3.5 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

I finished this one last night, but was just so freaking tired I just sort of stream of consciousnessed out some thoughts before going to bed.  Now I need to figure out what I wrote and make it make sense.  All of which I really didn't need to include in this review, but in case I miss something and it sounds jumbled, that would be why.
This was a solid read, definitely leaning more towards the erotica end of the spectrum...  I can never figure out what the line in the sand is for when a romance is labeled an erotica.  Like, this book definitely had romance, but there is a LOT of sex in it.  I actually forgot just how much sex was in the first book, so it caught me off guard in the beginning of this book.  And funny story, I always bring my Kindle everywhere, and when I was on the bus taking me to the football game on Friday, I pulled it out, but forgot I was in the middle of a sex scene and I had to keep tilting it away from the guy beside me.  I took a picture to show my hubby (because he was standing near the back), and he laughed and told me if they peak over my shoulder, they get what they get!  And what they would get is a LOT of c*ck!!  ROFL.  OK, enough of these asides...

Let's talk characters!!  I felt a stronger connection to Matt than Jon in this particular story.  I did feel like we jumped into his story at a weird point, I almost wish we'd actually seen the scene where he has the threesome, instead of seeing him ponder it.  Even if it was a flashback.  Then again, maybe not.  It just felt like we jumped into the middle of a story sometimes.  BUT!  I loved how Ms. Witt portrayed Matt's struggle with coming to terms with his newly discovered bisexuality.  I loved the way his past played into him being in the closet for so long, and being so genuinely surprised when he figured it out.  I loved the discussion about how his father's toxic masculinity really influenced him heavily.  I also liked that they addressed how his constant vehement denial could hurt people (like Troy).  I will say I was not too keen on the fact that it seemed no one was surprised when he came out.  Not that that isn't necessarily realistic, but we never really find out what exactly gave it away for them.  Having SOMEONE be surprised would have been nice.  Or at least not sitting there saying "we were just waiting for you to say something."

I felt like Matt's financial struggles were added in at the beginning, and then didn't really go anywhere.  Like the story got too cluttered, so that thread just got dropped unsatisfactorily.  I really hate that, because I was interested in seeing how it was going to be resolved because it seemed to be building up to something, but then it just...fizzled, I guess.  So then why was it there at all?

On to Jon!  Jon was harder to warm up to.  I never could figure out where he got his negative view on relationships.  I guess some people just are that way, but in books it's nicer to read them having some incidence that leads to it (a rough childhood, divorced parents, no good role models, bad early breakup, SOMETHING).  So that was a bummer.  However, I loved that he was so confident in his sexuality, and very forthright about what he wanted, and very comfortable in his own skin.  I loved that he was very good at his job and loved it, and they conveyed how smart he was.  I also loved seeing some of the interactions with his squadron, but that fizzled a bit too...would have liked even more.

And Matt and Jon had amazing chemistry, and the steamy scenes were spot on (if prolific).  I really did feel their connection and insatiability in the bedroom.  But not at the expense of other connections.  I felt friendship, and even romance too.  I liked that we got to see their relationship slowly developing over time.  You could tell they cared about each other.  Frankly, it made the constant talk of casualness really grating on this romance reader.  I think that was the point, but it's not something that this reader enjoys.  I get it was the whole conflict of the book leading up to the climax, but it got tiring.  And the turnaround in the end was a mite quick.

As for side stories, the subplot with Nate and his husband really broke my heart.  It kind of threw off my mood, and if you know me as a reader at all, you know I HATE cheating.  So it was hard to see it happening to a secondary character that was so important to one of our heroes.  I get now that it was setup for book 3 though.

I liked getting glimpses of Colin and Daniel, but still wish we knew what happened to Daniel's family (particularly his relationship with his sisters).  I guess nothing.  That's the impression we're given.  And I hated how they made Daniel sound like he was always so calm and cool and there for Colin, when often I felt like he was oblivious to Colin's problems.  But that's a problem with a different story in the end.

All in all a solid romance that leans more towards the erotica end.  I think the relationship was more satisfying than Colin and Daniel's from book one, but I enjoyed the extra elements in the first book's story a wee bit more, so they kind of balance out in the end.  I will say I'm looking forward to the next book in the series though!  That sneak peak was tantalizing!

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. The story is about a man (Matt) who is just starting to realize he may be bisexual and has started a relationship with a man (Jon) who is definitely gay. There is drama from others, noted in the story, that have an effect on them. They separate for a short time and realize they love each other. There is a lot of sex in this book but it is very well written. I would recommend this book.

Pounding Skin was a good read. This is the first book I've read in this series and this is the first book I've read from this author so I had no idea what her writing style was like, but I enjoyed the story and the storyline. It's not often that I find myself reading strictly m/m romance reads, so I really love when I feel the story was done right. This story focuses on Jon and Matt. I enjoyed Jon's character a lot; he know exactly who he was and what he wanted in his life. Matt was still learning who he was and how to deal with it. It was crazy in a sort of way how everyone knew what he preferred including him but he denied himself because of what he thought everyone would think. I was glad he made the decision to live his life the way he wanted. I wished the story had a little less sex scenes but even with that said I thought they were done perfect. I would read other books from this author and for readers who enjoy a good m/m I'd recommend you giving this book a try.

Pounding Skin, L.A. Witt

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: LGBTQIA, Romance

I love LA Witt's books usually, but the first in this series just didn't do it for me. I didn't know if that was a one off, or if maybe its just this series.
Well, having read book two I think maybe its time for me to have a break from LA's novels.

I did enjoy this, but found I was putting it aside and picking up later, something that I don't do with a book I really like.
I didn't dislike the story, there were parts I liked a lot, but I also found there were swathes I just felt were either predictable, or felt too much like a previous story-line brought into this novel.
I need to be surprised, to wonder what can, will happen and how but somehow here I felt I knew that before I read it. 

If you're new to LA's books you'll probably love this, she's a great writing style and its a classic LA story, great characters, some angst and lots of hot steamy sex tied in to a real feeling setting with issues that people really do face. 
Of course all authors have fans who love everything they write, but I think I just need a break. I still love LA's writing style, love the way she can conjure up such realistic people but feel maybe I need to step away for a while. If I can resist the lure of the next book ;-) 

Stars: Three, a typical LA Witt well written, steamy read, but I just felt it was all too familiar, nothing new to hold my interest.. 

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

I liked this book. The progression of Matt and Jon's relationship was sexy, sweet, and quite romantic.

Matt's obliviousness to his sexuality could be relatable to many. He spent so much of his life ignoring and dismissing his bisexuality. And his AHA moment when he realizes that it was most likely due to the toxic masculinity he was surrounded by was great to witness.

Jon took a minute to warm up to. He was a self professed slut and likes his lifestyle just the way it is. Unfortunately, I didn't understand his hesitancy with relationships? I feel like that part of his character could have been developed better.

The chemistry between these two was off the charts hot! Matt was all in when it came to exploring his bisexuality. One thing LA Witt sure knows how to do is melt your kindle!

But what I liked most was the quiet moments between Matt and Jon when things were clearly developing into more without either man really realizing it. It was sweet and tender and real-world romantic.

However, as I've come to notice is my issue with this author, this book is padded with some filler. Scenes, observations, details that don't really add anything to the story or the characters.

I like that we got to see Daniel & Colin from the previous book, but it kinda felt forced into parts of the book and didn't flow naturally.

Also, the ending was too rushed for my tastes. Jon flipped his switch too easily. One conversation and BOOM all these realizations hit him....but I didn't feel any of the emotion behind those realizations. And I feel like Matt gave in too easily.

We're given an excellent set up for the next couple in this series, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the author takes those characters because they both have interesting backstories.

This is a cute read.

Matt a tattoo artist who's struggling with his sexuality. He's a contradiction of sorts, all tall, dark, tattooed and ruff round the edges yet actually quite introverted and shy. Through the book you get to see him come to terms with his sexuality, accept what he's been denying himself for so long and come out of his shell. I enjoyed his character... He was super cute With his blushing cheeks and shy personality but I also loved when he felt comfortable in his skin and the cheeky smirking dirty mouthed naughty boy came out to play.

Jon is a USA navy pilot and resident manwhore. While he was completely out there and unashamedly confident in who he was and what he wanted it didn't mix with his actions towards Matt. He seemed to love the comforts of having Matt there as a constant. He didn't shy away from the affection nor did he draw lines in where their "friend with benefits" relationship went. I really enjoyed seeing the softer more sensitive side to him when he was with Matt.

Together they had a great connection. The chemistry was off the charts and this author nailed the sex scenes literally and figuratively. I enjoyed their journey of self discovery. They grew as charters both together and separately at a nice believable pace and were totally sweet together. The side characters were a great addition to the story all very likeable and relatable adding good substance to an already good story.

its been a hot minute since I've read a m/m romance and this didn't disappoint. It's a cute story with no unnecessary drama and super hot sex between two gorgeous guys!. This is the first I have read from this author but it won't be the last. I can't wait for Nate and Lucas story!.

I kindly received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This is the second in the Skin Deep Inc. series, but it worked as a standalone.

Fighter Pilot Jon meets tattoo artist Matt when Jon loses a bet and the forfeit is his first ever tattoo.

Jon is an out, gay, commitment-phobe. Matt, until one very recent experience , considered himself straight, but is now wondering if he might be bi.

There is a great attraction between them and they start having a casual sexual relationship.

They have frequent sex. They see a lot of each other and attend work functions and parties together. Jon goes home with Matt to his mother for Thanksgiving to support him while he comes out to his family. The crisis comes after New Year. Matt realises he wants more than a casual fling. Jon has just seen Nate and Caleb’s 10 year marriage break up. Can he commit to a serious monogamous relationship?

I found the numerous sex scenes a bit boring after a while as they always seemed to be much the same and I ended up skimming through them. There was also quite a lot of fairly repetitive introspection.

The writing is good and flows along nicely. The dialogue works and sounds realistic. I did get a bit of an idea of what Jon and Matt were like as people, but not enough, as they spent much of the time tearing each other’s clothes off. I would have enjoyed more character development. I think, also, that
a bit more of a build up to Jon and Matt getting together might have added something for me.Some of the secondary characters came over well, particularly Nate and Lucas who will figure in Part 3.

The book will appeal to readers who like plenty of steamy sex, hunks in uniforms and tall, tattooed men.

Overall, 3 stars.

I have read books by this author before and thoroughly enjoyed them. This book is the 2nd in the Skin Deep Inc. series and follows, Jon, a fighter pilot and Matt, a tattoo artist; very sexy jobs, who wouldn’t be drawn in by tattoos and military men? I really wanted this book to live up to its premise and it definitely did. Both Jon and Matt have their struggles in this tale and after they hook up for some no strings attached sex, the relationship starts to become so much more than either of them bargained for. The details about Jon’s work in the military was well researched, and was told in quite a believable and realistic way and the sex scenes were off the charts hot and beautifully described. It could have been quite bland and formulaic telling but this story had lots of substance and I found myself really invested in both the MC’s and I rooted for a HEA – do they get it? You’ll have to read the book and you won’t be disappointed. I really did love this book, I read it in one sitting which shows how much I enjoyed it.

As hardcore as the title sounds, L.A. Witt's "Pounding Skin" delivers a surprising and heartfelt romance between two unlikely (but still likable!) people. Jon, in the military and terrified of needles, loses a bet with his unit and gets a tattoo. Matt, a struggling tattooist who is coming to terms with his bisexuality, is the artist Jon's buddies hire to do the ink. The two have an immediate attraction and decide to start a purely physical relationship--which, over times, develops into a real relationship. Jon's not sure he's interested in an emotional commitment, but Matt is, and the two men need to come to terms with what they both want.

Pleasant secondary characters round out this narrative. While Matt and Jon spend a fair amount of time in the bedroom, Witt's writing makes it clear that their connection is more than physical. It's really nice to read a romance that is a romance--they like each other, and they are supportive of each other. "Pounding Skin" (a tattoo term) allows its male characters (there are three women in this book, two of whom are Matt's family members) the chance to provide emotional stability and support. This support extends to the secondary characters as well, which makes this series' continuation something to look forward to.

Another solid installment in the Skin Deep series by L.A. Witt.

This story center's around Matt, one of the tattoo artists at Skin Deep. For all of his life, Matt has identified as straight, but one hot threesome where he seriously enjoys the attention of another man, get's him to thinking.

Then, in walks Jon...hot, sexy, out and proud pilot and Matt's world is tilted on it's axis. So these two start a little thing, try to keep it simple, but, as always, those pesky feelings get involved. Matt has to do some soul searching, but once he digs deep enough, he realizes who he is and what he want's is righty in front of him.

I adored this read. I can't fault it in any way at all. For me a definite must read.

Several things didn't work for me right from the start.

(view spoiler)

I'm sorry this one didn't work for me. I want to love every book I read. I loved the first in this series and I'm looking forward to the next one.

No rating since I barely got to 25% before I started skimming.

I was immediately drawn into Pounding Skin. The author brought us real life characters and situations.
I enjoyed reading how these two became more than just a bootie call to each other.
Their chemistry was immediate and posed a challenge at times as they weren't sure how to handle their emotions.

I like the series and I'm looking forward to read the next in the series

Although part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. You won't regret it :)
I really enjoyed reading this, I couldn't put it down! Matt is newish to his feelings for a man, but boy did he take to it take a duck to water :) Jon, on the other hand, had tons of experience on his side butt thought he was in for a temporary arrangement. Both were totally clueless when they found themselves in a relationship. I loved the story, there is some drama/angst but it is woven in so seamlessly that I barely noticed (I am not a fan of angst, contrived misunderstandings, etc).
The side characters are fun and now I'm looking forward to the next story (Nate and Lucas). I would highly recommend this.

Pounding Skin is a hot, sexy addition to the Skin Deep series. Navy Fighter pilot Jon and tattoo artist Matt are great characters and the story is well written. It challenges Matt’s honesty to himself and his feelings and Jon’s ability for commitment and in the end, they will need to be honest with themselves before they will make it together.

I couldn't put this one down!!

I was going to read this no matter what the cover was like because I liked the first book in the series, Back Piece, and I also liked a teaser I read a while back about this one. So the cover wasn't going to affect my decision. The fact that it turned out to be this great was just a nice and much appreciated bonus. I didn't want to write a review where I didn't mention this great image so here you go.

Now, about the actual book. I already said that I enjoyed reading the first book but I liked this one even more and that sure says something.

I couldn't help make comparisons between the two books in order to see why I liked this one better and what I came up with was the fact that this one was more relationship-focused and at the same time we didn't have back-to-back sex scenes that run the danger of getting repetitive and not adding anything to the story.

I'm going to mention some other things that were different between the two books so if someone had a problem with them in the first one would know what to expect here. I want to say that they didn't bother me and some of them made me like the book even more. Here I'm just pointing out the differences between two books in the same series by the same author.

In this book there was a significant amount of less inner dialogues, less family-related drama (as in none) and less angst. There was also less tattooing and less sex scenes. There was more developement in the relationship and in the characters and more interaction with their social circles.

Of course there were sex scenes and the characters were hot together, but it was plot with some sex here and there and not the other way around. If I have to pick between plot or sex scenes I'll pick plot hands down but here I didn't have to pick! The plot was strong and it was definitely there and the sex scenes didn't drown it out, instead they spiced it up and added to it.

I like the trope of a casual arrangement slowly turning in a real relationship and in this book I wasn't disappointed. Jon and Matt had a realistic transition from the first to the second. They didn't rush, they didn't just accept what was happening, they didn't even see it coming. They resisted, they denied, they fought for what they wanted and finally they won.

Matt had a strong character, he was confident and sure of his wants (once he figured them out). He fought for those wants and wasn't prepared to settle for anything less. He was brave and honest and even though he had suppressed his attraction to men for many years, once he realised he was bisexual he embraced it and didn't try to hide it from anyone.

Jon was..... I'll go with "promiscuous" (instead of "manwhore" as Jon referred to himself). He didn't want to settle down, he didn't want commitment, he didn't want anything that said "this is getting serious", so he avoided all that at any cost. He was honest with Matt from the start and since they wanted the same things at that point they started a casual relationship.

What neither of them saw coming were the feelings that started to grow between them and while Matt embraced them, Jon resisted them with passion. He turned a blind eye to what he was feeling and stubbornly insisted that what they talked about in the beginning was still true.

We also got to see Colin and Daniel again here, being together and happily navigating a relationship. Colin was still able to manage his issues and Daniel was still there to support him. And there was another great bonus in this book. We got to see Colin finish Daniel's tattoo!

I was really happy about that. A lot of people mentioned in their reviews of the first book that they were disappointed by the fact that the book had ended with the tattoo still unfinished (myself included) and I don't know if the author already had in mind to include this scene in the next book or if she did it to please her readers, but it was great to see it no matter what prompted the inclusion of the scene here.

In this book we also meet the main characters for the next intalment of the series, Lucas and another secondary character that I won't say his name because I don't want to spoil anything. While I really want to read the second one's story and see what happens in his life after this book, I don't think I would have thought of Lucas for him. I liked Lucas just fine and would read his story, he just didn't seem right for the other one. Of course we saw very little of Lucas here and didn't really get to know him so what do I know?

One thing I'm sure of is that I'm not missing out on any of the books in this series! Recommened!



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

Pounding skin is another book from L A Witt involving the local tattoo shop and navy aviators. As usual we have lots of extremely hot sex scenes, this time between Matt a tattooist and Jon a navy jet pilot. Matt never thought of himself as gay until Jon has to come to have a tattoo to fulfil a bet he lost with his colleagues.
An enjoyable story of a developing relationship, I felt this had more depth than some of her previous books and there were more characters which I can see setting the scene for other books in this series.
A good erotic story to while away a few hours, I look forward to the next in this series

This was so much better than the first book. You don't get all those annoying internal dialogues going over he does really like me, I don't deserve him, etc. Yes we do have to work though Jon being a manwhore who won't sleep with the same guy twice and it almost seems like he is trying to sleep with every gay guy from every squadron that he can get his hands on. We also have Matt coming to grips that he just might be bi. Even though they did jump into bed pretty quickly, Jon sees that there might be a benefit to making a new friend. We get to watch these two start moving towards something more then just fuck buddies. And that really scares Jon as he is never going to settle down. And when his co-pilot finds his husband has cheated on him and they are getting a divorce, he knows that is the right choice form him. Matt on the other hand knows that he is falling for Jon and wants to move the relationship further but that is not what Jon signed up for and they break up. This break up was more believable then Colin's breakup in the first book. I loved seeing the guys from the first book. Still loving the secondary characters. Loved them all. We also have a new face in this book who is going to be giving someone a run for his money in the next book and I can't wait to read it. I highly recommend this book.

Excellent read