Skin Heat

Skin #3

by Ava Gray

Veterinarian Geneva Harper finds herself irresistibly drawn to Zeke Noble, the mysterious young man to whom wild is second nature. When a killer threatens Neva, Zeke's need to protect her is as fierce as his desire to claim her as his mate.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Contemporary

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 4, 2011

About the author

Ava Gray is a pen name for Ann Aguirre.

Reviews

[Alp · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, this was more like a romantic suspense story than paranormal one? Duh.

I had mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed almost everything about it, except for the romance aspect of it. Not that there was an absence of chemistry between Zeke and Neva. But I just didn’t like that Zeke often had these annoying habits of shutting Neva out and pushing her away. I felt disappointed when he broke up with her in order to protect her from himself. He thought he wasn’t good enough for her and she was better off without a beast like him. Instead of trying harder to a better man for her, he chose to end their relationship! Was he serious? That was…I don’t know. I just expected more from him…

I’m not sure what to say about these two main characters. Sometimes both of them could be very adorable, but the other times they really drove me crazy.

This might sound a little bit like a letdown; even so, the paranormal part simply hit the spot for me. I enjoyed reading about Zeke’s life after his escape from the secret facility. At first, it was sad seeing him struggled with his animal-like abilities and behaviors, but lucky for him, it turned out that those things came in handy eventually. And I have to say that how he managed to save Neva’s life came as a huge surprise to me. It looked slightly over the top yet very impressive somehow.

Well, it seemed like this book managed to entertain me and irritate me in equal measure. In comparison to the two previous installments in this series, this one could be only a mediocre read at best, at least for me.

3 stars is the most I can give this book.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will try with my review to do this book justice. I LOVED IT! Now you really should have read the book before this one, in order to appreciate what Zeke has gone through before we meet him 6 months after his escape from his captors.

He has made it to his home but a changed man has taken his place. Now he has skills and can do things that would scare most people. But somehow he has to hide that side of himself in order to get a job to start rebuilding his life.

When Neva Harper gives him the chance to prove himself, Zeke feels his luck is starting to change a bit. Once their romance takes off he knows it has. But as with reality things aren't usually that easy and once his skills start making demands and effecting his life, he must heed the call.

I liked Zeke a lot, but I realize some are not going to like his protracted way of speaking. I just felt it worked with the story and how he had been changed in his mind and at a cellular level.

The only little niggle and it is minor, is the secondary plot line that was going on. I felt that the story of Zeke and Neva could have more than filled the book and it was unnecessary.

Other than that I thought it was an awesome book and the love scenes were HAWT and very satisfactory. The ending suited my taste to a T. Can't wait for the next book in the series and I hope that Luke and Herbert have their own romances in the future. ;-)

[Jane Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ½ stars. Although a few parts were incomplete. I enjoyed the experience. It’s good paranormal romantic suspense.

THE SKIN SERIES:
You do NOT need to read them in order. The reason I’m talking about the previous books here is because as I read book 3, I couldn’t remember enough about books 1 and 2. I felt a need to refresh my memory and reread my earlier reviews. Seeing these notes would have satisfied that.

Skin Game (Book 1): Kyra can gain abilities from people for a short time. Foster works for her enemy and hires hitman Rey to kill her. Foster has special abilities from being experimented on as a child by Micor Technologies. Foster is a minor character in this book. The main story is Kyra and Rey.

Skin Tight (Book 2): Foster gets a job with Micor. He wants revenge. He interacts with Mia. Micor held several people as prisoners – doing medical and genetic research. At the end of this book a group of victims escape.

Skin Heat (Book 3): Zeke is one of the escaped victims from Book 2.

Skin Dive (Book 4): Gillie (whose blood can cure cancer and other illnesses) and Taye (who has electrical powers) are two of the escaped victims from Book 2.

STORY BRIEF (Skin Heat):
Zeke was kidnapped six months ago. He was kept in a cell, injected with unknowns, and suffered severe pain. He escaped and hitchhiked from Virginia to his home in Alabama. His parents are dead. He is living on the farm his parents left him. He has no money. The only job he can find is working for the local vet Neva, four hours a day, minimum wage.

Neva grew up wealthy. Her parents wanted her to marry Ben a political hopeful and be active in their social circles. Neva did not want this. Instead she became a vet. Her parents disapproved and froze her trust funds. She gets by (barely) on the income from her small town vet practice.

Because of the injections, Zeke feels he is part animal/beast. He can mentally communicate with animals. He can hear and smell things other humans can’t. He can smell and feel the emotions in humans. He has lost the ability to read. Following lengthy wordy conversations is sometimes hard for him.

Someone is killing women who look like Neva. The killer’s goal is Neva, but he is practicing on others first. Neva’s brother disappeared two months ago. The reader doesn’t know if he’s dead, alive, or where he may have been taken.

REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Because of the series I wanted to know a lot more about why Zeke was kidnapped, what was done to him at the lab, and what were the results. I liked the idea of Zeke working for a vet with his animal abilities. But I wanted to see more happening with his paranormal abilities not only with the vet’s patients but also with the killer .

The serial killer plot wasn’t developed enough. It felt like a copy of serial killers from other books kind of thrown into this book. It was ok, but it needed more work. I had some unanswered questions in Spoilers below.

However putting all that aside, I enjoyed the experience very much. The characters were engaging. The relationship development was good. The story telling was good. An example of a minor event that had me thinking this is nicely done follows (page 127). A dead body is discovered in a car in a parking lot. The area is roped off with authorities examining. “A surprising number of people had turned up to see the show. He guessed this town didn’t have much in the way of entertainment. Since they wouldn’t let anyone in the lot, people had parked along the streets and stood with coffee or some other steaming drink, watching the show.”

I liked the way Zeke discovered that Neva might be interested in him for sex. She saw him pleasuring himself and kept watching until he finished. She didn’t know that he knew she was watching.

Yes there was a separation of the couple after getting together which was formulaic. The reason was based on an inaccurate assumption which I normally don’t like, but there was something sort of reasonable about it. So I compromised and accepted it.

Minor problem: On page 2 the author says Zeke was gone six months. On page 40 she said he was gone a year.

DATA:
Story length: 289 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 6. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 19. Setting: current day small town in Alabama. Copyright: 2011. Genre: paranormal romantic suspense.


CAUTION SPOILERS (I don’t give away the bad guy’s name):
I had some unanswered questions. How did the killer select his previous victims? I wanted more details about what he did to them. Why didn’t Neva recognize the killer when he was standing on the road with car trouble? Where was Neva when the killer grabbed her? How was that done? What, how, and why did the killer do what he did to Julie? Hebert was following Zeke in the woods. Zeke was trying to get to Neva. How could Hebert be close enough to the action for the killer to see him and shoot him, but Zeke was too far away?

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

After six months imprisoned at a secret facility where he is experimented on, Zeke Noble finally escapes. Having no idea why he was kidnapped, he is left bewildered and confused. Worse, he notices he has super hearing, speed and can read other people and animals. Coming home to his desolate farm, with only a nearby aunt, Zeke is at loss for what to do. His mother went insane and killed herself, and he fears he may be on the same path. He is angry at what happened to him and so scared at what he has become. He knows he can’t do anything without money, so he immediately goes to look for a job.

Geneva Harper, or Neva is a veterinarian. Going against her wealthy family’s wishes, she has gone off in her life to do her own thing, rather than marry who her parents picked out for her. When Zeke comes in looking for a job, she hires him to help do tasks around the office. She notices his quiet strength and his way with animals. When her apartment floods, and there is a break-in at the Vet, Neva decides to take a chance and stay with Zeke. At first they start out as roommates, but the more time they spend together, the more their romantic feelings grow. Zeke keeps his supernatural abilities a secret for as long as he can, but soon Neva starts to notice. There is also a serial killer on the loose, targeting women who closely resemble Neva. Scared she could be a target, her and Zeke lean towards one another to face a difficult future.

Skin Heat is book three in Ava Gray’s (aka Ann Aguirre) very unique Skin series. This is a hard review to write because there are things I loved about this book but something that really bothers me too. Ava Gray takes a risk writing her heroes and this is what makes this series stand out. First there was Reyes, who personified sex and danger to the nth degree in Skin Game. And then she turned the morally ambiguous Foster into a very intense romantic interest in Skin Tight. In Skin Heat she gives us Zeke, a man who is altered due to medical tests performed on him against his will (which we learn about in the first two books). When he speaks, he comes across as very simple. Rarely forming complete sentences, and is very quiet. But on the inside he is a mess, but very complex. Always concerned he will reveal who he really is, he must keep so much a secret from everyone else. His attraction to Neva comes across very sweet and gentlemanly. He is the quiet soldier.

While I like Zeke and the romance with Neva, this book kind of feels like it comes out of left field. Yes, Zeke’s issues are a result of the medical experimenting done in the previous two books, but that is where the relation to what has been going on in this series ends. I feel like this book doesn’t fit in the arc of the series. The reveal of the serial killer shocked me, then made me disappointed. Maybe my expectation of Zeke’s story is not where it should have been. When the serial killer has nothing to do with past events in this series, it just threw me for a loop. If I had picked this book up without reading the previous two books, I probably would have enjoyed it more because my expectation of dealing with past events would not have mattered. But I have read the first two books and I do want this world explored. Plus, I wanted both Zeke and Neva to analyze Zeke’s new abilities more. I feel like the paranormal aspect is not explored enough.

So while the feel of the book is consistent with the previous two, I just can’t see how the conflict plays into this world. Maybe it isn’t suppose to. But I for one am disappointed.

Rating: C

[Katie(babs) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Six months ago, Zeke Noble was kidnapped and taken to an underground facility where he was put through the worst kind of tortures and tests. He and the other test subjects were able to escape, and Zeke is now a changed man. He has always been a loner, but has to re-learn basic social skills. He ends up back at his dilapidated farm in Harper Creek with no job prospects. He’s desolate and afraid since he has no support from his neighbors and family, except for his Auntie Sid who is just too nosy for her own good. Zeke prefers to be alone because he’s not sure he can control the rage building inside of him. Plus his intuition has increased, especially among animals, as well as his heighten senses that cause him more grief than he wants. He no longer knows what he is and what he’s capable of.

Local veterinarian, Geneva Harper runs an animal hospital called Paws & Claws. She comes from a very affluent family, and her mother feels Geneva should give up her career and marry Ben, a friend of the family and who reminds her of a Ken doll come to life. Geneva has no time for romance since she works such long hours and is still in mourning over her brother Luke, who has disappeared and may be dead somewhere. When Zeke comes to her asking for work, she agrees to take him on, not realizing Zeke once did yard work for her parents when they were teens. Zeke remembers Geneva all too well, and his feelings he once had for her come back with a vengeance.

Geneva finds herself in a major bind, where she’s practically homeless. Zeke opens his home to her. Soon she and a few adorable kittens, which need around the clock care, stay as his guests. Zeke feels his life has become brighter, all because of Geneva being in it. And then his dreams become a reality when they become lovers. But their path to happiness has many road blocks that include Geneva’s snobbish family and Ben who won’t take the word no for an answer. And when another personal catastrophe occurs for Geneva, Zeke is right there to help her pick up the pieces. But then a serial killer is on the loose targeting women and killing them for his own sick pleasure, and it’s not hard to figure out but, Geneva may be the this psychopath’s next victim. It’s up to Zeke to keep Geneva safe and figure out how to make it through the day knowing he has become a freak of nature by no fault of his own.

One of the main reasons to read Skin Heat is for the character of Zeke. This is a man who has been abused and all but destroyed emotionally and mentally because of the unmoral actions of others for their own greedy gains. The moment you meet Zeke and hear his story, you’ll feel confusion and anger alongside him. This is a man who has lost so much, but because of it, he gains a great prize in that of Geneva, who brings him back to life, so to speak.

Unfortunately, other than Zeke, there isn’t much I can recommend in regards to Skin Heat. I will point out that Ava Gray can write a hot and heavy romance, and both Zeke and Geneva have that and more. There’s one love scene between them that will have you gasping from the steamy passion that share. But I really couldn’t get a handle on what Skin Heat was. Is this a small town romance? Romantic thriller or paranormal suspense? Skin Heat seems so out of place with the rest of the books in this series about people who have X-Men type powers. We are told that Zeke has special powers, mainly regarding animals, but it was mentioned more as a passing thought, if anything. Plus one thing irked me above all else, and this is more of a personal preference on my part, but the whole the serial killer storyline comes out of left field and didn’t really seem to fit the overall tone of the book. I just can’t stand the one-dimensional, so very evil murderers lurking in the shadows because of their mommy or daddy issues.

Ava really tries to make a case for this killer and show how disturbing they are, but it didn’t really bring anything worthwhile to the story and was more of a hindrance in furthering along the plot.
I also felt the buildup and tension in the first one-hundred pages or so was too slow and I kept waiting for something really explosive to happen. Nothing ever does and the story had more of a dull vibe if anything.

I really wanted to enjoy Skin Heat since I’d enjoyed the first two books in Ava’s Skin series, but my overall experience fell flat for me. This is one I will have to say is a pass.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Question: Where do I sign up for a man with an innate love for animals and for pleasing women?

Answer: Skin Heat, the third installment of the Skin series by Ava Gray.

Zeke Noble has returned to his farm in Harper Creek after being kidnapped, mentally tortured and experimented on like a lab rat for six months. He doesn’t know why he was abducted, but the experiments have had a permanent effect on his physical senses as well as his mind. Never the less, he’s determined to establish a normal life which isn’t easy now that he suffers from weight loss and has an extreme sensitivity to smell, light, and noise, but no sensitivity to heat and cold. In fear of loosing his sanity, Zeke takes things one step at a time. And with no food or power at his farm, his first challenge is to get a job. However, given his stoic and ‘man of few words’ demeanor, none of the town businesses are willing to take a chance on hiring Zeke…until he meets the local veterinarian Geneva “Neva” Harper. Zeke has known Neva since he was a boy mowing her parent’s yard, dreaming of a girl who is out of his league.

Neva, determined to live her life outside of the influence of her wealthy parents, started her vet clinic on her own and works around the clock to see that it stays open. She immediately observes Zeke’s kindness and innate connection with animals and decides to hire him part time at the clinic. For workaholic Neva, Zeke’s presence opens the door to forming a relationship beyond her feline patients. Neva’s parents are extremely uneasy not only with the fact that she wants to succeed on her own, but also because their son Luke mysteriously disappeared six months ago and is now presumed dead. Naturally, they want to keep their last child close, particularly since there is a serial killer on the loose targeting women who resemble Neva.

First and foremost, Ava Gray can write sex and steam like nobody’s business. Like Larissa Ione, who praises Gray’s style as “edgy, unapologetic, and take-no-prisoners bold,” Ms. Gray delivers love scenes that make you feel as if you are witnessing every touch, every shiver, every kiss with your own eyes and with flushed cheeks. Neva is playful yet sensual in their intimate moments and Zeke is quite resourceful, making good use of his extremities to pleasure her to ecstasy. However, it is not all sex. The character development is always stellar and you desperately want her characters to overcome their emotional baggage and all the obstacles that always come their way. Ms. Gray is a master at developing “tough as nails” heroes with a tenderness and vulnerability that renders them more powerful than weak. Her heroes have a desire for love that they believe they are unworthy of which proves highly attractive and extremely intense. In all regards, Zeke is no exception. My primary reservation with the story was that the serial killer plot never seemed to fully integrate with the main characters until the very end. I didn’t really get a feel for or have a fear of the killer at all. Why he singled out his victims wasn’t even revealed until he was caught. This caused the story not to flow as well as the prior two books and weakened the overall suspense and intensity I have come to love in the Skin series. Also, elements and characters that connected Skin Game and Skin Tight were noticeably missing in the third installment. This created a disconnect with the rest of the series, but makes Skin Heat a good stand-alone read.

With Skin Heat, Ms. Gray continues to deliver strong and passionate characters that keep me craving more of her sexy heroes and captivating romances.

Favorite Quote:

“Neva paused, glancing at him over her shoulder, and found him breathlessly close. His hands settled on her hips and he kissed the side of her neck as he worked her skirt up. Each movement constituted a caress, and despite the fact that she was ready to step out the door, a whisper of arousal flickered through her. Other men wouldn’t even think of this; they had plans, someplace to be. But he wanted her too much to consider anything else. And what a turn on…….”

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skin Heat is book 3 of the series and while I was reading, I was sure it would end up as my favorite. Though I did thoroughly enjoy the book, I've ended with a preference for the first two books. Zeke and Neva were excellent characters and I love how Gray writes with more depth and care for her setting and secondary characters than most other authors I have read in this genre. There just always seems to be a little hill I can't quite climb to reach those 5 stars and in this case, it was a combination of Zeke's lack of complete sentences and the ending, which I am still stumped on as to why I am not overly happy with. I think what I am feeling is a bit anticlimactic, which is not what was intended.

I really had no idea who the killer was until well into the story so that was refreshing. I also loved that Neva was a vet and that the setting provided for interesting scenes because I am a true animal lover. There was also quite a bit more romance than erotica, which I found fitting.

I will eagerly continue the series, especially since book 4 focuses on Gillie and Taye.

[Rachel-RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the previous book, "The Foundation" was taken down (at least the one location) and those that had been kidnapped, imprisoned, and experimented were freed. Zeke was one of those individuals, held captive for several months. After his escape, he makes it home to his farm. He was always a bit of a loner. He also has new abilities he is unsure of. Having had an affinity for animals, he now has increased senses and an ability to communicate with animals. He has a tragic past (his mom committed suicide and he father drank himself to death). He finds himself in need of a job.
Neva is the local vet and is in need of a handyman. Zeke turns out to be the perfect fit. Neva also has a family history (she comes from money and her parents disagree with her job choice. Her twin brother is also missing). This is a nice story of 2 people who are a little lost and find what they need in the other. There is also a secondary story of a murderer targeting women that resemble Neva. I thought that the "why" was a bit blah and would have liked more (or had that story-line deleted). There isn't a lot of attention paid to Zeke's kidnapping/imprisonment; he didn't want to focus on it as it was in the past. I did think the phone call he got was creepy and out of left field (and not necessary).
At his wedding he got a call from "Mockingbird" to say he had been watched and found to be not of interest, ie his ability was not something "they" could capitalize on. He was "safe" and didn't need to worry about being held again.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted at http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/?...

Skin Heat the third book in Ava Gray’s ‘Skin’ series. I have read the previous books and really, really enjoyed them. Creative story building, strong and interesting heroines and heroes that make you glad you’re a woman. I remembered that about this series. I also remembered how I found Ava to be one hell of a story teller. What I had forgotten about this series is how, once you reach the ‘pinnacle’ of the story, it’s impossible to sleep! Either because you want to keep reading or because you are so worked up about what you just read! And boy did that happen to me while reading this book.

It’s all good though. What I really liked about this book was the way the story was set up. It’s all headed somewhere and you’re thinking to yourself the whole time that you know exactly where it’s going. And you are right, mostly. But when you reach that part of the story where you thought it was headed, it doesn’t quite happen how you thought it would. And it doesn’t linger like it could have. And that again, is a good thing because if it had lingered, it would have become ‘done before’ and not as thrilling. But Ava wrote the climax of the story wonderfully and made it all come together with an interesting twist.

Now that I’ve said all that, let me tell you a little about what you are reading about in Skin Heat. In the second book, we find out that people are being taken and experimented on. Zeke Noble was one of these people. Skin Heat is about what happened to Zeke after he escapes and makes his way back home. With his parents gone, he alone is responsible for the family farm. When he finally gets back to it, it’s in pretty rough shape. The power is no longer on, the house is in need of some repair and the crops and animals are gone. Zeke needs a job to help his achieve all he needs at his farm. He goes into town and applies where ever he sees a Help Wanted sign. One of these businesses is a veterinary clinic run by Neva Harper.

Zeke does not only have to rebuild his farm, he also has to deal with the aftermath of that was done to him while in captivity. He doesn’t really understand much of it, but he’s getting hints of things here and there that are making him question his sanity. He can see and hear better than any human should, he can run faster too. Also, he can no longer really feel the cold. He’s worried – who wouldn’t be? And when he starts to feel something towards Neva, he’s unsure what to do. He feels she deserves better than the freak he has become…whatever that is. Do you ever feel for this man. I never felt the need to hug him or anything. He was strong through this whole thing. But you feel his anguish. Sometimes I wanted to tell him “You know what buddy, she wants you. You. Stop trying to be a hero!” But mostly I just wanted him to be at peace with things and relish what he has and what he’s been given.

Neva I quite enjoyed. She comes from a wealthy family but is determined to make it on her own. She’s very smart and quick and has a big heart. Again, all things that can be very ‘done before’, but Ava’s style makes Neva familiar without being overdone. I really liked how it was explained how similar Zeke and Neva were and how it makes them perfect for one another. They were a cute match. Not overtly obvious, but good once they came together.

And the villain…Wow. Creepy with a capital C. Hell, creepy with a capital C R E E P Y! A serial killer looking to perfect his method before his ultimate kill. Whoa. And when it was revealed who it was…boy I did not see that coming. Even though I felt that the ‘why’ of the serial killer villain was somewhat out of place for the series, I found the ‘how’ was very well done. And it’s a testament to Ava’s writing that once the villain comes to his brick wall, you actually feel sorry for him, and happy that he’s finally going to feel peace. How messed up is that?! lol

The lovin’ in this book was h-o-t. Ava Gray can write some steamin’ smex! Most of the time, I wasn’t sure whether to crinkle my nose or fan myself…but that’s only because, even after reading so much smut, there’s still a bit of a prude inside this girl. But Ava went a couple places I didn’t know authors dare go in PNR books. Not long drawn out scenes of it, just tidbits here and there that made me squirm…in the very best of ways.

The last 20% of Skin Heat made me my heart pump faster while I sat at the edge of my seat. The first 80% made me remember how much I love how Ava Gray writes. Top notch characters and gripping, emotional stories. I only wish we learned why Zeke was taken in the first place. And I would like to know what they were hoping to accomplish with him. I don’t know if we’ll ever get those answers though since these books are linked but not connected, but overall I quite enjoyed Skin Heat and I’m looking forward to Skin Dive coming to stores in July 5th 2011.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had its ups and downs, but ultimately I'd give it a 3+/3.5 stars.

The story, briefly.
Zeke isn't himself after he escapes six months of captivity and experimentation. He can hear things he shouldn't be hearing, and he smells in Technicolor. In his attempt to pull his life back together, he gets a job as a vet tech at Geneva Harper's veterinarian practice. Circumstances throw them (and their various body parts) together multiple times, but Zeke's struggles with his animalistic nature pulls them apart. A crazed psycho is on the loose, though, and when he sets his sights on Geneva, Zeke steps up to the plate and unleashes his wild side to save his woman.

The crazed psycho aspect.
This is the part of the story that fell flat for me. I can see why it was included. However, I didn't think it needed to be that big a part of the story. There was plenty of tension already with our witnessing Zeke's struggles to find his humanity and cope with what was done to him. I just didn't care about getting into the psycho's head, to be honest. Maybe this is just another book that adds to the mounting evidence that I don't like romantic suspense books.

Characters.
I loved Zeke. He was raw, gritty, and sexay as all get out. The experiments left him...different...but he's back and trying to build a new life for himself. It's a constant struggle, and I really sympathized with him over his frustration with not being able to control his animal impulses or not being able to express himself to the woman who has been the object of his unrequited (and unexpressed) love since he was a teenager. The tenderness and devotion he shows towards her only serve as distinct (and favorable) contrasts to the raw animal possessiveness he expresses in his narrative.

Geneva ("Neva" in this book - a stupid nickname, in my opinion, and one that kind of throws some demerits her way, too) held her own in the character department, as well. She's a lady to the manor born, but she turned her back on that lifestyle to open up a veterinary clinic on her own dime. She wasn't annoyingly hoity toity or anything; in fact, her willingness to accept Zeke and all of his rough edges really won major points on my end. She was a pretty strong heroine, and I liked that she didn't devolve into martyrdom when the opportunity presented itself for her family to effect a reconciliation.

The romance & sexytimes.
Right off the bat, let me just say this book was recommended on the RFR's pervy thread. Heeeeeeeeeeeee! And, yes, it was pretty pervy! There were maybe 4-5 nice sexytimes scenes that were written in a pervy way. Zeke's rawness really spoke to me in these scenes.

I thought the romance worked out fairly well, too. I was a little surprised by how quickly the "L" bomb got dropped, but then of course other things (including Zeke's own animalistic nature) conspired to tear them apart. The unrequited love part on Zeke's side was really sweet. He met Neva once when he was 16 and mowed their lawns, and he's held her up as his ideal ever since. Say it with me: awwwwwwwwwwww. In terms of tropes, note that this book has the older woman (31)/younger man (27) theme, too.

Overall.
Good story with great characters. Don't be put off by the fact that this is part of a series; I read it as a standalone, and it was fine. Also, the paranormal label is a little bit misleading - there are definitely paranormal elements, but it's basically an animal-attuned hero being dumped back into civilization. So, there's no fancy worldbuilding that you have to follow closely or anything. I'd say this is more like a romantic suspense with paranormal elements.

[Niko Llewyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

My friends on GR have probably noticed I don't have the energy lately for lengthy reviews, so I'll keep this short and sweet.If Skin Tight was the strongest of this series so far, then IMO Skin Heat is the weakest. It's like this novel couldn't decided what it wanted to be when it grew up. That said it's not the horrible or anything, just merely "OK".

Zeke and Neva make a fine couple. I really felt for Zeke as he struggles to rebuild his life and adapt to society again after captivity, and the tenuous hope that he can make Neva his. And with all the Ava Gray books I've read so far the sex is unbelievably hawt. Rawr, seriously rawr lol.

Here's where the book fell short for me:

- the lack of action, the previous books both had pretty thrilling when it got down to the meat of it. Skin Heat lacked that. And while Zeke and Neva ( or 'Zevka' as I've nicknamed them) were both very different form the previous to couples, my expectations were there non the less.

- The chapters from the detective/agents point of view. They dragged for me. I didn't mind the focus switch to Gillie and Taye in Skin Tight. But this so was not the same lol. It reminds be of the painfully boring chapters from the baddies POV from the black dagger brotherhood books.

- The villain. Weak Villains make for weak stories, for me. Not only was I underwhelmed by the threat he represented, but the 6 yr old I babysit would have known his "identity" before the big reveal. She is a very smart 6 yr old, but still lol.

- the lack of paranormal-ness in this paranormal book. Zeke's affinity with animals wasn't explored enough for me.

Skin Dive is up next, Taye and Gillie's tale. Gillie is a hot commodity so I expect they'll be moving fast and often, and fighting for their lives at every turn. Which is much more to my tastes, heh heh.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-1/2 stars

I really enjoyed this book. The hero was very different. He had been damaged as a result of being captured and experimented on and was not normal and the author didn't suddenly make him normal by the end. I really enjoyed that and how his "voice" stayed consistent throughout the story. The relationship between him and the heroine was the main thrust of the story. He was a beta hero who had loved the heroine from afar for years and spent a lot of the book thinking he wasn't good enough for her especially now that the experiments had made him very strange by adding abilities (animal like hearing and ability to understand animal thoughts) and taking away others like the ability to read and drive. I really enjoy reading about a different character not just your normal alpha guy. She wasn't as well developed but she was nice and I liked her.

The serial killer wasn't as well developed as he could have been and sometimes I would have wished for a bit more clarity there.

Very nice angsty story all around and I will read the rest of the series.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Background story, I have read this series along with a good 40-50 other books I read but disliked and therefore, didn't write reviews for them at the time. I have made it a mission to go back and reread all of these so I can post a review about why I disliked or hated them for my own personal reference. I've done well so far in getting halfway through my list by giving each reread a fresh and fair review. With that said, I was surprised to learn that for some odd reason I disliked this book enough to delete it two years ago when I read it the first time. My second reading of it to refresh my memory, I enjoyed it...a lot. What just happened? How did this happen? I know my taste in books is the same as two years ago, so I'm assuming I binge read the series and didn't appreciate this book the way it deserved because the others were very mehhh...or it was an accident that I deleted it. Whatever the case, I would have forgotten about and missed out on what an enjoyable story this was had I not gone back to review it. I have the last one to go through again but I think this book is going to remain my favorite of them all, to be honest, the only one in this series that I liked.

There were two parts where I felt like I wanted to smack Zeke but overall they were very minor and nothing compared to how bad other heroes have completely infuriated me. He was almost perfect even though he felt the changes in him ruined his life which was understandable. I loved seeing how careful and protective he was of Neva most of all, even though he was more primal beast than human. He was able to keep himself in check and behave as normal as he possibly could with her help. His first instinct was always her safety, her comfort, and her happiness which I absolute love most about him. He did the best he could and that's admirable in my book.

Neva was one of those heroines you don't get to see too often in books. She came from money but she didn't let it control her life. She was brave in going her own way if she had to. She adapted well to living paycheck to paycheck lifestyle and I respect her for staying strong and not giving up when things got hard. Her kindness and dedication to animals was much appreciated and the fact that she wasn't a flirty seductress or an immature brat determined to always get her way was refreshing to see. She maintained professionalism the way an adult would in her position, she was respectful and classy but firm when Zeke hurt her, she was friendly to everyone who deserved it, and always had the best intentions whether it be animals or humans.

I especially loved Neva's reconnection with her parents. Normally in books, we get only side of a character's parents in their supporting role. Either they're saints and the epitome of perfection or they're horrible sometimes, plain evil. This was not the case with Neva's parents. They were parents who cared about their child's well-being so much that they took matters into their own hands and tried to control her life because they thought they knew what was best for her. It was a bad decision made with good intentions. It happens, it was a mistake to do what they did, but they never wanted to hurt her, they just wanted to make sure she was taken care of and that she was safe in their protective bubble. I liked that they were shown as normal parents who made mistakes. It was nice to see two sides of the story rather than taking the go to formula of "my parents are stuck-up, selfish, and controlling, end of story." The bonding scene with her mom was probably one of my favorite scenes ever between a parent and a child who haven't had the best relationship growing up.

The mystery behind this was just...wow. Bravo!!! I was lost on who the killer was until almost the very end when I suddenly remembered who it was. I'm sure there was a hint or two in the beginning of who it was but I honestly can't remember ever picking up on it the first time either. Maybe I'm just oblivious of any hints thrown out but I was shocked all over again once it was confirmed. This author knew how to throw in a twist like no other. It was sad and I hate that an innocent person lost their life over it but the way he just snapped was like seeing it play out like a movie. This person was so messed up and so delusional from their childhood, that they never had a chance at being normal. The fact that they were so good at fooling everyone, including me a second time, into believing there was nothing wrong with them, that takes talent.

I will totally read this book again, if not for the shock factor, simply for Neva and Zeke. They were awesome people and an amazing couple that I would love to read about all over again. This author did incredibly well in balancing an engaging romance with the mystery of who was killing all of the women without detracting from each other. She hit a home run with this book and I appreciate her keeping these books up for us latecomers to the series. Much appreciated and thanks again!!!

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

แม็กซ์ชอบงานเขียนของเอวา เกรย์ ชอบมาก ๆ ตั้งแต่ได้อ่านเล่มแรกของเธอเรื่อง Skin Game และก็คงต้องบอกตามตรงนะคะว่า เราเลยไม่แน่ใจเท่าไหรว่า เล่มต่อ ๆ ไปในชุดจะสนุกได้มากน้อยแค่ไหนกัน เพราะเล่มแรกก็สนุกขนาดนั้นไปแล้ว

และมันจึงเป็นเรื่องที่ไม่แน่แปลกใจเท่าไหรนักที่เราอ่านเล่มสองในชุดเรื่อง Skin Tight ซึ่งถือว่าเป็นหนังสือที่สนุกมากเล่มนึง แต่เรากลับรู้สึกว่า มีบางอย่างขาดหายไป เราชอบนะคะ แต่ก็อดไม่ได้ที่จะนำไปเปรียบเทียบกับเล่มแรก

เมื่อมาถึงเล่มสามของชุด ซึ่งเล่าเรื่องราวของตัวละครที่แทบจะไม่มีบทอะไรเลยในสองเล่มแรก แม็กซ์เลยรู้สึกเหนือยลงไปในระดับนึง เพราะเชื่อว่า ยังไงก็ไม่มีทางเทียบเล่มหนึ่งที่สนุกมาก หรือกระทั่งเล่มสองที่เล่าเรื่องของคาแร็คเตอร์ที่โคตรจะน่าสนใจ

แต่เราก็ได้พบกับความแปลกใจ เพราะเล่มนี้สนุกกว่าที่คิดเยอะมาก ๆ ที่สำคัญที่สุด สำหรับเราแล้ว เรื่องนี้แสดงฝีมือการเขียนของเอวา เกรย์ได้อย่างชัดเจน เพราะเธอเขียนเรื่องราวที่แตกต่าง ด้วยคาแร็คเตอร์ที่แตกต่างมาก ๆจากสองเล่มแรก และเธอทำได้ดีอย่างยิ่ง





Skin Heat ของเอวา เกรย์

หนังสือเล่มนี้เป็นเล่มสามในชุด แต่เราไม่คิดว่า จำเป็นจะต้องอ่านสองเล่มแรกก่อนเลยนะคะ เพราะแทบจะไม่มีอะไรเกี่ยวข้องกันเลย นอกจากพระเอกในเล่มเป็นหนึ่งในคนที่หนีออกมาได้จากสถานที่กักกันซึ่งนำเขาไปใช้เป็นหนูทด���อง

อย่างไรก็ตาม แม็กซ์ไม่แน่ใจว่า คนอ่านที่ไม่ได้รู้แบ็คกราวด์ของเรื่องชุดนี้เลย จะเข้าใจเรื่องราวที่เกิดขึ้นได้ครบถ้วนโดยไม่งงในตอนแรกไหม เพราะในฉากเปิดเรื่อง ไม่ได้มีการวางพื้นฐานของเรื่องเลย คนอ่านรู้แค่ว่า พระเอกหนีออกมาจากสถานที่แห่งนึง ซึ่งจับเขาไปเป็นเวลานาน และทำอะไรบางอย่างกับเขา ทำให้เขาผิดปกติไป

ชีวิตที่เซค โนเบิลรู้จักพัง��ลายลง เขาอาจจะไม่ใช่คนที่มีอะไรมากมายให้สูญเสีย แต่ข้าวของเพียงเล็กน้อยที่เขามีอยู่ก็หายไปหมด หลังจากที่เขาถูกจับโดยกลุ่มคนลึกลับ ถูกขัง และใช้เป็นหนูทดลองทางวิทยาศาสตร์ ซึ่งเมื่อเขาหนีออกมาได้ เซคไม่ได้ต้องการแก้แค้น เขาต้องการแค่ชีวิตเก่าของตัวเองคืนมา ทว่าเมื่อเซคกลับมาถึงบ้านที่เป็นฟาร์มของเขา สัตว์ที่เขาเลี้ยง พืชพันธุ์ที่เขาปลูก ได้ตายลงหมดแล้ว เขากลับมาพบกับบ้านที่มืดมิดเพราะถูกตัดไฟ อาหารที่เน่าคาตู้เย็น เซคไม่มีเงินเก็บเหลืออยู่มากพอที่จะแก้ไขอะไรได้เลย

แต่ถ้าจะมีอะไรสอนเขาในช่วงเวลาที่ถูกคุมขัง มันคือการต่อสู้เพื่อให้เป็นปกติ เซครู้ว่า เขาไม่เก่งพอที่จะล้างแค้น ยังไม่รู้ด้วยซ้ำว่า ตัวเองถูกจับไปทำไม หนทางเดียวที่เขาคิดว่า จะเป็นการทำให้เขาชนะในเหตุการณ์เลวร้ายที่เกิดขึ้น ก็คือ การที่เขามีชีวิตอยู่ต่อไป

สำหรับชายที่เติบโตในเมืองเล็ก ชื่อเสียงเป็นเรื่องสำคัญ และเซคไม่มีมันเลย แม่ของเขาฆ่าตัวตาย พ่อของเขาติดเหล้าจนตาย เซคถูกคาดหวังจากทุกคนในเมืองว่า ไม่น่าจะมีชะตาชีวิตดีไปกว่าคนในครอบครัวของเขา ดังนั้นเมื่อเซคจำใจต้องหางานในเมืองทำ (ก่อนหน้าเขาทำฟาร์มเลี้ยงตัวเอง) งานทุกแห่งจึงปฏิเสธเขา ยกเว้นคลีนิครักษาสัตว์ของเจเนวา ฮาร์เปอร์ที่ให้โอกาสเขาทำงานเป็นคนงานช่วยขนของ

เนวาคิดว่า เธอได้พบกับเซค ครั้งแรกเมื่อคืนวันก่อน ตอนที่รถของเธอเสีย และเซคโผล่มาช่วยเธอเอาไว้ แต่สำหรับเซคแล้ว เขารู้จักเนวานานไปกว่านั้น เธอคือดอกฟ้าที่เขาหมายปอง แม้จะรู้ว่าตัวเองไม่มีวันเอื้อมถึง ครอบครัวของเนวาเป็นตระกูลผู้ดีมีฐานะในเมือง ในขณะที่เขาเป็นคนที่สังคมไม่ยอมรับด้วยซ้ำ กระทั่งเขาได้มีโอกาสเข้ามาทำงานร่วมกับเธอ กระทั่งเหตุการณ์พาให้เนวาต้องย้ายเข้าไปอยู่ในบ้านของเขา เซคก็ไม่เคยกระทั่งคิดว่า เธอจะมีใจให้กับเขา จนกระทั่งคืนวันนึง เมื่อเนวาหมุนลูกบิดประตูห้องของเขา

จากที่แม็กซ์ไม่คาดหวังอะไรเลยกับหนังสือเรื่องนี้ กลายเป็นว่า มันมีองค์ประกอบหลายอย่างที่เราชอบ เริ่มต้นแต่พระเอกที่แตกต่าง เซคเป็นคนง่าย ๆ และมองโลกตามความเป็นจริง หลังจากที่อ่านหนังสือสองเล่มแรกในชุดที่พระเอกเป็นแนวอัลฟ่าสุดขั้ว พอมาเจอเซคในเล่มนี้ ก็ผิดไปจากที่คาดคิดมาก ๆ เลยค่ะ แม็กซ์ชอบแก่นความเป็นคนดีของเขา ตลอดเวลาที่ร่อนเร่จากสถานกักกันกว่าจะมาถึงบ้านของตัวเอง เซคเลือกที่จะไม่ขโมย เขาไม่ต้องการกลายเป็นคนที่จับตัวเขาไป เขาต้องการจะเป็นคนที่เขาเป็นเช่นเดิม และแม้ว่าจะหมายถึงเขาต้องเดินเป็นระยะทางไกลมาก ๆ เมื่อไม่มีรถคันไหนรับตัวเขาขึ้น นั่นก็คือสิ่งที่ต้องทำ แม้จะหมายความว่า จะต้องใช้เวลานานกว่าจะไปถึงบ้าน อันเป็นจุดหมายปลายทางในฝัน มันก็จำเป็น เพราะเซคจะไม่ยอมให้เหตุการณ์ที่เกิดขึ้นกับเขา เปลี่ยนแปลงตัวเขาเป็นผู้ชายอีกคน

นั่นคุณสมบัติข้อแรกที่โดนใจเรามาก ๆ นอกจากนี้แล้วเซคยังมีความเปราะบางเหมือนกับคาแร็คเตอร์ที่เราชอบหลาย ๆ ตัว ไม่ว่าจะเป็นลอร์ดเอียน (จาก The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie) ตรงที่หลังจากถูกทดลอง เซคกลายเป็นคนอ่านหนังสือไม่ออก หรือเซ็นต์จอห์น (จาก The Best Revenge) ตรงนิสัยชอบพูดไม่จบประโยค แต่ไม่ได้บอกว่า เหมือนกันไปหมดนะคะ เซคมีความเป็นตัวเอง เพียงแต่เราคิดว่า คุณลักษณะแบบนี้ของเขามั้งที่ทำให้เราชอบเขามากเหลือเกิน

ส่วนนางเอกที่อาจจะไม่ได้โดดเด่น ฉลาด หรือเก่งกาจอย่างนางเอกในสองเล่มแรก แต่เนวาก็รู้จักขีดความสามารถของตัวเองเป็นอย่างดี กระนั้นหญิงสาวผู้มาจากครอบครัวที่ร่ำรวย ก็มีปมในใจของตัวเองเช่นกัน เธอไม่แน่ใจว่า ตัวเองจะสามารถจับใจชายหนุ่มที่อายุน้อยกว่าตัวเองถึงสี่ปีได้แค่ไหน แถมยังไม่รู้ว่า เป็นเรื่องเหมาะสมหรือไม่อีกที่ตัวเองอยู่ในฐานะของเจ้านายของเซค จะมีความสัมพันธ์กับเขา นั่นทำให้เธอลังเลแม้จะเริ่มรู้ตัวว่า ปิ๊งเขาให้อย่างจัง

เนื่องจากเรื่องนี้ค่อนข้างตัดขาดจากพล็อตในสองเล่มแรก ทำให้คนอ่านที่ไม่ได้อ่านสองเล่มแรกมาก่อนอาจจะมึนเล็กน้อยเกี่ยวกับความสามารถพิเศษของเซค ไม่รู้ว่า มันมีที่มายังไงกันแน่ และเขาทำอะไรได้บ้าง แต่มันก็ไม่ใช่ประเด็นหลักหรอกค่ะ อันที่จริงแม็กซ์คิดว่า เรื่องนี้ไม่จำเป็นจะต้องเป็นแนวพารานอมอลเลยด้วยซ้ำ เพราะองค์ประกอบมีน้อยมาก เรื่องนี้เป็นแนวโรแมนติกสืบสวนมากกว่า โดยเฉพาะเมื่อปรากฎเด่นชัดว่า มีฆาตกรโรคจิตที่คิดเอาชีวิตของเนวาอยู่

พล็อตในส่วนสืบสวนไม่ถึงกับซับซ้อนอะไรนะคะ แม็กซ์เดาคนร้ายได้เกือบจะในทันที แต่ก็ไม่ได้เสียหายอะไรมากนัก เพราะแม็กซ์ชอบความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างเนวา และเซคมาก อย่างไรก็ตามเรารู้สึกสะดุดไปกับการเล่าเรื่องเล็กน้อย โดยเฉพาะฉากที่เปิดตัวนักสืบคนที่ทำคดีฆาตกรรมต่อเนื่อง มันดูขาดช่วงไปกับเรื่องราวพิกล ทำให้เรางงไปพักใหญ่เลยล่ะว่า กล่าวถึงเจ้าหมอนี่ทำไม (วะ)

โดยรวมแล้วเราชอบเล่มนี้ค่ะ สนุกกว่าที่คิดเยอะมาก โดยเฉพาะคาแร็คเตอร์พระเอกที่ไม่ค่อยได้เห็นบ่อยครั้งนักในโรแมนซ์

คะแนนที่ 83

[Book Binge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zeke makes it back to his home after months of travel. He and his fellow captives were released from the secret facility that had him imprisoned and all he wanted was to go home and live his life as normally as possible. But Zeke knows that that’s not going to happen. First there’s the fact that his senses have intensified and he knows no normal human can hear things so far away, or see in the dark or run with the speed of a gazelle – all things he can now do. But he has to have money to fix his house. He heads out to find a job but no one is willing to give him a chance, except the veterinary clinic run by Neva Harper. It’s torture for Zeke to work there as he’s had a thing for Neva since he was 16 and was mowing the lawn of the mansion she lived in. But he realizes that those were teenage feelings - he’s a man now and he begins to have adult feelings for her.

Neva is determined to make her vet clinic a success. She loves animals and has always wanted to work with them. Unfortunately her parents just want her to live their lives and marry a rich politician – well that’s not gonna happen. Especially when she meets Zeke and she’s drawn to him in a way that she’s never been to any man before. When Neva’s apartment gets a case of water damage that makes the place unlivable she takes Zeke up on his offer to stay with him. That is the catalyst that takes their relationship from boss/employee to lovers.

But there’s a psycho that’s killing girls around town and the killings are getting closer and closer to Neva. Zeke is determined to keep her safe at all costs but what happens when they can’t be together all the time?

How do I tell you how much I enjoyed the book? Let me start off with the main characters…

Zeke – he was so wonderful. I can see how a lot of people would find his speech patterns annoying, and I did too in the beginning, but after reading a few chapters it kind of grew on me. He spoke in full sentences very rarely but when he needed to get the words out, he did. I found him charming even though his self-esteem was crap because of his imprisonment. For all of what he considered his flaws I saw a kind, considerate man who had been handed a bag of WTF and was dealing with it the best he knew how. He was definitely my favorite character in the book.

Neva – A strong heroine but not in-your-face about it. She was the type of person who did what needed to be done and most of the time she loved doing it. She had issues with her parents because of her career choice but she wasn’t bitter about them. She was also kind and caring and as she loved animals and Zeke was a bit animalistic I thought she was the perfect mate for him.

I must admit that as much as I liked the book it did start off rather slowly. Events were happening but the intensity of them didn’t pick up until about halfway through the book. I was confused at first with the detective and the psycho killer because I wasn’t sure how they would fit in to the story but Ms. Gray brought everything together so well I even enjoyed my confusion. Lol And I didn’t figure out who the killer was until quite far into the book which was quite refreshing.

I was so looking forward to Skin Heat after loving the first 2 books in the Skin series, and it didn’t disappoint. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

Rating: 4 out of 5

This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy. You can view her post here: http://thebookbinge.com/2011/01/guest...

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zeke Noble is totally "swoon" worthy!!!!

I started this book with lowered expectations, based on reviews I had already read, But was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it.

We first had a brief meeting with Zeke at the end of SKIN TIGHT, which is the only thing that really connects this book to the last one. I didn't mind so much because the two prior books seemed to do their own thing, but there is more of a connection between the first two books. This didn't take away from the story for me at all.

The character development was exactly what I've come to know and love from Ava Gray / Ann Aguirre.
I loved Geneva Harper, in fact there were a couple of times I would have been mad at her if I didn't like her so much.
And Zeke is just precious!!!! (yes, I said precious) He's so sweet to Neva, and even though he's a man of few words, he can still get his point across...ahem....I found myself wanting to hold him in my arms, and cuddle him, and tell him it will all be okay!!! Make no mistake about his being sweet and gentle, he exhibits all the protectiveness and power you'd expect from an alpha male. And YES, he made my toes curl!!!!

This book to me was part paranormal, part contemporary romance, and some suspense added in. It wasn't my favorite of the series, but it's definitely worth the read if you're a fan of the series and author.

I'm not gonna go into the plot, someone else can do that better than myself.
Matter of fact, my friend Amy totally ROCKED this review!!! Hope you don't mind Amy!!!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, Zeke. The only reason for me to give the story a 5 star was Zeke.

Sweet, loving and untainted by what was done to him. The only thing that he wanted was to live a peaceful life and love from distance.

I was disappointed that there was no continuation to the cause against the foundation but the story plot and mystery made it up.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this couple's difficult love story. The H had returned changed after being abducted. The h is at odds with her rich family and her brother is missing. The H has an affinity to animals but is unable to communicate with others. Slow burn murder/mystery/romance. Loved it.

[Pamela / SpazP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming.. It didn't work for everyone & had some problems, but I adored Zeke and Neva. More to follow.

[Has · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to posted soon:I HEART this series so much - hero is intense and I likey a lot :D

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joint review with Has over at The Book Pushers:

Where did you get the book: Bought/Author copy
What publisher: Berkely Sensation
Release Date: Out Now!

Has: I have been eagerly awaiting for Skin Heat because this is fast becoming, scratch that, it is one of my favourite paranormal series. I love Ava Gray’s trademark of gritty romance which has heaps of emotional intensity.

MinnChica: I’m a huge fan of the Skin Series as well, and after the way we left things in Skin Tight, I was anxiously awaiting to see where the story would continue to. Gray had me totally jonesing for the next installment.

Has: What I really love about this series is that it’s not really a series but connecting books with each installment having a different feel and tone, and Skin Heat’s tone I believe was definitely the most creepiest one yet.

MinnChica: I agree, I love that each book can really be a stand alone, but that the overall plot line finds ways to weave all these groups of people together. It’s fabulous!

Has: I know! And I loved how that worked. This book combined a really creepy serial killer plot-line with an intense and emotional romance and both elements were fantastically conveyed to me.

MinnChica: Yea, the suspense part of the plot was great for me! I’ve become a huge fan of romantic suspense books this past year, and Skin Heat was one of the best I’ve read!

Has: Romantic Suspense isn’t a favourite subgenre but I think the Skin series for me really combines and genre bends different subgenre elements really well. And it has definitely opened up my interest for Romantic Suspense.

MinnChica: I do have to say, the thing I love most about Skin Heat was that Zeke was so alpha, so animal. He was the absolutely perfect alpha hero in my eyes. His almost cave man tendencies had me swooning!

Has: Ohhhhhh yessssssss! I loved loved loved how quiet and unassuming but underneath he was simmering with so much instinct and passion. And I loved how despite what he went through he didn’t let that affect or destroy him. I also thought that even though he appeared to be a beta hero in many ways, but underneath he was definitely an Alpha with a lot of that beast like intensity and I love that kind of hero that surprises you like that!

MinnChica: Exactly, I totally loved that aspect of his character. In so many ways, he was so realistic in his over the top ways.

Has: I love this type of hero, but most times they don’t always work but I really felt his pain about the aftermath he experienced from the torture and how he lost a part of his humanity due to the experiments that changed him. But he was also so gentle and sensitive and his inner beast/side that didn’t say much but SHOWED a lot, and it definitely illustrated more meaning and depth than any kind of meaningful dialogue.

MinnChica: I loved the way he was constantly reacting to Neva too. Their bond was really the only thing that kinda brought him back to life after being held captive for so long, and I loved the way Gray showed that.

Has: Yeah! In many ways it did feel like a Beauty and the Beast type of tale. Although it had elements of love across the tracks so to speak. I also liked how passionate it was but how it developed. I loved the little moments between them, especially when they were nursing the kittens she helped saved.

MinnChica: Oh yes, they were so cute when taking care of the kittens. It was like their own little family. The tender moments like that was the perfect way to break up the suspense of the overall murder plot.

Has: Which really made the book for me was the suspense/serial killer element And I didn’t expect who the killers would have been at the end and I am pretty good at guessing about them.

MinnChica: I’m usually good about guessing that kind of stuff too, so who the killer turned out to be completely threw me for a loop as well. I do have to say, the only thing that I didn’t like about the book was that one of my favorite characters fell victim to the serial killer.

Has: That was definitely a gutter punch and I was really sad to see that happened to them. I think this proved though how good the characters were. I loved the small town aspect too. I think Ava Gray really captured that well and added a sense of normalcy and safety whilst at the same time you had a psychotic killer on the loose.

MinnChica: Absolutely. I can only hope that Gray gets the chance to write more about the characters from this small town. I know when we talked to her on Twitter, she said that she did want to do something for a few of them. *fingers crossed*

Has: I really hope that is the case because I would love to revisit several of the characters here, I feel like there is more stories to be told!

MinnChica: Totally, although I am VERY excited for the next installment of the Skin Series: Skin Drive. Ever since meeting Gillie and Taye while they were being held captive, I could tell their story would be explosive! Thankfully we don’t have to wait too long!

Has: I seriously HEART this series so much and although I think a certain hero called Soren/Foster inches out Zeke in firm favourite heroes in this series. I definitely think this is has the best side plot with the uber creepy villain,and a slow buildup but with an intense romance. Zeke is man of few words, but I could sense and feel his intensity leaping out of the pages and that for me is a sign of one memorable character. Skin Heat is part of a unique and well written paranormal suspense series that interlinks and unveils new layers with each installment and I loved that each book is different but holds a few story threads from previous books. But you will definitely get surprises and a different feel and tone and it never ever disappoints, with each book.

I give Skin Heat a sizzling and intense A-

MinnChica: All in all, the mix of romance and suspense and paranormal elements combine to give this series a fresh new start with each book. The characters are so easy to fall in love with. Plus, the plot twists and keeps you guessing at every curve. It’s fabulous.

I give Skin Heat an A. Loved it!

[Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a solid 3 stars until about 50% where the "I love yous" came out.

After they slept together once.

Once.

I'm not saying "characters can't love each other unless they banged X times already" (Mariana Zapata's books are proof), but up until 30%, Neva and Zeke barely talked. They were just strangers giving in to lust and that's apparently love.

Then there was the killer and he was such a cliché: he sang nursery rhymes, he kept hearing his father's (abusive) voice in his head, he had a weird Mommy Complex going on... etc. I also guessed his identity pretty early on.

Other things that annoyed me:
Neva easily accepting Zeke is some sort of experiment gone wrong(/right?) werewolf just because he likes to run.
Why on earth did we need Hebert's backstory? I get why we had his POV with him being a detective, but I couldn't give two shits about his detailed little sob story.
Julie's death. Neva and Julie were co-workers and BFFs, yet her violent murder barely warranted any reaction from Neva. She cried for like, 2 minutes, then went home to have sex with Zeke and get engaged. Your best friend's body isn't even cold yet but go ahead, have the happiest day of your life you self-centered bitch.
Lastly, the whole Luke thing was a fucking joke. He was Neva's brother who went missing 6 months ago and everyone thought was dead (except for our heroine who could just feel he was alive, but didn't care enough to actually hurry/help out the investigation). After spending 6 months as a prisoner to some psycho, then getting shot running from him, Neva decides to ride in the ambulance with Zeke who passed out a little from some weird psychic link with a coyote, instead of Luke who's actually in a bad shape. She also stays in Zeke's hospital room, fussing over his non-existent injuries.

Hell no.

[Nicole Luiken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy paranormal romance. Laconic hero with enhanced senses + vet heroine. There's also a class division: hero is poor, heroine's parents (with whom she is estranged) are rich.

SPOILER AHEAD, YOU MAY WANT TO STOP HERE

I liked two of the twists during the climax, but felt the minor character death was unnecessary.

[Charlene Mongenou-Fourrure · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. After reading the first three, this was awesome too. Can't wait to start the last book in this series. Characters are so well defined, made so loveable, and the suspense was thrilling.
Sci-fi or paranormal is always interesting, because it allows the author to imagine solutions to problems which in real life are unheard of.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy sensuality meets diabolical deadliness in Ava Gray's newest release, Skin Heat.

Imagine being kidnapped, held hostage for months on end, being tortured and probed, the unthinkable done to you – experimented on like some kind of lab rat. Imagine escaping and returning to civilization, unable to read, write, do life's basic tasks. Imagine part of your humanity gone, replaced by animal instincts and abilities. Imagine the unimaginable.

Zeke Noble has never had an easy life. With a family history of mental instability and a mother who was deemed “nuts”, no one held out much hope for him. Then when he disappeared for several months, townspeople just assumed that Zeke went off the deep end and simply left. This is the furthest from the truth, however, and when Zeke suddenly shows back up in his hometown, acting completely different, he is given a wide girth and thought of as crazy. For that matter, Zeke questions his own sanity when animal-like instincts take control of his body and his ability to simply read and write have disappeared. What had been done to him in that secret facility and why?

Geneva (Neva) Harper has a deep love of animals, her passion leading to becoming a veterinarian, much to her wealthy political family's dismay. Her inheritance has been frozen and she is completely on her own until she “comes to her senses”. However Neva lets nothing stand in her way and her dream of caring for animals.

When fate crosses the paths of Neva and Zeke, the seductive chemistry between the two implodes. No matter how much they fight, the attraction becomes unbearable to deny. Neva senses something different in Zeke. His knack with animals is uncanny and his gentleness toward her is heart wrenching. While most women may turn away from Zeke's differences, Neva embraces them. She can see the beauty that is Zeke – both inside and out.

Zeke fears Neva finding out just how much “animal” he truly is. His need to hunt, ripping out his soul. If she finds out exactly what he is, will she be able to accept him or will she run into the night in fear and repulsion?

As the relationship between Zeke and Neva grows, there is death surrounding them and the town. Neva's twin brother has been missing for some time, and though she still holds out hope of finding him alive and well, others view this as an impossibility. Then bodies of young girls who look startling like Neva begin turning up. Each body is wrapped in red silk ribbons and posed just right. Just who is this sadistic killer and how can he be stopped. More importantly, all evidence points to the fact that Neva just may be his next victim. But why?

Skin Heat is a story that contains several twists, turns and gasping surprises. At one time I thought I had the murderer figured out, only to change my mind and then reconsider. If I had to give Skin Heat a one word review, it would be “intense”. Not only is the suspense intense and the murder scenes intense, but Skin Heat is very blatantly sexually charged and the physical intensity between Zeke and Neva sets the pages on fire.

There are several aspects intertwined within Skin Heat. Paranormal, romance, murder and suspense all wrapped into one. I do want to mention that those easily offended by strong sexual scenes, language and graphic death should stay away from Skin Heat. Ms. Gray writes in a highly detailed manner, bringing the story to life and enabling the reader to easily visualize what she is writing. While this makes for an excellent story, those not accustomed to, or with a great dislike for, the above mentioned types of reading, may not want to venture into the world of Skin Tight.

I also want to mention that Skin Heat is the third in a series by Ava Gray, following Skin Game and Skin Tight. While part of a series, each is written in a way that can easily be read as standalones. I, personally, have not yet read the others in the “Skin” series, however this is the impression that I received from reading Skin Heat. Each story focuses on one specific person and their life after escaping the experimental facility in which they were held hostage. After reading Skin Heat, I do look forward to reading the others in this series, as well as other books by Ava Gray.

My overall impressions of Skin Heat is a bit rocky. When I began, I fell totally engrossed within the story and the characters of Zeke and Neva. I adored them both and loved their characteristics and their strength. Their chemistry is hot, their compassion mesmerizing. The romance aspect of the story is delightful and heart-pounding, while the suspense aspect is truly chilling. I loved how the author was able to take me for an unforgettable ride, leaving my head reeling and spinning. However, for whatever reason, about half way through the book, I fell a bit to the wayside. I'm not sure if it was just me and my “reading moodiness” taking over, or what the reason. There was a stretch of about forty or so pages that I struggled a bit through. However, I am thrilled that I persevered through those pages because the rest of the book left me racing through to the end and left me a bit speechless. With that being said, I would have to recommend Skin Heat to anyone looking for an intense, suspense-packed and sexually-charged book.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book! It was good and definitely NOT predictable had some twists that I really didn’t expect or even see coming! Definitely going to re read it in a few months!

[Jeannie Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful simple love story.

[MaggieReadsRom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Source: 8 out of 10 – GREAT READ!


First line:
All the animals were gone.

Memorable Scenes:
- Neva listening/spying on Zeke’s self-pleasuring > this was an important scene to the romance and for the balance between Zeke and Neva…not to mention it was HOT

Zeke Noble is one of the escapees from the underground facility from SKIN TIGHT. Zeke is something else. He had my admiration from the very start of this book with the way he tried to cope with what had been done to him and getting back his life. He has an affinity with animals because of what was done to him. His quirkiness made him extremely likeable and a memorable character in this series. I really loved how Zeke talked in short sentences and few words. It wasn’t an abundance of words and yet they conveyed so very much. Can’t praise Ava Gray enough for her creation of Zeke.

