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Under My Skin #1

Skin to Skin

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One night and two pink lines change everything.

It was supposed to be a one night stand. But fate had other plans.

Emma showed up at Sin & Ink in hopes of a new tattoo. She wound up in bed with a sexy older man.

Jeff wanted to forget the pain of losing his wife. He was blindsided by the feisty woman who promised to make him forget.

Now they’re thrown together for at least the next eighteen years.

Can these two strangers build a happy family despite all the odds stacked against them?

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2021

465 people are currently reading
1712 people want to read

About the author

Mica Rae

56 books118 followers
Mica Rae is a contemporary romance author. She lives in Oregon with her Havanese and two Doodles. In the fall you can find her screaming at the TV while cheering for her Oklahoma State Cowboys. The rest of the year when she’s not writing or reading, her wanderlust has her traveling the globe. Her love of history currently has her on a mission to visit all thirteen presidential libraries and museums.

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5 stars
322 (43%)
4 stars
233 (31%)
3 stars
144 (19%)
2 stars
40 (5%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for C.R..
Author 32 books97 followers
February 24, 2022
I loved this book so much. Emma is one of those characters who stole so many scenes in previous books. I was super excited when I heard she was getting her own.

This age gap is perfect. Jeff, a grieving widow, meets the spunky Emma and they have a very interesting evening. Two pink lines through them together. It’s not always pretty, but it is one of those stories that sticks with you long after you put the book down. I’ll be rereading this one at least once a year.

I think it may be my favorite Mica Rae book so far and that’s saying a lot, cause I love her I’m Yours series. Now I’m ready to see all these tattooed characters find their HEAs.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,433 reviews14 followers
December 6, 2021
Emma goes to Sin & Ink planning on getting a tattoo and meets Jeff, the tattoo artist. Jeff sees what Emma has chosen and talks her out of it and tells her he will draw something special for her and to think about it a few days and come back. They end up going out for a bite to eat and end up in bed.
Jeff lost his wife 3 yrs prior and wakes up thinking he was in bed with her and then realizes it was the girl he just met and they didn't use protection. He has closed himself off from any kind of relationships or really dating. He is still grieving over his wife and the life he used to have.
Emma is a kindergarten teacher who has a zest for life. She loves her kiddos and being a teacher but you wouldn't think she was one.
Both are shocked to hear the news. In some ways they are more alike than they think. But, can Jeff get over the loss of his wife and the fact he is older than Emma? And will she let him in?
This story is emotional, you'll laugh and cry and you won't see the turns until you're there. Loved it!

5 stars
Profile Image for Skye Yanovsky.
1,178 reviews20 followers
February 9, 2022
Loved!!

I’m always happy when I find an age gap surprise pregnancy romance and Skin To Skin was so good. Jeff, a grieving widower who can’t move on emotionally, has a one night stand with young vivacious Emma. They never intend to see each other again but Emma ends up pregnant and they have to navigate co-parenting. But Jeff is struggling to move forward in life as his feelings for Emma feel like a betrayal to his wife. As feelings progress could this really be both their chance for a family?

This is a sweet and sexy read. There isn’t a lot of drama but I was definitely invested. There are some emotional issues in this one (TW: cancer, miscarriage).

I’m a sucker for a tattoo artist so I was already salivating over Jeff. Emma was sassy, strong and I loved her confidence. Together they were just the perfect couple.

