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Skin and Bone

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I'd do anything for him, even become the woman he loves...

HER
I tried my best for years, but all he ever wanted was for her to come back. So bit-by-bit, I evolved, transforming into someone he could love. But he didn’t take the bait until I went all the way.

I became her.

Now everything is perfect. We’re happy. So in love. And he doesn’t suspect a thing.

SAWYER
Someone claiming my name sent me a video. It looks to be me, returning to my hometown, reconnecting with my high school boyfriend, Ezra. Those are my clothes, that’s my laugh, and that’s my face.

She took my freedom next. And then she made me watch as she took over my entire life, fooling everyone like a perfect chameleon. It’s clear what she wants, and Ezra is all too quick to take me back.

Only one person seems to notice something is off. Ezra’s brother, Davis—the last person I called. There’s a certain darkness in Davis’ eyes, and he’s not the type to let up until he gets his answers.

Somehow, I’ll make her pay. This imposter is going to regret the day she ever took the name Sawyer James.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2019

310 people are currently reading
511 people want to read

About the author

T.L. Keary

3 books1 follower

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5 stars
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60 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Bren fall in love with the sea..
1,961 reviews479 followers
February 15, 2020
"They say nothing worth having comes easy.

Everything comes with a price.

I've paid my dues. I've been more patient than anyone could ever comprehend.

And now it's finally my time".


Skin and Bone by Keary Taylor



This book was so good.

Yes! A thriller..domestic Noir, psychological thriller, call it whatever you like..where there is NO animal brutality, no fake seeming twists, and an ending that not only makes sense but that is done so well.

This was so much better then I ever anticipated. I really seem lately to be let down by the ones I think I will adore and thrilled by the ones I am afraid maybe lackluster. This one was a winner and I am recommending it to any fan of mysteries and thrillers out there!

I really think with this one, one should go in not knowing to much. But a brief plot description..Sawyer is a young successful designer. She is happy in her life..until she finds someone else has taken it over.
And the other person looks just like her. EXACTLY.

All Sawyer can do is watch helplessly as another person becomes her. Sawyer is a prisoner of this identical look alike who has chosen not to kill her but has taken over her life in every way.

Why? Well I am not going to tell you. Love..actually Obsession.. plays a huge role.

Indeed obsession plays a huge role in this book but for more then one person. Meaning there is more then one obsession. And though the plot may seem unrealistic, there is something so REAL about this book. The characters jump off the pages and could be people you know.Everything flowed and came together in a great and dynamic way.

It's a nail biter and though it is not that stabby (sorry Dita) there is violence and it does "go there". Just not with knives.

Ending was perfect..beautiful! And it was a pleasure to read. Domestic thrillers, when they are done right? There's just nothing like them. I would highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Bibi.
1,287 reviews137 followers
February 8, 2020
Bonafide page-turner, but entirely too short a read.
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,986 reviews210 followers
November 21, 2019
Skin and Bone is Keary's second book in the psychological thriller genre. Her first book in this genre, Three Heart Echo still stands as one my favorite books. While that book has some paranormal aspects in it, I still found the psychological parts extremely intriguing and expected Skin and Bone to hold that same, if not more of, profound feeling. Sadly, it did not. And it kills me to rate a book by Keary less than 3 stars.

The premise for Skin and Bone is quite interesting. A woman so obsessed with a man that she chooses to become the woman he can't get over - her doppelganger in every aspect. But what is even more twisted, she has that woman watch her take over her life day by day.

The Sawyer look-alike truly did her research on EVERYTHING. She left nothing (almost nothing) to chance when she started this process. And as the story progresses, readers learn of everything she went through to take over Sawyer's life at just the right moment. Obsession is never a good trait, but at this level, it could be deadly.

Keary definitely has a strong premise, but unfortunately failed to deliver with a strong plot. I was definitely fascinated by this idea of copy-cat character and wanted to see how everything played out. However, there were quite a few areas that I felt were overlooked or not well developed. The characters were just ok - they were not as well developed as her other books. All of them felt very one-dimensional with a surface-level delivery and hard to connect to. Keary does a great job of building sub-plots up well, but when parts come to fruition, that's where portions of the story derail and the unfolding feels like a deflated balloon. Or certain actions of characters feel unnatural and/or forced, therefore making those particular scenes artificial and hurt the flow of the book.

Skin and Bone had so much promise for me. I feel as though this was a rough draft because I know that Keary can truly deliver an amazing story with characters that stay with you for quite some time. If you truly want to see Keary at her best, read Three Heart Echo - it's been 2 years since that book released and I still remember that story deep in my bones (and I have only read it once). It's that damn good.

I am definitely in the minority on this one and that is ok. If the premise of the book entices you, I urge you to give the book a try. This definitely won't deter from reading anything else she puts out. It just isn't my favorite by her.
Profile Image for Sheena.
814 reviews13 followers
November 7, 2019
Wasn't sure what to make of this before I actually started to get into it. I got into it right away, and forget sleep, I was drawn into the world of Sawyer and Davis, and Ezra and the imposter. I couldn't put it down because I had to know what happened in the end. After Three Heart Echo and its bittersweet ending, I knew anything was possible and a Happily Ever After isn't a given with a Keary Taylor book.

Loved the whole thing. Sawyer is a great protagonist (although you could argue that the imposter is the real protagonist) but I was rooting for Sawyer all the way through. And oh, how I loved Davis. Smart, capable, confident and a good guy, loved the slow burn of their blossoming relationship. This one kind of stuck with me because what happened to Sawyer (while of course it's extreme), is all too possible. Identity theft happens, probably more than we think.

Skin and Bone is a smart, twisty thriller and if you're looking for a great standalone story with twists and turns then give it a go, you will not be sorry.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
53 reviews
November 11, 2019
HOLY WOW!!!
I’ve recently realized since Keary released Three Heart Echo, I enjoy thrillers every now and then. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this. But knew I’d probably be taken on a ride!

I became entangled in the life of the one who thinks she’s Sawyer, Ezra, Davis, and.... the real Sawyer James. My heart was beating so hard through the majority of this. I’m pretty sure I yelled out loud. The small signs were there! However, as someone who’s dealt with a stalker, you don’t always see the signs at first. Once you do, it all takes over and you see it all.

It’s starts with an email that seems to be spam, almost deleted until you notice yourself on the attachment. What would you do?
Then not feeling well, collapsing outside, waking up somewhere else, and getting to watch someone pretend to be you.
Emotional and mental thought process that you don’t want to miss!!!
The wild ride this book will take you on, is nothing short of exhilarating and intensely awesome! DEFINITELY A MUST READ!
Profile Image for Mandie.
692 reviews34 followers
November 10, 2019
Oh emm geee! I went in to this book blind, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But it was phenomenal!! I can’t even put it into the proper words!! Just read it!!
Profile Image for JanaLee Longhurst.
Author 5 books3 followers
November 12, 2019
The scariest thing about this story? It could happen.

Keary Taylor takes us on a fast-paced ride on the downward spiral from high school crush to psychotic obsession. What lengths will a psychopath take in order to make things go their way? Identity theft? Plastic surgery? Abduction?

This is a study from both the perspective of the victim and the perspective of the abductor. Calculated. Detailed. Knowing both sides and knowing the facts doesn’t make this book any less enthralling. Just how easily could someone take over your life?

This is Taylor’s best work to date, and that means something, because I have loved every single one of her books. I’ll never look at a shipping container without a shudder running through me.
Profile Image for Brandy Renee.
12 reviews3 followers
Read
November 11, 2019
I went into this book not really knowing what to expect but was hijacked in the first chapter. I was so drawn in to the story that like the main female character I was angry and confused as to who was doing this and why. I couldn't put the book down. I needed us both to have answers and justice! I felt as if I was part of the story as it unfolded!
I appreciated the author giving the imposters point of view and not just the main character. It helped to understand her motivation though, as you would expect for someone like this, there wasn't any realistic logic mentally healthy people could relate to. Though I was angry on Sawyers behalf, the imposters POV helped me to feel sorry for her to an extent. Mental health issues are important and although I couldn't relate to her warped thought process, thanks to the author, I understood how she saw it.
The ending was not entirely what I expected but did not disappoint. There were some avenues that could lead other stories in this world without reaching or not and it would be okay. Very nicely done.
Profile Image for KB.
110 reviews
December 20, 2019
This was one of the best books I've read this year. The story was cool. The synopsis was intriguing, it made me read the book right away. This book had the power to let you read and read til you finish the book. That's how interesting this book is.

The plot was creatively done, it's unusual and I like it. My favorite character of course was Sawyer. She's not perfect and all but there was something in her that made Ezra loved or shall we say obsessed with her.
Everything was not really that very good in the book because it had just cliché ending. But I like it though. Charity deserved everything that happened to her after what did she did.

I'm also glad that Ezra had finally moved on and I am happy for Sawyer and Davis.

I was expecting it and it's so obvious that it's them who will end up with each other in the end.

So for those of you who haven't read or planning to read this you better start reading now and surely you'll finish it right away!
Recommended!
Profile Image for Patricia Menier.
589 reviews
October 17, 2020
If I would have had to rate this book before the half way mark, I would have given higher stars. It started off so good! Then, it just started to get a little silly. The love story and the unrealistic things the characters did & said just kind of killed it for me. It was still an entertaining read. It just did not blow me away.
Profile Image for Keighley.
186 reviews24 followers
April 27, 2020
Suspend your disbelief and buckle up for a fun bunny-boiler romp
Profile Image for Ana Stanciu-Dumitrache.
968 reviews111 followers
December 12, 2019
Romanul pleacă de la o premisă interesantă, dar a fost neverosimil sau poate autoarea nu a dat suficiente explicații și nu a dezvoltat suficient povestea să fie credibilă. A construit un personaj interesant, dar parcă nici pe acesta nu l-a dezvoltat suficient. Păcat de potențialul mare și de o nouă dezamăgire pe liste thrillerelor.
96 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2019
Skin And Bones Enthralls

This book grabs ur attention and keeps you turning the pages! . Our villian is a woman who is in love with another woman's high school boyfriend.
Her solution is to get the man she loves is to become the twin by surgically turning herself into the woman he loves! This is 13 years after our heroine left town to get a college education. Our heroine has become a highly successful Architect. She received an email from someone who says she is now her and includes a video of herself meeting the x boyfriend, From here the story takes off. Everything in the book feels real as if someone with money can change themselves into the picture of someone else. The story is like a ride on a fast scary roller coaster. You do not want to miss reading this book. I had not read this authors books before but I will read more of her books. 5 Star Recommendation!
7 reviews
November 15, 2019
Hello the book about copy cat and hello the story which is the copy cat of another story. The Evolution of ivy was definitely an inspiration for this book. Well inspiration... more like the same story with a few diferences. I have to say that I was really excited to read this book and ended up completely disappointed. The writting was really simple and bad and this story had some really annoying characters (mainly the main character- the real Sawyer). Her thinking was just off and I am thinking that it was caused by author´s writting. The worst was the unbelievable plot and actions in this book. I can believe that main plot of a copy cat etc but the turn that this book took suddenly in middle off the book with completely unbelievable love story? Just no. It was cringe worthy and unnecessary. Then after everything comes the ending which is the most unbelievable things of all. Was this supposed to be psychological thriller or soap opera?
112 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2019
I've been a long time reader of Keary's books and I have to say that I was NOT disappointed when I heard that Skin and Bone was ready to read. Much like the eerie aura of her other psychological thriller, Three Hearts Echo, this story causes less trauma to your psyche :)

In Skin and Bone, we immediately find out that there is someone who has taken over the life of another. There are no surprises as we read the point of view of the antagonist and the steps she takes to literally "take over" the protagonist's life. Using dual point of views of both women, the author cleverly depicts an unhinged woman who just so casually falls into the life of the woman she took over. All we know for now is that "Sawyer" is the protagonist and we have yet to find out who the other woman is. We don't know why she is doing what she'd done and we don't know what else she plans with her new life.

As the story progresses, the chapter goes easily between Sawyer and the other woman. Without giving away any spoilers here, we do see how confused Sawyer becomes as she literally watches the other woman take over her life through lies and duplicity. Sawyer tries frantically to find out the truth and in doing so, catches the attention of her old flame's brother. The brother is a bit skeptic himself as things don't quite add up.

Skin and Bone is a thriller for sure but the ending cleans up quite nicely. There are no confusion as some psychological thrillers might do and the back and forth between Sawyer and her double is clean and detailed. If you've read any of Keary's books, you'll know how that her books are very precise and her characters are well fleshed out.

If you're looking for a straight to the point psychological thriller about possession, obsession, and a whole lot of craziness, then you'll enjoy Skin and Bones.
Thank you, Keary for another intense read!
Profile Image for Gemma Ironside.
111 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2019
Skin and Bone is a new psychological thriller by author Keary Taylor. As soon as I started reading this book I was completely sucked in, I just couldn't put it down. I needed to know who was doing this and their motives behind it.

The imposter, the things she did to take over someone else's life, it's kind of scary as it could actually happen. I liked reading it from the imposters POV and from Sawyer James', it really helped to lay out the story and see both sides. I loved the character of Davis from the minute he was introduced into it, he was charming and caring but also not willing to take what was happening without a fight and most important of all he was there for Sawyer.

I loved the ending of the book it was just perfect in every sense of word. Such an amazing book. If you love psychological thrillers, this is definitely worth a read.
Profile Image for Lisa.
23 reviews
November 12, 2019
Skin and Bone.

wow!!!

I think I can say that this is the best book I have read this year. And the greatest book that's come from this amazing lady's brain.
I loved every word of this book.

It kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn't want to put it down at all incase I missed something (as if Sawyer would run off without me!!).
The two different perspectives were not hard to read, and the switch between the two was seamless and not at all confusing.

Sawyer is brilliant as is her nemesis and ugh, as usual theres a dumb smitten man haha.(who really isn't dumb, just so in love he cant see passed a pretty face and good acting).

Keary, I think this is your best work to date.

Everyone, BUY THIS BY BOOK. NOW.
Profile Image for Deirdre O'Dwyer.
12 reviews8 followers
November 13, 2019
Wow!!! This was such a good read. I've been following the author for some time, and love the way her stories unfold. She loves a good love story, and I have to say I was super surprised by how this love was unveiled.

The first third of the book was so intense, (not saying the rest wasn't) that I barely noticed how far had gotten. Then the investigating begins...I can honestly say that I loved the protagonist & the villain, both strong female characters. Though one is a psychopath, I was able to sympathize with her, even though I didn't agree with most of her actions.

All in all, Skin & Bone, was a thrill to read, and it's had my mind reeling since I finished it!
69 reviews
November 13, 2019
I started this book late one evening with every intention of reading a few chapters before going to bed.... well let me just say that didn't work out too well. Sawyer was a small town girl with dreams bigger than her hometown.... but what Sawyer didn't know is she was about to be forced back home and into a nightmare far worse than she could have ever imagined! I want to leave my review vague because I don't want to tip you off on what will happen. If you are looking for a book that will have you fingers page flipping as fast as your heart is racing - you NEED to read Skin and Bone!!
Profile Image for Penny.
3,142 reviews85 followers
November 11, 2019
I have to be completely honest: I was really, really reluctant to read this book. The plot is something I have a hard time reading so I stay away from them, only maybe reading once in a great while. However, as I have said many times before, I should have trusted this author. I was immediately sucked into the book, and it didn’t let me go until the end. Sawyer is a great character: tough, determined, yet soft and vulnerable. Davis is the same. I really wanted to yell at Ezra many times throughout this book. And, the imposter was so fascinating. Wow. She was a piece of work. Read this. You will really love it as the author is so great at telling a story with her words even if it’s not something you are normally into. Wonderful storytelling you can’t look away from. Highly recommend! I was provided a copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for cassi parker.
25 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2019
The realness in this book is terrifying. How easily her life was simply stolen from her. Keary Taylor has definitely become one of my favorite authors. Normally I can’t stay interested in a book unless there’s some element of fantasy. I love the complexity of the relationship arcs. How she winds up with the brother instead. Charity nearly killed them! It’s freaky how easily something like this could happen. Money buys everything in the world. Makeup fixes the rest. I hope Keary keeps writing these types of books :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brooke.
43 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2019
Whoa!
What a wild ride! I did not want to put this book down until I knew EVERYTHING!!!
I was drawn into this world of obsession so quickly, there were so many times i couldn't decide if I should hate, or feel bad for the impostor. So many moments I wanted to scream at Ezra for ignoring signs that were right in front of him.
I could go on and on, but don't want to give away the whole book! Short answer is... you should read this book! It really is one of the best that Keary has written.
Profile Image for Naurarwen.
1,032 reviews8 followers
November 4, 2019
Wow, just wow. This was an excellent read from start to finish and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. When Sawyer James receives what she thinks is a spam email she is ready to delete it, that is until she notices an attachment with a still of her. She clicks the attachment only for a video to start, it shows a familiar surrounding, followed by a familiar face. That of her high school boyfriend, the guy she broke the heart of. Not just that she sees herself, or is it?

What would you do if someone tried to not only take over your life but also your very person? Sawyer James is about to find out, will she be able to stop the imposter or will it all end in tragedy. Honestly, with this book, I just didn't know how it was going to end. Having read Three Heart Echo with its not so happy ending I was prepared for this story to go either way.

If you love a good psychological thriller then I'd definitely say this book is for you, with twists and turns along the way you are on for a bumpy ride.
21 reviews
November 6, 2019
‘Skin and Bone’ is a fast paced and exciting thriller. I loved the twists and turns in the book and the concept behind it the novel is really intriguing. This book kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and I loved every page. I love Keary Taylor’s work but this book was fantastic.

The book itself is a great read, during which Sawyer’s identity is taken from her. What unfolds next is quite terrifying and left me wondering how much of what happened could actually happen in reality.

Sawyer is a fabulous protagonist and I loved how her relationship with Davis builds and develops as the story unfolds. I read this book in one sitting as I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended... I really enjoyed this and would really recommend it.
Profile Image for Gigi.
2,174 reviews38 followers
December 11, 2019
Wowzers. This book had me at what the word. From start to finish it had me on my toes. It had me wanting more and more. It kept me wondering what was going to happen, where was this other person going to do. What was her point. Oh my gooseness. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone that hasn’t read it yet. Just read it. If you enjoy Psychological Thriller, then read this book. Thank you again Keary for another amazing book!!!
Profile Image for Krystal.
43 reviews
November 4, 2019
I think this is some of Keary Taylors best work! I couldn't put it down. I am hopeful to see more of this genre.

So traditionally I avoid thrillers due to the high level of emotional hijacking. And I get stuck on edge until its finished. BUT THIS BOOK! I was completely blown away buy the mystery and detail within the book. I felt it was detailed perfectly, and the pace of the story kept me interested without skimping on detail.

The story revolves around Sawyer James and a distorted view of her perfect life. A stalker tries to stake her claim on something that isnt all kittens and rainbows as things appear. The story is told in two perspectives, one from SJ imposter and Sawyer herself. The determination between two sides of the story is a perfect balance. I felt like I was "watching" a tennis match and each flip of perspective was like a solid hit to the opposing team waiting to see who slips or misses.

297 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2019
Skin and bones by Keary Taylor
Being a huge fan of the amazing author that is Keary Taylor yet again her writing surprises me with twists turns and even breathtaking romance ahhh how did she do it yet again so it all starts way back when through a breakup the obsession starts and this leads to all sorts of really quite shocking ways to become literally obseßsed and like something out of a film ! Amazing I loved every second of the book all the characters and even the baddies haha cannot wait for more from this five star author !!!!
Profile Image for Beth.
106 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2020
To say that my beliefs had to be suspended for more than a bit is an understatement. Taylor's plot is risky and leans slightly into fantasy. But that said, her story telling is nothing short of fun and fascinating. This story grabs your interest from the beginning and I gladly devoured it. Taylor's characters are at times a little two dimensional, but I cared about them. She delivered a villain worth booing. I can't wait to see this author develop her skills with layering personalities and revealing the psychological depths of her characters.
813 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2020
And wow!

Simply put I have no other words! Almost macabre, thrilling, terrifying, and so real because I am still fighting identity theft, thank goodness not to this degree, but it exists and no one believes you.


You wrote a book that twisted the mind, while additional tendrils feathered around one's subconscious. Yet, you made it real, psychotic personalities do go to such extremes and do hurt so many in a way that forever changes life as one knows.
Am absolutely amazing book! Every moment spent reading without stopping completely worth it!

Karen
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