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Skin
Shapeshifters were wiped out two hundred years ago by their fellow preternatural beings. To prevent herself from reaching the same demise as her ancestors, Keira Quinn pretends to be a werewolf.That is until she barely survives a brutal ambush. With a thirst for blood and a short temper, she molds herself into a ruthless assassin. Nothing will stop her from getting revenge. She’ll hunt down the ones who attacked her and kill them one by one. After all, what better way to assassinate someone than to impersonate the one they trust most?
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2021
About the author
Ally Wagner
4 books105 followersAlly Wagner lives in Southern California with her husband and nope-rope. She's an avid reader and, much to her husband's dismay, a collector of books. If she's not reading in her spare time, you can find her either cosplaying, playing video games, or writing down what her characters tell her to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 11, 2021
3.5 stars
I loved the cover and the blurb was good but I had a hard time with this book.
It took me double the time to read that I would normally do, it felt like walking in muddy field, some page were slow, confusing. Didn't like the obvious love triangle right from the start.
I kind liked Kee evolution but it was blurred with all her Mary Sue aura... Every one that meet her liked her.
She was a bitch to Lucas in the end or maybe it was just an excuse...
Nice plot twist on Corand.
I'm questioning if this is not to became an RH book?
I loved the cover and the blurb was good but I had a hard time with this book.
It took me double the time to read that I would normally do, it felt like walking in muddy field, some page were slow, confusing. Didn't like the obvious love triangle right from the start.
I kind liked Kee evolution but it was blurred with all her Mary Sue aura... Every one that meet her liked her.
She was a bitch to Lucas in the end or maybe it was just an excuse...
Nice plot twist on Corand.
I'm questioning if this is not to became an RH book?
April 15, 2021
Updated: I was lucky enough to get to beta read this book and I can't even express how excited I was to hold a paperback in my hands and read the final version.
Skin tells the story of Kee a shapeshifter who's very existence is a miracle considering the race has all but been exterminated by other supernatural creatures that were fearful of their power.
Kee starts out this book a somewhat timid girl, just looking to stay under the radar and live her best life without outside interference. But as we all know the best laid plans rarely come to fruition. Through a series of unfortunate events Kee comes to find herself at a cross roads, she must decide if she will continue on being at other people's mercy, bowing to the expectations of men that believe they know better or if she's going to stand up for herself and show the world what a badass bitch she can be.
Romance. Revenge. Spice. This book hits all the marks.
The characters in this story are so captivating that it's impossible to get them out of your head. I have the epitome of a book hangover after this one and all I want to do is immediately start reading book two....which isn't even published yet.
Do yourself a favor, go read Skin. Like now.
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Original Review Below:
Go read this book! Now!
I will be doing a full review after my 3rd reread now that this book is officially published.
Skin tells the story of Kee a shapeshifter who's very existence is a miracle considering the race has all but been exterminated by other supernatural creatures that were fearful of their power.
Kee starts out this book a somewhat timid girl, just looking to stay under the radar and live her best life without outside interference. But as we all know the best laid plans rarely come to fruition. Through a series of unfortunate events Kee comes to find herself at a cross roads, she must decide if she will continue on being at other people's mercy, bowing to the expectations of men that believe they know better or if she's going to stand up for herself and show the world what a badass bitch she can be.
Romance. Revenge. Spice. This book hits all the marks.
The characters in this story are so captivating that it's impossible to get them out of your head. I have the epitome of a book hangover after this one and all I want to do is immediately start reading book two....which isn't even published yet.
Do yourself a favor, go read Skin. Like now.
********************************************
Original Review Below:
Go read this book! Now!
I will be doing a full review after my 3rd reread now that this book is officially published.
April 14, 2021
Y'all! OMG this book! In my usual manner, I did not read any reviews or even the blurb before I bought this book, nor when I added it to my April TBR. When I picked it up to read is the first time I read anything specific about it, by reading the back cover. Let's suffice it to say that I was not hooked from the first page... I was hooked from the back of the book! Upon opening and beginning to read, the hook only dug in deeper.
Kee is such an interesting and well developed character. I found myself relating to her more and more as I went through the pages and she went through her character growth. I love how many fascinating aspects of her personality and history the author put into the character. The rest of the characters were just as well developed, if not with as much history. I also loved Conrad and Lucas. I was not as much of a fan of Cain. I'll let you other readers form your own opinions, but for me, I just didn't think he was deserving of the "hype."
