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Skin Deep
After a painful divorce, Garland Durrell looks forward to settling into her home on Cape Cod to make the quilts that are her passion. On the first morning of her new life she finds a man and a small boy washed up on the beach, both badly wounded. Since the town chief of police is strangely reluctant to help, Garland takes on the care of the mysterious pair who don't seem to remember what happened to them--and feels her own heart begin to heal.
Alasdair does remember. He and his son Conn are the last of the ruling family of selkies from the waters around the Cape, locked in a decades-long struggle with an evil that threatens all, selkie and human. He’s not sure if he can trust the lovely, blue-eyed woman who takes them in until he touches one of her quilts and feels the magic she’s sewn into it...and the emotions that he never thought he’d feel again.
But the evil entity that stole Alasdair’s sealskin and left him for dead quickly senses both his presence and Garland’s magic, and is determined to destroy one and possess the other. Only Garland and her quilts, made with a power she barely believes she has, can save them all from destruction—if she can avoid being destroyed first.
Alasdair does remember. He and his son Conn are the last of the ruling family of selkies from the waters around the Cape, locked in a decades-long struggle with an evil that threatens all, selkie and human. He’s not sure if he can trust the lovely, blue-eyed woman who takes them in until he touches one of her quilts and feels the magic she’s sewn into it...and the emotions that he never thought he’d feel again.
But the evil entity that stole Alasdair’s sealskin and left him for dead quickly senses both his presence and Garland’s magic, and is determined to destroy one and possess the other. Only Garland and her quilts, made with a power she barely believes she has, can save them all from destruction—if she can avoid being destroyed first.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2016
6 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Doyle
25 books264 followersI try to write the kinds of stories I most enjoy reading...which means stories with heroines finding out who they are, their strengths and purposes, and where they belong in the world...and usually saving the day in the process (no damsels in distress here!) It means romance, but not with a capital "R". It means a lighter tone because I write what I like to read and I'm not really into cathartic reading...so you might want to think twice before picking up my books if you like dark and angsty reads as I might not be your cup of tea. I want to write mini-vacations for readers--give you stories that are fun and satisfying and put you into a good mood for when you close my books, smile, and step back out into the real world.
So there you go.
Oh, and for my bio--married mom of three young adults, life-long New Englander, passionate about history and research and anything from the past, and devoted to my adorable pet bunnies, whose photos I tend to paste all over Facebook. I don't review books much here on GR, but I have catalogued my library on LibraryThing and enjoy talking about books both there and here, so don't be afraid to say hello. And if you want an occasional newsletter with info on upcoming books, freebies, and more, visit http://eepurl.com/bVDwlf
So there you go.
Oh, and for my bio--married mom of three young adults, life-long New Englander, passionate about history and research and anything from the past, and devoted to my adorable pet bunnies, whose photos I tend to paste all over Facebook. I don't review books much here on GR, but I have catalogued my library on LibraryThing and enjoy talking about books both there and here, so don't be afraid to say hello. And if you want an occasional newsletter with info on upcoming books, freebies, and more, visit http://eepurl.com/bVDwlf
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 23, 2016
So, I've had books in the past where I got an ARC or I was asked to review it for an author and most of those times I have been disappointed. Then, there is this tremendous guilt that I didn't love something that was obviously a labor of love for the writer. I felt like a total jerk! So, I am usually reluctant to have a book given to me for that reason.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway and was pretty interested in the premise. I love the Fae world, but have read very little about selkies. I wasn't so sure about a quilting angle of the story because I know nothing about sewing and don't care. If it goes beyond sewing on a button, I throw it away. I just don't have those skills. But, I was willing to give it a shot.
sounds reasonable...
So, it was like Christmas morning to read this book and actually love it!
The world is so different, the writing is very pretty, and the characters were really interesting. The pacing was also good - I never got bored. That takes some skill because I bore pretty easily. It goes along with my throwing away something instead of sewing it. I'm not the most patient and enduring person.
now tell me I'm pretty...
The story is about a lady who is recently divorced and trying to heal from her wounds. She finds this man and child on the beach, badly hurt. She takes them into her home and gets close to them as they heal. In the meantime this doctor guy is kind of all over her. He has known her from when she and her husband used to visit during the summer and apparently has been waiting for his chance. Now, it's pounce time!
but in a much less cute way... aww, look at the kitty!!
