Daniel is in the Navy, a choice he made in order to be away from his narrow-minded hometown and religious parents. Growing up for him was not easy, especially when he is gay, something his parents would never accept. As a result, he's now twenty-six and still afraid to come out to his parents, even though he's pretty much out to everyone in his work. There is still that trepidation of taking that final step for fear of losing his family for good. While he's been out in his life far from his family, he's been unable to have an actual relationship with a man. Which means he is still a virgin.

Colin is a sexy tattoo artist that has issues of his own. He's been struggling with his mental illness that makes himself starve for fear of gaining weight. He has image issues but he is now at a place where he is quite confident himself. However, those demons never cease to give him moments of insecurity.

Daniel and Colin meet when they are both at the gym. Colin is unsure if Daniel is interested in him but after noticing that he checks him out, he knows he is. Daniel can't believe he's actually talking to this hot guy. He is very inexperienced but hopes between them lead to more. Because of the abuse Colin had suffered in the past, he now doesn't do relationships. Daniel is alright with that. This is a no strings attached situation and they both are going to make the best out of it.

I really enjoyed the beginning of this story. I loved the steam and the connection between these two. I liked that despite these two not being perfect, they really worked so well together. I thought Daniel was a really cute character with his inexperience. Watching Daniel discover his sexual side was great. Colin was so flawed but he was such a beautiful character. I loved how he supported Daniel and how patient and caring he was towards him. I also loved the fact that these two talked a lot and were able to avoid unnecessary angst for the most part.

While I enjoyed the steam in this book, I did find it to become a little too repetitive at times. I would have liked more of a story and to have the sex toned down a tad bit. There was so much going on with Colin that I was waiting to see how Daniel could support him like Colin was doing for him. However, I never really got to see Daniel encourage Colin to eat so he could stay healthy or just do something to help him towards a healthier path. I also would have liked a little bit more in the ending because it did feel a little bit abrupt to me. I feel like there is still so much more for them to work on that we didn't get to see. I think maybe we could have gotten to see their relationship grow as well as character growth if some of the sex scenes and tattoo talk were cut out. Despite all this, I did like the book. I just wish I could have loved it more. Still a pretty good read with loads of steam.

I've liked each of Lauren's novels. She excels at character development and plot. Found this entry to be every bit as good as it's predecessors. Well done.

I really liked this steamy read. Colin and Daniel are great character and both had a lot of layers to them both going through so much. This story is fast paced with lots of drama and emotion, you really feel for both characters. The chemistry is of the charts hot and the sex is steamy. An entertaining read.

My first book by L.A Witt was Just Drive which didn't go too well for me but I decided to take a chance with this one and I'm glad I did.

Daniel and Colin weren't perfect. They had enough issues between themselves to wreck even the most stable of relationships.

I loved being in Daniel's head. I especially did in the first half of the story when he still struggling with his sexual inexperience. It just tickled me silly the things that would go on in that head of his about sex. As he would say "Woah" lol.

I also got why he stayed in the closet as long as it did and why he didn't "just walk away" from his family earlier. Coming out is a deeply personal choice which is especially difficult when you have a family like he did. I supported him throughout the book and was glad he finally found the courage to do so.

Colin was also interesting to read about. His struggles with his metal health endeared him to me and the fact that it wasn't magically resolved but was something that was to be managed daily made the story more realistic.

One thing I wished there was less of was the process of tattooing . Yes, I KNOW it was a story about a tattoo artist falling in love with a sailor but the amount of page time that the actual process of Colin tattooing Daniel got in the story was too much in my opinion. It would've been better if those pages had been used to give more detail about further interaction between the MCs outside of sex and the tattoo place. Don't get me wrong, the sexy times were great but I just wanted more of the MCs.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and wouldn't hesitate to pick up the next installment.

This is the first book I've read by L. A. Witt, and having enjoyed it, I will search out future (and past) publications. The characters are well drawn, and both tattoo artist Colin and Navy sailor Daniel have secrets and baggage that impact their developing relationship. How they ultimately come together is a well-written story, and I liked the detailed descriptions of Daniel getting his first tattoos! Recommended for anyone who likes M/M romance or for anyone wishing to try this genre.

Back Piece turned out to be a sweet romantic story. It's not how I usually enjoy my M/M reads. I like my M/Ms to be more on the edgy/gritty side. This was the total opposite and I still enjoyed it very much. Aside from Colin and Daniel's journey, Daniel himself had a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Both journey's were very well intertwined in the book.

I don't want to give away any details about anything but I do want to say that the pace of the story and their relationship fit perfectly with the circumstances of the leads ... that sounds vague, I know LOL But it's just another point to let you know how perfectly well this story was written for the content it held. It needed to be sweet and not edgy so I'm glad it was written that way :)

There's only one minor thing I would have liked developed better and that is Daniel's coming out to his family. It felt like it was just thrown in and it should have been huge. At least in my opinion.

Copy provided for blog tour review

3.5 Stars. There were some things I really liked about this book and a few not as much things. So after pondering it I finally settled on a 3.5 rating.

This book centers around Daniel who joined the Navy to escape his childhood town and get away from his very religious, homophobic family. He is out of the closet to his Navy friends but not to his family and he's a virgin. Colin, a tattoo artist, is the opposite of Daniel. His family is very accepting of who he is and he has a lot of sexual experience. He however was in a bad relationship and is still dealing with some of the repercussions from that (mainly an eating disorder). When the two meet up there is instant chemistry and they agree to have a friends with benefits relationship.

I really liked both Daniel and Colin and I thought both back stories where interesting. However, the backstories don't really come into play for a large portion of the book. In fact, Daniel really didn't weigh in with Colin's issues at all. I wanted Daniel to be more involved in that aspect of Colin's life. In fact this book has very little plot. The two characters talk, have sex and there's a lot of information about Daniel getting his tattoo. There's a lot of internal monologues where one or both of them is feeling insecure but not a lot happens. I did like the slow burn of the relationship. They didn't jump right into falling for each other and the beginning was really just a sexual relationship that turned into something more.

What I really liked about this book was the very realistic way that Daniel's family was portrayed. Yes, they were extremely homophobic but they loved Daniel. They weren't an evil family and the book showed a closeness to the family when they interacted. It made Daniel's decision not to reveal his sexual orientation to them very believable since although heartbreaking Daniel knew that they just wouldn't accept it.

I enjoyed this book although I felt the ending was a bit abrupt and they definitely ended with a HFN not a HEA. Although this looks to be the first book in the series so maybe we will have more Daniel and Colin in future books.

From the moment I saw the cover to this book I quickly found myself captivated and further drawn to the sweet and sexy connection between two imperfect people and their angsty journey to HEA. The two main leads are carrying heavy burdens but they were still a breath of fresh air as they were charming and upbeat with interactions that put a smile on my face from the very start.

Colin is a tattoo artist who seems to have everything in his life under control. He comes from a good family and has a good support system. He exudes confidence and strength yet underneath it all his past is a weighty one that rears its ugly head in times of stress. His past is a colorful one with working in porn but it's not something he's ashamed of. It's his past relationships that have been the most damaging to his psyche. From boyfriends who couldn't accept his porn career to those who made him feel unworthy, he was left feeling distrustful of relationships along with an eating disorder. These issues aren't ones he hides as he and Daniel work through them together and it helped build a solid foundation as their friends with benefits relationship became something more. I liked Colin and ached for all he'd been through. He was left bruised by his past but not broken. He was his own worst enemy at times but with his past it was understandable. He's a kind-hearted man though who's more than happy to help Daniel experience life and he was gentle and loving as they began to explore their relationship more fully.

Daniel grew up in a very religious family who were loving parents but deeply homophobic. It was a difficult time for him having to hide himself behind the family's nasty religious condemnation, and I ached for the self-hatred that time could've caused him. When he turned 18 he couldn't leave for the Navy fast enough, as there he found a group of supportive friends who became determined to help him experience life. Though he's come out to his friends regarding his sexuality he hasn't admitted to being a virgin. The moment he sees Colin though he feels that the time is finally right to get rid of his pesky V-card. Their relationship starts off with tattoos but soon becomes more intense in scenes that grew progressively hotter. They start off as friends, with Colin the teacher in their sexual schooling, and Daniel the eager student which slowly evolved as deeper talks ensued. Daniel's an adorable young man with his blushes and uncertainties. His boyishness is charming as is his wonder over the actual act of sex which made his first time with Colin even more sweet and sentimental. His shipmates, and their playful banter with him, brought out an even more lovable side which endeared him to me and had me wanting only the best for him.

The premise of this story is an appealing one. The relationship between Colin and Daniel pulled me in wholeheartedly as they were a good match despite their many differences. They were a solid support for each other and I loved seeing their connection evolve from fun and flirty to something that both of them came to count on. On a whole there was a lot to love about this book as the lead characters were immensely appealing with a connection that had me rooting for them every step of the way. My only quibbles were that the story went on a bit too long and when it came to the sex, there was almost too much (which pains me to say as I like lots of bang for my buck). I felt too that there was a bit too much self-destructiveness when it came to Colin. His second-guessing led to a lot of unnecessary melodrama and gave him a frustrating air of martyrdom. The story also ended a bit abruptly. It felt like there was a HEA, but it also could've been a HFN as there was no epilogue to wrap everything up with a definitive bow. Though this was a satisfying story it wasn't my favorite from this author, but the world created here has me looking forward to revisiting it in the future.

If you are looking for a steamy story with two hot MC and tattooed guy who's having problem hiding his past and meet a very enthusiastic virgin to un-virgin him, this is probably what you are looking for.
With a flawless writing style from LA Witt, simple but unputdownable with a right portion of angst (not too many), I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the main characters, they're quite lovable.
My only complaint is the length and the prolonged tattooing process that made me wanted to skimming some scenes.
The sex was stellar and hot (no complaint here). But I need the more 'secure' happy ending for these two.
Probably in the second book?

What an enjoyable story this was! Two guys who had small secrets but didn’t wait forever to disclose them thereby removing the often seen too much inner struggle about said secrets.

Colin is a tattoo artist who suffers from an eating disorder. That disorder was exacerbated by an abusive controlling ex whom he met at the end of his porn career. He is now at a new stage in his life thanks to his brother, therapist and physical trainer/nutritionist, but he still struggles from time to time. It is during one of his workouts where he meets Daniel, a Navy crewman who comes in with his other buddies to start with their own trainer.

Daniel is a total sweetheart. Brought up by very religious, homophobic parents in small-town Iowa, he counted down the days until he was able to escape by joining the Navy. However, due to his circumstances, he was unable to have any actual sexual experiences, and the older he got, the harder it became for him to do so, given his inexperience. But he is a determined young man, and when he meets Colin, they have obvious chemistry. They tiptoe around each other for a short time though before finally making a move. Daniel wants his first tattoo, so that is the start of their relationship.

I loved watching these two start things up. Colin was fabulous at easing Daniel’s worries and anxiety, whether it was during the tattooing or as they explored each other further. As I said earlier, they don’t wait too long for their secrets to come out. It causes some reluctance on each of their parts, but decisions are made rather quickly to talk with each other about what they were holding back – Daniel with his lack of experience and family issues; and Colin with his porn past and eating disorder.

Together, these two were smoking. They don’t jump right into anal sex instead taking their time enjoying other things and moving forward when Daniel was more comfortable and ready. Initially, it seemed they didn’t do much together besides tattoo Daniel and have sex, but that time was spent on getting to know each other as much as anything else would have done.

I loved the support systems both of these guys had. Daniel has some great friends in his squad, and I’m hoping one of them will get more page time in the follow up books in this series. I was disappointed there wasn’t an epilogue with this story, as the issue of coming out to Daniel’s family felt like it needed a bit more closure one way or the other, but, all in all, this was quite the enjoyable story. I’m really looking forward to seeing where the story takes us in the next installment!

I liked this book quite a bit. I thought the characters were well developed and believable. The stream factor was high. Daniel, you had to just fall in love with his honesty and vulnerability. You wanted him to find love and the relationship that would fulfill him. Colin, you knew he had his secrets but hoped that wouldn't get in the way of this relationship. The way he cared for Daniel and his feelings was just amazing.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Once again I have not been disappointed by an L.A. Witt novel. This author really knows how to write about things that most authors shy away from or do not know how or where to start at. This book and its characters were no different. Though I disagreed with a few things in the book I did understand where the character came from and why he felt the way he felt that way and I also do know that some places do not do the right thing. Now about this writing. It is gorgeously descriptive. I felt immersed in this book from nearly the first chapter. I didn't want to put it down. The characters each have their own set of personal issues. They are both serious in nature and they are things that a lot of us can really understand and it makes the book feel even closer to me as a reader. I would definitely be recommending this book. It was hard hitting and extremely thought provoking, not to mention hot as heck.

Talk about an emotional roller coaster with this one. Lots of lows and a few highs. Crazy amount of issues with both main characters which totally make you fall for both of them. You will feel all kinds of emotions for both of these guys.
Daniel is in the military, was raised in a homophobic family, and is afraid that when he comes out to his parents they will disown him.
Colin, the ex porn star turned tattoo artist, has a lot of emotional issues including an eating disorder in which he starves himself and works out till he passes out.
The two of them meet at the gym and sparks fly. This is Daniels first relationship with another man. And they both fall for each other real fast.
Certain parts of this book made me so mad. I hate that Daniel felt he had to hide his true self from his parents. His parents should love him unconditionally no matter what. Times have changed and people should be more accepting of other people's choices.
Really enjoyed reading this one. Was def an eye opener for me since it was my first m/m romance and my first L.A Witt book.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Daniel isn't out to his ultra-religious family, but he is on the ship with his fellow sailors. So, he's fine sleeping with Colin, but doesn't know how to take the relationship further.

Colin has a whole host of issues and a past that is usually the death knell to relationships when it comes out, so he sticks to himself and covets his routines to keep himself on track. High emotions, too much stress, and breaks in routine are bad for his mental and physical health.

When they are together, their relationship is easy, but each of these guys is an emotional, angsty wreck individually. Things come to a head when Daniel's parents come for a visit. He wants them to meet Colin, even if it's just pretending they are friends. But that kind of stress on a new relationship with someone with Colin's issues may just be the breaking point.

It's really difficult to read some of Colin's struggles. Fascinating, but difficult. He suffers from some serious issues and the kind of obsessiveness involved can be tough to read. He's definitely the more mature and relationshipy (I know it's not a word, but work with me there) of the two. He's constantly taking care of Daniel and Daniel's issues, but dealing with his issues on his own.

Daniel is definitely the younger, more self-involved of the two. Even after Colin tells Daniel about his issues, Daniel still kind of ignores them and asks things of Colin he shouldn't. Or at least if he asked them of him, he should be concerned about the impact they have on Colin's health, but he doesn't. After Colin drops his bomb, Daniel pretty much ignores it. It fits with Daniels' age and experience level, but it's still a frustrating part of the story.

All of this comes together in a completely satisfying HEA that you've come to expect and love in an L.A. Witt book. Plus, there's the set up for more sexy sailor stories, so yaaaay!

I finished this book two days ago and decided to let it settle before reviewing. I really liked the attention the author gave these characters in giving them depth and dimension. I very much appreciated that they had issues and imperfections that weren't a simple 'talk about it and it's all better' scenario. The author waded into the tough subjects of familial homophobia and mental health which, while commendable, left me wanting just a bit more substance. Maybe a scene or two with Colin's therapist to get a view on how he's working things out. I also wondered why it was never suggested that Daniel find counseling. So much of the book centered around the fallout of coming out, but the actual fallout coverage was brief.

I know this book was a romance and, in that vein, it was lovely. The dialogue was refreshingly vulnerable and honest. Both MCs approached the relationship with a level of maturity that I appreciated. The sex was smoking hot (though the "oh Gods" were a mite over-plentiful).

Overall, a successful opening salvo for this new series. I will be picking up the next one.

Back Piece
By: L.A. Witt

📚💕⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💕📚

This book, oh my so many intense and honest and heartbreaking words page after page. This beautifully written m/m book will take you on a roller coaster ride. It has new beginnings, first experiences, self doubt, prejudice, eating disorder, kindness, loyalty, laughter, sorrow and ultimately love and acceptance.

Take the journey and read this intense and sexually captivating book. Colin a tattoo artist and openly gay man with a strong support system. And. Daniel a Marine newly stationed and reenlisted, who has spent his life gay and closeted to his Babtist family's prejudices back home. This book will give you amazing and hot sex, you'll get to watch as two men discover who they can be together and the sacrifices they will make for each other.

For this reader my only complaint would be I want more of Colin and Daniel. That to me is a sign of a well written book. This author hits some very sensitive topics. She was considerate with the topics yet they are so incredibly well told. If I could give more stars I would have!!!

Written in Dual POV my personal favorite!!

This book was provided by Netgally for an honest review!!!

Back piece la Witt

I'll make it short. I did finished it but it wasn't my thing. Others will like it more

Two not flawless guys....(which could be a good concept) Colin a tattoo artist and Daniel a maritime soldier.
They meet in the tattoo shop where Daniel will take his first tattoo.
Daniel at 26 is out at work and far far in the closet with his heavy religious homophobic family. He is still a virgin. Colin is 31 out for sure. And when he understands Daniel has no experience at all....he takes all the time with him. So we can consume some hot encounters.
Colin very understanding and holding back his eating disorder. Luckily he has his own backup team standing right behind him.

Daniel is in my eyes very immature not only in sex but also in life. With everything he needs confirmation, it just felt uncomfortable.
Colin was just too understanding. The relationship felt out of balance. Even after all their problems were on the table it felt out of balance....not convincing....
The conversations about the tattoo work where too long, half way i skipped parts. It would have been better if the conversations were about how they really felt around each there. Those parts were in italics....more thinking than say it out loud.....There were more parts I skipped.
Sometimes I really felt the emotions but it was not a constant factor.

I did read 'Just Drive' and that was a very good one. Sorry to say this didn't reach that status.

Back Piece is an interesting read and a book that obviously required a lot of work and research from the author, L.A. Witt, as it tackles a lot of different and in some cases difficult subjects.

The two MCs, Colin and Daniel, each had their own heavy baggage. They came from completely different backgrounds but that didn't stop them from supporting and encouraging each other.

Daniel came from a religious family with strict opinions about what was acceptable in society and what wasn't. It was luck (and strength) that helped him grow up accepting himself and not trying to deny who he was (at least to himself). Daniel's issues mostly revolved around his family and their reaction if they ever found out the truth about him.

Colin, on the other hand, came from a supporting family that loved him unconditionally and supported his choices even if they didn't agree with them. However, his issues were darker and more dangerous that Daniel's. I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil anything and give away his past. It's best if you discover what's happening while you read the book and not know it in advance.

The title represents the reason they met and got to know each other. Yes, they were attracted to each other from the start but what helped them grow close was the back piece that Daniel wanted. The story actually revolves around the process of Daniel getting that tattoo. As the design was pretty big and elaborate and they had to split in up in many sessions, it took a few months for it to finish and we followed them along those months getting to know them and watching their relationship develop.

We see the stages that precede the actual tattoo (Colin drawing different options, Daniel deciding on the design, the prep before the ink), as well as Colin tattooing Daniel (Daniel's thoughts and feeling as it happens and the way those things change as he gets used to the needle session after session). One thing I didn't like was that even though we pretty much followed the whole process of Colin giving Daniel tha back piece he wanted we didn't get to see him actually finishing it as the book ended before that happened. So, I guess an epilogue would have been nice. Just the scene where Colin finishes the tattoo and Daniel sees it complete in the mirror for the first time. Anyway, that's just me.

The secondary characters where good but I would have liked to get to know some of them a bit more. For example, Colin's brother, Shane, seemed like a great guy but he didn't have a lot of time on page. The same went for Colin's coworkers but I guess we are going to get to know them better as the series progresses so I'm not too worried about that.

Colin, had a great support system around him that helped him manage his issues, kept him from going off the rails and put him back together when he did. His tainer, Amanda, played a critical role in his life and wasn't affraid to comfront him when she thought that's what he needed. She was a firm believer of tough love and her approach worked perfectly with Colin.

Some other characters we met but didn't actually get to know where Daniel's shipmates. They seemed like an interesting bunch in the few scenes we saw them. They were crass and lound but knew their limits and how not to cross them. They were supportive of him and totally accepting of his sexuality.

The point of view changes on every chapter and the story is told in turn from Colin and David. That way we got to know and understand both characters very well as there was a fair amound of internal dialogue. That was a plus in the story and in no way would I prefer for it to not be there. Reading about the struggles each character goes through gives power to the story. Especially reading Colin's internal thoughts and the war going on inside him produced emotions that wouldn't be there if the character actually voiced what was happening in his head.

At first, Colin and Daniel begin a casual relationship based in mutual attraction but that soon changes as they spend every possible moment together. We see them realising their feelings and opening up to each other about things that make them most uncomfortable in order to be honest with each other and form a healthy relationship.

One of the things that I absolutely loved was the fact that these two men with all their baggage and their ssues actually communicated with each other. They had doubts and insecurities but they talked about them, resolved them and moved on. Or in some cases just talked about them and found a way to support and accept each other even if there wasn't a solution to be found. Honesty and respect was what you saw first in their relationship and it was clear that they were a good match as they brought out the best in each other.

I'm giving this story 4 stars and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

* An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. *

Sizzling hot M/M romance that was tender, sweet, and definitely sexy. Daniel Moore is a sailor living out of the closet to everyone except his family. Coming from an extremely homophobic family makes it difficult to live his life any other way. He doesn't agree with their beliefs but he loves them all the same. To this point this has worked out fine for him but when he meets and quickly falls for the gorgeous tattoo artist Colin Spencer, a man who has his own issues but works hard to deal with them, he knows the time has come to live his own truth. Will he be able to do it? For Colin?

Great read and one I would definitely recommend.