There is a definite cliffhanger at the end of this book. In fact, after reading the last line, I literally said "Oh, shit!" because I just KNOW that it's going to hit the fan in the next book. Yes, I've gone and read a book without a published sequel...why do I keep doing this to myself! But oh so worth it. This was one of those books I really struggled to put down and get back to my job! If you're a fan of paranormal romance with a bit of spice, you're going to LOVE this book. I look forward to what Ms. Wagner has in store for us going forward! Keep your eyes on her, she may just become your new favorite author!
Kee is such an interesting and well developed character. I found myself relating to her more and more as I went through the pages and she went through her character growth. I love how many fascinating aspects of her personality and history the author put into the character. The rest of the characters were just as well developed, if not with as much history. I also loved Conrad and Lucas. I was not as much of a fan of Cain. I'll let you other readers form your own opinions, but for me, I just didn't think he was deserving of the "hype."
There is a definite cliffhanger at the end of this book. In fact, after reading the last line, I literally said "Oh, shit!" because I just KNOW that it's going to hit the fan in the next book. Yes, I've gone and read a book without a published sequel...why do I keep doing this to myself! But oh so worth it. This was one of those books I really struggled to put down and get back to my job! If you're a fan of paranormal romance with a bit of spice, you're going to LOVE this book. I look forward to what Ms. Wagner has in store for us going forward! Keep your eyes on her, she may just become your new favorite author!
March 18, 2021
This book gets a full 4 stars from me.
As a debut novel it is great, and it left me wanting so much more!
The cliffhanger she left us with at the end was painful but good! I do not want Kee to end up with Cain and seeing her go back to him made my heart hurt a little bit. I guess this is my official application for #teamlucas
Also Conrad at the end, what was that! Who is MIA!?
I need answers!
So excited to see where this story will take us next💜
As a debut novel it is great, and it left me wanting so much more!
The cliffhanger she left us with at the end was painful but good! I do not want Kee to end up with Cain and seeing her go back to him made my heart hurt a little bit. I guess this is my official application for #teamlucas
Also Conrad at the end, what was that! Who is MIA!?
I need answers!
So excited to see where this story will take us next💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2021
Excellent Book
I really enjoyed this book! Great world and character building without being monotonous or repetitive. I have a short attention span but this book kept my attention the entire time that I had to read it in one sitting (RIP sleep). The lead character is a bad ass and the two love interests make for an interesting read! I loved this so much! Cannot wait for the next one!
I really enjoyed this book! Great world and character building without being monotonous or repetitive. I have a short attention span but this book kept my attention the entire time that I had to read it in one sitting (RIP sleep). The lead character is a bad ass and the two love interests make for an interesting read! I loved this so much! Cannot wait for the next one!
March 26, 2021
One of the first Booktok accounts I stumbled upon was Ally’s, and I’ve loved getting to see whatever new content she comes out with. Normally I’m very nervous, and hesitant, to read author’s work, who mutually follow me on Booktok because I don’t want to not like it and hurt their feelings. This book was one I wasn’t nervous to read, having followed Ally for so long, and knowing we have similar interests when it comes to para-romance and urban fantasy, I felt pretty confident I would enjoy any world she created. Ally did not disappoint.
In this debut novel, we’re introduced to Kee (Kiara), a shapeshifter born from two werewolf parents. Facing rejection, and prejudice, from a young age, Kee has always had to hide her true nature, instead, she lets others believe she’s a werewolf. Only those closest to Kee are ever told her truth.
Kee has been dating Cain, a werewolf, for about a year and can no longer put off meeting his pack. Meeting Cain’s pack will drastically impact, and change, Kee’s life more than she could ever imagine.
The preternatural world is heading towards something, good or bad change is coming. Kee will struggle with who she can and can’t trust, and she’ll have to become stronger than she ever was before.
I’ve always been a fan of strong females and this story starts the evolution of Kee, she’s just a little caterpillar but there are so many signs of the beautiful and wondrous butterfly she will become. The hardest part of reading this book was knowing it’s just the beginning of a series and I have no clue as to when book 2 will drop.
If you’re a fan of urban fantasy and para-romance and need a new world to jump into…pick up this book and dive away!
In this debut novel, we’re introduced to Kee (Kiara), a shapeshifter born from two werewolf parents. Facing rejection, and prejudice, from a young age, Kee has always had to hide her true nature, instead, she lets others believe she’s a werewolf. Only those closest to Kee are ever told her truth.
Kee has been dating Cain, a werewolf, for about a year and can no longer put off meeting his pack. Meeting Cain’s pack will drastically impact, and change, Kee’s life more than she could ever imagine.
The preternatural world is heading towards something, good or bad change is coming. Kee will struggle with who she can and can’t trust, and she’ll have to become stronger than she ever was before.
I’ve always been a fan of strong females and this story starts the evolution of Kee, she’s just a little caterpillar but there are so many signs of the beautiful and wondrous butterfly she will become. The hardest part of reading this book was knowing it’s just the beginning of a series and I have no clue as to when book 2 will drop.
If you’re a fan of urban fantasy and para-romance and need a new world to jump into…pick up this book and dive away!
March 18, 2021
*This Book contains graphic violence and sex scenes,*
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The Great:
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Paranormals, love triangles, vengeance.
This book is a mental fight-song. I read it in less than twenty four hours. The revenge plot totally avoids the 'Disposable Love Interest' trope, and I am SO feeling it. Kee is fighting for *herself*.
She wasn't the one to throw the gauntlet down, but she is ready to hit her enemies where they hurt. She's damn good at it, too.
In my opinion, this is Mercyverse & Dresden Files level good. The bones are there, the foundation is laid. I can't wait to see what the author builds on it.
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The Needs Work:
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This is third person omniscient, and sometimes the perspective shifts can happen pretty quick. It's not a bad thing, but I feel like it's something that could use a little polish in the future.
______________
The Great:
______________
Paranormals, love triangles, vengeance.
This book is a mental fight-song. I read it in less than twenty four hours. The revenge plot totally avoids the 'Disposable Love Interest' trope, and I am SO feeling it. Kee is fighting for *herself*.
She wasn't the one to throw the gauntlet down, but she is ready to hit her enemies where they hurt. She's damn good at it, too.
In my opinion, this is Mercyverse & Dresden Files level good. The bones are there, the foundation is laid. I can't wait to see what the author builds on it.
______________
The Needs Work:
______________
This is third person omniscient, and sometimes the perspective shifts can happen pretty quick. It's not a bad thing, but I feel like it's something that could use a little polish in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2021
Skin by Ally Wagner was so good! I read this in just a few hours, I couldn't put it down.
Kee is a shape shifter in a world where shapes shifters have been exterminated. So she pretends to be a werewolf to stay safe. Then, she survives a brutal assisination attempt and decides to embrace the shifting - and use it to become the perfect killer.
I loved the writing style, and I loved how how the reader was omniscient, knowing how everyone was feeling. I love a strong female main character, and I of course love the trope of not being able to choose between your vampire or wearwolf lover. It's a tough choice!
Totally a 5 star read!
Kee is a shape shifter in a world where shapes shifters have been exterminated. So she pretends to be a werewolf to stay safe. Then, she survives a brutal assisination attempt and decides to embrace the shifting - and use it to become the perfect killer.
I loved the writing style, and I loved how how the reader was omniscient, knowing how everyone was feeling. I love a strong female main character, and I of course love the trope of not being able to choose between your vampire or wearwolf lover. It's a tough choice!
Totally a 5 star read!
March 20, 2021
Loved the book. Great story!! I’m not a fan of love triangles but that didn’t get me distracted from the goods. Some violent scenes and spicy sex scenes. Can’t wait for the next book. I wasn’t ready for it to end!! Next book please!
May 6, 2021
It is very rare for a book to have its characters live beyond the pages, and at the same time let it transcend its own genre into something else. Skin does that, and more.
Five Stars read for me.
One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
I'd recommend this book to everyone who would like to read a good Literature.
The book is written in a very interesting way.
A must read for sure
Five Stars read for me.
One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
I'd recommend this book to everyone who would like to read a good Literature.
The book is written in a very interesting way.
A must read for sure
May 29, 2023
This is so not the usual kind of fantasy book I go for, but I DEVOURED it in like 6 hours. Fun read that helped get me out of a reading slump :)
May 8, 2021
New favorite author
I love this. The characters grew and evolved in a natural intelligent manner still with weaknesses. I’m not sure if this is going to be an RH I’m good with that if it is I love the complexity
I love this. The characters grew and evolved in a natural intelligent manner still with weaknesses. I’m not sure if this is going to be an RH I’m good with that if it is I love the complexity
March 11, 2021
How would you act if you survived someone trying to kill you?
This is what Kee is faced with. A wonderful story of heartache and hard choices. I loved that not everything was predictable. I am looking forward to the next book.
This is what Kee is faced with. A wonderful story of heartache and hard choices. I loved that not everything was predictable. I am looking forward to the next book.