Overall a great read and I can’t wait to Mia’s story comes out next.
Profile Image for The Independent Book Reviewer.
116 reviews9 followers
December 9, 2021
Wow Mica Rae blew me away with this book. It is sooooo good. Right from the start you are pulled in and needing to know more. I was surprised at some of the twists that happened in this book. Be prepared with tissues because you will probably shed a tear or two. You will also laugh though. In other words, be prepared for all the feels to happen while reading this book.
Emma is a Kindergarten teacher who is not at all how I would’ve originally pictured her. She has wild side but also that sweet teacher side as well.
Jeff is a widower who was married to the absolute love of his life. Jeff grows so much throughout this book and its inspiring to follow him do so.
One night and two pink lines change the lives of Jeff and Emma in this age gap romance that you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
3,307 reviews70 followers
December 5, 2021
Skin to Skin Is the first book in MICA RAES( series ) under my skin ) What a phenomenal start to what is going to be a series so addicting you will not be able to stop reading . I know this for a fact because once I started it was almost impossible for me to stop thinking about Emma And Jeff’s story .This is a age -gap surprise pregnancy romance with a sexy tattoo artist and a very sassy teacher . So many of my favorite tropes all wrapped up in this emotional, fun , sexy and intriguing story filled with off the charts chemistry, lots of steamy moments, wonderful characters, humor and so much more . You won’t be able to help yourself , you will fall completely in love with every single thing about this book , at least I did . It really should not be missed
Profile Image for Michelle Duncan.
546 reviews10 followers
December 9, 2021
Mica Rae is one of my favorites and I am very excited for her new spin off series! Surprise pregnancy is one of my favorite tropes and this story was so well done!

Skin to Skin started out with a “bang” figuratively and literally 😆. I love the age gap and how drastically different the main characters personalities were. I also love that Mica was able to throw in a bit of a twist half way through that had me scratching my head. HEA where the characters need to figure their stuff out on their own tug at my heart strings and make the journey so worth it.

Skin to Skin flowed well and I didn’t come across any plot holes! Characters from the prior series made cameo appearances that jelled so well with this story and new series. I’m so excited to see what comes next!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
4 reviews
December 8, 2021
When life gives you the unexpected it very well might be perfectly what you need. This was true for Emma & Jeff in Skin to Skin.

I have read each of Mica’s romance novels, they get better & more relatable with each release. I think of these novels as steamy Hallmark movies. I find yourself cheering for the characters, finding a new found hope in humanity, & hoping I find my own leading man!

Skin to Skin was captivating from page 1 and although a romance novel the content is so much deeper. I couldn’t recommend this read more, I have no doubt you will also find yourself cheering Emma & Jeff on through their unexpected connection facing an unexpected situation.

Get this wonderful read in your hands TODAY!!!
Profile Image for Patty Duplechin.
772 reviews9 followers
May 31, 2022
Emma goes to Sin and Ink to get a tattoo. She see Jeff, a widower who can’t seem to get over his wife’s death. Jeff talks her out of one and they go out to eat. They have a one night stand and oops she’s pregnant. Jeff can’t stop thinking of Emma, the beautiful, spunky young kindergarten teacher. He knows he’s too old for her. He knows he doesn’t have anything to give her. He’s a tattoo artist. She deserves more. She’s never had a family and now she can. She’s afraid but she knows she can be a single parent. What will happen when she tells him she’s pregnant? Will he get angry? Will he want it? These two souls deserve a second chance at happiness. They deserve a family to love. They work together as a family but will they become a couple too. Once he reads the journals his wife left him maybe he’ll be able to let go of the past and find a future he wants. Loved the characters, worth the read. Go out and get it now.
Profile Image for Annie.
120 reviews
December 10, 2021
Awwww

Mica’s books always hit different, and this one did not disappoint!

Watching these two broken souls fumble through an unexpected hurdle that’s brought them together, made me laugh and cry and possibly want to throw my kindle and hit the main male character over the head at times 🤣🤣.. but I loved it.

Neither Jeff or Emma were ready for what life threw at them, but instead of letting it totally break them and push them even further apart, they let it bring them together.

Their love is raw, and real and definitely worth reading if you enjoy an age gap romance with all the feels and a whole lot of laughter!
16 reviews
December 8, 2021
This new series is soooo intriguing. And thank you, Mica Rae, for bringing back all of my favorite characters. I was secretly hoping she would weave them back in. In all honesty, after five books, I wasn’t ready to let them go. However, Emma deserved her own story, and I’m here for it.