Personally, I wasn't a fan of thehorny good doctor because he was waaaaay too aggressive right away. He wanted Mr. Sexy Naked Beach Man out of her house, along with his adorable son. Get the hell out! This is MY woman! I expected him to pee on her any moment. I'm like, back off, dude!
He, of course is trying to scare her into dumping Mr. Sexy Naked Beach Man:
Dr. Horny McBossypants: "I want you to send Alasdair and Conn to the hospital to finish recuperating. Now. What if these attacks are connected, and personal?"
"You don't have any way of knowing that --"
He went on as if she hadn't spoken. "What if whoever did this finds out Alasdair is here and comes back to finish the job? This is for his protection as much as yours. Though I have to admit I'm more concerned about your safety."
Do you see what he did there? He "mansplained", he questioned her judgement, he tried to use fear to manipulate her into doing what he wanted, and he was a pushy asshole.
you're so full of assholessence that you stink, dude!
But, Mr. Sexy Naked Beach Man is too alluring to get rid of. I mean, really. Who would ask a sexy naked man who needs you to leave? Not me. Momma didn't raise no fool. And, thankfully, our heroine is no fool either. As a matter of fact, she is strong, kind, and has a bit of magic.
keep the naked guy!
Mr. Sexy Naked Beach Man's little son is absolutely adorable too. I think I fell in love with the kid before I did with the guy.
DILF alert!
Another big bonus is that this book is a standalone. Just a really pretty break from reality. This would probably be a nice read while you are at the beach. It's all ocean settings and has a very dreamy quality to it.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway and was pretty interested in the premise. I love the Fae world, but have read very little about selkies. I wasn't so sure about a quilting angle of the story because I know nothing about sewing and don't care. If it goes beyond sewing on a button, I throw it away. I just don't have those skills. But, I was willing to give it a shot.
sounds reasonable...
So, it was like Christmas morning to read this book and actually love it!
The world is so different, the writing is very pretty, and the characters were really interesting. The pacing was also good - I never got bored. That takes some skill because I bore pretty easily. It goes along with my throwing away something instead of sewing it. I'm not the most patient and enduring person.
now tell me I'm pretty...
The story is about a lady who is recently divorced and trying to heal from her wounds. She finds this man and child on the beach, badly hurt. She takes them into her home and gets close to them as they heal. In the meantime this doctor guy is kind of all over her. He has known her from when she and her husband used to visit during the summer and apparently has been waiting for his chance. Now, it's pounce time!
but in a much less cute way... aww, look at the kitty!!
Personally, I wasn't a fan of the
He, of course is trying to scare her into dumping Mr. Sexy Naked Beach Man:
Dr. Horny McBossypants: "I want you to send Alasdair and Conn to the hospital to finish recuperating. Now. What if these attacks are connected, and personal?"
"You don't have any way of knowing that --"
He went on as if she hadn't spoken. "What if whoever did this finds out Alasdair is here and comes back to finish the job? This is for his protection as much as yours. Though I have to admit I'm more concerned about your safety."
Do you see what he did there? He "mansplained", he questioned her judgement, he tried to use fear to manipulate her into doing what he wanted, and he was a pushy asshole.
you're so full of assholessence that you stink, dude!
But, Mr. Sexy Naked Beach Man is too alluring to get rid of. I mean, really. Who would ask a sexy naked man who needs you to leave? Not me. Momma didn't raise no fool. And, thankfully, our heroine is no fool either. As a matter of fact, she is strong, kind, and has a bit of magic.
keep the naked guy!
Mr. Sexy Naked Beach Man's little son is absolutely adorable too. I think I fell in love with the kid before I did with the guy.
DILF alert!
Another big bonus is that this book is a standalone. Just a really pretty break from reality. This would probably be a nice read while you are at the beach. It's all ocean settings and has a very dreamy quality to it.
August 19, 2018
This was cute.
May 30, 2016
* Received this book in exchange for my review *
An intriguing mystery expertly and magically quilted together in this Cape Cod based novel.
An intriguing mystery expertly and magically quilted together in this Cape Cod based novel.
Want to read
May 27, 2016Because Jilly said so.
August 21, 2017
I received this through a Goodreads giveaway.
A woman going through a divorce goes home to get her life together. While walking on the beach she discovers a man and his son badly injured. Seeking help, she receives none from the local authorities. As she tries to care for the two, she will learn how to put herself together through the magic of quilting. A wonderfully unique and captivating read, I could not put this book down.
A woman going through a divorce goes home to get her life together. While walking on the beach she discovers a man and his son badly injured. Seeking help, she receives none from the local authorities. As she tries to care for the two, she will learn how to put herself together through the magic of quilting. A wonderfully unique and captivating read, I could not put this book down.
March 16, 2023
I liked this book. I liked the characters, the magical piece, the romance angle and the whole bad guy thing needing to be addressed. The quilting interwoven in the plot and the writing about quilting made sense without being ridiculously detailed. And sometimes it does feel like magic as a quilt comes together. Overall, a decent read without nail biting suspense or intense angst - just enough of both to keep me reading when I was starting to think, "Come on already. Get a clue."
June 21, 2017
Fun and well developed story. Easy to visualize and follow. Nice light romance
August 10, 2017
Adored this book. Would love to see a sequel. Conn's story?
August 11, 2016
4.5 stars! I really enjoyed this book.
Skin Deep is my first selkie book. I am no stranger to PNR, but it has been quite some time since I have found one of the “shifter” (if you can call this that) variety that didn’t cause me to roll my eyes. Frankly, I had believed that I was burnt out on PNR all together. And then came Skin Deep. This book could be an object lesson to anyone wanting to write a story with a magical element to it: first, you must have a solid story to tell. The magic is secondary to the story, and the chemistry between the characters. I was well pleased with both these elements in this book.
Following a nasty divorce, Garland Durrell moves into her home on Cape Cod, intent on doing nothing more than regaining her life and career with the quilts that her former husband refused to let her create. Her very first morning in the house she decides to take a walk out on the beach, to clear her head and gain some perspective on her new life. She finds a young boy and his father in the sand, both badly wounded, seemingly washed ashore in the storm the night before. The boy is unconscious, and the man, Alasdair, claims to remember nothing of their plight. She bundles them into her home and calls for help.
Right away, Garland notices that something about this entire situation is just not right. Her first call to 911 is mysteriously rerouted, and when she finally manages to alert someone in “authority” to the situation she is given the run around. Her only ally in this is the town’s newest doctor, who has ulterior motives of his own. Despite the doctor’s urging, Garland keeps the pair in her home to recover, at Alasdair’s request. She is drawn to them, both to the boy, Conn’s, innocent affection and his father’s mysterious personality. As time passes, the attitude of the townspeople towards Alasdair and Conn is positively venomous, and Garland is at a loss as to why.
Alasdair is a desperate man, injured by his sworn enemy and wanting only to protect his child from death. He recognizes the magic in Garland’s quilts and in her very nature, and banks upon it to keep himself and his son safe until they are healed. He is keeping some huge secrets, telling Garland that he has amnesia, certain that she would never believe the truth. He is a selkie without his skin, and is completely out of options. His enemy is still searching for him and his son, and is using every weapon in his arsenal to drive Alasdair out into the open.
I would highly recommend Skin Deep. I truly enjoyed this story of the lost selkie king and the woman who weaves magic with needle and thread. I had to laugh at Garland’s ‘color trance’ - I cross stitch, and have experienced something fairly similar myself. If this author ever decided to revisit this genre, she can be assured that I will be a reader.
I was given a copy of Skin Deep from the author free of charge, in exchange for this, my honest review.
Skin Deep is my first selkie book. I am no stranger to PNR, but it has been quite some time since I have found one of the “shifter” (if you can call this that) variety that didn’t cause me to roll my eyes. Frankly, I had believed that I was burnt out on PNR all together. And then came Skin Deep. This book could be an object lesson to anyone wanting to write a story with a magical element to it: first, you must have a solid story to tell. The magic is secondary to the story, and the chemistry between the characters. I was well pleased with both these elements in this book.
Following a nasty divorce, Garland Durrell moves into her home on Cape Cod, intent on doing nothing more than regaining her life and career with the quilts that her former husband refused to let her create. Her very first morning in the house she decides to take a walk out on the beach, to clear her head and gain some perspective on her new life. She finds a young boy and his father in the sand, both badly wounded, seemingly washed ashore in the storm the night before. The boy is unconscious, and the man, Alasdair, claims to remember nothing of their plight. She bundles them into her home and calls for help.
Right away, Garland notices that something about this entire situation is just not right. Her first call to 911 is mysteriously rerouted, and when she finally manages to alert someone in “authority” to the situation she is given the run around. Her only ally in this is the town’s newest doctor, who has ulterior motives of his own. Despite the doctor’s urging, Garland keeps the pair in her home to recover, at Alasdair’s request. She is drawn to them, both to the boy, Conn’s, innocent affection and his father’s mysterious personality. As time passes, the attitude of the townspeople towards Alasdair and Conn is positively venomous, and Garland is at a loss as to why.
Alasdair is a desperate man, injured by his sworn enemy and wanting only to protect his child from death. He recognizes the magic in Garland’s quilts and in her very nature, and banks upon it to keep himself and his son safe until they are healed. He is keeping some huge secrets, telling Garland that he has amnesia, certain that she would never believe the truth. He is a selkie without his skin, and is completely out of options. His enemy is still searching for him and his son, and is using every weapon in his arsenal to drive Alasdair out into the open.
I would highly recommend Skin Deep. I truly enjoyed this story of the lost selkie king and the woman who weaves magic with needle and thread. I had to laugh at Garland’s ‘color trance’ - I cross stitch, and have experienced something fairly similar myself. If this author ever decided to revisit this genre, she can be assured that I will be a reader.
I was given a copy of Skin Deep from the author free of charge, in exchange for this, my honest review.
November 12, 2016
I loved this book from beginning to end. I didn't want to put it down! This book is thoroughly entertaining and the author does a great job of describing the characters and objects (quilts,etc) so that you feel like you really know them. I personally loved how she weaved the story into the quilts and the power "they" hold, and how in the end Garland finally realizes the power she had within herself all along. Her story of pain and what divorce and bad choices in life can do to your self esteem are very realistic for anyone whose ever lived through them (and haven't we all?). In the end she deserved her happy ending, would like to see this book continued on to see how things turn out for her and the selkies in the end. The choice she made between two men- one of this world, and one of the selkies and listening to her heart keeps you rooting for her to make the right decision, following her heart. The battle at the end was quite interesting and a good ending for this book. I was lucky enough to win this book in a goodreads giveway, thank you.
April 23, 2016
Skin Deep by Marissa Doyle
Garland Durrell is getting ready to start her life over. After fourteen years of marriage to a man who never really wanted her...she's on her way to freedom. She was happy to get the house near Cape Cod. And she could once again make her quilts.
Her freedom had an unusual start. After finding a young boy on the beach and then a handsome man...both naked, she takes them in. Befuddled why the people in the town acted oddly about helping them, she was left with only the help of the local doctor to take care of them.
I really enjoyed this story. It's a paranormal about a town with a secret...a secret they don't want to share. The characters are wonderful. I fell in love with the cuddly young boy, Conn.
**Sensual content
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Garland Durrell is getting ready to start her life over. After fourteen years of marriage to a man who never really wanted her...she's on her way to freedom. She was happy to get the house near Cape Cod. And she could once again make her quilts.
Her freedom had an unusual start. After finding a young boy on the beach and then a handsome man...both naked, she takes them in. Befuddled why the people in the town acted oddly about helping them, she was left with only the help of the local doctor to take care of them.
I really enjoyed this story. It's a paranormal about a town with a secret...a secret they don't want to share. The characters are wonderful. I fell in love with the cuddly young boy, Conn.
**Sensual content
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
September 8, 2016
Let me just say first that this is such a delightful story, I was utterly charmed by it and found it such a fun read. I was hesitant at first to read a book where the magic was centered on quilting but it was incorporated nicely into the story and it added a special twist to everything. The romance was bittersweet, since both men seemed to have good qualities, but there was a tough choice she had to make if she chose to trust in either man. The story was a nice and quick read, the characters were wonderful, the world building was very good and I would certainly recommend this story to someone looking for an interesting twist to selkie legends.
Llaph
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Llaph
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
April 10, 2016
On the first morning of her new life, Garland Durrell finds a man and a small boy washed up on the beach and takes on the care of the mysterious pair when it becomes obvious that chief of police is reluctant to help in this bewitching paranormal romance. The story is full of mystery and magic along with suspense and passion, the author’s evil entity adds chilling danger and Garland’s magical sewing is not only different it adds a special flair to the story. I was completely enchanted by Alasdair and Garland’s tale and I will be looking for more Marissa Doyle titles.
4 ½ STARS
“Copyright Night Owl Reviews”©
See my full review at:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
4 ½ STARS
“Copyright Night Owl Reviews”©
See my full review at:
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
October 21, 2016
Let me just say first that this is such a delightful story, I was utterly charmed by it and found it such a fun read. I was hesitant at first to read a book where the magic was centered on quilting but it was incorporated nicely into the story and it added a special twist to everything. The romance was bittersweet, since both men seemed to have good qualities, but there was a tough choice she had to make if she chose to trust in either man. The story was a nice and quick read, the characters were wonderful, the world building was very good and I would certainly recommend this story to someone looking for an interesting twist to selkie legends.
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
June 19, 2016
I really enjoyed this book I could not put it down. Garland Durrell has gone through a very bad divorce when she moves to Cape Cod all she wants is peace to make the quilts she loves doing.When she is out on the beach she finds a man and small boy who have been badly hurt when she reports it she finds the Chief of Police reluctant to help. Why?Alasdair and his son Conn pretend not to know what happened but they do! They are the last of their ruling class of Selkies and have been battling a evil entity for centuries, Alasdair and Conn’s seal skin have been stolen by the evil entity. The entity can feel the magic in Garland’s quilts and he wants her and her magic. What happens? I was gifted a copy for an honest review barwatts@telus.net
July 31, 2016
Awesome contemporary paranormal romance. Garland is soon to be divorced so she moves into her Cape Cod home. She loves being near the water and now can start making her quilts again. Her soon to be ex always felt threatened by her quilting. One day while on the beach she sees a child and man washed up. They are both suffering from severe wounds. Alasdair wakes to see Garland caring for his son, Conn. Turns out Silkies exist and both Garland and Alasdair are in for an emotional education & experiences. The story includes tales of old and the modern world keeping the reader glued to the story. I received a free copy of this book via Choosy Bookworm solely in exchange for an honest opinion. I look forward to reading more of Ms Doyle's books in the future.
June 21, 2016
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. I loved it and couldn't put it down once I started reading it. You will love reading about Alasdair and Garland. Alasdair and his son are the last of the selkie's. He does remember but can he trust Garland with their secret. Will the evil that tried to kill all of his kind find them? Will they try to destroy them and the secret that he has found in the quilts that Garland makes?
July 29, 2016
When master quilter Garland returns to Cape Cod after a painful divorce, she finds a man and boy washed onto the beach who have mysterious wounds, a secret past, and a connection with Garland and her quilts; will she learn their connection to the sea? Smooth writing, a main character with a unique talent, and a great northern beach setting make this adult fantasy romance an enjoyable read. The selkie lore is interesting as well, and the end wraps up nicely.
June 10, 2016
Enjoyed reading the story. Complex, suspenseful, enjoyable. Keeps your attention in wanting to know what is coming. I recommend it. This story is not boring and is fun to read. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2016
i really enjoyed this. it was well written and thoroughly entertaining. the author shows great imagination and weaves a story well. it was hugely different from anything else that i have read lately and held my interest from the very first paragraph to the last
July 11, 2016
Was gifted this book in return for a review: good read! This story was different from the paranormal style I usually read. Glad to know that there are stories of love that can make me cry, then shout hooray........
April 4, 2017
I read Skin Deep as a judge for Golden Quill published writer's contest, and it was one of the best books I read in the paranormal category. I haven't read Marissa Doyle's other series yet, but she has earned a new fan.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews