Violet has had feelings for Hudson for years but he had not wanted to start dating again after his failed engagement. However, they are best friends and work together at Hudson's tattoo parlor. Hudson's motorcycle accident and knowing that he could have died really changes everything for the both of them. But Violet believes that she is not good enough for someone like Hudson, but Hudson knows what he wants and that is her.

Violet needs to apply for grants to get money to build a learning center for kids with learning disabilities, which is a long process and more than likely will get denied. Hudson needs money to pay the rent on the tattoo shop for the next year and neither of them are sure if that is going to happen. When Violet is commissioned to paint a nude portrait, Hudson is requested specifically. So when she goes to him with the proposition, he jumps on the opportunity because they will get to spend time together. This opportunity allows Hudson to show her just how much he wants to be with her.

I love these two characters together. They make each other stronger. It is also fun to watch friends go to more because they get to skip past the awkward first date. They already know each other. Skin Deep is a fun and sweet read. I recommend this book.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review.

Such a lovely friends to lovers romance!

This is the story of Violet and Hudson, two tattoo artists who start as co-workers and friends, end up as boss and employee and than so much more.

Their story felt so complete, it features so much, so many feelings but never overwhelming. From their growing closeness, his grief over his father's death when he was a young boy, a very particular client which brings up a hard subject and an unexpected friendship, it all forms a roller coaster of feelings that are so nicely put into words.

Both Hudson and Violet are wonderful characters, both caring and supportive, no matter how hard it is for them to let go of their protective. The ending is the best example for that.

What I loved the most about this book is how the feelings and the heat only grows after they start to get together, unlike other books featuring the same trope. It only gets better - as the book progresses, things get really, really heated and the feelings as well. And this is a very special thing about this book, the sensual moments are so abundant! And very hot!

I think this story started from the fun idea that got them together and it evolved in a charming, complete book merged into the Prescott's universe. A lovely read.

I received a copy of this in order to offer my personal view on it.

Violet and Hudsons story was everything a friend-zoned person's fairytale is made of , after all the angst and indecision of course! It is also steamy so an extra star just for that! I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley.

3.5 Stars
This is a hot love story between two very good friends. Violet and Hudson start something out of grief and condolence but Hudson is determined to fight Violet's fears. Short hot story.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley

Violet MacAllister started working at Brooklyn Skin Works three years ago. Whilst she has always struggled with words and reading due to her dyslexia, art is something she has excelled at. Gaining her MFA at NYU with the goal of starting a non-profit organisation offering art classes to those with learning difficulties. Working at the tattoo studio to pay her way whilst she applies for grants etc. Holding a candle for the owner Hudson who she has become good friends over the years.

Losing his father during the 9/11 terror attacks has a big effect on Husdon Prescott. Turning to his art to navigate his way through things, he was so proud to open his own tattoo studio Brooklyn Skin Works. Although he was devastated when his then-fiance Jessica called things off the night before the wedding. He has thrown himself into his shop and loves his friendship with Violet, depending on her and involving her in his family event. Allowing himself to be vulnerable with her as the anniversary of his father’s death comes around.

Finally crossing the friendship line, Violet should be ecstatic, however, she can’t help but think that it was just because he needed some comfort. For Hudson, however, as soon as he kissed Violet it was as though his eyes had been opened to what had been in front of him all this time. Violet wants to be friends but Hudson wants so much more and needs a way to show her that they could be great together. A commission opportunity for Violet has the two of them working together in a different way, forcing Violet to share her true feelings with him – but what happens when insecurities and lost opportunities happen?

Skin Deep is about friends, Violet and Hudson, slowly moving their friendship to something more. The romance had a pretty slow buildup, but I really liked both Hudson and Violet. I'm giving this book only 4 stars because the book felt like it ended so abruptly. It didn't feel finished. It was so good until that point and was on its way to a 5 star review, but the ending was just too quick. What is really sad is that it could have ended at about 75% and I would have been satisfied and given it 5 stars, but it was like the author wanted to make it longer, so added a few more chapters that actually detracted from the HEA. Sorry, only 4 stars.

Hudson and Violet are book couple goals!

I'm always a little apprehensive when I begin reading a new-to-me author, but Tara Wyatt quickly put that apprehension at bay with Skin Deep.

The story follows two best friends, and also co-workers, who take on an unusual request in order to raise funds for things that are deeply personal to each of them. Through their late nights and early mornings working together, the two grow closer as boundaries are tested.

Skin Deep is full of steam, lovable characters, and a heartfelt storyline of friendship and love.

Skin Deep by Tara Wyatt
The Prescotts #8

Friends to lovers romance for two artist friends that have worked together for years – nice easy somewhat steamy story that sees a happy couple together.

What I liked:
* Violet: artist, dyslexic, bullied early in live, talented, dreams of setting up a project to assist youth through art to as it helped her, has had a crush on Hudson for a while, works as a tattoo artist
* Hudson: artist, tattoo shop owner and artist, lost father in 9/11, jilted by fiancé in past, guarded and closed off from dating, wakes up one day to realize Violet might be the one
* The families of both main characters and seeing them interact together
* Eunice: wealthy art patron, commissions painting from Violet that has Hudson as the centerpiece
* The way Hudson and Violet were there for one another
* That I could see Hudson and Violet together and felt they were well suited
* That the ending reminded me a bit of an O’Henry story – specifically – The Gift of the Magi
* That it is able to stand alone without having read previous books in the series – I have not read the others and was fine

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how difficult it would be to be different and bullied for it
* One of the customers that came in for a tattoo

Did I enjoy this story? Yes
Would I read more by this author? YES

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing Co-op for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

I love a good friends to lovers, motorcycle riding tattooed guy, tattoo artist book. This felt like a slight reverse grumpy sunshine but not quite. I thought this book had tons of potential but was a bit too short. Also felt repetitive about how much things were different between violet and Jessica. I also didn’t love how it ended so abruptly. What were the secrets that he told her dad. I feel like this book is missing the epilogue.

4.25stars- SKIN DEEP is the eighth instalment in Tara Wyatt’s contemporary, adult THE PRESCOTTS erotic,romance series. This is tattoo artists thirty-three year old Hudson Prescott, and twenty-eight year old Violet MacAllister’s story line. SKIN DEEP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Violet and Hudson) SKIN DEEP follows the building romance and relationship between tattoo artists thirty-three year old Hudson Prescott, and twenty-eight year old Violet MacAllister. Violet MacAllister is first and foremost an artist who volunteers at a program for children with learning disabilities, something close to her heart. Working with Hudson Prescott at Brooklyn Skin Work forces Violet to tamp down her attraction to her best friend, a friendship that may be threatened if they should cross a line but in the wake of Hudson’s motorcycle accident, the shop is struggling to survive, and Violet must make a choice between the present and the future. With an offer Violet cannot refuse comes a caveat involving the man that she loves, a caveat that place Violet and Hudson up close and personal. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Violet and Hudson,and the potential fall-out as Hudson struggles to move from the past, and Violet doesn’t want a possible sexual relationship to destroy their tight-knit friendship.

Hudson Prescott continues to struggle with the loss of his father, and his mother’s insistence that he finally settle down. Losing his tattoo shop isn’t an option, and Hudson must come to terms with what and who he wants going forward. Violet has always wanted to open a center for children with disabilities, focusing on art therapy as a way to survive but losing Hudson would destroy her heart, and our heroine must come to a decision about her future, going forward.

The relationship between Hudson and Violet is one of immediate attraction, an employee and employer, a friends to lovers relationship in which Violet battles between head and heart believing she is not worthy, or good enough for our story line hero. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar secondary and supporting characters including all of Hudson’s siblings and cousins, as well as Violet’s parents, and Hudson’s ex fiancée Jessica.

SKIN DEEP is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love; of loss and grief, memories and dreams, acceptance and love all wrapped in a ‘Gift of the Magi’ themed generosity and benevolence. The premise is emotional and heart warming; the romance is provocative and intense; the characters are captivating and charismatic


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Skin Deep by Tara Wyatt
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 spicy
Friends 👩🏼‍🦱🧔🏻‍♂️ ➡️ lovers 👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏻
Quick read
Warm and fuzzy
Artist 👩🏼‍🎨

This is book 8 in Tara’s “The Prescotts” series. I have personally not read book 1-7, so these books are great stand alone books, but characters from previous books are mentioned throughout the series.

In this book we follow Hudson, a 33 year old tattooist who owns his own shop, and 28 year old Violet, who is a starving artist so to speak and works for Hudson. Emotions and stakes are high when walls start crumbling and they are forced to face their true feelings.

What I loved:
I loved the easy going friendship these two had. It gives you those warm and fuzzy feelings.
Those spicy scenes 🥵
The happy ending

What I don’t love:
It seemed a bit rushed in places.
Violet’s character lacked a bit of depth and backstory.

This book was so much fun and it was great seeing a healthy relationship in a romance book because let’s be honest most couples in romance books you would tell to break up if you knew them in real life.

I’m a big fan of friends to lovers if it’s done right and Tara Wyatt did it right and the spice. THE SPICE. Yes thank you.

Of course it was a very short story and I do give it so much love for portraying a healthy relationship but did feel like there wasn’t much going on. I know, it’s a spicy romance book but just a tiny bit more plot would have been nice. It didn’t feel like there was any stakes in the things the characters had to overcome.

