes I did complain about the length) the story is still amazing and will literally have you smiling as you read the last word. You won't be disappointed!
Four and Half Stars
The Low-Down: Skin Deep is the story of a successful race car driver and handsome playboy named Shane who was in a tragic racing accident. Following the accident Shane was literally half the man (appearance wise that is) that he used to be due to severe burn scars covering half of his face and body. Shane needs to convince his family that he's doing okay so he hires an actress named Angela to play his girlfriend. As they each play their role in front of his family and remaining friends, real emotions begin to develop between the two.
The Good: Shane. This poor man was in such pain. Not the agonizing screaming type of pain, but the emotional type that was eating him up inside. He wasn't abusive with his anger, but he was angry and you could feel and sympathize with his struggles and insecurities. I liked that his accident wasn't due to a drunk driver, a distraction, bad weather, an argument, or a wild animal on the road. Those are the usual suspects when it comes to a car related injury in a book, and while they are legitimate reasons, we've in books many times before. Race car driving is dangerous and these types of accidents can and do happen. The fact that his injury was due to his career stood out, added another dimension to the story for me and kept it fresh. I also liked Angela. She wasn't a pushover and stuck to her convictions when it came to Shane. No weak willed woman here. The thing that I liked the most about this story is that Shane and Angela fell in love. Sure he was attracted to her and there was "something" about him that lured her, but they got to know each other and what they felt wasn't based on having sex two pages into the story. In fact, sex between these two doesn't happen until later in the book and when it did there was some serious emotion (and steam!) going on.
The Bad: It was too short! Really. This was a great story that needed more story. This is a problem with IR romances... they're just too short and often I feel cheated. The build up that was so great in this story could have been fan-frickin'-tabulous (or just awesome to the point that I make words up to describe the serious greatness of it) if only the writer had pushed further! I would have loved to see Shane address and deal with some of the other losses associated with his accident (you've got to read it to know what I'm talking about here). I also would have liked more in terms of them falling in love. Ms. Burke I have faith you could have delved deeper and I wouldn't have gotten bored in the least.
My Final Thoughts: BRAVO Ms. Burke! This was a well thought out LOVE story that had me hooked from the start. This may be the first book that I've read by this author but it won't be the last. I highly recommend purchasing and reading Skin Deep. Although it isn't long (and yes I did complain about the length) the story is still amazing and will literally have you smiling as you read the last word. You won't be disappointed!
Four and Half Stars
October 22, 2013
Shane never intends to get married; not with the way he looks now. He knew no woman could ever love him and wasn't about to find out if he was wrong. But when he needed a woman in his life to play a pretend girlfriend for a few short weeks, he selected the one he felt would suit his needs with no strings attached: Angela Neil.
The first time Angela came face to face with Shane, she was taken aback by his scars but more so by his sizzling magnetism. The way he looked at her, with a searing heat made her simmer in secret places. This was supposed to be all about business, but Shane made it clear early on that he wanted much, much more. Angela was a smart woman and wasn't about to let her hormones rule her common sense. But temptation called Shane Davis was a dangerous thing to resist...
The synopsis of this book intrigued me, so I downloaded a sample and immediately fell in love with Shane and Angela.
I really wish more authors would write heroines like Angela; smart, beautiful, talented, and moral. I’m over the heroine that compromises herself for an over-whelming alpha male. Some of us ladies have an actual backbone, it’s annoying sometimes to do the right thing, but we feel better in the end for doing it.
I also wish they would write more smart alpha males like Shane that know when to turn the “me want now” attitude off and compromise a little.
The good:
Angela remains resolute from beginning to end and Shane is soooo sexy!
The bad:
Nothing worth writing about.
I'm jus sayin:
This is a love story involving a race car driver, sorry its not my thing, so I was glad to see just the right amount of racing action in the story.
Overall:
Buy it and read it!
The first time Angela came face to face with Shane, she was taken aback by his scars but more so by his sizzling magnetism. The way he looked at her, with a searing heat made her simmer in secret places. This was supposed to be all about business, but Shane made it clear early on that he wanted much, much more. Angela was a smart woman and wasn't about to let her hormones rule her common sense. But temptation called Shane Davis was a dangerous thing to resist...
