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Pounding Skin #1
Perfect Dissonance
Lydia Hernandez never knew she had a thing for tattoos until Jared Eden showed up at Misty Lake Rehab Centre during her last weeks of volunteer work. The anger and sadness that emanate from Jared jolt Lydia with professional and personal curiosity. She glimpses a world of secrets that has left Jared scarred and broken.
Done with the center, Lydia heads to the Needle Nightclub and is stunned to see Jared on stage. Transfixed, Lydia soon finds herself in Jared’s tattoo chair and eventually his bed. Their connection, undeniable, their sex steamy.
Wanting to help Jared face his demons backfires when Lydia finds herself shutout. Unable to free himself from the pain in his past, Jared pushes her away. The realization that he stands to lose the one woman that he has ever loved forces him to face the one thing that has held him emotionally hostage for years.
Done with the center, Lydia heads to the Needle Nightclub and is stunned to see Jared on stage. Transfixed, Lydia soon finds herself in Jared’s tattoo chair and eventually his bed. Their connection, undeniable, their sex steamy.
Wanting to help Jared face his demons backfires when Lydia finds herself shutout. Unable to free himself from the pain in his past, Jared pushes her away. The realization that he stands to lose the one woman that he has ever loved forces him to face the one thing that has held him emotionally hostage for years.
Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2018
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Kennedy
6 books32 followersL.M. Kennedy lives in Northern Canada where she pretends she knows how to run the clock at hockey games when she would rather be writing. She spends her free time writing romance stories and trying to learn how to crochet by watching YouTube videos. She also likes to fish for Northern Pike but she refuses to touch the worm or the fish. She lives with a saintly spouse, three energetic children and a garden that has more weeds than edible plants.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 2, 2021
4 stars! I loved the book. There were a few issues I had with a couple things but it wasn’t anything that made me change how much I loved it.
I’m a sucker for wounded, scarred and trouble characters. And this FIT THAT TO A T.
I need more and can’t wait for the next book!
Thanks goes out to the author for providing a e-copy of this title for my honest opinion.
I’m a sucker for wounded, scarred and trouble characters. And this FIT THAT TO A T.
I need more and can’t wait for the next book!
Thanks goes out to the author for providing a e-copy of this title for my honest opinion.
October 18, 2018
Probably would have given it 5 stars if it wasn’t for the abrupt ending. Loved both main characters! Jared, with his traumatizing past, really was a strong character even though he had his substance issues. And, Lydia, couldn’t have been more domineering. She actually cared. All I can say is that I will definitely look for more from this author. Angst, emotion, and romance really moved me with this book...
September 27, 2018
I loved this book and read it in one night. What a crazy roller coaster ride. The reveal at the end is heart breaking and just made me love Jared even more!
October 6, 2018
“You don’t want anyone else?”
“It means no one, nothing else matters. You will be in my
heart until the moment I die.”
This book was so emotional, intense, touching and good.
Lydia was an intern at Misty Lake. There she meets Jared Eden, there for detox.
I can't even explain how heart wrenching it was to see him in that condition. I was holding my breath seeing him so vulnerable and in pain.
After Lydia's internship was over and Jared was out of Misty lake they met again at a club where Jared's band was playing.
It was awkward at first for both of them to see each other outside of center.
Jared had demons of his past and it was hurting to watch him battle them alone.
Lydia wanted to help him but he always pushed her away. Though he liked her very much yet messed up pretty bad.
He leaned down so we were eye to eye. “As soon as
we’re done playing, I want out.” His hand gently massaged my neck
and I almost fell apart. “You and me. My place. No clothes. Heavy
breathing. How does that sound?”
I really loved Jared, with all his past and struggles. Especially when he actually revealed his past.
Lydia was good too but sometimes it irritated me when she guessed everything, all the time.
It was definitely worth a read. The connection with the characters was instant, writing style was perfect and all the secondary characters were THE best(I can't even choose one).
So if you love intense, emotional read try this.
“Nice one.” I grinned. “Are we a thing then?”
“Sure.” He smiled. “We’re a thing. But it won’t be official
until I tattoo my name across your forehead.” He winked and I
couldn’t help but laugh out.
PS I wish there was an epilogue. And I'm immensely waiting for Jessie's book.
I received an advanced readers copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
“It means no one, nothing else matters. You will be in my
heart until the moment I die.”
This book was so emotional, intense, touching and good.
Lydia was an intern at Misty Lake. There she meets Jared Eden, there for detox.
I can't even explain how heart wrenching it was to see him in that condition. I was holding my breath seeing him so vulnerable and in pain.
After Lydia's internship was over and Jared was out of Misty lake they met again at a club where Jared's band was playing.
It was awkward at first for both of them to see each other outside of center.
Jared had demons of his past and it was hurting to watch him battle them alone.
Lydia wanted to help him but he always pushed her away. Though he liked her very much yet messed up pretty bad.
He leaned down so we were eye to eye. “As soon as
we’re done playing, I want out.” His hand gently massaged my neck
and I almost fell apart. “You and me. My place. No clothes. Heavy
breathing. How does that sound?”
I really loved Jared, with all his past and struggles. Especially when he actually revealed his past.
Lydia was good too but sometimes it irritated me when she guessed everything, all the time.
It was definitely worth a read. The connection with the characters was instant, writing style was perfect and all the secondary characters were THE best(I can't even choose one).
So if you love intense, emotional read try this.
“Nice one.” I grinned. “Are we a thing then?”
“Sure.” He smiled. “We’re a thing. But it won’t be official
until I tattoo my name across your forehead.” He winked and I
couldn’t help but laugh out.
PS I wish there was an epilogue. And I'm immensely waiting for Jessie's book.
I received an advanced readers copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
October 7, 2018
Lydia meets Jared at a clinic she's volunteering at. He's in pretty rough shape but she's dawn to him because he reminds her of another person that was there. She leaves to work for the summer and encounters Jared again but this time he's on stage at a local bar. He's super hot on stage and they come face to face. He wants to see her again. Smoking hot story with so much emotion.
At first I really had issue with Jared. If you love the alpha male type you may love him from the start but for me, it took a few chapters to warm up to him but. In the end I absolutely loved Jared. Everything he went through in his past totally explains how he got to this point in his life. Prepare yourself for Jared's reveal - it's a doozy that will rip your heart out!!!!
Lydia was a great character but I can't understand why she paused in her career. Sure she was annoyed with counselling but from everything I read she was GREAT at it. Her pulling away from Misty Lake to work in a cafe doesn't seem to fit her character. This confused me and I wish it had been explained more. Other than this, she's tough with Jared when she needed to be and didn't take his crap. I totally respected some of the decisions she made when dealing with him.
This is absolutely worth a read. If you're a fan of intense emotions, jaw dropping sex scenes and characters your heart will bleed for, you have to check this out!
My only issue is I want MORE!!! I hope there will be a next book!
At first I really had issue with Jared. If you love the alpha male type you may love him from the start but for me, it took a few chapters to warm up to him but. In the end I absolutely loved Jared. Everything he went through in his past totally explains how he got to this point in his life. Prepare yourself for Jared's reveal - it's a doozy that will rip your heart out!!!!
Lydia was a great character but I can't understand why she paused in her career. Sure she was annoyed with counselling but from everything I read she was GREAT at it. Her pulling away from Misty Lake to work in a cafe doesn't seem to fit her character. This confused me and I wish it had been explained more. Other than this, she's tough with Jared when she needed to be and didn't take his crap. I totally respected some of the decisions she made when dealing with him.
This is absolutely worth a read. If you're a fan of intense emotions, jaw dropping sex scenes and characters your heart will bleed for, you have to check this out!
My only issue is I want MORE!!! I hope there will be a next book!
October 23, 2018
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review (and it’s SPOILER FREE). This was my first LM Kennedy book and I was happy to find a page-turner with depth that was also incredibly SEXY! It didn’t take very long to see where the story-line was headed and the plot developed quickly. The book touches on a few difficult topics; the obvious one being addiction. As the story progressed, I developed more of an affection for Jared and Lydia while feeling the angst of forbidden love.
I would imagine this book will bring out some tough feelings for different people. Not having experience with addiction, I was able to read Jared’s story with all the feels as it was emotionally charged and full of struggle. This story was unconventional in the sense that the main female character saved the main male character. I loved that twist from the standard romance stories. Lydia annoyed me at times, but I think her tenacity in learning about Jared’s past worked for them. There were a few parts of the book that didn’t sit right with me, but luckily the intensity of their bond kept me enthralled in the story. Lydia and Jared’s love life was damn intense! LM Kennedy sure knows how to deliver a hot and steamy romance! Definitely a book worth reading!
I would imagine this book will bring out some tough feelings for different people. Not having experience with addiction, I was able to read Jared’s story with all the feels as it was emotionally charged and full of struggle. This story was unconventional in the sense that the main female character saved the main male character. I loved that twist from the standard romance stories. Lydia annoyed me at times, but I think her tenacity in learning about Jared’s past worked for them. There were a few parts of the book that didn’t sit right with me, but luckily the intensity of their bond kept me enthralled in the story. Lydia and Jared’s love life was damn intense! LM Kennedy sure knows how to deliver a hot and steamy romance! Definitely a book worth reading!
October 3, 2018
I received a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
Lydia and Jared met at the clinic she worked at. He was there for detoxing.
They connected a bit, but she was done with her work, and they lost sight.
A while later they met again at a bar, where he played with his band. They reconnected, and it starts from there.
Jared is battling a lot of demons from his past, which leads him to make bad decisions. Lydia is trying to help him, but he shuts her down.
It's off on for a while, before he lets her in for real.
Heartbreaking past, well written story. A lot of feelings, prepare yourself. If alcohol and drug use is a trigger, be warned.
I liked that book and read it in one sitting. But I wished for an epilogue in the book, a while later in their relationship. But as this book appears to be a series, I'm excited to see what we'll read next
Lovely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 stars from me 💖
Lydia and Jared met at the clinic she worked at. He was there for detoxing.
They connected a bit, but she was done with her work, and they lost sight.
A while later they met again at a bar, where he played with his band. They reconnected, and it starts from there.
Jared is battling a lot of demons from his past, which leads him to make bad decisions. Lydia is trying to help him, but he shuts her down.
It's off on for a while, before he lets her in for real.
Heartbreaking past, well written story. A lot of feelings, prepare yourself. If alcohol and drug use is a trigger, be warned.
I liked that book and read it in one sitting. But I wished for an epilogue in the book, a while later in their relationship. But as this book appears to be a series, I'm excited to see what we'll read next
Lovely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 stars from me 💖
October 4, 2018
LM Kennedy perfectly captures addiction and the difficulties of relationships and forgiveness. I loved the story and was able to finish it in just a couple of sittings. I loved the character of Lydia. She was able to be there for Jared, but didn't give into him. She was able to stand on her own with ansoft side. Super loyal. Definitely someone I'd want on my side if I was going through something difficult.
The evolution of Jared's character was so enjoyable and believable. I personally know someone dealing with addiction and I felt like LM Kennedy captured the emotions and difficulties perfectly. Jared's story is so heartbreaking, but the ending was so satisfying and perfect. A perfect read and a really enjoyable love story for sure.
I was giving a copy of Perfect Dissonance by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The evolution of Jared's character was so enjoyable and believable. I personally know someone dealing with addiction and I felt like LM Kennedy captured the emotions and difficulties perfectly. Jared's story is so heartbreaking, but the ending was so satisfying and perfect. A perfect read and a really enjoyable love story for sure.
I was giving a copy of Perfect Dissonance by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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October 23, 2018This was such a incredibly addictive and heartbreaking story. I love the way the author builds each character and their connection. The characters have such an intensely powerful relationship that also allows them to be vulnerable with each other. I can’t wait to see what else comes from this series.
September 27, 2018
Perfect Dissonance was a good read! L.M. Kennedy tells a heartbreaking story of addiction, love, healing and forgiveness.
Jared and Lydia meet while she volunteers at a rehab center where Jared is patient. He is having a really hard time and Lydia is the only one who takes the time to help him beyond her job. They have a few encounters in which is awful to her but still she is determined to help him. Beyond the harsh words and arrogant actions, she sees a broken man and wants to help him heal. As much as she wants to help Jared, not only does he reject her help but she is broken too and realizes she cannot help him while dealing with her own demons and her unrelenting attraction to him. At the end of her volunteer time she leaves knowing she will never see him again.
A few months later she does run into him again and again tries to hide her feelings that after all that time, hadn't subsided. Only he doesn't let her get away that easy and apologizes for who he was back at the center. His only goal is getting close to the woman who he believes saved him.
During their early encounters, Jared is a complete mess. He and Lydia are on the brink of having something so good and yet he messes up pretty badly. He is haunted by his demons and can not let Lydia in - even though he may want to. Lydia was a good character for me. Although she struggled with her own things, she not only was there for Jared through his grief but she refused to take his crap and I can always appreciate a no nonsense heroine with a soft side. Clara, Lydia's best friend was probably one of my favorite parts of the book. She was a bad ass and loyal friend and brought humor to the story.
I also really enjoyed reading the evolution of Jared's character. Though he was awful at times, he had a softer side you didn't think he'd possess. His story was heartbreaking and I didn't expect what he had gone through but once you reach that part of the story, everything makes more sense and you are left hurting for him.
My least favorite part of this story was the ending. For me, it was not satisfying and after everything Lydia and Jared had gone through, I expected more. More closure than what was given and I hope they are given a sequel!
Overall, this story was a good read! It had off the charts chemistry, heart breaking stories, funny best friends and a really good love story. Worth the read!
Jared and Lydia meet while she volunteers at a rehab center where Jared is patient. He is having a really hard time and Lydia is the only one who takes the time to help him beyond her job. They have a few encounters in which is awful to her but still she is determined to help him. Beyond the harsh words and arrogant actions, she sees a broken man and wants to help him heal. As much as she wants to help Jared, not only does he reject her help but she is broken too and realizes she cannot help him while dealing with her own demons and her unrelenting attraction to him. At the end of her volunteer time she leaves knowing she will never see him again.
A few months later she does run into him again and again tries to hide her feelings that after all that time, hadn't subsided. Only he doesn't let her get away that easy and apologizes for who he was back at the center. His only goal is getting close to the woman who he believes saved him.
During their early encounters, Jared is a complete mess. He and Lydia are on the brink of having something so good and yet he messes up pretty badly. He is haunted by his demons and can not let Lydia in - even though he may want to. Lydia was a good character for me. Although she struggled with her own things, she not only was there for Jared through his grief but she refused to take his crap and I can always appreciate a no nonsense heroine with a soft side. Clara, Lydia's best friend was probably one of my favorite parts of the book. She was a bad ass and loyal friend and brought humor to the story.
I also really enjoyed reading the evolution of Jared's character. Though he was awful at times, he had a softer side you didn't think he'd possess. His story was heartbreaking and I didn't expect what he had gone through but once you reach that part of the story, everything makes more sense and you are left hurting for him.
My least favorite part of this story was the ending. For me, it was not satisfying and after everything Lydia and Jared had gone through, I expected more. More closure than what was given and I hope they are given a sequel!
Overall, this story was a good read! It had off the charts chemistry, heart breaking stories, funny best friends and a really good love story. Worth the read!
January 16, 2019
Perfect Dissonance was my first book by L.M. Kennedy, I received a copy of this book by the author for an honest review.
The storyline itself was good. Hot tattooed guy with lots of baggage and a problematic past finds his match in a fierce young woman who doesn’t take his crap and puts him in his place when needed. They struggle through difficult times but find their way together in the end. This usually sounds like a story made just for me. But I’m sorry to say that in this case, it was really hard for me to find a connection to both Lydia and Jared. There were conversations I couldn’t relate to and situations when both of them acted in a way that was kind of irritating for me. All in all this book just didn’t work for me so I couldn’t give it more than 3 stars.
The storyline itself was good. Hot tattooed guy with lots of baggage and a problematic past finds his match in a fierce young woman who doesn’t take his crap and puts him in his place when needed. They struggle through difficult times but find their way together in the end. This usually sounds like a story made just for me. But I’m sorry to say that in this case, it was really hard for me to find a connection to both Lydia and Jared. There were conversations I couldn’t relate to and situations when both of them acted in a way that was kind of irritating for me. All in all this book just didn’t work for me so I couldn’t give it more than 3 stars.
July 18, 2021
PERFECT DISSONANCE 1&2 (Pounding Skin) by L.M. Kennedy are the first books of hers I have read. I am so glad I read the books back to back and high recommend you do the same. I loved Lydia right away but it took a bit for me to come around to Jared. I liked Jessie immediately and was so invested in him. L. M. Kennedy wrote deep and raw stories about these brothers who have gone through so much. She doesn't sugar coat anything! Such great stories about healing and love!
March 3, 2021
Heartbreaking book. A lot of emotions but I love it so much. Jared is a complicated hero with addiction and too many struggles, but Lydia was there to help and to love him. This book is very intense. I recommend 💯 %
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews