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Under My Skin #1
Under My Skin
"The smart guy"--Sebastian Keller's lived with that label most of his life. Though he hasn't always appreciated it, and it hasn't exactly made him a man magnet, he's put his intelligence to work building his store, Great Escapes Travel Book Shop, to the point it's now the favorite recommendation of travel agents in the St. Louis area. His customers--especially the jet-setting senior citizens--love him for his amiable personality.
He doesn't feel very amiable, however, when Rad Tattoos moves in next door to Great Escapes. Its owner, Dylan Radamacher, rubs Sebastian the wrong way from the get-go. The man's insufferable, stubborn, and, worse, a bad boy. Everything Sebastian loathes. To add insult to injury, Sebastian's certain the loud music, the congested parking lot, and the constant colorful parade of the counterculture in and out of the tattoo studio are scaring away his loyal, conservative customers.
And yet, much to his annoyance, the teasing sparkle in Dylan's eyes, his hot, inked body, and come-hither voice set Sebastian's libido on fire. Sebastian's "been there, done that" with the bad-boy type before, though, and almost lost everything because of it. There's no way he's going down that road again.
But when Dylan sets his sights on Sebastian and is determined to take him for a walk on the wild side, Sebastian knows he's in big trouble. It's going to take all his smarts and a whole lot of willpower to resist the sexy tattoo artist before the man finds a way to burrow deeper under his skin...
Don't miss the sequel, Under My Skin II!
Gay / Contemporary / Series
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
9 people are currently reading
601 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Rhodes
42 books570 followersI’m author M.L. Rhodes and I write m/m romance and fantasy. This means my books are about gay or bisexual men meeting, falling in love, and finding happily-ever-afters with other men. Sometimes the settings are contemporary, sometimes the stories take place in worlds filled with dragons, witches, or other fantasy and paranormal creatures. But there’s one thing of which you can be certain…in my books, love always wins!
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
If you'd like to know more about me and writing, swing by my website when you have a few minutes! http://authormlrhodes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 31, 2009
The opposites attract storyline is one of my favorites when it comes to reading romances. I got that and a whole lot more when I read Under my Skin by M.L. Rhodes. She was able to take a common theme, and mix it up to make it one of my favorite opposites attracts books I have read in a long time.
Sebastian Keller is going to kill Dylan Radamacher. As the owner of a travel book shop, Sebastian’s life was quiet and easy until Dylan’s tattoo shop moved next door. Between the loud music and the feeling that Dylan thinks he’s some kind of joke, Sebastian feels like he’s being pushed over the edge of reason. What’s worse is the Sebastian finds himself caring about what the laid back and sexy tattoo artist thinks of him, which makes the straight laced Sebastian resent Dylan even more.
Dylan has been fascinated by Sebastian from the moment he has laid eyes on him. He knows that Sebastian often gets frustrated by the ongoing shenanigans at the shop, but hopes that he and Sebastian can become on friendly terms. Actually if Dylan had his way, he and Sebastian would be more than friends, and since Sebastian has been the star of some of his favorite dreams lately, Dylan becomes determined to pursue Sebastian.
Sebastian won’t know what hit him.
I’m not getting too much into the storyline. I will say that both Dylan and Sebastian are more complex characters than what meets the eye. I also liked the “don’t judge a book by its cover” undertone to the story. I admit both Dylan and Sebastian won my heart. I loved them!
There isn’t a tremendous amount of angst in this book. There is come miscommunication, and some self-esteem issues because of past hurts, but otherwise it’s a pretty easy and smooth read.
I loved it!
5 stars
Sebastian Keller is going to kill Dylan Radamacher. As the owner of a travel book shop, Sebastian’s life was quiet and easy until Dylan’s tattoo shop moved next door. Between the loud music and the feeling that Dylan thinks he’s some kind of joke, Sebastian feels like he’s being pushed over the edge of reason. What’s worse is the Sebastian finds himself caring about what the laid back and sexy tattoo artist thinks of him, which makes the straight laced Sebastian resent Dylan even more.
Dylan has been fascinated by Sebastian from the moment he has laid eyes on him. He knows that Sebastian often gets frustrated by the ongoing shenanigans at the shop, but hopes that he and Sebastian can become on friendly terms. Actually if Dylan had his way, he and Sebastian would be more than friends, and since Sebastian has been the star of some of his favorite dreams lately, Dylan becomes determined to pursue Sebastian.