The synopsis of this book intrigued me, so I downloaded a sample and immediately fell in love with Shane and Angela.
I really wish more authors would write heroines like Angela; smart, beautiful, talented, and moral. I’m over the heroine that compromises herself for an over-whelming alpha male. Some of us ladies have an actual backbone, it’s annoying sometimes to do the right thing, but we feel better in the end for doing it.
I also wish they would write more smart alpha males like Shane that know when to turn the “me want now” attitude off and compromise a little.
The good:
Angela remains resolute from beginning to end and Shane is soooo sexy!
The bad:
Nothing worth writing about.
I'm jus sayin:
This is a love story involving a race car driver, sorry its not my thing, so I was glad to see just the right amount of racing action in the story.
Overall:
Buy it and read it!
February 19, 2015
Another great read by Dez Burke. Shane and Angela's of finding love when you least expect it.
April 3, 2016
Too predictable but I did like like storyline. A race car driver who is terribly scarred in an accident and trying to find a way to re-enter the world.
December 4, 2015
My first book by Dez Burke and I enjoyed it! Review to come
July 9, 2018
Fire! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
October 13, 2013
I’ve read many modern day twists, or versions if you prefer, to the "Beauty and Beast" fairytale, but Dez Burke’s "Skin Deep" was one of the most endearing I’ve read in a long time. In this story, an aspiring actress, Angela Neil, was given the perfect (and paid) opportunity to not only ease her financial burdens, but also to be NASCAR Champion, Shane Davis’, ‘fake girlfriend’ so that he could convince his parents and the rest of the world he’d started to live again after a fiery crash left him scarred. However, what happened in this beautifully written story was a man who had hidden behind the shadows (both literally and figuratively) regain his confidence and found a reason to live and love again.
One of the things I loved about this romance story is the way Ms. Burke created the sexual tension between Shane and Angela, which started from the very first time they saw each other. What’s more, there were times when they almost did ‘it’ and when ‘it’ didn’t happened, I was sitting there on pins and needles waiting for the time they would actually get it on. But I must applaud Ms. Burke at this juncture, because when Shane and Angela finally succumbed to the attraction which simmered every time they were in the same room with each other, it wasn’t gratuitous at all. Not. One. Bit. This was because Shane and Angela had invested much time and effort into getting to know each other, developing mutual respect, and finally falling in love (although they didn’t admit it to themselves or each other as yet) so the act of making love was just a natural culmination of what they meant to each other.
Another thing I loved about this story was the way the heroine Angela wasn’t afraid to express her wants and desires inside or outside of the bedroom, how she was determined to play the role of her life to the best of her ability, and most of all, how she wasn’t repelled by Shane’s scars, even from the very first time she met him.
Also, I believe Ms. Burke deserved kudos for the way she made her characters, even millionaire Playboys, very relatable, since they do have the same foibles of human nature just as ordinary folks do. So I got a glimpse of Shane’s insecurities, his hurt and anger when people looked away from his scars in fear or disgust, and how he’d convinced himself he wasn’t good enough for the lovely Ms. Angela Neil.
As of today, “Skin Deep” is definitely one of Ms. Burke’s best works for the year. However, I just get this strange feeling her best is yet to come.
One of the things I loved about this romance story is the way Ms. Burke created the sexual tension between Shane and Angela, which started from the very first time they saw each other. What’s more, there were times when they almost did ‘it’ and when ‘it’ didn’t happened, I was sitting there on pins and needles waiting for the time they would actually get it on. But I must applaud Ms. Burke at this juncture, because when Shane and Angela finally succumbed to the attraction which simmered every time they were in the same room with each other, it wasn’t gratuitous at all. Not. One. Bit. This was because Shane and Angela had invested much time and effort into getting to know each other, developing mutual respect, and finally falling in love (although they didn’t admit it to themselves or each other as yet) so the act of making love was just a natural culmination of what they meant to each other.
Another thing I loved about this story was the way the heroine Angela wasn’t afraid to express her wants and desires inside or outside of the bedroom, how she was determined to play the role of her life to the best of her ability, and most of all, how she wasn’t repelled by Shane’s scars, even from the very first time she met him.
Also, I believe Ms. Burke deserved kudos for the way she made her characters, even millionaire Playboys, very relatable, since they do have the same foibles of human nature just as ordinary folks do. So I got a glimpse of Shane’s insecurities, his hurt and anger when people looked away from his scars in fear or disgust, and how he’d convinced himself he wasn’t good enough for the lovely Ms. Angela Neil.
As of today, “Skin Deep” is definitely one of Ms. Burke’s best works for the year. However, I just get this strange feeling her best is yet to come.
November 5, 2015
1.5 stars. Very tempted to DNF; I can't believe I actually read to the end.
Things I liked about Skin Deep:
The premise- set in the modern-day world of race car driving and TV and film acting, this is a "Beauty and the Beast" -type story. I'm a sucker for fairytales.
The characters- not especially shallow, although not especially deep either; they are likable and non-irritating. OK, they are a little bit irritating; see "Repetitive" below.
The price- at least it was cheap, at $ .99. Although still a waste of money, and more importantly, time.
Things I didn't like about Skin Deep:
The cover- amateurish but can be forgiven. I don't especially find the guy attractive, it is not representative of the text, and the typography - ghastly.
Insta-love- need I say more?
Repetitive- How many different ways can the same thing be repeated, over and over and over again? Too many for me to actually count, but you can find out by reading this book. Although, I have to give kudos for creative reiteration : P
The characters- a bit too goody-goody. They have no real flaws.
Confusion- several times I had to go back a few pages to reread because things just didn't make sense. A few of those times things still didn't make sense.
The sex- there's no sex (except a few kisses and wishes) until about 70% in, then there's not much else. The sex scenes are probably the most awkward I've ever read.
The first sex scene- after a long, long, build-up there are pages and pages and pages of it: ostensibly never-ending, and is interrupted with many paragraphs of Shane contemplating his past relationships. Good God, get on with it already!
The ending- the sequence of events at the end seemed out of order. Or something.
The epilogue- taken straight from Fifty Shades, rewritten just enough to make sense with this story.
Epilogue- I actually was compelled to go back and reread the epilogue to Fifty Shades. Ugh!
Things I liked about Skin Deep:
The premise- set in the modern-day world of race car driving and TV and film acting, this is a "Beauty and the Beast" -type story. I'm a sucker for fairytales.
The characters- not especially shallow, although not especially deep either; they are likable and non-irritating. OK, they are a little bit irritating; see "Repetitive" below.
The price- at least it was cheap, at $ .99. Although still a waste of money, and more importantly, time.
Things I didn't like about Skin Deep:
The cover- amateurish but can be forgiven. I don't especially find the guy attractive, it is not representative of the text, and the typography - ghastly.
Insta-love- need I say more?
Repetitive- How many different ways can the same thing be repeated, over and over and over again? Too many for me to actually count, but you can find out by reading this book. Although, I have to give kudos for creative reiteration : P
The characters- a bit too goody-goody. They have no real flaws.
Confusion- several times I had to go back a few pages to reread because things just didn't make sense. A few of those times things still didn't make sense.
The sex- there's no sex (except a few kisses and wishes) until about 70% in, then there's not much else. The sex scenes are probably the most awkward I've ever read.
The first sex scene- after a long, long, build-up there are pages and pages and pages of it: ostensibly never-ending, and is interrupted with many paragraphs of Shane contemplating his past relationships. Good God, get on with it already!
The ending- the sequence of events at the end seemed out of order. Or something.
The epilogue- taken straight from Fifty Shades, rewritten just enough to make sense with this story.
Epilogue- I actually was compelled to go back and reread the epilogue to Fifty Shades. Ugh!
January 11, 2015
Loved this book! An emotional, passionate, and intense read. Shane is a NASCAR driver who suffered burns on the right side of his face, chest, and hand. No longer perfect and unmarked he's forced to take a look at the world beyond what's on the surface and people are looking at him, seeing his scars, and being repulsed by them. He's a sometimes broody and tormented man. He's kept himself closed of from the world for many months and he needs to convince his parents that he isn't in some deep depression, so he decides to hire someone to pretend to be his girlfriend for a few weeks. He'd planned on going out with her, getting their picture taken, go to his parents' house, and convincing them he was ok and then end his association with the woman---- with no strings attached. That was his plan until he met the beautiful Angela Neil.