Emma is by far the funniest character from all of Mica Rae’s books. One moment she’ll have you keeled over from laughing, another she’ll have you crying because she personifies the walls we all put up. But, when it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be, and those walls start crumbling down. Once again, a solid book hitting us with some serious life lessons! #teamjeffandemma
Profile Image for Sue.
19 reviews
December 9, 2021
This is the first book in a delicious new series by Mica Rae, and I am in love! Jeff is a man who can’t let go of a lost love. Emma is someone who won’t even let herself love. His heart is broken, hers heavily guarded. Jeff is a hot, older tattoo artist. Emma is a younger, spunky Kindergarten teacher. A one night stand turns into a surprise pregnancy, and they are forced to come to terms with their feelings - and there are FEELINGS!

I have read all of Mica Rae’s books, and this one is hands-down the best! Do yourself a favor - read it now!
1 review1 follower
December 19, 2021
Sizzling hot, from the tattoo artist to the love connection !

From the tattoo artist to the love connection, what a smoking hot story.
Mica Rae just gets better and better bringing the groups of friends full circle with they or happily ever after. Go check out the rest of her books if you have not already read them!
Profile Image for Jos.
1,833 reviews140 followers
January 2, 2022
3

Ok, so I liked this book but did feel like it didn’t live up to my expectations after reading some reviews. I wasn’t all that crazy about either one at the start but they slowly reeled me in. Good read but not sure if I will continue with the series right away as I wasnt blown away with the secondary characters.
Profile Image for Treasa Költh.
5 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2022
AS ALWAYS, another amazing story, by Mica Rae

Once again Mica Rae, writes the perfect story! This book has it all. From tension, and heart pounding scenes, to heart melting moments! Jeff and Emma are the perfect couple! I loved seeing past characters return, and finding out where their lives are!
Thank you Mica Rae for sharing such and amazing story! ~Author Treasa Klöth
Profile Image for Traci Sek.
Author 11 books47 followers
December 8, 2021
The author does it again! Hooking me in and reeling until it hurts. This is a slow burn, age gap, two of my least favorite genres but with mica she makes you want to keep turning the page! This was beautifully written about a guy named Jeff and a girl named Emma who both find out they have more in common then they think and it only takes two pink lines to make them realize they need each other and more. Because I don’t want to spoil this story for others. So many twists and turns happen just when you think they will unite something happens to keep you needing more. I highly recommend this book! I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ariella.
1,137 reviews11 followers
January 9, 2022
amazing

I absolutely love Jeff and Emma! It’s a cute romantic story. I’m glad they got there happy ending. Jeff just got out of a relationship when Emma came in to get a tattoo. Which didn’t happen but they did fall in love with each other.
Profile Image for Camille (bookish.cami).
766 reviews40 followers
November 26, 2021
Nothing like spending a day stuck in a book. Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down I straight up devoured this book!

It’s an age gap, surprise pregnancy, sexy tattoo artist and sassy teacher heroine.

Emma and Jeff story is amazing! From beginning to end.
Jeff is so swoon worthy!
Emma’s personality and spunk is hilarious as ever.
My family looked at me like I was crazy because I was laughing, then yelling, then laughing again.

I loved getting the glimpse of previous couples as well and meeting new characters

As always Mica writes such amazing stories that I always get so lost in the pages.
Profile Image for Conny.
1,137 reviews35 followers
April 1, 2023
I was a First Read Winner of this book and it was a fun read. I liked the storyline, not only was it steamy but it also dealt with a miscarriage and grief, the main characters had great chemistry. I will definitely follow the series and Mica Rae has a new fan in me for sure.
Profile Image for Amber.
260 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2021
This book is such a great start to Mica Rae's new series "Under my skin". Just like all the other books written by this author once I started reading, I just could not put it down. This book is steamy and includes one of my favorite tropes, age gap. I loved the twists within this book as well. This book will keep you on your toes. I highly recommend this book but make sure you have time to read it in one sitting because you won't want to put it down once you start it.
Profile Image for Becca Whaley.
1,667 reviews6 followers
February 21, 2023
I enjoyed this one. This is a new to me author and I’ll for sure be reading her more… I loved the slow build of their relationship. Jeff was such an amazing man Emma needed a little spice in her life and Jeff was just the man to do it …. It deals with loss and healing. Overcoming pain and realizing you deserve more …
Profile Image for chrys .
51 reviews
July 11, 2022
A little bit of everything