Sebastian won’t know what hit him.
I’m not getting too much into the storyline. I will say that both Dylan and Sebastian are more complex characters than what meets the eye. I also liked the “don’t judge a book by its cover” undertone to the story. I admit both Dylan and Sebastian won my heart. I loved them!
There isn’t a tremendous amount of angst in this book. There is come miscommunication, and some self-esteem issues because of past hurts, but otherwise it’s a pretty easy and smooth read.
I loved it!
5 stars
August 26, 2013
Great opposites attract novella between a geeky, bookstore owner, Sebastian, and a tattoo shop owner, Dylan.
Did I mention they're shop neighbors?
No...oh they are and Sebastian is quite the uptight, damaged geek. And Dylan is such the lovable foil against Sebastian misunderstanding drama he creates. Luckily, Dylan knows to take Sebastian in stride and it let the other man hang ups stand in their way.
Cute story, hot sex (Sebastian has some moves on him)...me likey!
Definitely reading the next in the series!
3.75 stars
Did I mention they're shop neighbors?
No...oh they are and Sebastian is quite the uptight, damaged geek. And Dylan is such the lovable foil against Sebastian misunderstanding drama he creates. Luckily, Dylan knows to take Sebastian in stride and it let the other man hang ups stand in their way.
Cute story, hot sex (Sebastian has some moves on him)...me likey!
Definitely reading the next in the series!
3.75 stars
December 28, 2008
I read both installments back-to-back and I recommend that Under My Skin be read that way. If I'd read the first story and had not bought the sequel, I don't think I would be charmed enough to want to follow Dylan's & Sebastian's romance.
UMS 1 is sweet with not much tension. I loved the way Sebastian went next door to confront Dylan about the loud music and both were instantly attracted to each other. Both men were sexy - Sebastian in the quieter, subtler manner and Dylan with his in-your-face sexiness. Their attraction is acted on without much feet dragging but Sebastian is apprehensive and fearful throughout the story because of his being burnt badly by an ex-lover. Dylan is exactly what his ex was - tattooed and rides a bike whereas Sebastian sees himself as a nerdy bookstore owner. The first story is sweet with a sweet HFN.
The second installment is where both men are dealt with more deeply. We get to know Dylan much better when he goes to visit his sick mom. While he's away, we also see Sebastian confronting his fears about his new relationship without Dylan around because otherwise Sebastian is led by his cock and that just spells heartache and trouble.
Sebastian's lowlife scum ex, Beck, returns briefly to provide the dash of suspense and we get the pleasure of seeing the nerdy Sebastian play hero rather competently. No TSTL hero (heroine?) this one.
Under My Skin had nice little surprises along the way right to the end. It is a feel-good MM romance between two sexy men who manage to work out their baggage without that overwhelming the story. Another M L Rhodes winner for me.
UMS 1 is sweet with not much tension. I loved the way Sebastian went next door to confront Dylan about the loud music and both were instantly attracted to each other. Both men were sexy - Sebastian in the quieter, subtler manner and Dylan with his in-your-face sexiness. Their attraction is acted on without much feet dragging but Sebastian is apprehensive and fearful throughout the story because of his being burnt badly by an ex-lover. Dylan is exactly what his ex was - tattooed and rides a bike whereas Sebastian sees himself as a nerdy bookstore owner. The first story is sweet with a sweet HFN.
The second installment is where both men are dealt with more deeply. We get to know Dylan much better when he goes to visit his sick mom. While he's away, we also see Sebastian confronting his fears about his new relationship without Dylan around because otherwise Sebastian is led by his cock and that just spells heartache and trouble.
Sebastian's lowlife scum ex, Beck, returns briefly to provide the dash of suspense and we get the pleasure of seeing the nerdy Sebastian play hero rather competently. No TSTL hero (heroine?) this one.
Under My Skin had nice little surprises along the way right to the end. It is a feel-good MM romance between two sexy men who manage to work out their baggage without that overwhelming the story. Another M L Rhodes winner for me.
June 4, 2011
Under My Skin is practically a long chapter of seduction and love making. After awhile, I end up skipping some of them.
It's sweet -- and I definitely see the charm of opposite attract between Sebastian, the book-store owner, and Dylan, the tattoo artist and owner.