March 12, 2021
4.5
The book was a pleasant surprise. Despite some plot holes (for example many dead from the Lucas coven who were forgotten in the second part of the book), the author portrayed a fascinating brutal story. The end of the story was slightly unsatisfying. The bridge to the second book could be different without the deterioration of the main character. I wouldn't be surprised that in her psychological state at the end of the book, she's willing to be dominated by the alpha for Cain's sake. Funny, but a little sad. I would have preferred a more rational heroine.
The book was a pleasant surprise. Despite some plot holes (for example many dead from the Lucas coven who were forgotten in the second part of the book), the author portrayed a fascinating brutal story. The end of the story was slightly unsatisfying. The bridge to the second book could be different without the deterioration of the main character. I wouldn't be surprised that in her psychological state at the end of the book, she's willing to be dominated by the alpha for Cain's sake. Funny, but a little sad. I would have preferred a more rational heroine.
April 2, 2021
Too much..
I enjoyed this book and I'm excited for more. My biggest complaint with this is that everything is handed to you. It's over explained in some ways, too descriptive almost, and on things that didn't necessarily need to be.
I enjoyed this book and I'm excited for more. My biggest complaint with this is that everything is handed to you. It's over explained in some ways, too descriptive almost, and on things that didn't necessarily need to be.
May 7, 2021
WHERE IS BOOK TWO?
I NEED IT NOW!
Jumping right to the end, WHY DID HOME GIRL GO BACK TO CAIN??😭 Like I know she felt hurt but she really didn’t need to throw the blame at my boy Lucas like that. Like my man ain’t suffering enough with the knowledge he’s losing people because he didn’t take out one man. BUT SO THAT THERE WOULDNT BE A MASCARE.
KEE GET BACK LUCAS THIS INSTANT!!
But seriously though, this book was WOW. So much happened but it wasn’t over powering. Ally built such a complex world but made it very easy to follow. This book was fast paced with action both in the romance and fighting departments. I’m eagerly waiting for book two!
EDIT:
Also poor Katie like she’s so hopeful at the end and I’m just wondering how she’ll react once she finds out Kee is the one who killed Wyatt. And how Katie will react to the reason why!
I NEED IT NOW!
Jumping right to the end, WHY DID HOME GIRL GO BACK TO CAIN??😭 Like I know she felt hurt but she really didn’t need to throw the blame at my boy Lucas like that. Like my man ain’t suffering enough with the knowledge he’s losing people because he didn’t take out one man. BUT SO THAT THERE WOULDNT BE A MASCARE.
KEE GET BACK LUCAS THIS INSTANT!!
But seriously though, this book was WOW. So much happened but it wasn’t over powering. Ally built such a complex world but made it very easy to follow. This book was fast paced with action both in the romance and fighting departments. I’m eagerly waiting for book two!
EDIT:
Also poor Katie like she’s so hopeful at the end and I’m just wondering how she’ll react once she finds out Kee is the one who killed Wyatt. And how Katie will react to the reason why!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2021
This book reminded me a lot of The Southern Vampire Series, True Blood, just gave me a lot of the same vibes... which isn't a bad thing as I love that series. It has a little bit of everything, Shifters, Vampires, Werewolves.... I won't spoil anything but I loved seeing the relationships develop between these characters and also see our main character come into herself more as well. I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens next, I was trying to keep swiping at the end for more but alas, I will need to wait...
May 6, 2021
A book that makes the reader work and places us in the protagonists shoes and succeeds in translating visual and lovely experiences into visceral ones for the reader too. The story is quite gripping and will probably not be liked by everyone. But if you want to try out Something outstanding , give this one a try.
Skin is what we called a true page turner.
Amazingly woven like an interesting spell. I didn't think this book was going to be this good. It was , as you might expect , engaging , a total different piece of art from every aspect.
It sets a very high bar for whatever she does that comes next.
Skin is what we called a true page turner.
Amazingly woven like an interesting spell. I didn't think this book was going to be this good. It was , as you might expect , engaging , a total different piece of art from every aspect.
It sets a very high bar for whatever she does that comes next.
March 3, 2022
Great start to a series!
This debut was everything I hoped it would be. Fresh, dark and compelling - I was impressed. The characters were well written and had me invested in the storyline. I’ll be getting the 2nd book now as I NEED to know how it continues. It was a tense, chaotic, slightly spicy read and I’m hooked!
This debut was everything I hoped it would be. Fresh, dark and compelling - I was impressed. The characters were well written and had me invested in the storyline. I’ll be getting the 2nd book now as I NEED to know how it continues. It was a tense, chaotic, slightly spicy read and I’m hooked!
March 11, 2021
Whoa
This book was a wonderfully written. Kee ... her story is breathtakingly amazing, she becomes a kickass shifter through all her trauma. I was left stunned by the ending and I will be impatiently awaiting book 2.
This book was a wonderfully written. Kee ... her story is breathtakingly amazing, she becomes a kickass shifter through all her trauma. I was left stunned by the ending and I will be impatiently awaiting book 2.
March 24, 2021
I loved this book! The whole book just brings you in and I could not stop reading! I would of finished it in a day if I did not have to sleep or do college homework. I can not wait for the next book!
March 23, 2021
Soo good
Love, love, love it! The characters suck you right in. Storyline and spice are perfect! That ending was too abrupt and I need more! Well done on a debut book!
Love, love, love it! The characters suck you right in. Storyline and spice are perfect! That ending was too abrupt and I need more! Well done on a debut book!
February 27, 2022
The concept of this book was very interesting. The firing is great and the story was good. I’m so used to first person POV that it was hard for me to get into this book since it is third person. Who is “talking” changes multiple times throughout chapters and thy was hard for me to read too.
A great start to the series and I will read the next one.
A great start to the series and I will read the next one.
March 13, 2021
I couldn’t put this book down. It was a super easy read it. The book draws you in from the beginning and keeps up the pace so you forget to look up. Every character had a personality and stood out in the crowd. A perfect book to start off a series I can’t wait for there to be more. I want more from this series and from this author. A definite need to read.
April 9, 2021
Such a great Urban Fantasy. Love the premise of the story and the characters. Has just right amount of spice and drama. If you like vampires and werewolves then you will love this book. Can’t wait for the next one!!
March 30, 2021
Cliffhanger alert!
Ally Wagner’s debut novel gives readers everything they want in spades - romance, spice, mystery, conflict.
From laying the foundation of a world where paranormal creatures are real and existing side-by-side with humans to carefully crafting the tensions between each of the factions, Wagner’s world is an easy one to imagine.
Kiera starts off as a bit of a wishy-washy creature, but once she feels the brutal sting of betrayal, she becomes the strong heroine we didn’t know we needed.
She explains the politics of the paras in a way that isn’t boring, divvying out pieces here and there instead of writing The Concise History of Wereanimals, Vampires, and Shifters.
Cliffhangers are my nemesis, but she wrote this one beautifully, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Ally Wagner’s debut novel gives readers everything they want in spades - romance, spice, mystery, conflict.
From laying the foundation of a world where paranormal creatures are real and existing side-by-side with humans to carefully crafting the tensions between each of the factions, Wagner’s world is an easy one to imagine.
Kiera starts off as a bit of a wishy-washy creature, but once she feels the brutal sting of betrayal, she becomes the strong heroine we didn’t know we needed.
She explains the politics of the paras in a way that isn’t boring, divvying out pieces here and there instead of writing The Concise History of Wereanimals, Vampires, and Shifters.
Cliffhangers are my nemesis, but she wrote this one beautifully, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2021
Werewolves and vampires and shifters, oh my! In this debut novel by my TikTok friend @misskattreads we meet Keira, or Kee, who is the lone shifter trying to fit in where shifters are all but extinct. I really enjoyed the two different worlds that we were introduced to in this book. Lucas and his coven and vampire dealings were all very intriguing and I wish we would have learned more. Warren and his pack were as to be expected, intense and aggressive. I always appreciate when two seemingly separate worlds are entangled together without anyone realizing. There were a couple of really good spicy scenes so this book is definitely an adult read. I did struggle a bit because the point of viewed changed quite a bit within each chapter, jumping around between characters in each scene. Overall this gave me major True Blood vibes, which is one of my favorite shows, and I will be keeping a look out for book number 2.
March 28, 2021
Loved the storyline. Ready for book two to come out so we can learn more about them.
March 21, 2021
I absolutely enjoyed this book. I had absolutely every emotion while I followed these characters!
It wasn't predictable and it wasn't an omegaverse story. It has some omega aspects but that not the purpose. Kee is pretty emotional but it is understandable. I really recommend reading it and I cannot wait for the Sequel!
It wasn't predictable and it wasn't an omegaverse story. It has some omega aspects but that not the purpose. Kee is pretty emotional but it is understandable. I really recommend reading it and I cannot wait for the Sequel!
December 9, 2021
Enjoyed this book, sometimes the shift in POV was hard to track but excited for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews