I was so happy L.A. Witt continued the Skin Deep, Inc. series with Lucas' and Nate's story. Here's to wishing there will be a fourth title!

I'm thinking Cover Up is my favorite of this series so far. I've really enjoyed the other book a lot, but this time around I really liked the characters more than in the other books. I also greatly loved how the Nate goes into Skin Deep to get a consult on covering up his tattoo, only to find a way to cover up something fare more painful. And I get it, I really do. This didn't stop me from being frustrated with Nate's lack of movement. He's a guy who was hurt tremendously, yet isn't doing anything to heal. He's really just covering up the hurt by having fun and falling for Lucas when he never intended to. It was sad, but still frustrating that Nate was so blind to his actions. I think because of this, his inner dialogue became repetitive and that started to get on my nerves a bit.

But then there was Lucas. I really loved him the most. The guy has it together, has his goals, knows what he needs to do and is out there doing it. He works his ass off and that's so attractive. He has a vulnerability that is endearing and made me want nothing but the best things for him. He's just a really amazing character. The fact that he has some self confidence issues with his tattooing only makes him that much more attractive. He's not so self deprecating that he comes off like he's looking for sympathy. No, he genuinely wants to do his job well. And that is again, so freaking attractive.

Lucan and Nate's relationship development moved along so well. I really enjoyed the way the got to know each other, how they slowly fell for each other and how that "hook up sex" became so much more. And speaking of their sex lives, they had it going on. These two are supremely hot in the sack. This isn't really something I am surprised about because Witt really can write her some sex scenes and I loved it.

In the end, I loved this story, not because of one particular thing, but because as a whole it told a story that I think feels really authentic. I can't imagine going through or dealing with what Nate does, nor what Lucas had gone through with his two previous failed marriages. I know marriage is hard work and that I've been really lucky to find a person who gets me and we communicate if we have any issues. Neither Lucas nor Nate had that... not really. So when they find each other and finally make it work, it made the journey of the story worth it for me. This ending with a solid HFN makes it even better because that feels even more authentic.

Recommended.

An ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Nope, nope, nope - this didn't work for me practically from page 1. The dialogue was corny and the character byplay was too juvenile and obvious. Nate is supposed to be around 40 but he didn't act like it - hence my "juvenile" comment above.

I didn't find much about this story to be realistic and frankly it felt like the book was mostly about the sex. I didn't see what brought these two men together; there was a lot of telling, not showing about their relationship. I skipped most of the sex scenes because there were too many of them and they lasted waaaaay too long.

I have not read any of the other books in this series but I have read some reviews about this book and many people say this book is the best of the series. Wow, I really hope that's not true because if it is, there is no way I am going to read the other books.

Also, this story could have been much shorter if the characters didn't rehash every little thing they thought about over and over. Nate, for example, would constantly think about the fact that he hasn't been with another man for 10 years, he just couldn't get off that train and I am like, I get it!! Lucas is the first man you've been with for 10 years! OMG, I am able to retain this info so please stop telling me!!!!!! And Lucas - for some reason - couldn't get over the fact that he botched a woman's tattoo. Yes, that can be a real confidence downer, but holy cow! Stop using that as an excuse and move on, please!

There were more instances of them thinking about their feelings and jobs, etc, that didn't need to be thought about more than once.

Nope, don't recommend. This LA Witt was totally a miss for me, but I will read her again because I love so many of her other stories - Static; Risky Behavior; The Master Will Appear, just to name a few.

This book is off the charts hot. The chemistry is there right off the bat and doesn't taper off at all.

Nate is in the middle of a divorce that is not exactly amicable. For a man who usually keeps his emotions bottled up, he is dealing with it the best way he knows how...by self-medicating with numbing alcohol. And avoidance. Of course.
Lucas is struggling to regain his confidence after a particularly unfortunate tattoo that he did. Between the botched tattoo and his extremely long run of bad sexual encounters, he is sure he just doesn't have luck on his side. Until he meets Nate.

Aside from the great chemistry, there is also emotion. And self-discovery and self-revelations. Nate really grows emotionally toward the end of the story. At one point, toward the end, the author writes a burning metaphor like a freaking boss. I am still thinking about it.
Lucas is strong AF. He is understanding, patient, and kind. Then when he needs to, he does the right thing for himself. He is up front, clear and open about it. There is no big misunderstanding, which I really appreciated.

The resolution for Nate just worked. I liked how it wasn't perfect, that things weren't all happy and joy and BFFs because how realistic could that be in this particular circumstance. His pain was real and realistic. His resolutions were also that.

I loved both characters individually. They were both working through their own struggles and had life experiences that helped them become who they were today. And neither resented the other's experiences.

I do wish the epilogue spent more time on just Lucas and Nate, but I may feel that way because I did not read the other books in this series (this is the first one I have read). If you have read the other books you would probably appreciate the epilogue more than I did as the couples from the other books had prominent page time.

I definitely recommend this book, I quite enjoyed it and finished it in pretty much one sitting.

So evidently I’m not only on a L.A. Witt kick, I’m also on a military kick… Like I’ve mentioned before, L.A. Witt is on a role and I haven’t read all her available titles, but there are a few that I just couldn’t resist. The Skin Deep Inc series is one of them. On a side note, if I hadn’t already decided to go back and read Back Piece (the first book in the series – I have no idea how I missed that one) Cover Up would have made the decision a no-brainer.

Nate pretty much broke my heart in Pounding Skin – his break up with his husband of 10 years almost convinced Jon that true, long standing love didn’t exist. Thankfully, things worked out for Jon and and Matt, but I’m equally thankful that Nate got his chance at a true HEA.

Lucas may have been an apprentice at Skin Deep Inc, but he was really just using that title as a crutch. He was especially talented at covering up tattoos that people weren’t happy with for one reason or another. He could have become a full fledged artist, but he lost his confidence with one screw up. He was still trying to get over it when he met Nate.

I gotta admit, even though I wanted Nate and Lucas to be each other’s HEA, I thought things moved a little too fast. Yet, I felt the connection that these two had. Nate had no intention of getting close to anyone else and Lucas had been burned himself a couple of times. He had no intention of being anyone’s rebound. Love had other plans for these two, but that didn’t mean things were easy.

It was great being with Jon, Matt and the rest of the characters again. Colin and Daniel – who were the first couple introduced in Back Piece – also played a fairly important role in Cover Up. Which is just one of the many reasons why I need to go back and read their story from the beginning. You can read any of these stories as a stand alone, but I bet once you read one, you’re going to want to read them all. 😉

I liked the MC's, they were well rounded characters with interesting back stories and current dilemmas. I like the world the story it's set in, with all it's secondary characters and settings (otherwise I wouldn't be reading the 3rd book in the series).

However I found the plot rather lacking. There wasn't really much going on besides falling into bed every time they saw each other. A shame really because I felt there was plenty to ideas set up to explore but it never really happened. I also found the dialogue a bit awkward and cringey.

However I still enjoyed reading Lucas and Nate's story who had great chemistry and catching up with the previous books MCs. Overall an enjoyable read.

(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review)

I’m a bit on the fence on this third entry to “Skin Deep Inc.” series. It’s the second chance story that involved Nate (who found his husband cheated on him on Pounding Skin) and Lucas, the new apprentice at the Skin Deep Inc. (who botched a client’s tattoo). The overall story is actually fine. It’s just the attraction between Nate and Lucas felt too instant and go too deep too soon for me.

On the flip-side, both men are likable characters. They have (weak) moments which make them regular human beings. And - not that I dislike a bit of smut in my reading - the series of vertical and horizontal tangos these guys doing on any surface and position are a bit too much. I get that that’s the idea of having an affair’s all about (duh!) ...lust, sexual attractions. But I guess I just hope there’s more than chapters of steamy scenes.

Having said that, Cover Up concludes the “Skin Deep Inc.” nicely in the way the tie-up (in the literal sense of the word) of the first couple in this series. That this side story aiding the culmination to Nate and Lucas’s affair is done nicely. Only, I feel the conclusion’s done in a mad dash to the finish line. Just when I need some sort of grand gesture or groveling, there’s nada! Yes, I’m glad Nate and Lucas get to start their happy beginning. But I’m not too fond of the way they go about it. Bummer.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately I couldn't get into this book. I kept putting it down and picking it back up but it was very repetitive and I found myself not caring about the romance or the characters. Sadly, this was a DNF for me.

The last book in the Skin Deep Inc. series deals with Nate, Jon's RIO, hero of Pounding Skin, and the new member in the tattooshop, Lucas.

At the end of Pounding Skin we got a small excerpt of the book and I can only say: I was thirsty to read this book. <3

Lucas and Nate are right from the start attracted to each other, the sexual tension is there, prominent and both guys can't keep their hands from each other. Literally. Groping, touching, sucking, liking, kissing... you name it. <3

The book is full of hot sex, and it seems no surface is save from them. :D
Between all the sex the problem with Nate's divorce is dealt with but it takes a long time until Nate is really over his shattered past.

I really loved how mature Lucas was displayed, although he is described as a beautiful man with the bluest eyes and kissable lips, showing a youngish face, so people mistake him being younger. Lucas isn't shy of what he wants and it's clear he dealt with a lot of things in the past, emotionally but in the sensual corner too ;). It was pretty refreshing and I really liked it. I was also pretty astonished at the events at the end and it gave the book its thrill.

Nate is older than Lucas but sometimes it feels more reversed, but it's not necessary something bad. Some parts in the book Nate is calm, the mature one, other parts he loses his confidence. It's clear he hasn't coped the broken relationship with his ex-husband and his insta-lust between him and Lucas is a welcome distraction. This was a good development in the book, L.A. Witt knows how to make her characters vulnerable. They become human in those scenes and we have a lot of internal and external struggle.

The reappearing characters are well known from Back Piece and Pounding Skin. It's sweet to see them, see the established couples and the way all those different guys have such a great friendship. :3 And the scenes with Colin and Daniel are so sweet. :3

Another aspect I really liked about the book were the explanations of military related terms, the way how things work and what Nate's tasks are. Also Lucas's experience as a tattooist is shown and he explaines his work field. This insight is pretty cool and it gives the book substance.

The book has its ups and downs, the reader's attention is constantly picked and it has thrilling parts. 5 out of 5 stars for this. :3 I asume there won't be any other books in the series but I would never say never. :) Would be nice to see the guys again, whereever it may it be. :)

Review originally posted on my blog with added content on Mikku-chan / A world full of words

Nate is divorcing and goes to Skin Deep to get his tattoo covered up. Lucas is an apprentice at the shop and when these two meet, sparks fly. This read is very emotional as Nate was deeply hurt when his husband cheated and is working to move forward. The question is will this just be a bit of fun between Lucas and Nate or can this be more? I liked the characters as well as the story. A good read.

The Skin Deep, Inc. series started out on a high note, but has been unable to sustain it over the last two books. In Cover Up (perfect title, btw), Nate meets tattoo artist Lucas when he goes for a consultation to cover up a tattoo he and his soon-to-be ex-husband got together. For the first time in a long time, he finds himself attracted to a man, and he and Lucas embark on a casual, no-strings sexual relationship. Except, Nate has never been a casual, no-strings kind of man. I liked Nate and Lucas a lot. They are both very appealing characters, however, Nate’s denial and steadfast refusal to talk about or deal with his emotions regarding the end of his ten-year relationship were frustrating (for me, and Lucas!), and obviously going to lead to trouble. Given the nature of their relationship, a multitude of sex scenes make perfect sense, but I honestly got tired of them after a while. I wanted the two men to spend more time talking and getting to know each other better, to build their relationship beyond sex. The few scenes where they did spend time outside the bedroom, were some of my favorites, but they were much too rare, for me. When the inevitable fallout from Nate’s refusal to deal with his life came to fruition, I totally felt the emotional pain he was going through, but I felt it was too rushed. The speed at which he suddenly recognized what he was burying instead of processing, and the manner in which it was resolved just didn’t work for me. I guess I wanted more from Nate, more of the hard work it takes to get over the end of a long term relationship. For me, Cover Up was a disappointment.

I just love this series. The books always leave me with a smile on my face. :)

Whenever I see another ARC pop up in my inbox, I just squeal for joy(yes literally) because it's always like a great unexpected gift you know? ^_^

Now to this book! The thing I loved most was the the seamless way the relationship between Nate and Lucas progressed from just physical fulfillment to emotional. It felt very real .

The other thing I loved was the sexy smexy times! The chemistry between these two was off the chain hotness! Add in the fact that they are both versatile in bed and my mind was blown again and again throughout the story. *fans self furiously *

This was fairly low angst with the only drama centering around Nate's ex-husband. Though I thought the story could've done without it, I felt Lucas's points were valid and the way he handled the situation was very mature. I'm also glad that Nate didn't fall on his pride as a buffer but worked on himself. It also spoke to the strength of his character in my opinion.

Writing-wise, everything was peachy as usual. We also got some updates on the two previous couples from the first two books which I really loved.

I couldn't tell if this was the final book in the series (though I really hope not) , but if there are any more books in the pipeline, you can bet I'll be first in line!

Favorite of the series!

One thing I've loved the most about this series is the ease in which L.A. Witt writes the evolution of the relationships, and that shines brightest for me in this book.

Both Lucas and Nate have dealt with divorces in their lives, most recently for Nate, so they were able to understand each other when it came to hesitations about any type of serious commitment. Easy...they both wanted easy. And with the electric connection these two share right from the start, they had plenty of activities to keep their minds off of anything beyond their attraction and libido.

But you know how it goes...those pesky feelings find a way of creeping in, especially when it's so easy to be around each other. Beyond the bedroom there was a comfort that settled something for both men.

However, I understood Lucas's insecurities about being nothing more than a rebound and I sympathized with Nate's turmoil with reconciling his bitter feelings about his divorce and the quickly growing feelings for Lucas.

Even though Nate primarily went with an avoidance technique, when everything finally caught up to him, my heart broke.

But even with all that, the angst was fairly low in the book...while the heat was notched up to scorching! There were moments of slow and sensual intermixed with frenzied and passionate and all of it just kept building and deepening the connection between the two men.

The epilogue was sweet and gave a look into where each of the couples in this series are heading...for some it's wedding bells for others it's building a home. But no matter what, it's clear they are all in love and have a happy future ahead of them.

Nate Chandler gave ten years to the man who ended up breaking his heart when he cheated on Nate—in their own bed. Never one for random hookups in the first place, Nate was left furious and unsteady when the forever he was counting on disappeared in an instant. Moving on would be so much easier if he could erase Caleb—and that matching tattoo—from his life. And isn’t it lucky that the “cover-up wizard” at the local tattoo shop also happens to be just as gorgeous as the art he creates?

Working two part-time jobs in addition to keeping up his apprenticeship at Skin Deep, Inc. doesn’t leave Lucas Brandt much time for anything else. Especially not romance, given his history of bad decisions and more recent pattern of disastrous sexual encounters. Even so, he can’t deny the undeniable heat that the recently separated and still hurting RIO stokes in him from their very first meeting. And, really, if being with Nate feels this good without any strings attached, there’s no way Lucas is going to fight it.

Having met Nate and Lucas in the previous story, Pounding Skin, it was fairly easy to jump right into Cover Up without any backtracking. Lucas, in particular, piqued my interest before, so I was very excited to see how his story might play out. For most of the narrative, I stayed connected to what was going on with Lucas and Nate, and was either eager for them to sort things out or worried that the overall surface was too smooth by turns. It wasn’t until the relationship was still predominantly rooted in the bedroom when both men’s feelings had clearly evolved further that I began to hope for more.

Although I liked each of the main characters, I definitely have a particular fondness for Lucas. Open about his sexuality, his major worries are about paying off his student loans and getting his confidence back after a mistake on a tattoo leaves him rattled. As for his relationship with Nate, he knows exactly what the situation is, but is just happy to feel good when he can, and makes a conscious choice to let himself keep falling. When he finally realizes that things can’t continue as they had been, I couldn’t help hurting for him.

As I have an admitted weakness for returning characters that I like, Cover Up had plenty to keep me happy. In addition to seeing Matt and Jon again, the entire Skin Deep, Inc. crew make repeated appearances, and Colin and Daniel (from Back Piece) have a couple of extremely significant scenes that I loved. Daniel had been away on a six-month deployment, and the reunion was certainly a good one.

Overall, I think Cover Up is a nice addition to the Skin Deep, Inc. novels. Nate and Lucas were a good match for one another in quite a few ways, though I’d have liked to have seen more of them out in the world, either alone or together. While the sex scenes did get a bit repetitive, I still wanted them to work everything out a great deal, and I believe that solution they arrived at is right for them—for now. Although each story can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading them all from the beginning, especially since some of the other characters feature so prominently here. I’m not sure if there will be another in this series, but I’d be happy to see everyone again, regardless.

Cover Up by L.A. Witt is the third story in the Skin Deep, Inc. series, set with a tattoo shop as the background. It’s the first story of the series that I’ve read but is easily picked up as a standalone, with some previous story characters making significant appearances. It’s also made me move those earlier books up my TBR because if they are anything like this one they promise to be thoroughly entertaining!

Nate Chandler is a Navy pilot going through a painful divorce from his husband of ten years. With thoughts of eradicating their life together, he’s come to Skin Deep, Inc. to get a tattoo covered, a matching part of a pair he and his ex-husband got early in their relationship. At the shop he meets apprentice Lucas Brandt, a younger, vibrant, talented man who pushes all the right buttons for him after he’s been feeling dead inside for far too long. Even though he’s only in his twenties, bisexual Lucas has gone through two divorces himself and is empathetic to Nate’s situation. He’s definitely not in the market for a long term romance, and neither is Nate. On the other hand a feel good fling sounds perfect. But if they start to get serious about each other, will it be because Nate is on the rebound or because they really belong together?

I really enjoyed this story! Though there is a fair amount of emotion to it, especially as Nate comes to grips with his grief over his divorce, I didn’t find it depressing. Rather, it was cathartic to have Nate come full circle and be ready to give his heart again. Lucas is smart enough to realize that Nate is covering up his feelings when they first meet, and is okay with that since he’s not interested in a relationship. But as they become emotionally connected, it’s no longer enough for Lucas to be the mask Nate wears to avoid facing his grief.

Because of their age difference (not huge, but definitely a difference between being in your twenties and in your thirties), part of the plot revolves around where they are in their careers. Lucas is just starting out as a tattoo artist, dealing with family who are not very supportive, and mistakes he’s made that make him question his abilities. Nate on the other hand is fully established and confident in his career as a pilot. But while Nate is older and wiser when it comes to the working world, it’s Lucas who assumes more control in the bedroom. There is no doubt they are hot together, with several steamy scenes that while at first are only about sex, quickly become more emotionally compelling for them too.

There are several great scenes involving other characters from the two previous stories in the series, showing them moving on with their lives. Nate’s copilot is a true friend who isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions. Nate and Lucas go through some ups and downs and have to work to get their happy ending but it is a very satisfying one, complete with a really sweet epilogue. Cover Up is a sexy, emotional, engaging read.

This review has been posted at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews and feedback updated with the link. It has been posted on sale sites Amazon, BN and Kobo.

I really enjoyed the latest installment in this series. Nate and Lucas really stole my heart. I couldn't help rooting for them to get together then fall in love.
This book was everything I have come to expect from LA Witt; hot, steamy, emotional.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley

This is the third book in the Skin Deep Inc series and the one I was most looking forward to. I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it as much as I expected to. I loved Nate from the second book and his marriage crumbling at the end of that book had me so looking forward to his story.

This book resumes right where book two ended with Nate divorcing Caleb whom he caught cheating on him at the end of book two. Nate is having trouble dealing with the loss of his ten year marriage and has found himself with no sexual drive and really just going through the motions in everything. He decides to cover up the tattoo he and his soon to be ex-husband got and that's where he meets Lucas. Nate finds himself extremely attracted to Lucas and for the first time since finding Caleb cheating on him he's feeling something. Lucas and Nate embark on a sexual relationship that moves into a friends with benefits but Nate is hiding and isn't dealing with his divorce or his feelings over the end of his marriage.

I really enjoyed the first 50% of the book but I kept expecting Nate to start to deal with his feelings and for the divorce to play a bigger role in the story. Unfortunately IMO there wasn't much of a story in this book. A whole lot of sex which at first was really hot but actually became a bit repetitive. I loved the soft touches and sweet moments between the two guys but there wasn't much meaningful conversation and very few interactions with anyone but just the two of them alone together having or recovering form sex. There was so much potential for Nate to deal with his divorce and I guess I expected more angst. In fact, when Lucas finally realizes/admits Nate is using him to cover up/hide from his divorce the book is almost over and the resolution happens within pages. It also didn't feel like there was much lead-up to this resolution and I wanted more emotion, more angst and more story for Nate and more angst and emotion from Lucas as he realizes that he has fallen for Nate but Nate isn't dealing with his divorce.

I did enjoy the scenes with Colin and Daniel and the brief scenes with Jon and Matt and overall I liked this book but I wanted to love it. Overall a series, some more than others but I like the characters and find this an enjoyable series so if there is a fourth book I'll be reading it.


A copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion

This is not my normal kind of book. I normally go for M/F but I thought I would give this book ago. It is a really great book and was a enjoy to read something different for a change. The author has done a really good job with this book and should be proud of it. Would recommend

I really enjoyed this book. Although it is part of a series, I didn't read the first (but I want to now!) and that didn't hinder my reading experience or the story line.

A lot of times books are one main character or the other unwilling to get into a relationship. For a myriad of reasons. This time it was BOTH main characters who weren't looking for anything serious. But it snuck up on them and found them anyway.

Instead of one guy chipping away at the proverbial wall around the other's heart, they are both content to continue as they are. Until they both realize that there is way more to what is happening than a convenient hook up. They enjoy each other, spending time together, hanging out together. Neither was pushing the other away in fear. It was refreshing.

They were romantic without meaning too and sexy as hell. There is a lot of sex in this book. A LOT. But it wasn't repetitive or boring.

Naturally there comes conflict. But the conflict was so....mature. Not a big dramatic fight. No giant misunderstanding. It was really well thought out and well written.

A good read that I would absolutely recommend

This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. It is a MM romance with engaging characters and a wonderful storyline. It deals with the art of tattoos, which I knew little about, so it was really fascinating to learn how that business operates. The characters are well developed and having not read any of the previous stories in the series, I was not at a loss at all. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be adding the series to my TBR pile.