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Stolen Breaths #3
Skin Deep
*Warning - This book contains instances of self harm in the form of an eating disorder and may be a trigger to some readers.*
She hates me.
I’m in love with her.
Her life is a masquerade.
Mine is cloaked in secrets.
She thinks I can’t see her.
But she’s the only thing I can see.
She thinks we have nothing in common.
We have everything in common.
And I’m done being patient.
I'm determined.
She's stubborn.
You think you know us.
You don't.
The things you know about us are only Skin Deep.
** This book is a STANDALONE novel featuring characters that were introduced in Stolen Breaths. It is a spin-off. Not a sequel.**
She hates me.
I’m in love with her.
Her life is a masquerade.
Mine is cloaked in secrets.
She thinks I can’t see her.
But she’s the only thing I can see.
She thinks we have nothing in common.
We have everything in common.
And I’m done being patient.
I'm determined.
She's stubborn.
You think you know us.
You don't.
The things you know about us are only Skin Deep.
** This book is a STANDALONE novel featuring characters that were introduced in Stolen Breaths. It is a spin-off. Not a sequel.**
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2015
5 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Sparkman
7 books281 followersPamela Sparkman grew up in Alabama. She became an avid reader at a young age. The written word has always fascinated her and she wrote her first short story while still in elementary school. Inspiration for her stories always begins with a song. She believes music is the pulse of life and books are the heart of it.
When she isn’t writing, however, she’s spending time with her family and taking one day at a time.
https://www.facebook.com/pamelasparkm...
http://instagram.com/pamelasparkman/
When she isn’t writing, however, she’s spending time with her family and taking one day at a time.
https://www.facebook.com/pamelasparkm...
http://instagram.com/pamelasparkman/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 28, 2016
On sale for only $0.99! LOVED this book! <3
How do you even start to write a review about something you've been a part of for such a long time?
How could a simple review make an ounce of justice to such a special book?
This book is very special to my heart.
I've watched from the sidelines how those characters grew, struggled and found their HEA.
I watched Hayden.. My lovely, beautiful Hayden, standing firm and not wavering with his love for Beth. Sigh.. If there was something I adored about this book, it was the way he loved her. I could feel his love oozing from the pages, dripping upon my skin and immersing into my veins. It left me no choice but to feel them. And oh, you have no idea how much I did.
I felt everything.
I felt his love.
I felt her struggles.
I felt his devotion.
I felt her strength.
I felt his hope.
And I felt her desire to fight.
I felt freaking everything <3
If you all been reading this series from the first book up till now, you all probably noticed the sparks that flow between Beth and Hayden. You felt that there was something there, brewing from the inside, but you couldn't pinpoint nor understand what it was.
Why did she hated him all of a sudden?
Why did she avoided him like the plague?
Why was he so sad?
What that hack happened between those two?
All of those unanswered questions were finally answered in this book.
Hayden found out about her secret.
A secret she held deep inside for a long long while.
A secret that no one besides her knew.
Everyone saw Beth as the smiling, carefree girl who was happy all the time. Yes. Everyone thought that Beth was happy. But it was far from the truth. The truth was the complete opposite of the Façade she created for her friends.
Her truth was sad.
Lonely.
Helpless.
Hopeless.
Hayden was the only one who saw beyond the mask. And it undermined the foundations on which she was standing. So she did the only thing she could do at the time. She ignored him. She gave him the cold shoulder. She couldn't let herself feel anything for him beside hatred, because she couldn't let him see who she really was. She couldn't let him see how insecure and lonely she felt. Because Beth .. She suffered from bulimia.
I really appreciated the way the disorder was handled in the book.
It didn't take the entire book for Beth to go and seek help. You actually watch her fighting her demons and fucking win! You don't have to see her fighting then falling back to the rabbit hole. You don't watch her constantly vomiting and hating herself after. Most of her demons were internal. Her craving and desire to vomit was the focus of the book. And through it all... You saw her pulling herself back together and do something.
For herself.
For Hayden.
For her friends.
But more importantly - for herself.
She wanted to find the real Beth. The beautiful and special Beth that Hayden recognized from the start. She wanted to find her among the shadows and pull her towards the light.
The book was a wonderful journey about two lost souls, fighting their inner demons and together... Running towards the finish line.
This is what I loved the most about this book.
How this two were a team.
They fought with each other.
They fought for each other.
And they did everything in their power to be the strength and the anchor for their other half.
I could feel the love between them.
I could feel the devotion and adoration.
I could feel how much they were good for each other and how much goodness they brought into each other lives.
Beth was an amazing heroine. She's been through hell and hobbled her way through life. Her days were cold while her Façade showed warmth. She was alone and fighting by herself, until the day Hayden came into her life (more like bursting into her life while breaking the door) And from that moment on.. Her life was never the same.
Hayden was the perfect book boyfriend anyone could wish for. He had his share of heartbreaks and demons inside. He had a strained relationship with his parents and he left the easy, luxury life for a simple, yet honest life.
From the get go he fought for Beth. He loved her with all of his might and never gave up on her. He never wavered and never stopped fighting for her. The way he loved her.. Sigh.
It gave me chills and butterflies and tears to my eyes. It gave me the hope to believe that this kind of love... This kind of man, maybe exist out there. That the goodness and pureness isn't lost to this world. It put a smile on my face and made me forget about the reality for a short while. It gave me the rush of excitement to know that I would always have this book with me. I would always have this love story and this amazing guy whenever i feel longing to read it all over again.
I loved the twist!!!!
It took me by surprise and brought tears of elation to my eyes. Well done, dear Pamela. Well done ;)
Annie .. What can I say about this adorable kid? She was a breath of fresh air and I couldn't help the goofy smile every time she showed up in the book. Her love for Hayden and the way she bonded with Beth were heartwarming. The way she was with Dozer was hilarious and cute and freaking charming. This two were bound to make troubles for poor Hayden. I can already tell that this kid gonna make him grow a gray hair sooner than it was supposed to be ;P
Another thing I adored about this book was the ability to see the all gang together again. I loved each couple and each of their books and it's always a joy to see them together again. To see how happy they are and how their group of friends were so united, with Ms. Sophie at the head of the group - their unofficial Cupid. She was the heart and the center of everything. Their fairy godmother. The ending was so bittersweet for my poor heart. I loved to to see the group finally whole. Each one of them were happy with a partner for life.. And I know that the core, the heart of the group would watch over them for the rest of their lives.
And at this final note, I cannot freaking WAIT for Back to Yesterday (Sophie's book!!) You guys, mark my words - It's gonna be freaking amazing! <3
Book Trailer -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGxjH...
"ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review... Thank you Pamela!:)"
How do you even start to write a review about something you've been a part of for such a long time?
How could a simple review make an ounce of justice to such a special book?
This book is very special to my heart.
I've watched from the sidelines how those characters grew, struggled and found their HEA.
I watched Hayden.. My lovely, beautiful Hayden, standing firm and not wavering with his love for Beth. Sigh.. If there was something I adored about this book, it was the way he loved her. I could feel his love oozing from the pages, dripping upon my skin and immersing into my veins. It left me no choice but to feel them. And oh, you have no idea how much I did.
I felt everything.
I felt his love.
I felt her struggles.
I felt his devotion.
I felt her strength.
I felt his hope.
And I felt her desire to fight.
I felt freaking everything <3
If you all been reading this series from the first book up till now, you all probably noticed the sparks that flow between Beth and Hayden. You felt that there was something there, brewing from the inside, but you couldn't pinpoint nor understand what it was.
Why did she hated him all of a sudden?
Why did she avoided him like the plague?
Why was he so sad?
What that hack happened between those two?
All of those unanswered questions were finally answered in this book.
Hayden found out about her secret.
A secret she held deep inside for a long long while.
A secret that no one besides her knew.
Everyone saw Beth as the smiling, carefree girl who was happy all the time. Yes. Everyone thought that Beth was happy. But it was far from the truth. The truth was the complete opposite of the Façade she created for her friends.
Her truth was sad.
Lonely.
Helpless.
Hopeless.
Hayden was the only one who saw beyond the mask. And it undermined the foundations on which she was standing. So she did the only thing she could do at the time. She ignored him. She gave him the cold shoulder. She couldn't let herself feel anything for him beside hatred, because she couldn't let him see who she really was. She couldn't let him see how insecure and lonely she felt. Because Beth .. She suffered from bulimia.
I really appreciated the way the disorder was handled in the book.
It didn't take the entire book for Beth to go and seek help. You actually watch her fighting her demons and fucking win! You don't have to see her fighting then falling back to the rabbit hole. You don't watch her constantly vomiting and hating herself after. Most of her demons were internal. Her craving and desire to vomit was the focus of the book. And through it all... You saw her pulling herself back together and do something.
For herself.
For Hayden.
For her friends.
But more importantly - for herself.
She wanted to find the real Beth. The beautiful and special Beth that Hayden recognized from the start. She wanted to find her among the shadows and pull her towards the light.
The book was a wonderful journey about two lost souls, fighting their inner demons and together... Running towards the finish line.
This is what I loved the most about this book.
How this two were a team.
They fought with each other.
They fought for each other.
And they did everything in their power to be the strength and the anchor for their other half.
I could feel the love between them.
I could feel the devotion and adoration.
I could feel how much they were good for each other and how much goodness they brought into each other lives.
Beth was an amazing heroine. She's been through hell and hobbled her way through life. Her days were cold while her Façade showed warmth. She was alone and fighting by herself, until the day Hayden came into her life (more like bursting into her life while breaking the door) And from that moment on.. Her life was never the same.
Hayden was the perfect book boyfriend anyone could wish for. He had his share of heartbreaks and demons inside. He had a strained relationship with his parents and he left the easy, luxury life for a simple, yet honest life.
From the get go he fought for Beth. He loved her with all of his might and never gave up on her. He never wavered and never stopped fighting for her. The way he loved her.. Sigh.
It gave me chills and butterflies and tears to my eyes. It gave me the hope to believe that this kind of love... This kind of man, maybe exist out there. That the goodness and pureness isn't lost to this world. It put a smile on my face and made me forget about the reality for a short while. It gave me the rush of excitement to know that I would always have this book with me. I would always have this love story and this amazing guy whenever i feel longing to read it all over again.
I loved the twist!!!!
It took me by surprise and brought tears of elation to my eyes. Well done, dear Pamela. Well done ;)
Annie .. What can I say about this adorable kid? She was a breath of fresh air and I couldn't help the goofy smile every time she showed up in the book. Her love for Hayden and the way she bonded with Beth were heartwarming. The way she was with Dozer was hilarious and cute and freaking charming. This two were bound to make troubles for poor Hayden. I can already tell that this kid gonna make him grow a gray hair sooner than it was supposed to be ;P
Another thing I adored about this book was the ability to see the all gang together again. I loved each couple and each of their books and it's always a joy to see them together again. To see how happy they are and how their group of friends were so united, with Ms. Sophie at the head of the group - their unofficial Cupid. She was the heart and the center of everything. Their fairy godmother. The ending was so bittersweet for my poor heart. I loved to to see the group finally whole. Each one of them were happy with a partner for life.. And I know that the core, the heart of the group would watch over them for the rest of their lives.
And at this final note, I cannot freaking WAIT for Back to Yesterday (Sophie's book!!) You guys, mark my words - It's gonna be freaking amazing! <3
Book Trailer -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGxjH...
"ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review... Thank you Pamela!:)"
July 17, 2015
Title: Skin Deep
Series: Stolen Breaths #3
Author: Pamela Sparkman
Release date: July 20, 2015
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
I've been looking forward to reading this book for quite a while now. After reading Stolen Breaths, I've been a faithful follower of this author. This is a truly under appreciated series-it doesn't follow the trend of what the current romance community's topic may be. There's no step brother affairs, no taboo or dark twists. There are no caveman alphas or manufactured drama for entertainment value. Pamela writes simple, straightforward, feel good romance.
It's a series about a family of friends. Including once again, Cooper's lovable grandmother Miss Sophie. She always manages to steal the spotlight and have her moments of glory with her matchmaking and affectionate teasing. This book clearly depicts that it's not merely blood that determines your family in life. It's the ones who are there with you through everything. Not only through the joys in life, but the heartache and tragedies. It's those people who stand by you when you need them the most, even if you feel like you don't want them to push you in the direction you need to go.
The Stolen Breaths books perfectly depict the warmth and support of a true family and a blossoming love between two friends during one's darkest time. The difficult topic of eating disorders was handled in a sensitive as well as an informative way.
Our heroine, Beth is a woman who's calm and carefree on the outside, but on the inside?
Loneliness. Pain. Anger. Weakness. Hopelessness. Fear.
She's one big mess of anxiety but lives minute by minute never letting down her happy mask. The mask that conceals her true self from those who love her.
The face that I showed to the world told a thousand lies, but they were necessary because the girl behind the mask barely existed.
The mask that hides her dirty little secret controls her and controls her life.
Bulimia.
She's been using purging as a crutch. A way to release all of her unwanted feelings of poor body image caused by some carelessly tossed words from someone she trusted as a teen. Words that dug deep inside and burrowed into recesses in her mind years later. She also struggles with bitterness and sadness over losing her parents as a young child in a house fire and being separated from her sister immediately after. All these years, she's felt alone and lost and no one knows the wounds she conceals. Until Hayden stumbles upon her and her dirty secret. She covers her shame in hatred and poor Hayden is left wondering how to save not only his friend, but the girl he secretly loves.
Hayden was the type of hero you can easily swoon over. He's far from your average macho alpha but he's not quite a completely laid back, sweet Beta hero. To me, he's right there in the middle-a gamma hero. Don't get me wrong, he's super sweet and gentle a lot of the time, but then he's also the rock that Beth needs. Pushing her, holding a mirror up and forcing her to see what she tries to pretend away.
With Hayden's stubborn support, Beth slowly starts to realize there may be hope. Something she never let herself believe before. He's consistently there for her. Showing her through actions, not meaningless words that he will do anything to guide her out of the shadows she's been living in. I loved him! And I loved how their love story didn't have any contrived drama or unnecessary things like mis/non-communication conflicts. It was a pure love story about two people struggling to overcome a serious life issue. The only thing I wish I could have seen more of was how their love took root. It's told and explained to us after the fact rather than allowing us to witness it grow. In a way, we see it on Beth's part, but it's more of a realization of subconscious feelings that she had to discover and accept.
Even knowing there were surprises in store, I still didn't anticipate the events in the last section of the book. I was crying happy and sad tears from one minute from the next. I love how the author brought everything all together in the end. It left me with mixed feelings a little bit. Sad yet accepting all at the same time. It opened the door for the following connected book to come next year which leaves me feeling very anxious to see what will be revealed.
If you're thinking of reading this, you need to be aware that this is completely, 100% clean. I know this is a deal breaker for some readers. There are some moments of passion, but they are not explicit or graphic. Normally, I like to have a decent amount of steam mixed in with my books, but there are some cases where I don't even miss it and these books are examples of that. If you're in the mood for a sweet love story with beauty and meaning behind it, Skin Deep will fit the bill. However, I highly recommend that you read the previous books beforehand, as you'll have a better understanding of the entire group's history.
Back to Yesterday, Ms. Sophie's story will be released sometime next year. I can't wait!
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December 8, 2016
There are a few things I've come to expect when reading one of Pamela Sparkman's novels. One, the writing is thoughtful and absolutely beautiful. Two, the hero is completely swoon-worthy and dedicated to the heroine. Three, the couples are always "fated" to be together and she weaves a plot that almost feels magical in it's delivery. And Skin Deep was no different, it lived up to all of these and more. She's a comfort author for me. When I need a feel-good book that will have emotion, but won't cripple me, she's who I go to.
Every single hero she's written has left me feeling like this...
And Hayden most definitely lived up to this! But it wasn't just about the way he treated Beth (which was awesome), it was also how he interacted with everyone else, particularly Annie, his half-sister. I've always been a sucker for children in romances, and I instantly feel in love with Annie and how Hayden treated her. He was a great hero for so many reasons...
1. His "tough love" act with Beth. He didn't let her suffer alone, but he was also insistent she get the help she needed.
"I’d rather you hate me for the right reasons, than like me for the wrong ones. I guess we’ll both have to figure out how to fucking live with that."2. His love for Beth:
"The other day Cooper asked me how many times a day I think about you. I told him once… because I think about you first thing in the morning, and I don’t stop until I fall asleep."3. And how he isn't ashamed of it or afraid to admit it:
"I don’t know how to stop it."I mean, he's just absolutely fantastic, not that I was really expecting anything else ;)
"Stop what?"
"Falling."
And Beth... oh, Beth. She's probably my favorite heroine to date. I can't pinpoint exactly what it was, because all three heroines have shown strength and grace, but there was something about Beth's strength that just got to me a little bit more.
She started out damaged and alone...
"He’s seen the ugliness that lives inside of me and now whenever I’m around him that’s how I feel. Ugly."But she was able to grow into someone I truly admired. Not to say I didn't admire her the entire time, but her journey was amazing and heartbreaking, and her attitude, despite her setbacks, made it easy for me to love her. Because by the end, she sees herself like everyone else: beautiful and capable.
"He saw me. He saw me through the clutter, half-truths, and concrete walls. He saw the real me. It was him seeing me that opened my eyes, made me want to go searching for the girl he saw when he looked at me. And I found her."
"Tomorrow, I will be more than I am today."
The storyline and the characters made it so easy to enjoy this novel. Then there were all these wonderful quotes:
"Sometimes finding ways to survive can nearly kill you."
"I’m struck by how odd it is when we use the word “lost” when we speak of death. Lost. Sounds so ominous, doesn’t it? I looked up the word in the dictionary and sure enough one of the definitions says… “destroyed or ruined.” Yeah, I suppose I was destroyed when the ones I loved died. Perhaps even ruined. But here’s the thing about ruins… they can be rebuilt, resurrected. Sometimes in the wake of destruction we find pieces left."
"Sometimes being destroyed gives us the opportunity to create something even better than what was."
"You all were my heartbeat when I didn’t think my heart could ever beat again."I truly love this author and can't wait to read more from her <3
But that ending?!?! Gahh.. it killed me... I'm really excited for Ms. Sophie's book, but I also know I need to mentally prepare myself.
Bottom line: This author is a must read if you enjoy swoon-worthy heroes, strong heroines, destined couples, and beautiful writing <3 <3
May 4, 2016
This author has my respect!
Let me explain that my oldest daughter is a recovering bulimic and anorexic with as yet unspecified social anxiety disorder and has had to be placed in a hospital for hydrodynamic instability for over a month after she weight less then 90 pound. She was placed in a treatment center for over a month for it and then she stayed for over 4 months. She stayed in longer because each time she would gained weight, she tried to kill herself. She has been in and out of this center for years and is still recovering as an out patient for the most part. When I read this book and heard the inner monologue of the Heroine Beth, I was moved because her words resonated with me. It had a haunting quality to them. I could hear my daughter struggle in her words. I can't describe how this book effected me. It was the hardest book for me to read as it hit so close to home for me.
Now the story itself was amazing and I love how she reacted when she was discovered because it's exactly how my daughter reacted as well. It was almost exactly the same. The hero had all my respect when he did not give up on her once. I mean, he was just about the most supportive and understanding man that have been on the planet. They had a relationship forged in fire and pain. Then, it became light and understanding. Hayden was a broken confused and secretive man with a lot of emotional scars. He was a great hero how he never gave up on her or her love and tried to make her see herself as he saw her, a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. I fell for the whole thing. I was moved, I cried and I loved every minute of it. Without this struggle I don't think I would have connected with story as much. I can only respect the author by not glossing over the seriousness of this disorder.
It's so often found in teens now a days. This needs to discussed and dealt with. The struggle is real and it's constant. Day to day just like addiction to alcohol or drugs. I have to say this book hits and it hits hard. Even at the end when you get your HEA there is an element of sadness even in the birth of baby Sophie. I need to read something light now and funny. I will get to the next story in a week or so but I need some down time from this emotional high. Hope this review makes sense because I felt I had to write it. There are better reviews on GR for this book but this was like therapy for me.
5 amazing star read and strongly recommend for any going through the struggle of supporting a loved one with addiction or disorders. On my keeper treasured list.
Let me explain that my oldest daughter is a recovering bulimic and anorexic with as yet unspecified social anxiety disorder and has had to be placed in a hospital for hydrodynamic instability for over a month after she weight less then 90 pound. She was placed in a treatment center for over a month for it and then she stayed for over 4 months. She stayed in longer because each time she would gained weight, she tried to kill herself. She has been in and out of this center for years and is still recovering as an out patient for the most part. When I read this book and heard the inner monologue of the Heroine Beth, I was moved because her words resonated with me. It had a haunting quality to them. I could hear my daughter struggle in her words. I can't describe how this book effected me. It was the hardest book for me to read as it hit so close to home for me.
Now the story itself was amazing and I love how she reacted when she was discovered because it's exactly how my daughter reacted as well. It was almost exactly the same. The hero had all my respect when he did not give up on her once. I mean, he was just about the most supportive and understanding man that have been on the planet. They had a relationship forged in fire and pain. Then, it became light and understanding. Hayden was a broken confused and secretive man with a lot of emotional scars. He was a great hero how he never gave up on her or her love and tried to make her see herself as he saw her, a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. I fell for the whole thing. I was moved, I cried and I loved every minute of it. Without this struggle I don't think I would have connected with story as much. I can only respect the author by not glossing over the seriousness of this disorder.
It's so often found in teens now a days. This needs to discussed and dealt with. The struggle is real and it's constant. Day to day just like addiction to alcohol or drugs. I have to say this book hits and it hits hard. Even at the end when you get your HEA there is an element of sadness even in the birth of baby Sophie. I need to read something light now and funny. I will get to the next story in a week or so but I need some down time from this emotional high. Hope this review makes sense because I felt I had to write it. There are better reviews on GR for this book but this was like therapy for me.
5 amazing star read and strongly recommend for any going through the struggle of supporting a loved one with addiction or disorders. On my keeper treasured list.
July 20, 2015
4 - "I'd rather have the ache than to never have had a reason to ache in the first place." Stars!
Pam Sparkman almost broke me with the first 20% of this book, I don’t mean that in a derogatory way but more in a hit-you-straight-in-the- heart, grab it with both hands, squeeze it hard and leave you gasping for breath, and drying your eyes.
”Sometimes finding ways to survive can nearly kill you.”
But continuing with Hayden and Beth’s story to the end, as well as encountering all of the ups and downs they overcame and embraced in-between definitely gave me a full emotional work out. Pam has a way to taking an uncomfortable, and sometimes what we perceive as an unapproachable subject and giving it beauty through her writing, not in a way that condones or encourages, but in such a way that makes you rethink your perceptions and reconsider your ideals, whilst going through the characters experiences with them, some things resonate more with us as readers than others and although I cannot claim to have experienced any of the things that either character dealt with in Skin Deep, the writing bought their issues very much into my head and heart and pulled me along with them for the whole book.
Another thing you can always expect with a book from this author is that it will never begin, evolve or end the way you expect it to. The characters sometimes have more going on they you initially expect, and there is always at least one twist you didn’t see coming, and just when you thought you had everything figured out she throws one more sledgehammer straight into your heart.
”How do I make you understand something I don’t understand.
But for all that you come away knowing that you have been a part of something so very special and totally unforgettable. I don’t really want to talk too much about the story, as it would be easy to give things away, and I think the journey that Hayden and Beth go on together is a special one, it is more than just the building of a relationship between two people, and there are more than just a few obstacles in their path as they navigate their way through.
You also get the chance to catch up with Lily & Cooper; (Book one, Stolen Breaths) and Maggie & Joe; (Book two, Shattered) as well as the inimitable Miss Sophie, in this instalment in the series, and see how their lives are moving on as Hayden and Beth’s story progresses.
I want to be courageously in love forever… because he made me want forever.
Another outstanding read, and I cannot wait to see where Ms. Sparkman takes this series next!
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Pam Sparkman almost broke me with the first 20% of this book, I don’t mean that in a derogatory way but more in a hit-you-straight-in-the- heart, grab it with both hands, squeeze it hard and leave you gasping for breath, and drying your eyes.
”Sometimes finding ways to survive can nearly kill you.”
But continuing with Hayden and Beth’s story to the end, as well as encountering all of the ups and downs they overcame and embraced in-between definitely gave me a full emotional work out. Pam has a way to taking an uncomfortable, and sometimes what we perceive as an unapproachable subject and giving it beauty through her writing, not in a way that condones or encourages, but in such a way that makes you rethink your perceptions and reconsider your ideals, whilst going through the characters experiences with them, some things resonate more with us as readers than others and although I cannot claim to have experienced any of the things that either character dealt with in Skin Deep, the writing bought their issues very much into my head and heart and pulled me along with them for the whole book.
Another thing you can always expect with a book from this author is that it will never begin, evolve or end the way you expect it to. The characters sometimes have more going on they you initially expect, and there is always at least one twist you didn’t see coming, and just when you thought you had everything figured out she throws one more sledgehammer straight into your heart.
”How do I make you understand something I don’t understand.
But for all that you come away knowing that you have been a part of something so very special and totally unforgettable. I don’t really want to talk too much about the story, as it would be easy to give things away, and I think the journey that Hayden and Beth go on together is a special one, it is more than just the building of a relationship between two people, and there are more than just a few obstacles in their path as they navigate their way through.
You also get the chance to catch up with Lily & Cooper; (Book one, Stolen Breaths) and Maggie & Joe; (Book two, Shattered) as well as the inimitable Miss Sophie, in this instalment in the series, and see how their lives are moving on as Hayden and Beth’s story progresses.
I want to be courageously in love forever… because he made me want forever.
Another outstanding read, and I cannot wait to see where Ms. Sparkman takes this series next!
ARC generously provided by the author, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
April 21, 2017
Loved it. This series has been an absolute pleasure to read and Skin Deep is my favorite book out of all three. It was such a beautiful and emotional story.
Hayden is the perfect hero. He is sweet, understanding and so determined to earn Beth's trust and her heart. Beth my heart broke for her. I was so surprised by what her secret was. I loved her strength and her courage.
The romance is gorgeously written. You could really feel the chemistry between Hayden and Beth.
Overall another amazing book by Pamela Sparkman. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
HEA
Cheating/OW
Angst Level: 2.5/10
Heat Level:
Hayden is the perfect hero. He is sweet, understanding and so determined to earn Beth's trust and her heart. Beth my heart broke for her. I was so surprised by what her secret was. I loved her strength and her courage.
The romance is gorgeously written. You could really feel the chemistry between Hayden and Beth.
Overall another amazing book by Pamela Sparkman. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
HEA
Cheating/OW
Angst Level: 2.5/10
Heat Level:
Read
March 25, 2016Skin Deep is LIVE on all formats! <3
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1HkSKku
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1NVMUeX
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1HkSKku
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1NVMUeX
July 12, 2015
This is exactly the type of hero and love story I adore reading about!
Like Beth said, Hayden's devotion was utterly sexy! This man was just too good to be real. When I started the book and learned about Beth's condition, I'll admit I was a little wary just because I've read that storyline many times and I didn't want this to go in the same predictable route. I'm happy to say that it surpassed my expectations and I loved that Beth went to get professional help before she hit rock bottom. And I loved the surprise twist I did NOT see coming! And the ending had me shedding a couple tears! I was also hoping to get an epilogue like Cooper & Lily's.
I also have to mention little Annie and Dozer! They were too cute.
If you're reading this review before reading the previous books you need to go back and start from the start! It's rare that all heros in a series are just so perfect and you don't want to miss out!
ARC generously provided by author.
Like Beth said, Hayden's devotion was utterly sexy! This man was just too good to be real. When I started the book and learned about Beth's condition, I'll admit I was a little wary just because I've read that storyline many times and I didn't want this to go in the same predictable route. I'm happy to say that it surpassed my expectations and I loved that Beth went to get professional help before she hit rock bottom. And I loved the surprise twist I did NOT see coming! And the ending had me shedding a couple tears! I was also hoping to get an epilogue like Cooper & Lily's.
I also have to mention little Annie and Dozer! They were too cute.
If you're reading this review before reading the previous books you need to go back and start from the start! It's rare that all heros in a series are just so perfect and you don't want to miss out!
ARC generously provided by author.
September 1, 2015
Overall rating: 4.5 stars!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Intimate Pasts:
Push/pull:
OW/OM Drama:
Other triggers:
HEA:
This book was adorable. I loved it and loved how everything played out. Hayden was so patient and such a great Beta Hero. I loved seeing all of my favorite characters again and I am sorry for our loss at the end.
I especially loved Hayden's little half sister. She was ADORABLE! And witnessing their relationship makes me know that Hayden will be a wonderful father!
I know it's not much of a review! Forgive me, but I am not feeling well so unfortunately, my reviews are suffering! :)
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Intimate Pasts:
Push/pull:
OW/OM Drama:
Other triggers:
HEA:
This book was adorable. I loved it and loved how everything played out. Hayden was so patient and such a great Beta Hero. I loved seeing all of my favorite characters again and I am sorry for our loss at the end.
I especially loved Hayden's little half sister. She was ADORABLE! And witnessing their relationship makes me know that Hayden will be a wonderful father!
I know it's not much of a review! Forgive me, but I am not feeling well so unfortunately, my reviews are suffering! :)
July 5, 2015
I really don't have the words to justify how this book makes me feel! This was a 5 plus stars read for me! I can't express enough how much Pamela writing affects me. She is truly an amazing ,magnificent, talented and exceptional writer! Hayden was a perfect masterpiece .He is a kind, loving, patient and extraordinary man! I loved everything about him ! Beth was a strong, caring, loving and wonderful woman! The way these two overcame everything together was just admireable! Lily ,Cooper,Maggie ,Joe and Ms. Sophie were wonderful. I loved seeing them again. Annie was so cute and adorable. Molly was great. I laughed, I cried (alot) and had lots of smiles throughout this read!! I loved this series and I cant wait for Ms. Sophie story .2016 is too long to wait but worth it! I want more from the whole gang please give us more:) Pamela you out did yourself with this and I knew you wouldnt disappoint. You are one of my top favorite authors! Keep writing great ,wonderful phenomenal books! Thank you for my ARC and for 3 fantastic books and hopefully many many more in the future:D
Safety gang safe:)
Safety gang safe:)
July 23, 2015
**FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED**
Pamela Sparkman gives readers an awe-inspiring third installment to an already outstanding series. This author adds music to her words, and her stories play out like a song every romance reader will find melodious.
Beautifully portrayed through both Hayden and Beth’s perspectives, the slow progression in their relationship just adds to its allure and cements its genuineness. From the beginning of this series, there has been a build up to Hayden and Beth’s story with little tidbits scattered here and there that kept tempting and tantalizing me. As it turns out, their story was more than I expected and everything I could ask for in a read with all the “feels.”
For me, it was Hayden who stood front and center showing his real colors – that of a true hero. He won me over – even after Joe already held my heart. And Cooper was no slacker either. But it is Hayden who stands in first place now. With his past being what it was, he never let those issues stand in his way of becoming the compassionate and selfless man he was towards the two people who meant the most to him. One gave her heart completely and immediately – the other was a work in progress. Beth has struggled throughout her life. She is not weak by any means. But she definitely needs the right person to come along and lend a helping hand as she struggles to overcome a dependency that holds her prisoner to all life has to offer.
So much more than just a romance, here you’ll find an exceptionally well-done love story on varying levels. This book focuses on the elements of love. It’s the center point. Whether it’s the deeply devoted and intimate love between a man and woman, the unconditional and protective love a parent has for their child or grandchild, or the kind of love that establishes itself between friends as the years pass, each level within these pages will touch your heart and soul.
The story surrounds supporting characters that feel real while facing the challenges of each day’s ups and downs. Readers will be enveloped in their lives. These are the kinds of people you can imagine yourself having as lifelong friends. You yearn to be a part of their inner circle.
Readers will find something remarkable and surprising on most every page.
Pamela Sparkman gives readers an awe-inspiring third installment to an already outstanding series. This author adds music to her words, and her stories play out like a song every romance reader will find melodious.
Beautifully portrayed through both Hayden and Beth’s perspectives, the slow progression in their relationship just adds to its allure and cements its genuineness. From the beginning of this series, there has been a build up to Hayden and Beth’s story with little tidbits scattered here and there that kept tempting and tantalizing me. As it turns out, their story was more than I expected and everything I could ask for in a read with all the “feels.”
For me, it was Hayden who stood front and center showing his real colors – that of a true hero. He won me over – even after Joe already held my heart. And Cooper was no slacker either. But it is Hayden who stands in first place now. With his past being what it was, he never let those issues stand in his way of becoming the compassionate and selfless man he was towards the two people who meant the most to him. One gave her heart completely and immediately – the other was a work in progress. Beth has struggled throughout her life. She is not weak by any means. But she definitely needs the right person to come along and lend a helping hand as she struggles to overcome a dependency that holds her prisoner to all life has to offer.
So much more than just a romance, here you’ll find an exceptionally well-done love story on varying levels. This book focuses on the elements of love. It’s the center point. Whether it’s the deeply devoted and intimate love between a man and woman, the unconditional and protective love a parent has for their child or grandchild, or the kind of love that establishes itself between friends as the years pass, each level within these pages will touch your heart and soul.
The story surrounds supporting characters that feel real while facing the challenges of each day’s ups and downs. Readers will be enveloped in their lives. These are the kinds of people you can imagine yourself having as lifelong friends. You yearn to be a part of their inner circle.
Readers will find something remarkable and surprising on most every page.
July 24, 2015
Title: Skin Deep
Author: Pamela Sparkman
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone Series (Stolen Breaths #3)
Rating: 5 Stars
Review
About a year ago, I started this blog to support authors. I was gonna review books, post covers, sale links, that kinda thing. My job takes a lot of my time, so even though I could read a lot during breaks and when I was home at night, I didn’t have the time to do all the things I want and the blog fell apart.
During that time though, my best friend told me to check out this indie author, Pam Sparkman. I don’t normally read romance (only when my best friend yells at me to), so I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it. But I did it anyway and a year later haven’t regretted it for a second.
Pam Sparkman writes books that even guys like me can get into. She writes these believable fucking dudes that I could see myself hanging with. First it was Cooper, then it was Joe and now it’s Hayden.
You’d think cause I’m a guy that I’d be all about the dudes. I fuckin loved Joe Carlisle for instance. He was the ultimate book dude. But this book, I wasn’t all about Hayden. This time it was Beth.
I’ve been through some shit in life even though I’m young. I’ve been where Beth is when this book starts. Where she was in all three books (but u don’t learn about til now). Self-harm comes in all forms and can be triggered by all sorts of different events and while me and her we didn’t walk the same road, we did have the same tendencies. Hers was bulimia, mine was drinking, pill popping and at a real bad point, cutting. I understood her.
You don’t want to do things like this but u need to stop the influx somehow. And then you do it so much it controls you. Becomes you. Or you become it.
Every fuckin time she bent over that toilet, I felt her pain. I was a part of it with her and sometimes I had to close the book and give myself a break cause I wanted to help her and couldn’t. This book felt real to me.
Hayden man. Through Beth’s eyes you see this instance with him near the beginning and it stayed with me the whole book.
This was Hayden for me. Through all of her rain, he stayed standing there. He didn’t fuckin waver not once. He was pure. And he was exactly what she needed him to be even when he hated having to do it that way.
The romance in this book was powerful, but I didn’t take the romance away from this. I took healing from this book. What Beth did for herself (instead of for someone/everyone else) gives me hope that people like her (and me) can get through the storm their life has become. That their lives can become these beautiful things that stories can be made of and the hard journey to get there was worth it.
Pam thanks for giving me a chance to read this before it came out. Thank you for writing real characters and ones I like so much I have a hard time expressing it properly. Thanks for giving me this story of love, hope, loss and healing. It was perfect.
But thank u most of all for restoring my faith in romance. You are in a class all your own.
July 28, 2015
Title: Skin Deep
Author: Pamela Sparkman
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Series Standalone (Stolen Breaths #3)
Rating: 5 Stars
Review
Skin Deep is the third installment in the Stolen Breaths Series by Pamela Sparkman and follows friends of the former two couples, Beth and Hayden, as they find their own happily ever after, both personally and together.
The first time I ever picked up a Pam Sparkman book, I knew from the instant I started it that it was something beautiful that has not been seen in the romance genre for a very long time. It impacted me so deeply that I labelled it Magical Romance at the time and now, two more books later, that label still sticks and rings true.
Pam Sparkman’s writing style is magic. Her characters are flushed out and real, going through much the same things that a lot of us do in our everyday lives. Proving by the end of the story that even in the strongest of adversity, a happy ending can exist. Both romantically and personally.
There is no greater example of this than Beth and Hayden.
You see in previous books (Cooper and Lily and Joe and Maggie, respectively), that there is something more going on between these two, but in true fantastic author form, you don’t quite know what it is. All you know is that you’re dying to find out. You want the mystery to finally be solved and that happens here.
Beth, much like a good portion of the population in the world, has image issues and struggles with an eating disorder because of it. And for the longest time, it was her secret alone. The rest of the world needn’t be a part of it…until Hayden.
Bring on the friction and the inevitable build into something far more powerful than just simple attraction or friendship. This is where Pam is at her best. Some might say that she writes fantastic characters (it’s true she does), that she writes relatable situations (also true), but for me personally this is where Pam excels.
It is not an easy road to happiness and a happily ever after for these two. There are steps forward and steps back, but what works most for me here is that through all of it, neither one of them gives up on the other.
Joe will always be mine. I will always have a soft spot for that character and the way he was written in each of the books (most specifically his own), but Hayden stole a little piece of me here. There is just something so noble about him. Sure, he’s got a potty mouth and a bit of a short fuse when it comes to way people treat those that he cares about, but boy, when that boy loves, he loves deeply. And he most certainly loves Beth.
Then on the flip-side, we have his little half sister. If you thought the way he was with Beth was a treat, you see it ten-fold in their interactions. I’m a mom, so seeing a man interact with a young child in the way that he did within these pages, well, let me tell you, I melted. It is the ultimate dream for any mom or caregiver for children. You want that kind of person in your life because they’re gonna bring out in the best in the child and that most certainly happens here.
What struck me most, away from Hayden though, was Beth. What she struggled with, the issues she had within herself, I didn’t want them to change and be magically fixed because of the love of a good man. I wanted her to be able to see through the darkness that was her image of herself and walk into the light, becoming the strong person that I knew deep down she was. And I got that in spades. Making the choice she did to put herself into treatment, to take that big of a step on her own, knowing what it would mean for her but also for those around her, I have never loved and respected a female character more. She made the changes in her life for her, and no one else. She was just lucky enough to have one of the BEST support systems around in Cooper, Lily and the gang.
This book was about more than just the romance though. It was about love, sure. But it was also about loss, honor, respect, and family, coming into yourself, acceptance and overall happiness. There are instances in this book that will take you by surprise, and they might even make your heart bleed as they did mine, but as always in a Pamela Sparkman novel, by the time you turn that last page, you have been put back together and healed in quite possibly the most beautiful way possible.
For anyone wanting to take a chance on this story or even on this series, I implore you to bring tissues, because you will be emotionally impacted, but also come at it expecting to be moved and transformed, because for the third time, I know I have been.
Pamela, thank you for writing such a beautiful story. Words in a review are definitely not enough to convey just how pure and beautiful this story truly is. From this moment on, you shall be deemed the Queen of Magical Romance!
Author: Pamela Sparkman
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Series Standalone (Stolen Breaths #3)
Rating: 5 Stars
Review
Skin Deep is the third installment in the Stolen Breaths Series by Pamela Sparkman and follows friends of the former two couples, Beth and Hayden, as they find their own happily ever after, both personally and together.
The first time I ever picked up a Pam Sparkman book, I knew from the instant I started it that it was something beautiful that has not been seen in the romance genre for a very long time. It impacted me so deeply that I labelled it Magical Romance at the time and now, two more books later, that label still sticks and rings true.
Pam Sparkman’s writing style is magic. Her characters are flushed out and real, going through much the same things that a lot of us do in our everyday lives. Proving by the end of the story that even in the strongest of adversity, a happy ending can exist. Both romantically and personally.
There is no greater example of this than Beth and Hayden.
You see in previous books (Cooper and Lily and Joe and Maggie, respectively), that there is something more going on between these two, but in true fantastic author form, you don’t quite know what it is. All you know is that you’re dying to find out. You want the mystery to finally be solved and that happens here.
Beth, much like a good portion of the population in the world, has image issues and struggles with an eating disorder because of it. And for the longest time, it was her secret alone. The rest of the world needn’t be a part of it…until Hayden.
Bring on the friction and the inevitable build into something far more powerful than just simple attraction or friendship. This is where Pam is at her best. Some might say that she writes fantastic characters (it’s true she does), that she writes relatable situations (also true), but for me personally this is where Pam excels.
It is not an easy road to happiness and a happily ever after for these two. There are steps forward and steps back, but what works most for me here is that through all of it, neither one of them gives up on the other.
Joe will always be mine. I will always have a soft spot for that character and the way he was written in each of the books (most specifically his own), but Hayden stole a little piece of me here. There is just something so noble about him. Sure, he’s got a potty mouth and a bit of a short fuse when it comes to way people treat those that he cares about, but boy, when that boy loves, he loves deeply. And he most certainly loves Beth.
Then on the flip-side, we have his little half sister. If you thought the way he was with Beth was a treat, you see it ten-fold in their interactions. I’m a mom, so seeing a man interact with a young child in the way that he did within these pages, well, let me tell you, I melted. It is the ultimate dream for any mom or caregiver for children. You want that kind of person in your life because they’re gonna bring out in the best in the child and that most certainly happens here.
What struck me most, away from Hayden though, was Beth. What she struggled with, the issues she had within herself, I didn’t want them to change and be magically fixed because of the love of a good man. I wanted her to be able to see through the darkness that was her image of herself and walk into the light, becoming the strong person that I knew deep down she was. And I got that in spades. Making the choice she did to put herself into treatment, to take that big of a step on her own, knowing what it would mean for her but also for those around her, I have never loved and respected a female character more. She made the changes in her life for her, and no one else. She was just lucky enough to have one of the BEST support systems around in Cooper, Lily and the gang.
This book was about more than just the romance though. It was about love, sure. But it was also about loss, honor, respect, and family, coming into yourself, acceptance and overall happiness. There are instances in this book that will take you by surprise, and they might even make your heart bleed as they did mine, but as always in a Pamela Sparkman novel, by the time you turn that last page, you have been put back together and healed in quite possibly the most beautiful way possible.
For anyone wanting to take a chance on this story or even on this series, I implore you to bring tissues, because you will be emotionally impacted, but also come at it expecting to be moved and transformed, because for the third time, I know I have been.
Pamela, thank you for writing such a beautiful story. Words in a review are definitely not enough to convey just how pure and beautiful this story truly is. From this moment on, you shall be deemed the Queen of Magical Romance!
July 8, 2015
I absolutely loved this whole series as well as all of the characters. Pamela never ceases to amaze me with her writing. She pulls you right in and makes you feel like you know everyone. Ms. Sophie got to help all of "her boys" which I also love. I was on an emotional rollercoaster going from laughing to crying and being heart broken. My heart broke for Beth and her struggles but she had so much strength in her and Hayden was amazing of course. I will anxiously await Ms.Sophie's story in 2016. Thank you Pamela for the ARC!!
July 21, 2015
**ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review**
First of all, let me tell you that I enjoyed every single page of this book. The characters and the story are just something you can relate to, even if you haven’t gone through the same things they have. Skin Deep is the third book in the Stolen Breaths series by Pamela Sparkman. Even though it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend to read the first two books in the series before jumping into this one.
“Sometimes being destroyed gives you the opportunity to create something even better than what was.”
In this book, we have two characters we’ve met before. Hayden and Beth are part of the group of friends we’ve been introduced in the previous books, each of them has their own story, their own way of seeing life. In Skin Deep, we have two characters that have always been kind of closed, when it came to showing their true self to everyone. It wasn’t that they were someone different around their friends, it was just that they have a lot to hide. Or that’s what they believed. In some amazing way, they find their way to each other, even if it wasn’t an easy road at first. People have wronged both Hayden and Beth in the past, both were hurt by someone they trusted. Hayden decided to do something good about it, which ended up giving him a new family. Beth decided to take matters into her own hands, which led her to find her old family. I believe, the moment we decide we can trust someone, we put ourselves in risk at being hurt, but we also give ourselves the opportunity to find some unexpected happiness. It’s pretty much a 50/50 chance. We’ve met an amazing group of characters so far, but in this particular book, we’re introduced to something more. Something I wasn’t expecting at all, but it sure was a beautiful surprise. I believe the characters grow a lot more in this book.
Since I first started reading this series I noticed that the relationship between all the characters was something truly special. Each character has their own personality and their own way of thinking, but when they come together, they’re like this one amazing family, an entity. But while I was reading the previous books, I felt a particular interest in Hayden and Beth’s story. There’s always been this connection between them that was completely intriguing, and completely different from the rest of the characters’ relationships. For a while there, they were too careful around each other, as if they were scared of the other, but at at the same time, I felt their mutual attraction, even when I was reading from other points of view, and obviously it was easier to spot that attraction in this one. They’re relationship wasn’t an easy one. While at first it was all smiles, it got harder the moment one of their secrets got out. We have to know when we need help, even though it’s not an easy thing to do. But that’s part of the beauty of the book, when the characters realize that they need help and not only that, but that there’s someone offering it to you freely, just because they care. I really enjoyed reading about Hayden and Beth’s relationship, how it developed from a shallow friendship, to a meaningful and passionate love.
“Forever was too long to be without her and not long enough to be with her.”
Hayden and Beth have a lot to teach each other and us, for that matter. The need to help others, and become their friend and their support, is something we should always have present. Sometimes, accepting help is as difficult as asking for help is, but there really is no need to face the world alone when there’s someone beside you that’s willing to do that and a lot more for you. And you know what? This book shows you that sometimes, you can pick your family.
If you’re looking for a book that’s full of wonderful characters, smiles and lots of feelings, this series might give you just that.
First of all, let me tell you that I enjoyed every single page of this book. The characters and the story are just something you can relate to, even if you haven’t gone through the same things they have. Skin Deep is the third book in the Stolen Breaths series by Pamela Sparkman. Even though it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend to read the first two books in the series before jumping into this one.
“Sometimes being destroyed gives you the opportunity to create something even better than what was.”
In this book, we have two characters we’ve met before. Hayden and Beth are part of the group of friends we’ve been introduced in the previous books, each of them has their own story, their own way of seeing life. In Skin Deep, we have two characters that have always been kind of closed, when it came to showing their true self to everyone. It wasn’t that they were someone different around their friends, it was just that they have a lot to hide. Or that’s what they believed. In some amazing way, they find their way to each other, even if it wasn’t an easy road at first. People have wronged both Hayden and Beth in the past, both were hurt by someone they trusted. Hayden decided to do something good about it, which ended up giving him a new family. Beth decided to take matters into her own hands, which led her to find her old family. I believe, the moment we decide we can trust someone, we put ourselves in risk at being hurt, but we also give ourselves the opportunity to find some unexpected happiness. It’s pretty much a 50/50 chance. We’ve met an amazing group of characters so far, but in this particular book, we’re introduced to something more. Something I wasn’t expecting at all, but it sure was a beautiful surprise. I believe the characters grow a lot more in this book.
Since I first started reading this series I noticed that the relationship between all the characters was something truly special. Each character has their own personality and their own way of thinking, but when they come together, they’re like this one amazing family, an entity. But while I was reading the previous books, I felt a particular interest in Hayden and Beth’s story. There’s always been this connection between them that was completely intriguing, and completely different from the rest of the characters’ relationships. For a while there, they were too careful around each other, as if they were scared of the other, but at at the same time, I felt their mutual attraction, even when I was reading from other points of view, and obviously it was easier to spot that attraction in this one. They’re relationship wasn’t an easy one. While at first it was all smiles, it got harder the moment one of their secrets got out. We have to know when we need help, even though it’s not an easy thing to do. But that’s part of the beauty of the book, when the characters realize that they need help and not only that, but that there’s someone offering it to you freely, just because they care. I really enjoyed reading about Hayden and Beth’s relationship, how it developed from a shallow friendship, to a meaningful and passionate love.
“Forever was too long to be without her and not long enough to be with her.”
Hayden and Beth have a lot to teach each other and us, for that matter. The need to help others, and become their friend and their support, is something we should always have present. Sometimes, accepting help is as difficult as asking for help is, but there really is no need to face the world alone when there’s someone beside you that’s willing to do that and a lot more for you. And you know what? This book shows you that sometimes, you can pick your family.
If you’re looking for a book that’s full of wonderful characters, smiles and lots of feelings, this series might give you just that.
August 7, 2015
*4.5 Stars*
Having read the other two books in this series, I was more than a little eager to get my hands on this book. This series is not only about the love stories, but the story of a close-knit group of friends who are more like a family. Each book focuses on a different couple, but the other characters from the previous two books do make appearances. You could read Skin Deep as a standalone, however, I would certainly recommend reading the other books so that you can get a full appreciation of the friendship and love that surrounds these characters.
Beth lives her life behind a mask, only showing people the bare minimum. She plasters on a smile to greet the outside world, but beneath it all she is a woman in pain. She has experienced a great deal of loss, shame, and hurt in her young life. Beth would like nothing more than to be free of her demons and live a normal life, but she can’t escape the pain that she harbors inside – she craves the release that only purging will effectuate.
Hayden just wants to know Beth. Really know her. He feels a pull towards her, but just as much as he is pulled towards her, she pushes him away. He wants to be part of her life, to help her, to be there for her. When Hayden finds out the secret that Beth has been hiding from everyone, it only fuels his desire to help her get better.
Once again, Pamela Sparkman has created a male protagonist that has set the bar very high for any other male character. She has a knack for taking the “nice guy” and making her readers completely fall for him. Hayden is loyal, trustworthy, and a stand-up guy. He doesn’t need to be the bad boy, the unattainable womanizer, he is just a normal man who happens to be one hell of a good guy – and that, my friends, is sexy as hell.
Beth isn’t the only one keeping secrets. Hayden has been keeping a secret from everyone as well. He has been carrying around his own feelings of hurt, shame, and resentment for something that he had no control over. But Hayden being Hayden has tried to correct the wrongs that were done, and in turn, he has created something absolutely beautiful.
I don’t want to get into too much detail about the story. What I can say is that Pamela Sparkman always puts out a quality piece of writing. Her characters are normal and likable. She has taken serious subject matter and has treated it with a level of grace and dignity. One of my favorite aspects of this series would definitely be the close bond between the characters. They aren’t without their faults, but they are all genuinely good people who prove that families can exist without being tied by blood. Ms. Sophie is the grandmotherly figure who grounds all of these characters, and yes, she likes to dabble in the art of matchmaking. Love her!
Skin Deep is an emotional book that tears at your heart just as much as it heals it. For the last forty minutes of the book I was clutching a crumpled tissue in my hand and wiping my eyes repeatedly just to be able to read the words. It’s romantic, it’s heartwarming, it’s heartbreaking…it’s another beautiful addition to this series.
Having read the other two books in this series, I was more than a little eager to get my hands on this book. This series is not only about the love stories, but the story of a close-knit group of friends who are more like a family. Each book focuses on a different couple, but the other characters from the previous two books do make appearances. You could read Skin Deep as a standalone, however, I would certainly recommend reading the other books so that you can get a full appreciation of the friendship and love that surrounds these characters.
Beth lives her life behind a mask, only showing people the bare minimum. She plasters on a smile to greet the outside world, but beneath it all she is a woman in pain. She has experienced a great deal of loss, shame, and hurt in her young life. Beth would like nothing more than to be free of her demons and live a normal life, but she can’t escape the pain that she harbors inside – she craves the release that only purging will effectuate.
Hayden just wants to know Beth. Really know her. He feels a pull towards her, but just as much as he is pulled towards her, she pushes him away. He wants to be part of her life, to help her, to be there for her. When Hayden finds out the secret that Beth has been hiding from everyone, it only fuels his desire to help her get better.
Once again, Pamela Sparkman has created a male protagonist that has set the bar very high for any other male character. She has a knack for taking the “nice guy” and making her readers completely fall for him. Hayden is loyal, trustworthy, and a stand-up guy. He doesn’t need to be the bad boy, the unattainable womanizer, he is just a normal man who happens to be one hell of a good guy – and that, my friends, is sexy as hell.
Beth isn’t the only one keeping secrets. Hayden has been keeping a secret from everyone as well. He has been carrying around his own feelings of hurt, shame, and resentment for something that he had no control over. But Hayden being Hayden has tried to correct the wrongs that were done, and in turn, he has created something absolutely beautiful.
I don’t want to get into too much detail about the story. What I can say is that Pamela Sparkman always puts out a quality piece of writing. Her characters are normal and likable. She has taken serious subject matter and has treated it with a level of grace and dignity. One of my favorite aspects of this series would definitely be the close bond between the characters. They aren’t without their faults, but they are all genuinely good people who prove that families can exist without being tied by blood. Ms. Sophie is the grandmotherly figure who grounds all of these characters, and yes, she likes to dabble in the art of matchmaking. Love her!
Skin Deep is an emotional book that tears at your heart just as much as it heals it. For the last forty minutes of the book I was clutching a crumpled tissue in my hand and wiping my eyes repeatedly just to be able to read the words. It’s romantic, it’s heartwarming, it’s heartbreaking…it’s another beautiful addition to this series.
August 2, 2015
5 Stars
I was given an ARC for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
CONTAINS TRIGGERS, SELF HARM AND SOME MATURE CONTENT
Skin Deep is the third book in the Stolen Breaths Series. Pamela Sparkman does not disappoint in the third book in the Stolen Breaths Series. I was left breathless and craving more of her writing.
I can remember picking up Stolen Breaths (Book 1) because a friend recommended it. I was floored by how Pamela Sparkman was able to make her characters come to life and be so relatable. Her steamy scenes were lovely and closed door. Stolen Breaths made you want a Cooper in your life and made you want to be Lily.
When Shattered came out I knew I had to have that book as well. We met Joe in the first book but as he was just a secondary character but we knew he loved to make jokes. We also met Maggie in Stolen Breaths. Everything we start to know and love about Joe and Maggie are wonderful but when their lives are Shattered, that is when we truly fall in love with these characters even more. This is also when we learn what it is to love and fight for what you love.
Skin Deep finally, I say finally because I reread all Ms Sparkman's books to get to this point, came out. I have been waiting on this love story for what seems like a long time. I thought that Stolen Breaths was my favorite book of her's. OH I was dead wrong. Skin Deep takes Beth, who we also met in the first book, and Hayden story and what you thought you know, you didn't know even half of it. You could tell they wanted each other in the other books, but WOW the things you learn about them go more than just Skin Deep.
Ms Sparkman has taken this book and tugged at your heartstrings and made me feel like I was living my High School years all over again in Beth, but with Anorexia. The triggers it caused in me was not of self harm, but of wanting to be loved more and not thinking of yourself of value. Those are hard things to accept when you are told them once or twice or even a billion times and come to believe them. Sometimes it takes one person (the love of your life) or several (a family) to pull you out of this way of thinking. The way this author chose to broach the subject matter was fantastic and I do not see a way that she could have done a better job.
Hayden has to overcome some enormous obstacles as well and I believe the way he has handled himself through them was wonderful! I do not think I could grow a backbone like he did in the book and make some of the sacrifices he has done in his life.
I love that Stolen Breaths Series starts with one person seemingly not knowing anyone but at the end of Skin Deep there is a big circle that connects everyone to everything. Once again I loved that Miss Sophie was still integrated throughout all the books. I can not wait to have her book in my hands and reading it as well! Back to Yesterday on my TBR already!
I was given an ARC for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
CONTAINS TRIGGERS, SELF HARM AND SOME MATURE CONTENT
Skin Deep is the third book in the Stolen Breaths Series. Pamela Sparkman does not disappoint in the third book in the Stolen Breaths Series. I was left breathless and craving more of her writing.
I can remember picking up Stolen Breaths (Book 1) because a friend recommended it. I was floored by how Pamela Sparkman was able to make her characters come to life and be so relatable. Her steamy scenes were lovely and closed door. Stolen Breaths made you want a Cooper in your life and made you want to be Lily.
When Shattered came out I knew I had to have that book as well. We met Joe in the first book but as he was just a secondary character but we knew he loved to make jokes. We also met Maggie in Stolen Breaths. Everything we start to know and love about Joe and Maggie are wonderful but when their lives are Shattered, that is when we truly fall in love with these characters even more. This is also when we learn what it is to love and fight for what you love.
Skin Deep finally, I say finally because I reread all Ms Sparkman's books to get to this point, came out. I have been waiting on this love story for what seems like a long time. I thought that Stolen Breaths was my favorite book of her's. OH I was dead wrong. Skin Deep takes Beth, who we also met in the first book, and Hayden story and what you thought you know, you didn't know even half of it. You could tell they wanted each other in the other books, but WOW the things you learn about them go more than just Skin Deep.
Ms Sparkman has taken this book and tugged at your heartstrings and made me feel like I was living my High School years all over again in Beth, but with Anorexia. The triggers it caused in me was not of self harm, but of wanting to be loved more and not thinking of yourself of value. Those are hard things to accept when you are told them once or twice or even a billion times and come to believe them. Sometimes it takes one person (the love of your life) or several (a family) to pull you out of this way of thinking. The way this author chose to broach the subject matter was fantastic and I do not see a way that she could have done a better job.
Hayden has to overcome some enormous obstacles as well and I believe the way he has handled himself through them was wonderful! I do not think I could grow a backbone like he did in the book and make some of the sacrifices he has done in his life.
I love that Stolen Breaths Series starts with one person seemingly not knowing anyone but at the end of Skin Deep there is a big circle that connects everyone to everything. Once again I loved that Miss Sophie was still integrated throughout all the books. I can not wait to have her book in my hands and reading it as well! Back to Yesterday on my TBR already!
July 22, 2015
*** I Love Story Time was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review ***
5 Stars!!
"She was no longer alone in her agony. And I was no longer beating down her walls to get in. She opened the door, and I walked through."
I just finished reading this story and as I write this review, I continue to have tears falling down my face. I wanted to write this review as soon as I finished reading because I wanted to write it while the emotions that this story created in me were still fresh. I am really happy to say that I LOVED this book. I haven't read a book recently that has made me cry as much this did. I loved that Pamela took something that I'm sure many people struggle with and turned it into a beautiful story about struggles, self improvement, and love. Hayden was everything. I fell in love with Hayden, and I can honestly say through the whole book, I took his words right out of his mouth...
"I'm still falling.
Yes! I fell in love over and over with Hayden. Every roll he played was perfect. Skin Deep is so much more than just a love story. It's about family, friends, and two people who never knew they had so much in common and needed each other to complete their lives. I really loved everything about it. I would have to say that for me, Skin Deep, is my favorite in the series! If you read this, I highly recommend you grab a box of tissues!
~Juls
August 7, 2015
A great story, a great romance, where neither party is perfect, both come into the relationship with issues and imperfections, (including an eating disorder for the woman) but they both treat each other with kindness and respect, they let their relationship develop, they accept each others imperfections while supporting them on their personal quests for improvement, without trying to 'change' the other person, leaving it up to the other person to decide what they want to change themselves.
I read another book by this author awhile back, and the two characters (Lily and Cooper) who were the main characters of that other book are friends with our two main characters in this book (Beth and Hayden). So it was nice to 'see' Lily and Cooper again, and see how their relationship had progressed (it was a good progression by the way, with a baby on the way!).
This is not a "fifty shades", "hot and heavy sex scenes", romance. This is not a dominating and controlling romance, where the man is some successful billionaire who calls all the shots for the swooning woman. This is a romance where the man respects the woman, the woman makes her own choices, and love grows as they support each other through the good and the bad. If this is the type of romance you would like, then this book, and this author, are for you!
I read another book by this author awhile back, and the two characters (Lily and Cooper) who were the main characters of that other book are friends with our two main characters in this book (Beth and Hayden). So it was nice to 'see' Lily and Cooper again, and see how their relationship had progressed (it was a good progression by the way, with a baby on the way!).
This is not a "fifty shades", "hot and heavy sex scenes", romance. This is not a dominating and controlling romance, where the man is some successful billionaire who calls all the shots for the swooning woman. This is a romance where the man respects the woman, the woman makes her own choices, and love grows as they support each other through the good and the bad. If this is the type of romance you would like, then this book, and this author, are for you!
September 22, 2015
I just finished this book and...wow.
Little disclaimer: I normally have absolutely no interest in romance. But I am in the process of purchasing every one of her books!
I am feeling so many emotions! My heart is warm, I feel strangely humble and yet thrilled at the same time. I did not guess any of the plot twists but I still easily kept up with the beautiful poetic story.
This novel will stay with me forever, it is engraved into my heart and etched into my soul. Absolutely...exquisite!
I want to personally thank Pamela Sparkman for sending this book to me to read and review, I am honoured to have had this opportunity ♡
Little disclaimer: I normally have absolutely no interest in romance. But I am in the process of purchasing every one of her books!
I am feeling so many emotions! My heart is warm, I feel strangely humble and yet thrilled at the same time. I did not guess any of the plot twists but I still easily kept up with the beautiful poetic story.
This novel will stay with me forever, it is engraved into my heart and etched into my soul. Absolutely...exquisite!
I want to personally thank Pamela Sparkman for sending this book to me to read and review, I am honoured to have had this opportunity ♡
September 1, 2015
You all loved Cooper. You all loved Joe (and his jokes ;)) but you have yet to LOVE Hayden.
I claim these boys. MINE. LOL.
I absolutely LOOOOVVEEEDDDD this book to pieces!!! <3
YOU ALL MUST MUST MUST read it.
5 STARS!!!!
I claim these boys. MINE. LOL.
I absolutely LOOOOVVEEEDDDD this book to pieces!!! <3
YOU ALL MUST MUST MUST read it.
5 STARS!!!!
August 20, 2015
So, Pamela, You did it again ... All the Feels ... And the end, I've got tears in my eyes! A beautiful symphony, breathtaking, and heartwarming. Thank you for telling us Beth and Hayden's story!
Review to come!!!
Review to come!!!
July 26, 2015
5++++++ stars!!!!!!!!!
March 21, 2018
Wow! This book was a roller-coaster of emotions. One minute I was smiling, then the next I was in tears. Hayden and Beth's story was extremely moving and poignant, and Beth struggled with some heartbreaking issues including the untimely death of her parents when she was a child, anxiety and bulimia which gave this book more depth than the first two novels in the series.
Pamela Sparkman has an easy, believable style of writing and I have enjoyed my time with Cooper, Lily, Maggie, Joe, Beth, Hayden and, of course, Ms Sophie who was the glue that held them all together. I also liked Molly and little Annie, who were new characters in this book, and I adored Hayden's dog, Dozer. Although most of these individuals were unrelated by blood, they became a family who loved and supported each other throughout the ups and downs of life, sharing laughter and tears, heartbreak and happiness. For me, the ending was bitter-sweet, but I loved how the author brought everything to a close. A lovely series.
Pamela Sparkman has an easy, believable style of writing and I have enjoyed my time with Cooper, Lily, Maggie, Joe, Beth, Hayden and, of course, Ms Sophie who was the glue that held them all together. I also liked Molly and little Annie, who were new characters in this book, and I adored Hayden's dog, Dozer. Although most of these individuals were unrelated by blood, they became a family who loved and supported each other throughout the ups and downs of life, sharing laughter and tears, heartbreak and happiness. For me, the ending was bitter-sweet, but I loved how the author brought everything to a close. A lovely series.
April 3, 2018
Omg... it’s been a while since I read the previous books and when I noticed I hadn’t read this one I jumped on it! I have to say it was yet again a whirlwind of emotions!!! From Annie wanting to be “stuck like glue” to Kish! To Ms Sophie and then Beth and Molly what and emotional rollercoaster and I loved every single minute of it. Well done again Pamela Sparkman!!!
August 14, 2017
I am giving this five stars because the writing is beautiful, almost like poetry. This also very emotional and I feel that within the writing. I cried way to much and not all of it was because something horrible happened.
I didn't like the beginning. This is the third book, but the first book I read. You can do that with a lot of series but with this one it felt like I came into the middle of a book. After that passed and I got to know the characters I enjoyed it a lot.
It starts off with Hayden seeing Beth make herself throw up. He confronts her and she stone walls him. It took a while but he go past some of her walls.
If you don't like super cheesy reads you wont like this. Hayden was so sweet and patient. He had some anger and did impulsive things like kiss her. There is not any sex till the end but even that is not descriptive. Usually that would deter me and my ratings, but I felt like it was alright in this book.
Hayden doesn't open up to a lot of people either. He walked in on his father hitting a woman he had an affair with. She got pregnant and she found out he was married when his wife offered to pay for the abortion. She came to him begging for money because their daughter needed surgery. Hayden walked in and punched his dad, disowned his family, paid for his sisters surgery and became their family. However, Molly didn't want her daughter to know about her dad so they didn't tell her that Hayden was her brother.
Beth lost her parents in a house fire when she was a child. Her and her older sister were separated afterwards by different foster families and never saw each other again. Then her best friend, who happened to be a guy, told his friends he would like her like her if she wasn't so fat. That was when she became bulimic.
They go on a few dates and she enrolls into a treatment facility where she gets help.
NOW Hayden said he was drawn to Beth because she reminded him of his little baby sister. They had the same way, the same smile. His sister is named Annabeth. Beths full name is Bethany Anne. Her sister Grace's full name was Molly Grace. They didn't meet until Molly had a heart attack and went to the hospital. That is when we Beth sees Molly and realizes she has found her sister. Called it! but really, they should have known lol. Molly also tells Annie that Beth is her aunt and Hayden is her brother. He was petrified but Annie always wanted to belong to him, and now she knows she does. Molly was anorexic but got better when she got pregnant. Then she became obsessed with eating healthy to the point she got another eating disorder I haven't heard much about. That is why her heart failed.
Hayden asks slowly about Beth's dream wedding and put it into motion. He buys a huge house for them all and Ms. Sophie marries them with everyone they love in audience. The vows that he speaks to Beth are actually the same words as the summery of this book, really cute and amazing touch.
I really like the other characters, especially Joe lol.
Lilly and Cooper are pregnant and give birth to a baby girl that they name after his lovely grandmother, Sophie. She is speechless and her heart full. Sophie loss her son and her beloved husband. She died about a month later and that was hard to read. In her letter to read at her funeral she tells Beth that the book she gave her at Christmas, the one Beth read while in treatment, was actually a story all about her. She asked to let Cooper read it. I felt so sad for the gang but at least we know Ms. Sophie is with her loved ones in Heaven, and she was so grateful for them all for healing her heart after her loses.
Really beautiful book with a lot of great quotes.
I didn't like the beginning. This is the third book, but the first book I read. You can do that with a lot of series but with this one it felt like I came into the middle of a book. After that passed and I got to know the characters I enjoyed it a lot.
It starts off with Hayden seeing Beth make herself throw up. He confronts her and she stone walls him. It took a while but he go past some of her walls.
If you don't like super cheesy reads you wont like this. Hayden was so sweet and patient. He had some anger and did impulsive things like kiss her. There is not any sex till the end but even that is not descriptive. Usually that would deter me and my ratings, but I felt like it was alright in this book.
Hayden doesn't open up to a lot of people either. He walked in on his father hitting a woman he had an affair with. She got pregnant and she found out he was married when his wife offered to pay for the abortion. She came to him begging for money because their daughter needed surgery. Hayden walked in and punched his dad, disowned his family, paid for his sisters surgery and became their family. However, Molly didn't want her daughter to know about her dad so they didn't tell her that Hayden was her brother.
Beth lost her parents in a house fire when she was a child. Her and her older sister were separated afterwards by different foster families and never saw each other again. Then her best friend, who happened to be a guy, told his friends he would like her like her if she wasn't so fat. That was when she became bulimic.
They go on a few dates and she enrolls into a treatment facility where she gets help.
NOW Hayden said he was drawn to Beth because she reminded him of his little baby sister. They had the same way, the same smile. His sister is named Annabeth. Beths full name is Bethany Anne. Her sister Grace's full name was Molly Grace. They didn't meet until Molly had a heart attack and went to the hospital. That is when we Beth sees Molly and realizes she has found her sister. Called it! but really, they should have known lol. Molly also tells Annie that Beth is her aunt and Hayden is her brother. He was petrified but Annie always wanted to belong to him, and now she knows she does. Molly was anorexic but got better when she got pregnant. Then she became obsessed with eating healthy to the point she got another eating disorder I haven't heard much about. That is why her heart failed.
Hayden asks slowly about Beth's dream wedding and put it into motion. He buys a huge house for them all and Ms. Sophie marries them with everyone they love in audience. The vows that he speaks to Beth are actually the same words as the summery of this book, really cute and amazing touch.
I really like the other characters, especially Joe lol.
Lilly and Cooper are pregnant and give birth to a baby girl that they name after his lovely grandmother, Sophie. She is speechless and her heart full. Sophie loss her son and her beloved husband. She died about a month later and that was hard to read. In her letter to read at her funeral she tells Beth that the book she gave her at Christmas, the one Beth read while in treatment, was actually a story all about her. She asked to let Cooper read it. I felt so sad for the gang but at least we know Ms. Sophie is with her loved ones in Heaven, and she was so grateful for them all for healing her heart after her loses.
Really beautiful book with a lot of great quotes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2015
By far this is the best book in the series so far and that is saying a lot. I fell in love with Pamela Sparkman’s style after I read her first book. The way she brings the reader into the story, making us feel the emotions and live the plot was impressive to me. We meet this crew of characters and they continue to show up in the books as the series progresses. Skin Deep is about Hayden and Beth.
Hayden has every reason to be a jerk in life but he turned his back on his childhood and family and forged ahead in life learning to love and be the kind hearted man that was his true self. He has two girls in his life that he takes care of and loves, but Beth has captured his heart. Unfortunately, Beth can’t give him anything in return because she is empty inside.
When you read about her childhood and how she survives day to day it will break your heart. She struggles against the vice she has depended on, her eating disorder and her longing to be normal and able to love. Hayden can see past the walls she has built and makes it his mission to make her like him, be a friend to her and get her to love him.
There are so many twists to this story, you will never be able to sit back and predict the next move. I love how Beth isn’t a victim or someone who feels there is no hope for her future; she just needs someone to believe in her enough till she can have faith in herself. Hayden, oh my Hayden is my favorite male character out of this series. He is bright, funny, loving, and sexy and can sing a woman right off her feet.
If you haven’t already experienced the beautiful storytelling of Pamela Sparkman you are missing out on a great treasure. She brings her characters to life right before your eyes, allowing each of them to show their tender vulnerable souls to the reader and allowing us on their path of healing. She gives us joy and sadness, hope and healing and humor along the way. I know we have all heard the phrase Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often…….that is the theme in Pamela’s books. No matter what the situation is, no matter how great the heartache will be, nor how big the loss, she has created a group of friends and family that love, laugh and live through ups and downs in life as a team.
Hayden has every reason to be a jerk in life but he turned his back on his childhood and family and forged ahead in life learning to love and be the kind hearted man that was his true self. He has two girls in his life that he takes care of and loves, but Beth has captured his heart. Unfortunately, Beth can’t give him anything in return because she is empty inside.
When you read about her childhood and how she survives day to day it will break your heart. She struggles against the vice she has depended on, her eating disorder and her longing to be normal and able to love. Hayden can see past the walls she has built and makes it his mission to make her like him, be a friend to her and get her to love him.
There are so many twists to this story, you will never be able to sit back and predict the next move. I love how Beth isn’t a victim or someone who feels there is no hope for her future; she just needs someone to believe in her enough till she can have faith in herself. Hayden, oh my Hayden is my favorite male character out of this series. He is bright, funny, loving, and sexy and can sing a woman right off her feet.
If you haven’t already experienced the beautiful storytelling of Pamela Sparkman you are missing out on a great treasure. She brings her characters to life right before your eyes, allowing each of them to show their tender vulnerable souls to the reader and allowing us on their path of healing. She gives us joy and sadness, hope and healing and humor along the way. I know we have all heard the phrase Live Well, Love Much, Laugh Often…….that is the theme in Pamela’s books. No matter what the situation is, no matter how great the heartache will be, nor how big the loss, she has created a group of friends and family that love, laugh and live through ups and downs in life as a team.
August 3, 2015
ERIN'S REVIEW
5 STARS
This story was incredible. I was so excited to read this book as I love this series already. Hayden and Beth are amazing characters. This story was full of emotion and had me in tears for most of it. The author did an amazing job with all the detail and description. These two characters have so much going on in their lives. They both have secrets that they have not shared with their closest friends. However, they are able to confide in each other. Even with everything going on, the story flows seamlessly. Hayden and Beth both have their own personal struggles and they have struggles they share in their relationship. There is a major twist that I didn’t see coming that made me cry all over again. It was simply beautiful. I cannot stress enough what an amazing job the author did with these characters and the issues in this story. I was happy to get a glimpse of previous characters and what they are up to now. Can’t wait to see where this series will go next!
AMY C.'S REVIEW
4 STARS
"I reached for the lock...turned it, and listened for the sound it made. ... It was the sound of a heart being unlocked." This book was everything complicated, complex and beautifully resolved. It favored heartbreak as well as discovery between characters individually and united. This book wasn't over the top, yet simple and easily stated. I enjoyed the characters, plot and story line.
Beth and Hayden were beautifully written. They had the intricacy of an old married couple woven in with the newness of a relationship just beginning. I loved the discovery both characters went on to find themselves individually and together. They were able to see their relationship grow and blossom and were able to strive to overcome challenges they faced.
This was my first book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. She was able to bring a complicated story line to this book, and offer it the complete grace and humility it deserved. The storyline was easy to read and flowed well. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. 4 well deserved stars.
5 STARS
This story was incredible. I was so excited to read this book as I love this series already. Hayden and Beth are amazing characters. This story was full of emotion and had me in tears for most of it. The author did an amazing job with all the detail and description. These two characters have so much going on in their lives. They both have secrets that they have not shared with their closest friends. However, they are able to confide in each other. Even with everything going on, the story flows seamlessly. Hayden and Beth both have their own personal struggles and they have struggles they share in their relationship. There is a major twist that I didn’t see coming that made me cry all over again. It was simply beautiful. I cannot stress enough what an amazing job the author did with these characters and the issues in this story. I was happy to get a glimpse of previous characters and what they are up to now. Can’t wait to see where this series will go next!
AMY C.'S REVIEW
4 STARS
"I reached for the lock...turned it, and listened for the sound it made. ... It was the sound of a heart being unlocked." This book was everything complicated, complex and beautifully resolved. It favored heartbreak as well as discovery between characters individually and united. This book wasn't over the top, yet simple and easily stated. I enjoyed the characters, plot and story line.
Beth and Hayden were beautifully written. They had the intricacy of an old married couple woven in with the newness of a relationship just beginning. I loved the discovery both characters went on to find themselves individually and together. They were able to see their relationship grow and blossom and were able to strive to overcome challenges they faced.
This was my first book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. She was able to bring a complicated story line to this book, and offer it the complete grace and humility it deserved. The storyline was easy to read and flowed well. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. 4 well deserved stars.
August 9, 2015
If only every love story was this beautiful
I know you see it time and time again with reviews, "this book is amazing" "A must read" and on and on...then there are books like this. I can count on 1 hand how many books have packed an emotional gut punch...and Skin Deep is one of them.
The story is beautiful. It touches you in such a way that you won't forget this one for a long time, if ever. Hayden is absolutely the perfect book boyfriend. Patient, loving, empathetic, all the while carrying the weight of his own demons. His to-do list will melt your heart. Beth is living a lie. Everything about her is a facade. She's hidden things for so long, it's second nature to her. No one can find out, what would they say? How can she explain to them how she feels? Some things are best to be kept secrets...then came Hayden. Who burst open the dam.
There are times this book is not easy to read. There are times when you will struggle to read through the tears. What these two have been through is heart breaking. Their journey to heal is simply beautiful.
The supporting characters help shape this amazing romance. Annie will capture your heart. I really needed more Dozer dialogue(seriously, he is hilarious). The one thing that stuck out for me throughout the book, was the strength these two characters had. Each had their own burdens, their own struggles and both of them handled them in the best way that they could, but it was THEIR way. They did what was best for themselves, especially Beth, before taking the next step. This is how a love story should be written. From the broken beginning, to the beautiful end.
While, I read this as a stand alone and followed along fine, I feel that I could have gotten just a bit more from the secondary characters if I would have known their back stories. Nevertheless, you still feel like you are a part of their circle.
I know you see it time and time again with reviews, "this book is amazing" "A must read" and on and on...then there are books like this. I can count on 1 hand how many books have packed an emotional gut punch...and Skin Deep is one of them.
The story is beautiful. It touches you in such a way that you won't forget this one for a long time, if ever. Hayden is absolutely the perfect book boyfriend. Patient, loving, empathetic, all the while carrying the weight of his own demons. His to-do list will melt your heart. Beth is living a lie. Everything about her is a facade. She's hidden things for so long, it's second nature to her. No one can find out, what would they say? How can she explain to them how she feels? Some things are best to be kept secrets...then came Hayden. Who burst open the dam.
There are times this book is not easy to read. There are times when you will struggle to read through the tears. What these two have been through is heart breaking. Their journey to heal is simply beautiful.
The supporting characters help shape this amazing romance. Annie will capture your heart. I really needed more Dozer dialogue(seriously, he is hilarious). The one thing that stuck out for me throughout the book, was the strength these two characters had. Each had their own burdens, their own struggles and both of them handled them in the best way that they could, but it was THEIR way. They did what was best for themselves, especially Beth, before taking the next step. This is how a love story should be written. From the broken beginning, to the beautiful end.
While, I read this as a stand alone and followed along fine, I feel that I could have gotten just a bit more from the secondary characters if I would have known their back stories. Nevertheless, you still feel like you are a part of their circle.
August 3, 2015
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Skin Deep is book #3 in the Stolen Breaths series, I was gifted a copy of this book to read for Gemma Reads Too Much.
Again with this book Pamela Sparkman provides a deeply emotional journey for Hayden and Beth.
This author really likes to add ALL the feels and this book looks at every emotional aspect of Beth’s illness and their hidden secrets.
Like the other books in the series, Skin Deep is written in a very formal and well spoken dialogue. It’s most definitely PG13 with no sex, swearing or anything that could be construed as offensive.
This book deals with the very real and sensitive subject of eating disorders; I actually enjoyed how Beth’s illness was dealt with. I thought that it made a difficult subject more easily discussed without diminishing the seriousness of the subject.
Hayden is a lovely guy, all of the men in this series are towers of strength and as close as possible to the fantasised ‘perfect guy’.
This is a nice book, it’s polite and well-mannered but I missed the rough around the edges grit that makes the book world just that little bit closer to real life.
I don’t have a heart of stone though and I did cry like an idiot at the final couple of chapters!!!
Pamela Sparkman really does like her twists of fate and yet again fate the fickle little bitch raised her hand and threw a great big coincidence in their to reinforce the fact that everything in life is preordained by fate herself!!
If the world were full of people like the characters in these books then it would be a much happier, more harmonious place.
Skin Deep was just a little bit too straight edge for me and gets 3 stars.
Skin Deep is book #3 in the Stolen Breaths series, I was gifted a copy of this book to read for Gemma Reads Too Much.
Again with this book Pamela Sparkman provides a deeply emotional journey for Hayden and Beth.
This author really likes to add ALL the feels and this book looks at every emotional aspect of Beth’s illness and their hidden secrets.
Like the other books in the series, Skin Deep is written in a very formal and well spoken dialogue. It’s most definitely PG13 with no sex, swearing or anything that could be construed as offensive.
This book deals with the very real and sensitive subject of eating disorders; I actually enjoyed how Beth’s illness was dealt with. I thought that it made a difficult subject more easily discussed without diminishing the seriousness of the subject.
Hayden is a lovely guy, all of the men in this series are towers of strength and as close as possible to the fantasised ‘perfect guy’.
This is a nice book, it’s polite and well-mannered but I missed the rough around the edges grit that makes the book world just that little bit closer to real life.
I don’t have a heart of stone though and I did cry like an idiot at the final couple of chapters!!!
Pamela Sparkman really does like her twists of fate and yet again fate the fickle little bitch raised her hand and threw a great big coincidence in their to reinforce the fact that everything in life is preordained by fate herself!!
If the world were full of people like the characters in these books then it would be a much happier, more harmonious place.
Skin Deep was just a little bit too straight edge for me and gets 3 stars.
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