Skin Deep

Santa's Shorts

by Poppy Flynn, Fortune Literary Services (editor)

Penny and Josh had been best friends in school until suddenly they weren’t, and losing the boy she’d secretly crushed on had a lasting effect on Penny.

A decade later Josh has transformed, but that didn’t matter. Penny had always known that beauty was only skin deep.

When he started college, the tubby, bespectacled nerd Josh had been decided to take a step away from the girl he loved with all of his teenage heart, convinced he was dragging Penny down.

A decade later their paths cross again. But can they turn back the clock?

Penny wasn’t so sure. After all, if the young, pleasantly plump, geeky Josh hadn’t wanted her, then this super-hot, drop dead gorgeous incarnation certainly wasn’t going to look twice. Was he?

*Previously released as part of the New Year, New Me Anthology

54 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2023

Reviews

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read as two old friends accidentally met at a five star hotel on boxing day. Josh and Penny were bestfriends in high school, but after he graduated going off to college leaving her behind. They lost touch. They were both bullied through school so he thought breaking ties with her might help her, but it only made matters worse. For Christmas her mother gave her a week of pampering at this hotel and had dropped her off. She could not cancel the room and get the money back or get dinner reservations at hotel restaurant, and there was no room service that day. She tried calling a cab to take her home, since she lived ten miles away, but there was no cabs available. Her room had been trashed, and housekeeping was unavailable. Josh was there with a penthouse suite and an extra bedroom to solve all her problems. She had dinner with him at his table where they watched the hotel manager have his extremely long business dinner with a beautiful young woman. The manager was a guy, they had went to school with that had bullied both of them. They even had a run in with him at the hotel's New Year's Eve Ball, where he had to throw derogatory comments at both of them. Very poor taste for management of the hotel to speak to guest like that, he should know better than that. A couple of wonderful surprises await you in this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Penny. It seemed as if everything that could go wrong did. After being given a week at a hotel spa by her mother for Christmas, she arrived to find the restaurant fully booked for dinner and her room completely uninhabitable. Just as she’s about the throw in the towel, she runs into a blast from her past. I don’t know what it was about Josh that struck a chord, but I felt an immediate connection. Perhaps it was the way he was described as a plump nerd during his school days that made him seem more genuine than if he’s been introduced as the hot, hunk that ran into Penny. In any case, Josh’s decision to step away from Penny back then and the subsequent loss of her best friend had affected both their lives over the intervening decade and Penny wasn’t sure she wanted to revisit that pain. However, the fact that Josh was all too willing to be her knight in shining armor simply proved their feelings have never changed and I loved watching them reconnect and start a new chapter in their lives. I also got a little thrill seeing one of Penny’s bullies get his at the end, which was like a little cherry on top!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance that sees two high school best friends reunited 10 years later at a hotel where Penny can't get a room so Josh comes to the rescue and lets her stay in his room. While the story is steamy, it's relatively mild in comparison to some of the author's other works. That was a bit of a disappointment to me since that was one of the reasons for choosing to read this story. Also, I didn't get where the spanking thing came from. It was a bit out of left field when it happened in the scene and then it wasn't discussed in depth afterwards, only a brief thought the next morning when Penny says she didn't mind it. It just didn't flow with the cadence of the story. I did thoroughly enjoy the comeuppance that Brad gets at the end. It was worth finishing the story to see that happen. If this is the first book you are reading by this author, don't let it influence you and turn you away. I recommend reading more of her work, especially the Masters of Paradise series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny (h) and Josh (H), close friends in high school whose paths diverged when circumstances led to their separation, meet again after a decade with a chance meeting at a spa resort. Penny's day, teetering on the edge of disaster, takes a surprising turn when Josh steps in to salvage it, reigniting a connection overshadowed by past regrets and misunderstandings. Their reunion isn't just about rekindling romance; it's about confronting lingering doubts and finding closure for unresolved feelings from adolescence that have shaped their adult lives. Penny's insecurities and Josh's transformation juxtapose their former selves with whom they've become adding depth to their rekindled bond. Always nice to see a bully get a taste of karma. Lovely contemporary romantic quickie with two people finding second chances, growth, and reconciliation with a side of heat.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skin Deep is part of the Santa's Shorts series. It's a short and steamy, friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance. Josh and Penny were best friends in high school. Both were considered nerdy but had crushes on each other they never mentioned. Josh pushed her away, thinking he was holding her back, but now, 12 years later, they cross paths in a hotel. Will these two finally clear the air and admit feelings? Can they get their second chance? The chemistry between these two was hot, but my heart also hurt for all the time lost. I wanted to slap them both for being so stupid. We got a good ending, but I would have liked a little bit more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J H Beard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penny received a spa package from her mother for Christmas but Penny was not excited and it only got worse upon arrival. Since it was a holiday, she couldn’t get into the restaurant to eat, she goes to her room and not only is it not cleaned, it is trashed, plus there are no cars available to take her anywhere. What else could go wrong? Well hold on and check it out.
This is an enjoyable short story that can be read in about an hour.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky Dreyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skin Deep is a sweet second chance holiday romance. Penny and Josh used to be best friends in school however neither one thinks the other likes them and they end up going their own ways. Ten years later Penny’s mother sends her to a spa hotel for a week, despite all her tries to get out of it, and everything starts to go wrong. Josh comes in as a knight in shining armor to help her out and wanting to reconnect with Penny. This is a very sweet quick holiday read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sexy, and a happy reunion for 2 people who deserve a wonderful life. Penny and Josh were misfits in high school, but each other’s best friend. Poppy Flynn’s holiday story is sweet, but they have regrets that they didn’t try to keep in touch. Miscommunication caused their friendship to suffer. They’re both very happy to see each other and they are so attracted to one another. It was a fun, steamy, kinky and heartwarming experience for now gorgeous Josh and hot Penny!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second chance of dreams. Penny and Josh knew each other in high school, and when Josh left, he cut all contact. Both mourned the loss. At a spa and hotel for Boxing Day, Penny is reunited with Josh. These characters are relatable, and their story is a really good one. At 54 pages, it is a very quick read, and it left me selfishly wanting more. Ah well, we'll have to leave it to my imagination. Poppy Flynn has another one click worthy story here!

I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skin Deep is second chance love at its best! Seeking to reconnect, Josh finds Penny in a hotel lobby and makes the decision that he’ll not let her go a second time. Though each main character is complex and interesting, they still struggle to set past hurts aside and cop to their true feelings for each other. Poppy Flynn has created extra powerful sparks between these two, and I love how she weaves their second chance together. Loved this short, sexy novella!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful second chance romance for high school best friends, Josh and Penny. These two split because Josh thought she had feelings for someone else and wanted to improve his body to be more like he thought she wanted. Little did he know that she said she liked the other guy so Josh wouldn't know it was actually him she was crushing on. Their time apart really impacted both of them in a big way and I was thrilled they got their chance to fix things...and get the love they both deserved. This short story packed a full punch with the plot and steam and I loved it :D

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good holiday read about two old friends finding each other ten years later. The story is about Josh and Penny. They were best friends in high and her secret crush. Both were bullied and accepted each other. They lost touch over the years but find themselves meeting at a hotel where she finds nothing is going her way; or is it? They both find themselves being tormented by their once bully but connect with each other despite that. I enjoyed this short and quick read. Karma comes in the end. Such a good read.

[Marty Hamrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot happening in this story, and since it's so short, it feels a bit unfinished, or not as well-explored as it could have been, but overall it's an interesting, quick read which I enjoyed. I didn't find the split of their friendship made a lot of sense, but again, it's a very short read, so I'm giving some of that a pass because what's on the page is well-written and it's a good hour's read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julia Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant Santa Short from Poppy Flynn.

A second chance for Penny and Josh who were childhood best friends but lost touch after a misunderstanding.

A chance encounter brings them back together but can they resolve all the old hurt and misunderstandings.

This story has all the ingredients needed for a great story.

Highly recommended.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written short story with two best friend's from high school who fall out of touch and find a second chance at romance. The author does a great job packing the story and moving it quickly and smoothly with descriptive scenes. I enjoyed reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Chris06 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rekindled relationship of best friends from high school. A decision made 20 years prior for all the wrong reasons.

A chain of events that gives them time together again …

Short quick read fill of emotions from actions taken years ago.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shell Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story of two high school friends reconnecting after 10 years of separation. Penny was trying to retrieve her Christmas gift from swanky spa but issues kept arising and Josh became her savior. Join the story to see how these two reconnect. Enjoy 😍.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Second Chance

Penny and Josh meet after a decade under challenging circumstances. Will the new year be a new start for them both? I loved how both Penny and Josh professed feelings for each other before their “transformations” - though I also appreciated that Penny got a pampering that made her feel amazing as well. A perfect little tale for the new year.

[Toni L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this short story was originally part of an anthology, which explains the pace and brevity. I really enjoyed this story of former friends who become more and loved how the characters interacted with each other. I liked the backstory and the reasons for why nothing ever happened at the time. Such a feel good read.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very quick read involving two people who were best friends in high school but were no longer friends. Their second chance brings more than happiness back in their lives. Very emotional read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally loved this book. It’s a very quick read about two teenagers who fell out of touch and find one another a decade later. To me, it was a very realistic story as I think the majority of us had insecurities like that In high school. I received an ARC copy.

[Bene_reads_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skin Deep is a delicious second-chance quick read short story.
Two childhood friends, separated by misunderstanding, reunite on Boxing Day, Penny and Josh have a lot to catch on.
It makes the cutest holiday-theme novella.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a short story just is all fluff but no meat. That’s definitely not the case here. It’s about long suppressed emotions, hurt, lost trust and poor self image from high school days that never changed. And when it all comes out it will bring you to tears.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

They were best friends in high.school but both of them lied to each other about their feelings . Years later they come back together and must navigate the past and future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I really liked the message in this story. I'm glad Penny and Josh were able to reconnect and confess their true feelings for each other.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, short story. Penny and Josh were high school friends that lost touch after a misunderstanding. They meet again right after Christmas and finally tell each other about their feelings. Great story!

I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a great read. Enjoyed it from start to finish. Lovely read and I recommend it, look forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helena Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story about two people who had crushes on each other as teenagers and meet 20 yrs later. We see how this relationship develops in a short time. Such a sweet story

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skin Deep is a short story full of heart. Penny's trip is a perfect example of Murphy's law - everything that can go wrong will go wrong. Except: Amidst all the bad, she gets to re-unite with the best friend of her school days. The ensuing romance is quick but powerful and ends in a perfectly fitting HEA.
I received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.