Shane is so magnetic and seductive. The build-up to them having sex was fantastic. Shane and Angela were so hot and sexy together. Loved their interactions and dynamic.
Candice Patton and Henry Cavill as Angela and Shane
Shane is so magnetic and seductive. The build-up to them having sex was fantastic. Shane and Angela were so hot and sexy together. Loved their interactions and dynamic.
Candice Patton and Henry Cavill as Angela and Shane
November 2, 2013
Angela that girl knows how to put a man in his place, "why? Because I'm an actress? Or is it because I'm black?" sneered Angela. "I won't be propositioned like some floozy. I'm sure a man with your resources can find a barrel full of willing candidates if all you're interested in is a cheap thrill." Angela she has something on her mind she's not afraid to let you know her thoughts, "I see. And I thought the 'part' was girlfriend and not high-priced bimbo." But Shane he's a snarky one and always has a comeback ready, "do me a favor, and simply humor me. I wanted to buy all this for you. You're my woman now; it's expected that you look the part. I like my women glamorous and put together. If I want to see you dressed in expensive silks, diamonds or designed heels, then that's what I get." His thoughts on Angela are so amusing, "eff pretty, thought Shane when he finally caught Angela. More like smoking hot, fine as hell, she's too sexy to leave the house bombshell! Damn it all to hell! How was he ever going to get through this night?" And Angela that girl a tiger in the bedroom, "no baby," she said with a sultry moan, "The first time I come I want you to be deep inside me, pounding me like a beast."
July 21, 2020
Disappointed
This is the 4th book I've read by this author, and I was surprised at how bad it was. The premise sounded good, if a little stereotypical, but the reality was anything but. The dialogue was stilted, the action non existent, the sex mechanical. Half way through the book there suddenly began to appear a phrase or two that made it seem as though this was supposed to be an interracial couple, although prior to that not one word had appeared describing their races. Apparently the heroine was suddenly supposed to be a woman of color, although she'd previously been described only as having long dark wavy hair. After that her race was alluded to in some extremely stereotypical ways. Even the main plot was told in a very disjointed and almost schizophrenic way. If this had been my first introduction to this author, I would have never read any of her other books. This one was a total waste of time.
This is the 4th book I've read by this author, and I was surprised at how bad it was. The premise sounded good, if a little stereotypical, but the reality was anything but. The dialogue was stilted, the action non existent, the sex mechanical. Half way through the book there suddenly began to appear a phrase or two that made it seem as though this was supposed to be an interracial couple, although prior to that not one word had appeared describing their races. Apparently the heroine was suddenly supposed to be a woman of color, although she'd previously been described only as having long dark wavy hair. After that her race was alluded to in some extremely stereotypical ways. Even the main plot was told in a very disjointed and almost schizophrenic way. If this had been my first introduction to this author, I would have never read any of her other books. This one was a total waste of time.
May 7, 2016
4.5 stars...
A beauty and the beast theme with a race car driving hero and a actress heroine? Honestly, it seemed like Ms.Burke was doing a little too much. Nope, she made it all work wonderfully. Shane has his beastly moments, but he is the perfect tortured hero. Angela was feisty without ever being over bearing. They had insanely hot chemistry and it was a lot of fun "watching" them fall for each other.
The author is becoming notorious for her erotic scenes (she has a way with them, managing to make them last for pages without stretching) and this book has some nice ones, but the development of their relationship takes precedence. The story just felt... complete. And it ended with a cute epilogue and a nice quip. Another winner for Dez Burke!
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
A beauty and the beast theme with a race car driving hero and a actress heroine? Honestly, it seemed like Ms.Burke was doing a little too much. Nope, she made it all work wonderfully. Shane has his beastly moments, but he is the perfect tortured hero. Angela was feisty without ever being over bearing. They had insanely hot chemistry and it was a lot of fun "watching" them fall for each other.
The author is becoming notorious for her erotic scenes (she has a way with them, managing to make them last for pages without stretching) and this book has some nice ones, but the development of their relationship takes precedence. The story just felt... complete. And it ended with a cute epilogue and a nice quip. Another winner for Dez Burke!
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
October 7, 2013
Another awesome book by fellow Alabamian Ms. Dez Burke. This book like all of the others will provide the steamy IR romance that you crave but she also examines other underlying dynamics in her books. In this one, she deals with the physical and emotional scars of one of NASCAR's top racers and the fight he had to overcome the looks of pity and disgust that is heaped on him by society. Enters our heroine who sees beyond the scars to the loving man within.
This book is just the right length for a relaxing Saturday.
This book is just the right length for a relaxing Saturday.
July 13, 2015
This was just so disappointing. I liked the premise - yes, it's been done before, but I thought I'd enjoy the author's style. Initially, the book began ok. The language was a bit simplistic with the same phrases used over and over again. I was still ok, though, and I kept hoping it would get better. Then, once sex entered the story, it was overly descriptive in all the wrong ways. The same coarse and crude phrases were endlessly repeated. Honestly, instead of being hot, it was just ridiculous and crude.
October 9, 2013
Sweet, hot, sexy yet honest book. The author not only gives us a love story between two people, she also gives us a story about acceptance. The characters, Angela and Shane, meet under odd circumstances but ultimately, love wins out. Really well drawn characters, good pacing - all in all a solid 4 star read.
October 12, 2013
This was an emotional, yet heart touching story. Skin Deep is a very personable Beauty and the Beast and I commend Dez for taking that leap of faith to do something other than the flawless hunk and the beautiful heroine. I wanted them to jump each other from the first scene!!!! This book is a must read by true romance novel readers.
T
T
February 24, 2019
Freebe
There's no show but a lot of tell :/
The H is a car racer with an MBA WTF?????
I guess the writer has no idea how incompatible are those careers, both "a little bit" time demanding :)
Not worth my time.
Dropped.
There's no show but a lot of tell :/
The H is a car racer with an MBA WTF?????
I guess the writer has no idea how incompatible are those careers, both "a little bit" time demanding :)
Not worth my time.
Dropped.
March 6, 2014
Another great from Ms Burke. I loved this story. I love beauty and the beast type stories and this fit that slot for me.
I would recommend this story.
I would recommend this story.
October 13, 2013
4.5 stars. Truly loved this story. I enjoyed the characters the scenario and also the antics of how it was portray.
October 18, 2013
Classic beauty and the beast tale filled with lots of drama and some spice thrown in....loved it.
November 14, 2013
This book has one the longest sex scenes I have read, this is a pretty good book.
September 21, 2015
Great book and a great message that beauty is only skin deep!
October 11, 2013
another great book. the hero of the story moved me in ways i can relate. love this
February 4, 2019
Skin Deep By: Dez BurkeIt's NOT Only People Outside That NEED 2 See Beyond "Skin Deep;" It's Also The MAN In The Mirror!
He NEEDS a Girlfriend FAST...
To get HIS Meddlin' MOM Off his BACK,
Just a Week or Two aught to DO ...
Well... Probably THREE & Maybe he'd better Make HER a Fiancée too,
After All, he wants to convince 'em he's NOT just on the Mend...
But, in fact fully BACK among the Living & Socializing!
He picks a Winner for his Gal...
Except, now he's got the Problem of Wanting HER,
When she's MADE it Clear it's business only!
So there be is Back among the Living...
Knowing he only wants to live & LOVE with HER!
I was granted an ARC of Dez Burke's "Skin Deep" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
July 4, 2017
Beauty and the Beast
Hot and frustrating before it became hot and steamy! Your heart will bleed for the once dashing but now marked and marred alpha male. The humbling of his spirit causes you as the reader to fall in love with him. Angela has a definite warm ability to look beyond the physical and to also appreciate the beauty in the scars. Skin Deep is a quick read that throws you right into the middle and as the reader, you are finding out information on the characters as everything is playing out in the book. Great way to keep us hooked!!
Hot and frustrating before it became hot and steamy! Your heart will bleed for the once dashing but now marked and marred alpha male. The humbling of his spirit causes you as the reader to fall in love with him. Angela has a definite warm ability to look beyond the physical and to also appreciate the beauty in the scars. Skin Deep is a quick read that throws you right into the middle and as the reader, you are finding out information on the characters as everything is playing out in the book. Great way to keep us hooked!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews