For those who don’t know, Ava Gray is Ann Aguirre so, yes, be excited about this either way. Plus, the ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) is signed. There’s a catch though which I explain at the end of telling you all about this book.
Skin Game, by Ava Gray
A Beautiful Fugitive — Wanted Dead or Alive
Kyra is a con woman and a particular kind of thief. She steals with a touch, but she only takes one thing: her target’s strongest skill. Which means she can be a fighter, an athlete, a musician, an artist — anything she wants… for a limited time. Heartbroken, she turns her gift toward avenging her father’s murder. With deadly patience, Kyra works her way into casino owner Gerrard Serrano’s inner circle. After pulling off the ultimate con, she flees with his money and his pride.
A Hit Man Who Never Misses the Mark
Reyes has nothing but his work. Unfortunately for Kyra, he’s the best– and mercy never sways him once he takes a job. He’s been hired to find out where Kyra hid the cash– and bring her back to face Serrano’s "justice." Dead will do if Reyes can’t locate the loot. He’s never failed to complete a contract, but Kyra tempts him with her fierce passion and her outlaw heart. So Reyes faces a hell of a choice: forsake his word or kill the woman he might love.
Purchase Skin Game, read an excerpt
Road Trip!!
This is a great Road Trip book. For anybody who’s longing for a paranormal that’s not the usual supernatural creature, this is the story is for you. If you just like great characters and even better writing, you’ll want to read this book, too.
Skin Game is a wonderful Urban Fantasy Romance. I have no idea if there is such a genre, but this book is it. The world is contemporary, a bit gritty — life isn’t always easy– and features a heroine who breaks every romance stereotype you ever read. I adored Kyra. Gray created a real person, flaws and all, with a life you can’t help but admire.
I loved watching Reyes fall for Kyra, too. The moment when Kyra reveals the truth about her particular talent was beautifully done and never overwhelmed the story at any point. Plus, this book features what must be the best, most romantic, make up scene ever. The hero and heroine are adults and they behave like it, even when things aren’t going well for them. (Yes! Total win!!)
Skin Game put me in mind of John D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee series. I loved McGee’s off-the-grid life, his quirky car and boat and the way he kept falling head over heels for a woman who either dumped him or died a tragic death. At the end of every book McGee and his broken heart would sail off in his boat.
Gray’s book reminded me of MacDonald’s series because of some really first-rate writing, its grittier setting and the delicious pairing of two loners who don’t mind being alone, by the way. The difference being, of course, that there’s a happy ending for the couple at the end.
The secondary characters and plotlines are strong and interesting and they never did quite what I expected. I can’t wait for Skin Tight which appears to feature Kyra’s friend Mia. Hoo boy!
So, Carolyn, How can I Possibly Win This Signed ARC of Skin Game?
I’m so glad you asked! It’s easy. There’s 3 things you need to do.
- Leave a comment to this post in which you either tell a joke and/or mention why you’d love to read this book
- If you win, agree to post an honest, thoughtful review of the book on your own website or here, if you don’t have a website or blog.
- Leave me a way to contact you or else check back here on Wednesday August 26th to see if you’ve won
See? Easy! Please keep in mind that I have read this ARC, so it’s as gently used as I could manage.
Go forth and comment!
