Camden

Skinner #1

by Xio Axelrod

Sometimes there’s a moment when you know you’ve screwed up. For Camden Skinner, it’s the night a dead pop star walks into his pub. As one-half of Skin, an agency which specializes in cleaning up behind the ultra-rich and infamous, Cam has gotten used to getting his hands dirty. A little too used to it. After the young singer at the center of a client’s controversy is found dead, Cam decides he’s out. He walks away from Skin in search of a simpler life. Maybe even a shot at redemption. Redemption arrives in the form of Yara Bujold. The singer’s meteoric rise to the top surprised no one more than Yara herself. All she ever wanted was to make music. Caught up in the dark underbelly of the industry, Yara is forced to fake her own death. But she can’t hide forever. Yara tracks down one of the principals at Skin, the very people that helped to tear her down. She’ll force Camden Skinner to make it right, whatever it takes. What she doesn’t expect is remorse from the man that helped to ruin her. And she certainly doesn’t expect to lose herself in him. Cam finds himself sucked right back into a world he’d hoped never to step foot in again, but he can’t walk away. He has to fix this. Not only for himself, but for her. For Yara. Because she might just be everything he didn’t know he needed. She just might be everything.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Music, Fiction, Suspense, Action

171 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2017

About the author

Xio Axelrod is a USA Today bestselling author of different flavours of contemporary romance. She also writes what she likes to call strange, twisted tales. Xio grew up in the music industry and began recording at a young age. When she isn’t writing stories, she can be found in the studio, writing songs, or performing on international stages (under a different, no-so-secret name). She lives in Philadelphia with one full-time husband and several part-time cats.

Reviews

[Annika · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're into insta-love and bossy, growly, borderline-stalkerish alpha-dudes, you'll probably love this, Cam in particular.
Since I am not, I... well... did not.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hero hoping for redemption and a heroine who wants her life back share the stage in Xio Axelrod’s Camden and the result is magnetic. This story was compelling and the chemistry between these two set the pages on fire even at the beginning when there was a gun between them. A bit of suspense, some deserved wariness, a touch of trust, and some supremely sexy times made Camden a very entertaining story.

Up and coming pop singer Yara Bujold goes missing off a boat in Miami and is presumed dead especially when almost immediately following her disappearance people come out of the woodwork to claim she’s become a party girl hooked on a good time, booze, and drugs but Camden Skinner, one of the men hired to ruin her reputation, believes a much different story and he aims to get down to the truth.

I must say Cam’s devotion to figuring out the real story behind Yara’s disappearance was mild boggling, but I believe it came from a good place. He had his reservations about her manager that hired his and his brother’s company Skin to ruin Yara’s reputation and after the boating accident, Cam was positive foul play was involved. So when one evening a disguised Yara walks into his bar, he knows his life will never be the same. As Cam, his brother, and cousin work to help Yara expose her manager for the slime he is, the passion between Cam and Yara grows. I admired Yara for staying out of sight following the accident and finding a way to get to the men who helped discredit her reputation. I love that she didn’t back down, that while tired and down, she wasn’t out and she intended to make the Skinner brothers explain why they would help her skivvy manager ruin her life. I was also pleased that both men when faced with the truth were quick to apologize and try and make things right.

My biggest complaints, I would have liked to see her parents making more of an effort to find their daughter whom they believed wasn’t dead, and I wanted more time with Cam and Yara getting to know one another without her case between them.

Engaging with characters that stand out, I thoroughly enjoyed Camden and can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading Camden, I wasnt really sure what I was in for as Ive never heard of Xio Axelrod but loved the cover. The story started out slow but about 30% in it picked up and once it got to that point there was no putting it down, I really enjoyed the drama and the intensity it brought the story. The story reminded me a lot of a movie I really love, Beyond the Lights. I loved Camden's character and how possessive he was of Yara, I also loved that he was more down to earth and wasnt all caught up into money or fame. He wanted the simple life but he also wanted Yara, who's life was not so simple.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This page-turner begins with the unthinkable and ends with a fist pump — mission accomplished!

Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Ayekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, well done and I loved Cam. These Skinner brothers are going to prove to be interesting.
Xio wrote a great story with a solid plot and great characters and just enough steam to fog up the windows.
4.5 from me and yes, thank you to Stu as well.

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!


When singing sensation Yara disappears in a tragic boat accident in the ocean, Camden Skinner feels the weight of his guilt crushing him for whatever part his company, Skin, might have played on her presumed death as he realizes they might have been duped by her manager. When the woman he’s been unable to stop thinking about reappears at his bar one night determined to force Camden to help her clear her name and her image, he jumps at the chance to redeem himself.

I absolutely loved Camden! It was great to see how different he was from his twin brother, Pierce, right from the start, even if Pierce grew on me later on. Cam was strong, reliable and sweet and I just adored how affected he was when he realized their part on Yara’s plight and how he wanted to make it right for her.

I loved Yara, too. She definitely wasn’t a timid wallflower, she was determined to get her life back from her manager no matter what and did what she had to do to achieve her goal.

The chemistry between Camden and Yara was electric! From the first moment their eyes lock to the first kiss and to every steamy encounter between them, I was captivated by them. I loved how their relationship progressed, it was a very natural, smooth transition from sort of enemies to allies/friends to lovers.

As I mentioned, I wasn’t too fond of Pierce at first, but I ended up loving him. His moral compass was a bit skewed, but I have a weakness for characters that need more work to be redeemed. I hope Ms. Axelrod will write his story and maybe Rory’s too? Pretty please?

As for Marcus, he was an awful man, and unfortunately, I imagine there might be some guys that prey on young girls that want to make it big in the music scene. I was really satisfied he got what he deserved.

Overall, I loved this book! It was fast-paced, well-written and very entertaining! The suspense portion was well-balanced with the developing romance and the very lovable, kick-ass main characters. The ending felt a tad abrupt, I was all happy reading and then there weren’t any more pages. I wanted more Camden and Yara! *pouts* Still, this is a book I can definitely recommend!

*** Copy provided to the reviewer for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camden, what a sweet, sexy read! Camden is a man on the path to redemption. He and his brother run an agency, Skin, that helps the rich and notorious clean up their problems. After Skin helped destroy a young, up and coming popstar, Yara Bujold's life by the request of her sleazy manager, Cam has felt the weight of his guilt slowly crushing what little soul he has left. It bothers him enough that he sells his half of the agency, gets out of the business and starts running his bar Skinner's. He's obsessed with finding out for sure if Yara is really dead, as has been speculated, he feels in his heart that she isn't, and if she's not, he's determined to do right by her. So when she walks herself into his bar weeks after her supposed death, and demands he help her get her life back, it's all he can do but say yes.



I really enjoyed Camden. It's heartfelt and thoughtful, much like Camden himself. Camden was nothing like I thought he'd be. I figured he'd be a morally compromised sleaze like his brother Pierce comes across as at first, but he's the opposite. He's kind and sweet and so damn sexy and swoony. I'd say Xio picking Stuart Reardon as her cover model was the perfect choice. He embodies the sexy ruggedness and sweet soul that Camden possesses. "Tall and broad. Dark hair and piercing eyes. An easy smile, which surprised the hell out of her. He was handsome in a wild, bad boy, I-don't-give-a-fuck-about-my-looks kind of way." And then there's Yara. "Gorgeous, talented, smart." She was a surprise. She has a backbone (something lacking in a lot of heroines lately) and it's no wonder Camden fell so hard for her.



I love the world that Xio has created with the Skinner brothers, and am really looking forward to Pierce's story. He had come a long way by the end of Camden, so much that I decided he wasn't the sleaze he was in the beginning. Thank you, Xio, for this sweet, sexy, thoughtful story!

I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary romance/romance suspense has everything. A hot Scot who has a twin brother ( yeah another book! More backlist to explore!) and a strong heroine who needs some help. Camden has built his business with his brother. In his job he comes across as both the smart investigator and the strong arm protector. Yara is the amazingly talented star who is saving herself from the crazy situation she's in, and since Camden played a part in it, he's going to help get her out. I enjoyed both characters and the interactions with the side characters, as well. A little extra suspense included in the storyline, keeps everything moving nicely. The sexy times are on the page and exactly the right level of HOT (did I mention HOT?).

And if you aren't convinced yet, know that Stu Reardon is Xio's inspiration for Camden & Pierce. You're welcome.

[Suzanne Mack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lacked substance

[Les Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Xio Axelrod in person at RT this year and she's absolutely as personable and delightful in person as she is on social media. I've never read any of her books before but I knew I would immediately upon meeting her. When I looked on Goodreads to decide which book I'd start with, the cover for Camden immediately grabbed my attention, and really, can you blame me? The cover is simply gorgeous, as is the cover model Stuart Reardon, so I had no choice but to start with Camden, and I'm so glad I did. I love a good redemption story and Camden has many things to atone for.

As part owner with his brother of Skin--an agency that specializes in handling the not so pretty controversy the rich and famous find themselves in-- Camden Skinner has done a lot he's not proud of. Cleaning up other people's messes isn't what he wants to do with his life, no matter how good the paycheck. After a client finds himself mired in the assumed death of a pop singer, Camden is done. The beautiful singer Yara Bujold haunts Camden and he vows that he's going to find out what happened to her. When she shows up at his bar one night alive and well and looking for help, Camden is all in.

I really liked these two characters. Camden wasn't so perfect that he came off as fake. Yes, he's the knight in shining armor, but it's armor that's a bit dented and tarnished. Yara was feisty as hell and after the behind the scenes dark and nasty things she's seen and experienced in the music business, she's not ready to just roll over and give up. And yes, the chemistry between these two was steamy hot. Xio Axelrod has given us a two characters that just leaped off the page. Their banter, their attraction to one another, their friendship all felt completely authentic.

Camden was such a fun, sexy read. The writing was stellar, the characters were all so well developed and layered, the pace was quick and the plot kept me completely engaged from beginning to end. Sweet and romantic at times and then steamy and intense at others, it was the perfect mix. I'm so glad this was my first introduction to Xio, but it definitely won't be the last. Don't wait to check out Camden ... and yeah, even stare at that cover a bit before you dive in. No one would blame you!

*this review will also be posted on www.prettysassycool.com*

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camden by Xio Axelrod
“Don’t let one mistake put doubt in your heart
You will learn from this and make a brand new start.” This sums up this wonderful love story. I read it in one night. Could not put it down.
Take twin brothers – Camden and Pierce Skinner. Camden all leather and denim, department store taste and Pierce, all expensive tailor made suites and costly accessories. Partners at Skin, the agency they created to save reputations of innocent people targeted by blackmailers and kidnappers. Noble. Do what it right. Hired guns doing good. UNTIL, one case they took that changed both their lives. Rising star, singer and former client Yara Bujold suddenly disappears from a boat. Presumed dead. Life changing moment for Cam. Guilt overtakes him. He quits Skin and retreats to Skinners, the pub he owns and by doing so, finds himself and Yara Bujold. Now all he has to do is keep her safe, catch her criminal manager, Marcus Kaine, and learn how to handle falling in love with Yara. She has to learn to trust again and figure out what she wants to do with her life…and with Cam. Add an appearance by Constantine Zimmer, a professional world class ice hockey player, whose team just won the Hockey League Cup and you have one can’t put down suspense filled love story. I hated for it to end.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book. This was my first book by Xio Axelrod. The story was so much more than I had anticipated. More emotion, more exploration into the characters...just more of all the good things.
I don't usually like books about rock stars, pop stars, movie stars or models. However, Axelrod really worked on the characterization of Yara and really humanized her in a way that a lot of books dealing with that type of character don't ("Look at me! I'm rich and famous! Look at me!"). I just can't relate to those people, but Yara's character was in a bad situation and needed Cam's help. That made her more likable for me.
Camden was just a great guy from the get-go, even if his company had played a part in Yara's troubles. I loved that he recognized her from the moment she walked in the bar, had her food and drink taken care of and didn't approach her till much later. Then there's the fact that he's super hot!
This book was really good by itself, but the dual narration by Greg Tremblay and Megan Tusing added so much to it! They were both incredible! Awesome audiobook!

[L.S. Bergman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought I'd post a quick review, as I just finished reading 'Camden' and loved it! Congrats Xio! Another enthralling romance with twists and turns in a plot which had the reader hoping for the HEA. I've enjoyed all of this author's work to date, and love both her penmenship and the international flavor often incorporated into her work. This is not easy to do, but with her gorgeous Camden character she hits the nail on the head. He is both authentic and swoon worthy, flawed in a way which more than endears him to the reader. His object of desire, Yara, was a pop star with the right attitude, so to speak, which made her as likeable in her vulnerability and deserving of her man. It's not everyday that you read a suspenseful romance where the author comes hauntingly close to the ins and outs of the music industry. In obviously knowing her stuff, her insights bring both depth and humanity to what lays behind the scenes of a seemingly glamorous business. This was a very cool read! Here's looking forward to Xio Axelrod's next installment.

[Pidabean · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book I read of Xio Axelrod, was Falling Stars and I loved it. I haven't read the second book because I didn't want the story to end yet. But I got the chance to read another one of Xio Axelrod's books.

Camden met my expectations. It was a great story about second chances and doing the right thing. I enjoyed the development of Yara and Camden's relationship. I liked the bit of adventure with finding out what Yara's music manager was doing with her career. I enjoyed watching Yara come into her own with her music and being able to create without restrictions and how Camden played a part in this development. Great characters beyond Camden and Yara. Can't wait for the next Xio Axelrod book.

I received a copy of the book for a honest review from the author.

[Terry Hammoutene · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you become obsessed with someone that you know was done wrong and you were partly responsible? Something that maybe you can fix especially when you are convinced this person paid with their life. First you decide to pull back from the business you are in with your brother that is until you look up and see what you are assuming is a ghost.
What a start to a story a story that will pull you in from the first word and not let you down at all.
Camden is all that and Yara is who is going to save. He has a chance for redemption and he is going to take it and move his life to a new direction.

This was a great book the story stayed true to form.

** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes books under 200 pages don't work for me because it feels like there's something missing and I'm happy to report this wasn't the case with Camden.

Our main character, the aforementioned Camden, is tired of cleaning up after the rich and famous and can't stop thinking about the last case he worked on, especially because the woman at the center of it all is dead. Except she's not. When Yara walks into his pub, Camden knows right then he's going to do everything in his power to help her get her life back.

I enjoyed Camden's redemption arc and especially loved the way Yara was able to call him on his bullshit. I love the way everyone in the story worked together to take down the bad guy and enjoyed Camden and Yara's journey to their happily ever after.

Thank you to the author for a gifted copy of this book. I had a great time reading it!

[Rae Latte · Rating 5 out of 5]

amden by Xio Axelrod is raw, intense and sizzles in this fast paced story of a tragedy that has pushed Camden Skinner to make amends and uncover the truth regarding a terrible mistake.

Yara Bujold is a story of a woman who risks everything when she trusts the one man who helped seal her fate.

This story will keep you reading till the very last page. There are plenty of surprises and twist to this must read story.

[Melonie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story that hooks you in from the beginning with the mystery surrounding a pop star's mishap. Camden is a delicious hero, and I'd sit in his pub and drink him in all day. I enjoy male/female dual narration and it worked well for this story.I got strong vibes there was something brewing between Cam's twin brother Pierce and the striking woman who helps them at the end of this book... will be watching for their story next!

[Christine Galletly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!

I thought that it had a great storyline and it was very well written.

The need to get away was strong, but to return to one another was stronger

The character were well developed and they had some great interaction and I loved getting to know more about them as the book progressed

It has great characters, it was romantic and sexy – I loved it

It is 5 stars from me for this one – I thought that it was a fabulous read – very highly recommended!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the little glimpse I got of Cam and Yara I got in Love on the Byline, and read this great novella. It's a good story on its own, I love how badly Cam wants to take responsibility for his actions and change his life, and Yara wants to escape her past and forge a new future. They fit well together, and clearly have a lot of chemistry. I am intrigued by the characters from other books Xio has snuck in here too, so it won't be long til I've gone through her whole backlist.

[Amy Castleberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s easy to love these two very different, but very strong characters. Their banter and the way they challenge one other will take you on a page turning ride. Xio has crafted a story with intrigue, obsession, and you can’t help but get sucked in. Plus, I love the exploration of the music industry, warts and all!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at a book signing the other weekend and the cover is what got my attention the most because I'm a big Stuart Reardon fan. Well I am now a big Xio Axelrod fan. This book grabbed my attention mainly because of Yara`s awful circumstances with her manager. And who doesn't love an alpha willing to do anything to help! Great story!

[Allison Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, so I really didn’t know what to expect when I started reading. I loved this book. I loved the main characters Cam and Yara. Can has the best instincts and Yara is learning to be strong and can fully care for herself. A misguided missing persons case turns into a love story, and a plot to get her life back! Couldn’t have been better!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. I liked Cam and Yara. Both of them were pretty open to working with each other. Cam wanted to do what he could to fix things that he helped ruin for her. I thought they did well talking to each other and learning things. They did a great job extracting Yara from the situation she was in with her manager.

[S.C. Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so much fun. Great chemistry between the H/h. And I love the way familiar characters from Ms. Axelrod's other books drift in and out of this story. I may just have to plan a vacation in Philadelphia.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure I can adequately express how much I loved this book. Cam is a perfect tortured hero, and Yara is not about to be pushed around any longer. They both give as good as they get and challenge each other to be better. I just absolutely LOVED their story!

[Bookworm52732 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent story with a bit of mystery--though it could use a bit of editing, mostly spellcheck things like the instead of they, form instead of from. Bummer, since it seems Pierce's book hasn't seen the light of day.

[Ashley Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed a short little romance suspense, tying to get me through some really hard paperwork, and this was perfect. Five hours both narrators were great. The storyline was awesome. Cute little popstar needs saving kind of situation highly recommend. I’ll be looking for more from this author ✍️

[♏Vanessa♏ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met the author on RARE Paris and bought a few physical book, like this one, and fell in love with Xio's writing. But I wanted to hear Camden' voice, so I had to have this audiobook too, and I've got to say the story is even better with this great narration.
100% reccomend

[C bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

netgalley

Well written good read.