The conflict arises when Sebastian, who has burned before by men who he deems as "Dylan's type", thinks that Dylan is trying to seduce him because Dylan wants to expand his shop (which means kicking Sebastian out, since his store is next to Dylan's).
There's a very hurtful accusation -- and I kind of want kick Sebastian in the ass at that time -- but it leads to what I call as a promise of HEA.
I have second book to check ....
It's sweet -- and I definitely see the charm of opposite attract between Sebastian, the book-store owner, and Dylan, the tattoo artist and owner.
The conflict arises when Sebastian, who has burned before by men who he deems as "Dylan's type", thinks that Dylan is trying to seduce him because Dylan wants to expand his shop (which means kicking Sebastian out, since his store is next to Dylan's).
There's a very hurtful accusation -- and I kind of want kick Sebastian in the ass at that time -- but it leads to what I call as a promise of HEA.
I have second book to check ....
March 24, 2011
4 stars because there's a second part and I don't want to be disappointed if it doesn't live up to my expectations.
This is a great story. Sebastian is a cute and geeky guy, owner of a travel bookshop. Dylan is a tattoo artist with a bad boy aura and he's just set up business next to Sebastian's. The two shops don't seem to sit together well: the loud music and unruly customers from Rad Tattoos could be the reason, but Sebastian can't just stand the owner because of a hurtful past relationship with that "type" of guys. But opposites attract.
The story takes place in a span of a few days. The two decide to hang out together one night and then to sleep together, slowly realizing that maybe they are meant to be together. The point of view switches from one character to the other and even if the story is short we get plenty of reasons why Sebastian and Dylan are reluctant to embrace their feelings (both have trust issues but for whole different motives), because they know they have to take the risk to be hurt if they make the wrong choice.
Dylan is the one always reaching out and the way he brings Sebastian's defenses down is incredibly moving. Sebastian has been so hurt by his previous lover that he always sees things from the worst angle and this is what creates the big drama in the book.
For a short story this book is meaty and very satisfying. I don't think I've said it's hot yet, so yes, it's hot. There's not a real cliffhanger at the end of the story, but there's still a lot to be told, so on to the next book of the series.
This is a great story. Sebastian is a cute and geeky guy, owner of a travel bookshop. Dylan is a tattoo artist with a bad boy aura and he's just set up business next to Sebastian's. The two shops don't seem to sit together well: the loud music and unruly customers from Rad Tattoos could be the reason, but Sebastian can't just stand the owner because of a hurtful past relationship with that "type" of guys. But opposites attract.
The story takes place in a span of a few days. The two decide to hang out together one night and then to sleep together, slowly realizing that maybe they are meant to be together. The point of view switches from one character to the other and even if the story is short we get plenty of reasons why Sebastian and Dylan are reluctant to embrace their feelings (both have trust issues but for whole different motives), because they know they have to take the risk to be hurt if they make the wrong choice.
Dylan is the one always reaching out and the way he brings Sebastian's defenses down is incredibly moving. Sebastian has been so hurt by his previous lover that he always sees things from the worst angle and this is what creates the big drama in the book.
For a short story this book is meaty and very satisfying. I don't think I've said it's hot yet, so yes, it's hot. There's not a real cliffhanger at the end of the story, but there's still a lot to be told, so on to the next book of the series.
February 22, 2013
Sebastian is a geek and a bit of an intellectual snob. Dylan is a tattoo artist, who came from humble beginnings, put himself through college, and now has a very successful business adjacent to Sebastian's bookstore.
Because of a disastrous past relationship with a tattoo artist, Sebastian can't help himself and he jumps to all the wrong conclusions about Dylan. Turns out Dylan is honest, smart, has a big heart and is ready for that special someone. Sebastian is so busy living in the past, he can't "see" Dylan. Fortunately, the two have amazing sex…even if it was only one night.
The whole story takes place over a week. It's a shame the story is so short because the author created such strong main characters and I became attached to them.
Because of a disastrous past relationship with a tattoo artist, Sebastian can't help himself and he jumps to all the wrong conclusions about Dylan. Turns out Dylan is honest, smart, has a big heart and is ready for that special someone. Sebastian is so busy living in the past, he can't "see" Dylan. Fortunately, the two have amazing sex…even if it was only one night.
The whole story takes place over a week. It's a shame the story is so short because the author created such strong main characters and I became attached to them.
July 21, 2011
^^SKINTASTIC!^^
More of my reviews and ranting at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
What can I say about Under My Skin that the blurb didn’t? I think it covered every element of this short story so I am just gonna share my thoughts on the book. I was a sweet story with a nice message and enjoyed reading it.
Sebastian is considered the” smart guy” by looks alone, he is actually a smart guy but he hates the label. Sebastian has a habit of picking bad men, and has sworn to stay away from the bad boy looking type, because they only bring pain. He has his own travel store, his neighbour store is a tattoo parlour, and he’s hating it but digging the owner. He knows that the motorcycle tattoo wearing type is bad news but he can’t help his attraction.
When a late night get together leads to hot sex with the tattoo storeowner Dylan, Sebastian is cursing himself in all kinds of ways, yet he is drawn to the bigger man and is hoping that Dylan will be his right decision. Until a misunderstanding leads him to jump to conclusion and might put the love affair to end before it even begins.
I really liked this short story it was quick and sweet. A few life lessons to be learnt here (yes there is life lessons in M/M romance/erotica). This one is ‘don’t judge a book by its cover”, ‘just because one orange in the bag is sour doesn’t mean that they all will be’, you know that kinda stuff. Sebastian was quick to judge Dylan because of his rotten relationship in the past and it almost cost him a chance at real happiness. In addition, deals with labels, because body art does not mean you are crude and stupid. Just one of many ways a person can express themselves. Overall, a very nice read.
More of my reviews and ranting at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
What can I say about Under My Skin that the blurb didn’t? I think it covered every element of this short story so I am just gonna share my thoughts on the book. I was a sweet story with a nice message and enjoyed reading it.
Sebastian is considered the” smart guy” by looks alone, he is actually a smart guy but he hates the label. Sebastian has a habit of picking bad men, and has sworn to stay away from the bad boy looking type, because they only bring pain. He has his own travel store, his neighbour store is a tattoo parlour, and he’s hating it but digging the owner. He knows that the motorcycle tattoo wearing type is bad news but he can’t help his attraction.
When a late night get together leads to hot sex with the tattoo storeowner Dylan, Sebastian is cursing himself in all kinds of ways, yet he is drawn to the bigger man and is hoping that Dylan will be his right decision. Until a misunderstanding leads him to jump to conclusion and might put the love affair to end before it even begins.
I really liked this short story it was quick and sweet. A few life lessons to be learnt here (yes there is life lessons in M/M romance/erotica). This one is ‘don’t judge a book by its cover”, ‘just because one orange in the bag is sour doesn’t mean that they all will be’, you know that kinda stuff. Sebastian was quick to judge Dylan because of his rotten relationship in the past and it almost cost him a chance at real happiness. In addition, deals with labels, because body art does not mean you are crude and stupid. Just one of many ways a person can express themselves. Overall, a very nice read.
February 22, 2013
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.0
Sebastian is a nerdy, travel bookstore owner. Dylan is a motorcycle riding tattoo artist who recently moved into the shop next door. Sebastian is attracted to Dylan but reluctant to get involved because he's been burned by bad-boy types in the past. Dylan falls hard and fast for Sebastian but Sebastian's hang-ups cause him to be a TOTAL BASTARD to Dylan. They eventually settle their differences and make a go of it, but ... meh.
This book was okay. I had a hard time connecting to Sebastian. He's supposed to be this really smart, nerdy guy but he keeps acting like a dumb ass so I had trouble believing his character. I really liked Dylan. He's rough looking but a total softy on the inside. Honorable and honest. He saved this book. The ending pissed me off because Sebastian treated Dylan so badly yet it was Dylan who was offering comfort and asking for another chance. As if!!!!! I didn't think Sebastian deserved Dylan even if he had grovelled properly!
Bottom line: an alright tale but Sebastian was really irritating and I had a hard time connecting with him.
Sebastian is a nerdy, travel bookstore owner. Dylan is a motorcycle riding tattoo artist who recently moved into the shop next door. Sebastian is attracted to Dylan but reluctant to get involved because he's been burned by bad-boy types in the past. Dylan falls hard and fast for Sebastian but Sebastian's hang-ups cause him to be a TOTAL BASTARD to Dylan. They eventually settle their differences and make a go of it, but ... meh.
This book was okay. I had a hard time connecting to Sebastian. He's supposed to be this really smart, nerdy guy but he keeps acting like a dumb ass so I had trouble believing his character. I really liked Dylan. He's rough looking but a total softy on the inside. Honorable and honest. He saved this book. The ending pissed me off because Sebastian treated Dylan so badly yet it was Dylan who was offering comfort and asking for another chance. As if!!!!! I didn't think Sebastian deserved Dylan even if he had grovelled properly!
Bottom line: an alright tale but Sebastian was really irritating and I had a hard time connecting with him.
February 21, 2010
This was my first book by M.L. Rohdes, and it was an ok read. I'm glad there's a second book, I wasn't expecting this one to be so short.
I enjoyed the characters in this one, the plot was decent and believable. Dylan was great, I liked discovering his layers, he was a good character. I liked Sabastian as well and found that I could understand his angst and connect with him. Where I began to have a problem was with Sabastian's on going inner dialog while with Dylan the first time. That's not the time I was to learn about a character's history, tell me before or after, but in the middle of the moment; just pulls me out of it. I also don't care for the instant relationship/forever inner dialog on the first date. I just don't buy that guys think like that. Instant attraction and sex, ok. But inner dialogs of lasting forevers I'm just not buying. I'm sure I'll read the second one, I would like to see where these two go from here.
I enjoyed the characters in this one, the plot was decent and believable. Dylan was great, I liked discovering his layers, he was a good character. I liked Sabastian as well and found that I could understand his angst and connect with him. Where I began to have a problem was with Sabastian's on going inner dialog while with Dylan the first time. That's not the time I was to learn about a character's history, tell me before or after, but in the middle of the moment; just pulls me out of it. I also don't care for the instant relationship/forever inner dialog on the first date. I just don't buy that guys think like that. Instant attraction and sex, ok. But inner dialogs of lasting forevers I'm just not buying. I'm sure I'll read the second one, I would like to see where these two go from here.
April 21, 2010
Once I got into this book, it was good, nice romance, a bit of angst in the middle, but that sure makes the ending happier.
Was very pissed off with the writer at the opening scene tho, as the main character was talking to a deaf guy, and I could tell it was supposed to be mildly humorous.
"she loves you and just wants you to be healthy"
"Wealthy? Well it's a little late for that,"
Hillarious huh? As a deaf person I'm pretty much not laughing, and mildly insulted. For all the reasons I could list why thats not realistic... mostly it's just because I resent the implication that being deaf means you are stupid. Well anyway. It pissed me off. Maybe I'm sensitive, but I did get over it enough to read the story, so I'm not all grumpy.
Was very pissed off with the writer at the opening scene tho, as the main character was talking to a deaf guy, and I could tell it was supposed to be mildly humorous.
"she loves you and just wants you to be healthy"
"Wealthy? Well it's a little late for that,"
Hillarious huh? As a deaf person I'm pretty much not laughing, and mildly insulted. For all the reasons I could list why thats not realistic... mostly it's just because I resent the implication that being deaf means you are stupid. Well anyway. It pissed me off. Maybe I'm sensitive, but I did get over it enough to read the story, so I'm not all grumpy.
April 8, 2013
I'm really liking this author's writing. I hadn't read much before and now I'm a bit of a junky. Read this one and the sequel together so it's hard to rate them separately. I will say that both of these guys were very sweet and at times equally frustrating. Did I mention hot? Oh, well they were hot as hell too and the smexing was delish! A tattooed shop owner and his "nerdy" bookstore neighbor meet, don't get along and then wham! That's all she wrote. A bit of angst and hot sex and I'm a happy girl!
August 23, 2015
This was my fist book by this author and I really liked it. Great character development for a really short novel - both the MCs, Sebastian and Dylan were likable, sexy and such nice guys. It was great to see the story develop and great sex scenes. Definitely will look for this author again.
February 12, 2013
Travel book shop owner Sebastian is annoyed by the noise the new tennats at his neighboring store are making. He's also annoyed about the store being a tattoo parlor, since he's had a bad experience with a tattooed biker guy before, and the owner or the tattoo shop, Dylan, does have tattoos and does ride a motor bike.
No matter how annoyed Sebastian is though, he still finds Dylan really sexy. But he's sure Dylan's straight. No prizes for guessing that he's not...
Dylan's not only gay, he's also really attracted to Sebastian, and when he gets a chance he asks him out. What follows is the two men acknowledging that they're mutually attracted, some hot insta-sex, the obligatory Big Misunderstanding, followed by the Big Reunion.
So, since this is a novella, that's pretty much it.
I liked this book, even though I found it somewhat shallow. What I liked most was that both men were described as "attractive to both men and women", and even though Sebastian didn't seem to be aware of it, he was an attractive guy, not the stereotypical badly dressed, kind of plain, book geek.
I like books without the Alpha male/shy geek stereotypes, so this was an enjoyable read for me. It did seem to end rather abruptly, but now I've seen that there is a second instalment, so I'll probably read that one too.
I'll enjoy that one more though if it leaves out Dylan's super annoying assistant tattoo artist/piercer Ander...
No matter how annoyed Sebastian is though, he still finds Dylan really sexy. But he's sure Dylan's straight. No prizes for guessing that he's not...
Dylan's not only gay, he's also really attracted to Sebastian, and when he gets a chance he asks him out. What follows is the two men acknowledging that they're mutually attracted, some hot insta-sex, the obligatory Big Misunderstanding, followed by the Big Reunion.
So, since this is a novella, that's pretty much it.
I liked this book, even though I found it somewhat shallow. What I liked most was that both men were described as "attractive to both men and women", and even though Sebastian didn't seem to be aware of it, he was an attractive guy, not the stereotypical badly dressed, kind of plain, book geek.
I like books without the Alpha male/shy geek stereotypes, so this was an enjoyable read for me. It did seem to end rather abruptly, but now I've seen that there is a second instalment, so I'll probably read that one too.
I'll enjoy that one more though if it leaves out Dylan's super annoying assistant tattoo artist/piercer Ander...
January 3, 2013
3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
This is a simple and sexy story with two nice characters and some good angsting given its short length. And I'm a sucker for angst, so there ya go.
MC Sebastian is the owner of a travel book store. He is a bit bookish, and has lost all trust in other men -- especially macho tattooed men with motorcycles -- after being literally cleaned out by his former live-in, a motorcycle mechanic who emptied out their joint bank account AND stole everything of value from their shared apartment. MC Dylan is, of course, a macho tattooed man with a motorcycle who just opened up a tattoo shop next door to Sebastian's bookstore. Sparks fly.
Rhodes writes well, and she did a good job of letting us see the people behind the setup. And although there was some inevitable insta-love going on due to the short story, the two MCs had actually been lusting after each other for weeks before the story ever opened. I still hate that romance writers tend to write such short pieces -- stories like this would be SOOOOO much better if they were allowed more room to develop -- but aside from the length handicap, it's a nice and hot little snippet to spend an hour or so reading.
This is a simple and sexy story with two nice characters and some good angsting given its short length. And I'm a sucker for angst, so there ya go.
MC Sebastian is the owner of a travel book store. He is a bit bookish, and has lost all trust in other men -- especially macho tattooed men with motorcycles -- after being literally cleaned out by his former live-in, a motorcycle mechanic who emptied out their joint bank account AND stole everything of value from their shared apartment. MC Dylan is, of course, a macho tattooed man with a motorcycle who just opened up a tattoo shop next door to Sebastian's bookstore. Sparks fly.
Rhodes writes well, and she did a good job of letting us see the people behind the setup. And although there was some inevitable insta-love going on due to the short story, the two MCs had actually been lusting after each other for weeks before the story ever opened. I still hate that romance writers tend to write such short pieces -- stories like this would be SOOOOO much better if they were allowed more room to develop -- but aside from the length handicap, it's a nice and hot little snippet to spend an hour or so reading.
May 6, 2012
A good effort. I will definitely read the second one. A couple of things kept this from being higher rated by me - one is that insta love thing. Some small things are good examples of "too much too fast" like Dylan calling Sebastian by his nickname without really knowing him at all..which pulled me out of the story. Communication issues that were at odds with how the characters were presented..It felt like Sebastian would be more open with his past then he was. I also thought he was hiding too much. It was as if opening up a little bit was going to leave him wide open for heartache and being taken advantage of. I think there is a middle ground he needed to find. My heart ached for Dylan when he left messages and with what was happening. It made Sebastian seem selfish and childish
I did love Dylan who was just an all around upstanding type guy. Not playing into stereotypes and having a real good head on his shoulders. I liked the courage Sebastian displayed by reaching out at the end.
I would have liked this better if both parts were in one longer novel :)
I did love Dylan who was just an all around upstanding type guy. Not playing into stereotypes and having a real good head on his shoulders. I liked the courage Sebastian displayed by reaching out at the end.
I would have liked this better if both parts were in one longer novel :)
February 23, 2013
This was a good, quick read. Although Sebastian's insecurities started to annoy me a little, once he reveals the whole story about Beck you really feel for him and understand where he's coming from. I liked their chemistry, although I'm not quite sure what Dylan saw in Sebastian. It helped that he talked about observing the way he was with other people, but both of their feelings did seem to get very strong, very fast. And last but certainly not least... steamy, steamy man sex!
Borrowed from Brandilyn in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
Borrowed from Brandilyn in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
February 14, 2013
3.5 stars. This was a cute little "opposites attract" or "enemies to lovers" romance in which the bookish guy falls for the tatted brawny guy and vice versa. A short 100-page-ish read with all the necessary ingredients and quite a bit of sex. Enjoyable, but nothing particularly memorable.
March 15, 2013
I think this is one of the best m/m books I've read in that I could see it happening. I mean, sure, there were overreactions that seemed a bit much, but not in such a melodramatic way that it just seems like plot fodder.
It brings up good points and has nice revelations and such.
It brings up good points and has nice revelations and such.
September 26, 2010
I liked this book. I just wish it was longer. Uggg, that's why I don't like short stories sometimes. Just as I'm starting to like characters, boom it's over!
September 6, 2015
Nice, short read. Solid story and characters. Gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling.
May 7, 2012
Better then i thought ~ now i just need to locate the second book
June 24, 2012
This was a really cute story. Love the geek. Love the ink. I just wish it would have been longer.
I plan to read the second book next.
I plan to read the second book next.
September 21, 2013
synopsis:
bastian owns and operates a travel book store in a mall. a new business has moved in, though, and the customers are taking up all the parking spaces and loud music is coming through the walls, so much so that bastian can't conduct his business properly. bastian is smart and scholarly, and has always been attracted to a "bad boy" image. it hasn't turned out well for him, so he pretends that he isn't attracted to his tattooed, motorcycle riding nemesis. bastian has talked to dylan several times about the music, and heads over yet again to get the music turned down. this time, though, he acknowledges his attraction to dylan and checks him out. dylan asks sebastian out on a date, and sebastian accepts. when they head to dylan's, bastian is still resistant to following his heart because of his past experiences. the next morning, bastian sees something that he believes shows that dylan is planning on taking over all the spaces in their mall, therefore forcing all the other businesses out. because his previous boyfriend had conned him this way, it is easy for bastian to believe. he ignores phone calls from dylan, and when dylan finally comes back, verbally attacks him.
what i liked: dylan and bastian. they were both hard working, everyday men. i liked the fact that dylan was apprecitive of bastian's smarts, and that even though they grew up in two different environments, had the same values.
what i didn't like: that they were both so touchy about certain subjects. bastian didn't like being called smart, and dylan was defensive that he never went to college. really? you both own successful businesses? was it luck or magic?
bastian owns and operates a travel book store in a mall. a new business has moved in, though, and the customers are taking up all the parking spaces and loud music is coming through the walls, so much so that bastian can't conduct his business properly. bastian is smart and scholarly, and has always been attracted to a "bad boy" image. it hasn't turned out well for him, so he pretends that he isn't attracted to his tattooed, motorcycle riding nemesis. bastian has talked to dylan several times about the music, and heads over yet again to get the music turned down. this time, though, he acknowledges his attraction to dylan and checks him out. dylan asks sebastian out on a date, and sebastian accepts. when they head to dylan's, bastian is still resistant to following his heart because of his past experiences. the next morning, bastian sees something that he believes shows that dylan is planning on taking over all the spaces in their mall, therefore forcing all the other businesses out. because his previous boyfriend had conned him this way, it is easy for bastian to believe. he ignores phone calls from dylan, and when dylan finally comes back, verbally attacks him.
what i liked: dylan and bastian. they were both hard working, everyday men. i liked the fact that dylan was apprecitive of bastian's smarts, and that even though they grew up in two different environments, had the same values.
what i didn't like: that they were both so touchy about certain subjects. bastian didn't like being called smart, and dylan was defensive that he never went to college. really? you both own successful businesses? was it luck or magic?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2015
I like a good opposites attract stories and Dylan and Sebastian definitely fit that description. Sebastian resisted his attraction to Dylan because he reminds him of all the bad choices his made in boyfriends in the past (REALLY bad in the case of his last boyfriend) but eventually lust wins and they have an amazing night together. And then Sebastian does one of my least favorite things in a story - he jumps to a ridiculous conclusion about the Dylan and runs off in the middle of the night. I was so annoyed when it happened that I almost stopped reading, but I decided to continue and ultimately decided that that particular response made sense for this story and the character. He had a lot of trust issues, so his over the top reaction wasn't out of character. Unlike some stories, it wasn't just used as a way to keep the MCs apart a little longer and pad the story. I'll definitely be reading the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2012
This was a very quick short read that I enjoyed. While Sebastian Keller, a quiet book store owner, had a lot of baggage due to failed relationships, he got over his hesitations surprisingly quickly. I thought there would be more wooing or cajoling on Dylan's part, but Dylan's hotness overcame Sebastian's hesitation very quickly.
I liked both the characters and I think this book could have easily been a full length novel with a little more relationship development between the two characters. I would have liked to see Dylan need to pursue Sebastian a little more to bring him out of his shell, but I still enjoyed the characters overall.
From a plot standpoint, the plot was pretty simplistic with not much angst or conflict.
I liked both the characters and I think this book could have easily been a full length novel with a little more relationship development between the two characters. I would have liked to see Dylan need to pursue Sebastian a little more to bring him out of his shell, but I still enjoyed the characters overall.
From a plot standpoint, the plot was pretty simplistic with not much angst or conflict.
November 28, 2012
This story was average. Quasi-geek meets tattooed bad boy who actually is a really nice guy. Both are emotionally stunted from past experiences but quickly throw that aside when lust gets the better of them.
I really wanted to love this story because I love hot nerds! But overall it was just ok. The plot and characters and conversations were a bit cliche and forced I thought. It was a short story so (as always) I felt it lacked in depth as a result. The MC's jumped into the sack pretty quickly and I would have liked to seen more tension built. With a little more time and developement these guys could have been absolutely delicious!
I really wanted to love this story because I love hot nerds! But overall it was just ok. The plot and characters and conversations were a bit cliche and forced I thought. It was a short story so (as always) I felt it lacked in depth as a result. The MC's jumped into the sack pretty quickly and I would have liked to seen more tension built. With a little more time and developement these guys could have been absolutely delicious!
November 27, 2008
Really sweet story about a man named Sebastian who owns a travel book shop. Sebastian has been taken advantage of by former lovers a couple of times, and he refuses to let that happen again. When Dylan, the owner of a tattoo shop next door seems interested in him, he is very skeptical. Arent all tattooed guys jerks?
Can Sebastian let his guard down enough to let someone else in?
This is a super fast easy read. Sweet romance with a few misunderstandings thrown in for drama. I would read it again ;)
xo
Can Sebastian let his guard down enough to let someone else in?
This is a super fast easy read. Sweet romance with a few misunderstandings thrown in for drama. I would read it again ;)
xo
April 8, 2013
A new tattoo shop opens up next door to Sebastian's travel book store. Sebastian is annoyed and attracted to the owner, but he has been burned before by another motorcycle riding tattoo guy so he hesitates to get involved. Sebastian and Dylan finally get together, have spectacular sex and immediately have deep feelings for one another. It's a nice story but the feelings they develop so quickly is unbelievable and just makes it a not so satisfying story. I wish writers would learn you can only cram so much in a short book and instant sex is not instant love.
June 29, 2011
First my wallet: Under My Skin & Under My Skin II were really one book that was split into two to make money.
Now the books: This was a fun read they need to both be read together to get the whole story. Rhodes created two gentlemen who were good for each other. There were so surprises but it was a solid read.
Now the books: This was a fun read they need to both be read together to get the whole story. Rhodes created two gentlemen who were good for each other. There were so surprises but it was a solid read.
July 21, 2011
When the very first page had two editorial errors (a missing preposition in the second paragraph and an incorrect word usage just a few paragraphs later), I almost stopped reading right then. I kept going, however, since so many people seem to love this story. I can't say that I did, though I think I can see the appeal. Dylan and Sebastian are suitably hot together, and both likable guys. But the use of a Big Misunderstanding to create drama between them, as well as the continuous editorial mistakes I kept finding, kept this merely to an okay way to spend the brief time it took to read.
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