I read this book in one afternoon. it’s got a little bit of everything heartbreak surprise and happily ever after. Bonnie was a hoot!!!
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,920 reviews16 followers
November 19, 2021
What an emotional read. Emma and Jeff, one night stand gone wrong, or maybe it's gone right? Emma is a pistol and totally enjoyed her banter when she goes to the doctors office. Her dreams of Marco and Limoncello are not coming true and she's not sure what to do next. Jeff is stuck in the past and can't let go, but he's all in, but not exactly sure what that looks like. Loved the cute names, alien and egg and a pleasant surprise was Bonnie. One minute I'm on top of the world with just reading a certain chapter, and then I plummeted right down to below zero with the next few words. Ups and downs with each of their thoughts, but they don't share them and that's the problem. I actually loved the age difference, it was perfect. Sometimes life isn't what you were hoping for, but it becomes even better than you can imagine. That is what this story is about. It was a pleasure to take this journey with Emma and Jeff.
Profile Image for Ashley Adams.
59 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2022
Loved this book. I honestly liked it a lot more than I expected and will definitely read the second in the series.
Profile Image for Shea Dietrich.
42 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2021
I quite liked this book. Loved Emma's sassy nature and Jeff's good boy heart.
Profile Image for S.P. Dawes.
Author 6 books64 followers
April 25, 2022
Fantastic

A great story. With an unconventional start they are crashed together, making a life they can be happy with, in the knowledge that their baby comes first. But as they spent more time with each other they realise their attraction isn't only sexual but something much deeper and as they get to know one another, one thing becomes apparent. They're the other half of each other.
Profile Image for S. Lisset.
337 reviews9 followers
December 28, 2021
So freaking cute. I wasn’t expecting it to be this good. Would definitely recommend.
186 reviews
June 30, 2022
So Good

I didn't really expect much from this book. However, I was pleasantly surprised with how well written this book was. Both Jeff and Emma where well developed. This book definitely took you on their journey and some parts may have been a little bit frustrating but that's how you know you've become invested. I'd definitely read more books from this author.
Profile Image for Jasmin.
29 reviews
December 15, 2024
DNF at 50%

I skimmed this book because I couldn’t stand the immature language that the characters used. I felt the writing and flow was juvenile and I really hate that the author made Emma to seem like some 16 year old spoiled twat. She was extremely annoying and never wanted to take accountability. I felt like Jeff was emotionally all over the place…They both didn’t act like their age. Calling their baby Alien and Egg? C’mon 🙄 A 40 something year old asking to sleep with his pending BM because “he can’t be alone tonight” the wording that the author used for this gave me the absolute ick and reminded me of a 5 year old child asking to sleep with their parents because they’re scared. With Emma’s immaturity, it is so hard to believe her role as a kindergarten school teacher…it just seems so unrealistic*insert bombastic side eye* Also, the book needs some serious editing. There are major inconsistencies that drove me up a wall as I was reading and it contributed to me skimming the book until I said enough is enough. At one point, Jeff says he doesn’t remember Emma’s name but literally two sentences later, he refers to her by her name?? Then the mixed signals between Emma and Jeff just had me saying enough because these adults were about to have a baby together but couldn’t even communicate their feelings towards one another. I had higher expectations for the book, and unfortunately it fell short…very short.
Profile Image for Cassie Hollenbeck.
236 reviews9 followers
February 5, 2023
Wow this was so good right from the start! I cannot wait to see where the next one goes! I loved the sexual tension between them!!
Profile Image for Brandi Price.
101 reviews
September 27, 2022
Absolutely wonderful

Wow this book popped up as a recommendation on Facebook and I'm so glad I did! First the chemistry was off the charts with Emma and Jeff! He's a bit broken from the beginning of the book but he works through it with the help of his work family. Emma is spicy and snarky and hilarious from day one and never looses her spark! These two had some hard hurdles but overcame to get a beautiful ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

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