Geneva 'Neva' Harper comes from money but decided to become a vet and work for a living. She has a problematic and complicated relationship with her parents especially since her twin brother Luke disappears without a trace. She’s self-sufficient, emotion-driven and a fixer. She’s also a caretaker, always making sure other people’s (and animal’s) needs are taken care of and thereby losing sight of her own needs.

In the beginning of the book I did feel it was a bit less intense or fast-paced than the previous two books in the series. It felt less powerful or intense than books 1 and 2 but this doesn’t mean I enjoyed it less. I loved reading Zeke and Neva’s story and was intrigued by the serial killer angle in the suspense. It took me a while to finish SKIN HEAT but this had nothing to do with the book. A limited amount of time to read made it a slow read, not the book itself. I was forced to read it in small increments of a few pages at a time, which gave me time to slowly savor every bit of it.

The suspense part and the romance part did feel like two completely separate parts of the book until the very end, when it was all brought together with Neva and her family as the connecting factors. Every time I was reading the suspense stuff, the killer’s POV or Emile Herbert’s POV I would have the feeling I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, waiting to find out the why of it all and see how everything was connected. And I must say it wasn’t until right before the ‘big reveal’ scene that I knew the why and who of the suspense plot.

SKIN HEAT is the book in the series up till now with the least paranormal feel to it. To me it felt more romantic suspense-like than the first two books. At least it did right until the end, at that moment Ava Gray reminded me that this series does have paranormal elements and they cannot be denied. Ever since the first book in this series there has been the discussion of whether the books are paranormal or romantic suspense. To me they are romantic suspense with a paranormal element but quite frankly I couldn’t care less in what subgenre to put these books because there’s absolutely no doubt that SKIN HEAT and its predecessors qualify as romance with a capital R.

I’ve said it before and will say it again: Ava Gray's writing mesmerizes me. From the very first page I'm drawn into the characters, their story and the writing. These books should be turned into a movie or TV series. They're written creating such a vivid and imaginative imagery that I can effortlessly picture them on a screen.

The suspense plot with the serial killer, Zeke’s back-story and his paranormal abilities all take a backseat to the beautifully written romance between Neva and Zeke. That was what made this book memorable to me and made me enjoy it just as much as I did the previous installments despite the slightly less powerful impact it had on me. Ava Gray is on my keeper shelves, on my auto-buy list and she’s there to stay. Bring on the next book, please Ms Gray!

Favorite Quotes:
Back then, he’d thought she looked like a fawn, all legs and eyes. Now she had curves, the kind that made a man want to see how deep the softness ran.

He didn’t think there was a word for what he felt for her, some awful mix of adoration and helpless longing. And it knotted up inside him, leaving him mute and sick with the impossibility of it.

“You like this?” She knew the answer. She just wanted to hear his voice again, raw with passion.
“Love,” he growled. “Love.”
He imbued that one word with impossible layers of meaning—somehow, spoken so, it became endearment, demand, and declaration.

[Bookaholics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skin Heat by Ava Gray
Paranormal Romance Jan 4th, 2010
4 ½ stars

Skin Heat is a very touching romance. It is not a fast paced or an action/intrigue filled story like the author’s 2 prior books in the series, but it is a sweeter romance about 2 people who are isolated, lonely and find real love. The paranormal aspects do not play as big a role in the story except towards the end of the novel.

Zeke Noble has finally returned to his rundown home. He has never had much money. In this small town he is looked down upon as one of the crazy Nobles (his mother committed suicide and his father was an abusive drunk). Zeke prefers his solitude. But one night when he goes out to a bar with his best friend, Zeke is kidnapped. During these long horrible months, he is used as an experimental guinea pig. Zeke soon discovers that he has paranormal powers that make him stronger, given him better hearing and bestowed upon him a higher resistance than normal humans. His fellow captives also have super human powers, and together they are finally able to break free. Having no where else to go, Zeke returns to his old home. Without any money, Zeke needs to find a job and finds it at the compassionate veterinarian's office.

Geneva Harper is a woman born of privileged but has shunned it to find purpose in her shaky veterinarian's business. Unfortunately, money is tight and finding a worker to help with odd jobs is difficult. When Zeke applies, she is fascinated. He doesn’t say much but she feels she can trust him. Slowly, she discovers that she can count on his steady support especially since her troubled family life has worsened when her brother suddenly disappeared. Geneva works long hours to keep her office afloat and to keep herself from thinking about the brother she misses and her disapproving parents. With Zeke she feels comfortable and when her apartment has problems, she finds herself staying at his place and fixing it up with him.

But a series of mysterious murders consisting of women who look eerily familiar to Geneva occurs, and Geneva is getting worried especially when her office is broken into. Plus Geneva feels her brother is still alive and wants to search for him. Can Zeke keep Geneva safe or will the misunderstandings between them break their shaky new relationship?

This story is really about the romance between the 2 lonely main characters. I really felt that these characters belonged together even with their different backgrounds. Both worked hard and are noble and admirable people who try to do their best but are misunderstood. There is a mystery that adds suspense to the story and some paranormal elements, but they are really secondary to the romance. I liked how each of the characters are very vulnerable and are really only able to open up and trust each other. They really appreciated and respected each other. The tension between them is intense. As they are extremely attracted to the other but think they are not good enough for the other person. It only makes you want them to be together more! When they are finally together the scenes between them are very sexy and moving, since I really felt they needed each other desperately. It reminded me of Dinah McCall’s Jackson Rule which was also a very poignant love story with a similar plot. I would like to read more about Geneva’s courageous brother in a future book. I also want to know more about the other humans who have ‘super’ powers and seem bent on finding revenge on those who experimented on them.

This story is different from the prior Skin paranormals in that they are more action/plot-driven. This book does have a mystery but it centers more on the slow and budding romance between the 2 admirable main characters.

If you enjoy emotional romances with 2 very worthy main characters and a dash of mystery and the paranormal, you will LOVE this book!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alternating between Zeke and Geneva's points of view... Zeke had a tough childhood (depressed mother who committed suicide, angry, alcoholic father) and was looked down upon by the townspeople. And a year ago, Zeke was kidnapped, taken across the country, and held in a facility where they experimented on him... holding him in a cell, or tied to a table poked and prodded. He escapes with a few others, takes a few months to hitchhike back home - to a run down farm house. and he knows he is different... his eyesight & hearing are better, he can't read, he dreams & wakes up outside of the house having killed an animal with no memory of it. He doesn't seem to shape shift, but he has animal instincts, and can connect with animals. The only job he can get is at the vet's, part time, cleaning up.

Geneva is of Harper Creeks' founding, politically active family, and she has rebeled, dumped the PC boyfriend, and studied to become a vet, opening her own clinic, not taking help from her family. Her twin brother Luke is missing - his car abandoned on the side of the road, and he is assumed dead, though she doesn't believe it.

And bit by bit Zeke and Geneva get closer - she comes to live in his house when she is caring for 3 newborn kittens, and her apartment is being fixed from a water leak... they become friends, Zeke doesn't feel worthy of her - there is attraction though.... and when one night, Zeke is masturbating thinking of her, and she opens his door a crack, and watches, and is turned on... Zeke is excited to realize she wants her too, and is warmer and seduces her the next night... and their sex is a bit animilistic... and he realizes he must tell her the truth after a fight, because she is aware of some of his differences - and he does, bringing a coyote with him that he had made a mental correction with, making what he says more believable... and she accepts him - but he doesn't feel worthy, and eventually it drives her away - back to her parent's home.

and then we find out (and we don't know who until the end) that her best friend & vet aid Julia's husband Trevor is crazy - he was abused by his father (locked him up in the cellar, and haranged him about not being a man) and a mother who seduced him - and though they are dead, he hears his father's voice berating him... with Julia he is fine, but otherwise he is compelled to kidnap Luke and hold him in the cellar, and to work out the perfect way to kill Neva by kidnapping other women, killing them, and wrapping them in red ribbon. after killing 4 women, he makes a mistake with a car, and when Julia questions him about meeting his mother, he looses it with her for the first time, and beats her to death - kidnaps Neva, and locks her in with her brother. They manage to break free... and Zeke becomes aware Neva is in trouble, and he embraces his animal side, and tracks her - and merges with the coyote when he can't get to her in time, and helps defend her against Travis (though Neva hits takes him down with a stick/spear)...

And Zeke now accepts himself, and feels worthy of her - and his attitude is different. And her parents, who have been relaxing their censure, make a turn around when Luke is returned to them... and they embrace Zeke... and they marry, and she is pregnant... ahhhhh