Brittany's Book Blog
A place for reviews on romance novels
Marks on my Skin
by J.A. Howell
Kieran Donovan
**Not for readers under the age of 18+. Contains language, explicit sex, and adult situations.**
Kieran Donovan has always been a doormat to the women in his life. Begging his wife not to leave after finding her in bed with not one—but five men—only provides further proof of that.
In need of an escape from an empty house and a broken heart, Kieran heads to Midtown to see his estranged brother, Liam. There he meets Shayne Wickham, Liam’s best friend. Shayne’s dark and sexy with a wild streak a mile long and a sexual appetite for things Kieran’s never even dreamed of doing. But after an intense, and all too brief encounter, he’s more than willing to learn. Despite the usual safeguards Shayne keeps around herself and her own wounded heart, she finds herself more than willing to show him the ropes…and the floggers…and the paddles.
Kieran’s never seen himself as dominant in any aspect of his life. But when Shayne submits herself to him, it ignites an inner strength and hunger he never knew he had—and feelings Shayne didn’t know she could have. So used to keeping others at an arm’s length, the ease with which she finds herself trusting Kieran is both exciting and unsettling. Could Kieran be someone she could finally trust her heart to—or will he leave her scarred like everyone else?
Just another mark on her skin.
Review by Brittany
When I saw the first teaser for this book, I knew I had to read it. J.A. Howell gifted me a copy, and I was not disappointed. This book was phenomenal.
Kieran, and handsome Irishman, was happy with his wife. Well, that was until Kieran walked in on his wife having sex with not just one man, but FIVE other men. Kieran was stunned to learn that his wife no longer loved him, so he left to spend time with his brothers in Rhode Island. Shayne works with Kieran’s brother Liam in their tattoo shop. When Kieran walked in one day, Shayne’s world turned upside down. She felt an irresistible pull towards him, but struggled with those feelings.
Kieran discovered that Shayne was into more than just plain old vanilla sex. She was into BDSM. Kieran also discovered that he loved being a Dominant, especially over Shayne.
Both Kieran and Shayne wanted a relationship. Shayne was ready to tell him that she wanted to be with him when she found him and his wife having a talk. What Kendall brings to the table will forever change Kieran and Shayne. Kieran must leave with Kendall to go back to California, leaving Shayne devastated. Can Shayne move on from the only person she may have ever loved?
I absolutely loved this book. One hundred percent. Five stars. J.A. Howell blew me away. I love these types of erotic romance, with the BDSM thrown into the mix. I love seeing two characters fall in love. That’s what this book was.
I loved the story line, so much. Especially the chapter titled “The Lube Incident.” Freaking hilarious, you have to check it out.
I enjoyed watching Shayne and Kieran both break out into their true selves. They both started out as shells of themselves, but when they met, sparks flew, personalities blossomed, secrets were shared, and love bloomed.
The only thing I had a problem with, was the accent. I get it, their Irishmen. It was difficult for me at first, to get used to the dialect. I sometimes had to hold in my laughter, cause the voice in my head sounded really funny. But I soon got into it. It was apart of who Kieran and his brothers were.
Again, five stars for this fantastic novel by J.A. Howell that is filled with hot sex, finding love, and new relationships. I would love to read a story about Darren, Liam, or Niall. Hint, hint.