I’m giving the book 4(I wish I could give it 3,5 stars) stars for the spice and the healthy relationship but I just needed a little bit more.

I really enjoyed this book. The writing was good and the author had some amazing turns of phrase. The book had actual plot and enough action it kept me wanting to read more. It had open door bedroom scenes but it didn’t rush to get to them. The female main character had spunk and didn’t wilt into a puddle at the first sign of trouble.

A nice addition to this series. In Hudson and Violet’s story we see the very sensitive subject of dyslexia and it’s affects on her and her view of herself. Hudson is dealing with the loss of his father and being left by his bride to be, but in this novel friends become lovers and both get the HEA they deserve. Very well written.

The story hooked me from the start. Friends Hudson and Violet don’t know they want each other until it happens. It’s a quick fast paced friends to lovers romance with a lot of spice (great if you like very graphic spice). I loved that it wasn’t just a complete spice novel and still had a backstory to it. I loved to learn more about the MCs and what made them who they are but I wish some storylines weren’t as pushed away as they were once MCs got together. I wanted to see more of Violet’s thought and art process, I would’ve like to have more development from Hudson. I know I didn’t read the previous books which could be the reason why I am missing some key information. Overall I really enjoyed it, it was a perfectly light and quick book and I will definitely pick up the other books in the series.

Skin Deep, was a beautiful, fast-paced love story, that I couldn't put down. While focusing on a blooming love between two broken but perfect characters, but there is also lessons to learn. Violet has severe dyslexia and because of this she suffered a lot of bullying and scrutiny. Rather than letting this effect her, she embraces it in the most selfless way. Hudson has went through his own trials and tribulations, from loosing his father during 9/11 to a runaway bride. But neither of them let this effect their epic love story. While showing no matter the things that haunt our pasts, we still have a future to live. Great read! Recommend if you're looking for a quick, light read.

I absolutely loved this story about friends who become lovers and then a couple.
Growing up with dyslexia, Violet MacAllister was bullied mercilessly, making her feel as though she would never be good enough. And she believed it—until she found art and a new way of expressing herself. Hudson Prescott has been through a lot. He lost his father as a child, his fiancée jilted him, and six months ago, he was in a terrifying motorcycle accident that could’ve cost him his life.
Violet has been pining over her best friend Hudson for years. He’s everything she could ever want—sensitive, artistic, hard-working, smart, and so, so hot—but she knows they’ll only ever be friends. But one emotional night, everything changes, and suddenly Hudson’s seeing Violet in a different light. So when Violet has a proposition for him—one that involves her painting a nude portrait of him—he agrees. Because now that his eyes are open, he’ll do anything to make her see she’s the one for him.
This book is all about the importance of friendship and commitment. Violet has some serious self-esteem issues and believes she is not enough for someone like Hudson. He adores her, but once he opens his eyes about how special she is, he’s going to do whatever it takes to have her.
This story is beautiful and sweet, full of deep and emotional moments, but also hot and steamy. The sexy times are many and out of this world. Especially the ones when she is painting him without clothes. I read this book in one siting, I couldn’t stop reading it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Friends, artists and lovers....

Both Violet and Hudson are a lot a like. Friends, yes, of course. Co-workers, yep. They both have issues in their past and recent pasts, challenges to overcome, dyslexia for Violet, Hudson, a loss of a parent, being dumped by his fiancee and an accident.
They don't want to cross the line, but they do. Violet has been pining, and Hudson has been blind. But it takes getting nekkid for them to really see each other.

Skin Deep is the latest release in the Prescott series (each book can be read as a standalone, but characters are fluid throughout). Violet has struggled with dyslexia her entire life and even though she comes to terms with her disability as an adult, she still harbors some residual trauma from her past. Hudson is dealing with his own trauma and grief after losing his father in the terrorist attacks of 9/11. They work together at Hudson's tattoo parlor, but question whether their friendship is worth potentially ruining by seeking more... or maybe they'll find out that it's worth the risk and the reward is even greater.

Skin Deep deals with some heavy issues (death of a parent, terrorist attacks, learning disabilities) but handles them in a simple and straightforward manner. Violet and Hudson are so sweet together and the way he cares for her is.... *sigh*.... why I read these books. This is an open door romance (if you've read any of Wyatt's past books then you know) and the steam is next-level. A heart-warming story of friends to lovers with a HEA.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first book by the author so I didn’t knew what to expect apart from seeing her name around on here.
I enjoyed the book. The characters have growth and the story touches quite a few sensitive topics that have been dealt with well in my opinion.
The friendship and fear of losing it by delving into those lusty feelings was real for both Violet and Huston . I loved how supportive his family was in the end and what she did to help out so many other people with dislexia.
A quick read, full of swoon worthy moments and lots of chemistry and love.

Very grateful to the publisher/author for my review copy through NetGalley