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McCullough Mountain #2
Beautiful Distraction: Small Town Romance
When a small town's hottest lumberjack falls for the full figured curvy girl, people take notice, in this award winning, friends-to-lovers romance from bestselling author, Lydia Michaels.
When Finnegan McCullough catches a woman trespassing on his family's Mountain, he's captivated by blue eyes and thick thighs. Mallory Fenton might have just moved to their small town, but she won't be a stranger for long. Funny and sexy as hell, this beautiful distraction quickly becomes Finn's greatest obsession.
Mallory ran to Center County to escape her past and reinvent herself. Befriending a chiseled, flannel-covered lumberjack was never part of the plan. Sexy men rarely notice her. And, after years of being the 'fat girl', she can't figure out what a gorgeous man like Finn might want from her.
A realistic and heartwarming romance that proves love and beauty come in all shapes and sizes.
Awarded honorable mention for writing an exceptional contemporary romance in 2014 by the Rone Awards, bestselling author, Lydia Michaels, brings fiction to life in a beautiful novel about self-love, second chances, and acceptance.
When Finnegan McCullough catches a woman trespassing on his family's Mountain, he's captivated by blue eyes and thick thighs. Mallory Fenton might have just moved to their small town, but she won't be a stranger for long. Funny and sexy as hell, this beautiful distraction quickly becomes Finn's greatest obsession.
Mallory ran to Center County to escape her past and reinvent herself. Befriending a chiseled, flannel-covered lumberjack was never part of the plan. Sexy men rarely notice her. And, after years of being the 'fat girl', she can't figure out what a gorgeous man like Finn might want from her.
A realistic and heartwarming romance that proves love and beauty come in all shapes and sizes.
Awarded honorable mention for writing an exceptional contemporary romance in 2014 by the Rone Awards, bestselling author, Lydia Michaels, brings fiction to life in a beautiful novel about self-love, second chances, and acceptance.
330 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2013
77 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Michaels
182 books1,884 followersLydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
February 24, 2016
I'm ignoring all the cliches in this book because it's pretty much the magic formula to make me so very happy. Overweight heroine: check! Nice guy, middle-class, blue-collar hero: check! Sweet and sexy times: check! Lots of insecurities about weight: check! A big, raucous family to base a series around: check! DING, DING, DING! We have a winner!!!!!
I love Finn. *sigh*
I love Finn. *sigh*
November 26, 2016
first I give 4 stars to this book but rereading again I am giving this book 5 stars.....
.just because of Mallory Fenton
...BC I see myself in her clearly....
I love this book to the core of my heart because of personal reasons....
the amazing part of this book is tat I love the character of Mallory Fenton because when I was reading this book and POV of Mallory Fenton,I was reading myself in her each and every word.......
Mallory fenton is heroine,30 years old and thinking of herself fat,not wanted all the time,just because society impose its opinion on her directly and indirectly...tagging her with the label of fat,which in our so called society opinion is so ugly,so embarrassing and awkward...... she knows deeply that being fat is not the real fault here,society is the problem here...her conscious and unconscious is so programmed by the society rule and regulations from begining that she can,t think of herself wanted,worthy....
and being myself overweight throughout life I was absorbing this book like I just picturing my life in front of my eyes while reading this book.... this book completely grab my attention from the beginning ....
I cried with Mallory ups and down picturing it as my ups and down.....
being fat in any society trigger self esteem issues that just the dilemma of all big girls out there..but in reality that is our society which impose us to think that being fat is ugly or something very very bad....
so society and minds of few negative people is the cause and problem, not being fat or being overweight or being big.....
in my opinion every natural shape is best as it requires some appreciation....that is in our minds,if we think them as beautiful ,we see them automatically beautiful....its all about our thinking...
and Finnegan macculough is one of the best person in Mallory Fenton life who makes her believe that she is the most beautiful girl for him in the world.....she is most wanted,cherished and adores by him,just not for her outside beauty,BC he see her internal beauty more....his eyes catches her purity,innocence, honesty,loyalty,not the things which are materialistic......he sees real her not her body....
because his pure mind and heart see her inside beauty more than outside.....when he thinks of her internal beauty, automatically his eyes catches her whole as beautiful...
and yeah that,s true.....weight is just a number......don't,t waste your energies to think about opinions,imposition of other people frustrated minds..because they are frustrated,wasted that deosn,t mean we see ourselves negative.....
so all big beautiful girls out there,we are worthy beautiful and desirable as much as other people can....
Fuck off the so called society,fuck off frustrated negative people....
ONLY WE ROCKS.... think positive,stay positive.....
and Lydia Michaels once again you proved you are my best author to read...
so for me this book deserves unlimited stars.....
and it straightly goes to my favourite shelf.....
.just because of Mallory Fenton
...BC I see myself in her clearly....
I love this book to the core of my heart because of personal reasons....
the amazing part of this book is tat I love the character of Mallory Fenton because when I was reading this book and POV of Mallory Fenton,I was reading myself in her each and every word.......
Mallory fenton is heroine,30 years old and thinking of herself fat,not wanted all the time,just because society impose its opinion on her directly and indirectly...tagging her with the label of fat,which in our so called society opinion is so ugly,so embarrassing and awkward...... she knows deeply that being fat is not the real fault here,society is the problem here...her conscious and unconscious is so programmed by the society rule and regulations from begining that she can,t think of herself wanted,worthy....
and being myself overweight throughout life I was absorbing this book like I just picturing my life in front of my eyes while reading this book.... this book completely grab my attention from the beginning ....
I cried with Mallory ups and down picturing it as my ups and down.....
being fat in any society trigger self esteem issues that just the dilemma of all big girls out there..but in reality that is our society which impose us to think that being fat is ugly or something very very bad....
so society and minds of few negative people is the cause and problem, not being fat or being overweight or being big.....
in my opinion every natural shape is best as it requires some appreciation....that is in our minds,if we think them as beautiful ,we see them automatically beautiful....its all about our thinking...
and Finnegan macculough is one of the best person in Mallory Fenton life who makes her believe that she is the most beautiful girl for him in the world.....she is most wanted,cherished and adores by him,just not for her outside beauty,BC he see her internal beauty more....his eyes catches her purity,innocence, honesty,loyalty,not the things which are materialistic......he sees real her not her body....
because his pure mind and heart see her inside beauty more than outside.....when he thinks of her internal beauty, automatically his eyes catches her whole as beautiful...
and yeah that,s true.....weight is just a number......don't,t waste your energies to think about opinions,imposition of other people frustrated minds..because they are frustrated,wasted that deosn,t mean we see ourselves negative.....
so all big beautiful girls out there,we are worthy beautiful and desirable as much as other people can....
Fuck off the so called society,fuck off frustrated negative people....
ONLY WE ROCKS.... think positive,stay positive.....
and Lydia Michaels once again you proved you are my best author to read...
so for me this book deserves unlimited stars.....
and it straightly goes to my favourite shelf.....
August 21, 2015
3.5 stars
Lovely, lovely hero and nice heroine but her obsession with her weight grated on my nerves. I'm not very thin myself and I could understand how she felt up to a point but it was too much after the 50th time she mentioned how bad she looks.
Lovely, lovely hero and nice heroine but her obsession with her weight grated on my nerves. I'm not very thin myself and I could understand how she felt up to a point but it was too much after the 50th time she mentioned how bad she looks.
March 10, 2014
3.5 stars, A sweet romance.,
I enjoyed this book, Finn was the sweetest hero and I loved him, but I was not sympathetic to Mallory's personality. She was repeatedly negative about her body to the point where I did not get the feeling she could love anyone because she absolutely did not love herself. I kept hoping for some transition on her part, some growth where she would begin to see Finn as a real human being and not just as her boyfriend. But it was not to be and in the end she disappointed me by running away and not having the strength to stay and fight or even say anything. She just got in the car and ran, it was a great way to show that Finn was in love with her but I still did not see how and when she showed Finn that she was in love with him. I also think that the first book in this series spoiled me for a beautiful love story and this one just did not cut it.
I enjoyed this book, Finn was the sweetest hero and I loved him, but I was not sympathetic to Mallory's personality. She was repeatedly negative about her body to the point where I did not get the feeling she could love anyone because she absolutely did not love herself. I kept hoping for some transition on her part, some growth where she would begin to see Finn as a real human being and not just as her boyfriend. But it was not to be and in the end she disappointed me by running away and not having the strength to stay and fight or even say anything. She just got in the car and ran, it was a great way to show that Finn was in love with her but I still did not see how and when she showed Finn that she was in love with him. I also think that the first book in this series spoiled me for a beautiful love story and this one just did not cut it.
June 6, 2022
This book gives me an ache in my chest. I feel so much for Mallory and I identify with her more than I'd like to admit.
This was very close to 5 stars for me. If not for the last minute freak out. I love her and she makes me feel so much for her. But after him proving his love again and again and AGAIN... she still believes the worst of him.
It's disappointing to see her to that. There was enough of the conflict and indecision in the first 50%. Then a rush to the HEA..
But MAN, the number of things that Mallory thinks that is just like I do... chills.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
This was very close to 5 stars for me. If not for the last minute freak out. I love her and she makes me feel so much for her. But after him proving his love again and again and AGAIN... she still believes the worst of him.
It's disappointing to see her to that. There was enough of the conflict and indecision in the first 50%. Then a rush to the HEA..
But MAN, the number of things that Mallory thinks that is just like I do... chills.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
December 11, 2015
This was close to a 5 star book for me- up through 60% or so. I loved how Ms Michaels told Mallory's story- her weight issues and low self esteem. She moved to Center County to start over after finishing school in Philadelphia. Mallory meets Finn while on one of her daily runs. They become friends. Finn has a (bitchy) long-time girlfriend, Erin. Mallory is a aware that she and Finn can only be friends- They tell each other that over and over. There is no cheating but there is a lot of back and forth - especially around 70-75% & I thought that I had re-read the same chapter.At about this time in the book- Finn's dad gives him some great advice about when you find the one-it not being easy & that she'd be worth it. Dad (finally) makes a brief appearance but I got it & so did Finn. Before I read this 2nd book-a friend posted an excerpt of an incident at the pub (the town's hangout for the young adults). It's where Mallory is insulted and Finn is there with her. He is so great and understanding. Mallory and Finn develop a great relationship... He seems too good to be true, right? Well, I don't think so. This story is very familiar to me. I'm lucky to know someone like Finn. Finn explains that looks haven't helped in his relationship- with someone that really connects with the real him. Mallory doesn't instantly solve the low self-image issues-- I love how hard she tries. Finn appreciates that also-- and he tells her!
The writing is much smoother than the first book. The ending/epilogue was a little rushed.
Over-all 4.5 stars. I recommend this book and the series.
I'm reading book 3 Chaste now.
editing to 5 STARS!! Thanks Amelie--for making me remember this book >)
The writing is much smoother than the first book. The ending/epilogue was a little rushed.
Over-all 4.5 stars. I recommend this book and the series.
I'm reading book 3 Chaste now.
editing to 5 STARS!! Thanks Amelie--for making me remember this book >)
August 28, 2013
Skin is a heartwarming look at beauty through the eyes of love. Have you ever met someone and thought they were okay looking and then you got to know them, and every time you met they became more and more attractive? I have. That is their true beauty shining through. Because beauty really isn't only Skin deep.
One of the things I loved about this story, was that the hero, Finn, is beautiful all the way to his soul. I hate stereotypes, and there are as many stereotypes for "beautiful" people as there are for us "fat girls". I have known many women and men who were beautiful both inside and out,many "ugly" people who had beautiful Skins, and even some people who's ugliness bleed from their souls to become visible to the naked eye. Skin does not perpetuate any of these stereotypes, the characters were real, human. I felt like I knew them. I grew up in Chicago, lots of big Irish families and the McCullough's made me feel right at home.
There are a lot of underlying messages in Skin. But the one that resonated the most with me was that change can only occur from the mind. You can change your outsides and never see it, if you still see yourself as flawed in your mind. Or you can accept your Skin and change your mindset.
What may surprise you about Skin is that while there are times you definitely need to have the tissues handy, you will also laugh and laugh through your tears (which I love).
I highly recommend this wonderful story of beauty and love.
One of the things I loved about this story, was that the hero, Finn, is beautiful all the way to his soul. I hate stereotypes, and there are as many stereotypes for "beautiful" people as there are for us "fat girls". I have known many women and men who were beautiful both inside and out,many "ugly" people who had beautiful Skins, and even some people who's ugliness bleed from their souls to become visible to the naked eye. Skin does not perpetuate any of these stereotypes, the characters were real, human. I felt like I knew them. I grew up in Chicago, lots of big Irish families and the McCullough's made me feel right at home.
There are a lot of underlying messages in Skin. But the one that resonated the most with me was that change can only occur from the mind. You can change your outsides and never see it, if you still see yourself as flawed in your mind. Or you can accept your Skin and change your mindset.
What may surprise you about Skin is that while there are times you definitely need to have the tissues handy, you will also laugh and laugh through your tears (which I love).
I highly recommend this wonderful story of beauty and love.
November 3, 2019
I'm appalled to realize I haven't reviewed this book yet. It's my favorite one most days! But I have to agree with maggieandteddy, the ending was a bit rushed. Although to be fair, this book can have a 100-page epilogue and I'll still be left wanting more. :)
I love it because it transported me to a different world - one that I very much want to be in as well. Now, a lot of you will roll your eyes at me, I'm sure. "Gimme a break, it's about a girl from Philadelphia who moved to a small mountain town!" There are no werewolves, wizards, or knights (even though the hero did act like a knight in flannel and logger pants (?) But don't worry, the heroine did NOT act like a damsel in distress, although she was in distress). There's no magic. So I get that it may not sound so exciting. If you're into the otherworldly stuff, this book is not for you. Luckily for me, I'm not, and even just a few pages in, I had already sensed that this book is for me. In fact, I even felt like this book was written for me.
It's such a simple concept: an overweight single girl felt suffocated by her world. Everyone in her life has moved on (as they should) except for her. They're getting married, having babies. She, on the other hand, is getting fat-shamed by her doctor. She feels alone and helpless, and she couldn't turn to her friends and family, because no matter how much they love her, they'll never understand what she's going through. So what does our heroine (yes, she deserves to be called that) do? She channels all her self-loathing and self-pity into re-making herself.
So she relocates, and gives all of her attention to being healthier. Yes, her intentions are not entirely noble. She envisions going back to the city and watching her friends' stunned faces when they see her transformation. But tell me, what fat girl could not relate to that? Heck, what normal, red-blooded, breathing person could not relate to that?
*Speaking of ... you know what else a lot of us could relate to? That scene where she was in her car outside of the bar psyching herself up before going inside. And the next scene where she's inside, all dolled up and feeling good about herself, and nobody notices her.
Okay, now I realize that I've practically written a novel yet I haven't even gotten to the good part. I'll rush through this ladies because my hands are cramping already, NOT because it's any less good. In fact, the romance part is top-notch. Finn is an excellent hero (yes, he deserves to be called that too). He's steady, devoted, loyal, and responsible. He also thinks those qualities make him less than, because they make him boring. Crazy guy. Doesn't he know that for a good woman - a woman who deserves him - those are the only things that matter? Besides, he's nowhere near boring. No, ma'am. You'll have to read the book to see for yourself exactly how un-boring he really is. I mean, he's a lumberjack, so he got ripped without spending an insane amount of time at the gym. He knows what to do with his hands. He likes hanging out with the h. He thinks her thinking she's unattractive because she's fat is crazy talk, but he'll support her goals regardless. Examples: he'll go running with her, he'll bring her an apple to the movies so she won't feel bad about not getting to eat popcorn, he'll tell his own mother to back off when she's kinda pressuring his girl to eat more. What a guy, right? And maggieandteddy says she knows someone like him, so hurray! :)
Sorry for rambling on. Long story short: if you like a simple, honest story about a slightly insecure but definitely not annoying heroine and her hot, salt-of-the-earth hero who worships the ground she walks on, then get this book.
I love it because it transported me to a different world - one that I very much want to be in as well. Now, a lot of you will roll your eyes at me, I'm sure. "Gimme a break, it's about a girl from Philadelphia who moved to a small mountain town!" There are no werewolves, wizards, or knights (even though the hero did act like a knight in flannel and logger pants (?) But don't worry, the heroine did NOT act like a damsel in distress, although she was in distress). There's no magic. So I get that it may not sound so exciting. If you're into the otherworldly stuff, this book is not for you. Luckily for me, I'm not, and even just a few pages in, I had already sensed that this book is for me. In fact, I even felt like this book was written for me.
It's such a simple concept: an overweight single girl felt suffocated by her world. Everyone in her life has moved on (as they should) except for her. They're getting married, having babies. She, on the other hand, is getting fat-shamed by her doctor. She feels alone and helpless, and she couldn't turn to her friends and family, because no matter how much they love her, they'll never understand what she's going through. So what does our heroine (yes, she deserves to be called that) do? She channels all her self-loathing and self-pity into re-making herself.
So she relocates, and gives all of her attention to being healthier. Yes, her intentions are not entirely noble. She envisions going back to the city and watching her friends' stunned faces when they see her transformation. But tell me, what fat girl could not relate to that? Heck, what normal, red-blooded, breathing person could not relate to that?
*Speaking of ... you know what else a lot of us could relate to? That scene where she was in her car outside of the bar psyching herself up before going inside. And the next scene where she's inside, all dolled up and feeling good about herself, and nobody notices her.
Okay, now I realize that I've practically written a novel yet I haven't even gotten to the good part. I'll rush through this ladies because my hands are cramping already, NOT because it's any less good. In fact, the romance part is top-notch. Finn is an excellent hero (yes, he deserves to be called that too). He's steady, devoted, loyal, and responsible. He also thinks those qualities make him less than, because they make him boring. Crazy guy. Doesn't he know that for a good woman - a woman who deserves him - those are the only things that matter? Besides, he's nowhere near boring. No, ma'am. You'll have to read the book to see for yourself exactly how un-boring he really is. I mean, he's a lumberjack, so he got ripped without spending an insane amount of time at the gym. He knows what to do with his hands. He likes hanging out with the h. He thinks her thinking she's unattractive because she's fat is crazy talk, but he'll support her goals regardless. Examples: he'll go running with her, he'll bring her an apple to the movies so she won't feel bad about not getting to eat popcorn, he'll tell his own mother to back off when she's kinda pressuring his girl to eat more. What a guy, right? And maggieandteddy says she knows someone like him, so hurray! :)
Sorry for rambling on. Long story short: if you like a simple, honest story about a slightly insecure but definitely not annoying heroine and her hot, salt-of-the-earth hero who worships the ground she walks on, then get this book.
June 9, 2022
This book was everything I didn't expect and that's not a bad thing. I was heartwarming and beautiful and I absolutely loved Mallory and Finn!
It's a 4 star and a MUST READ/LISTEN!
It's a 4 star and a MUST READ/LISTEN!
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 2, 2014
03/31/2014 --
Overall Rating = 3.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 4 / 5 = 4.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 3 Stars
Ending = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 3 Stars -- [$4.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild to Moderate
201 pages
Okay, I just couldn't stay away. I felt bad. I read the Surrender Trilogy by this author and my average rating for the 3 books was 2 Stars. I read Skin Deep and really liked it. I wanted to give another series a shot. So, I read Skin.
What did I like about this book?
1 -- The cover is lovely. Don't you think so?
2 -- Finnegan is my kind of Hero. He is strong and kind. He's smart and loyal. He was a bit too accommodating, but no one is perfect. He has appointed himself as the caregiver of his family. I really liked him.
3 -- Loved all the family and am planning to read more in this series.
4 -- The author went to bat for fat girls every where. I liked and appreciated [being a fat girl myself] the concept. I'm not sure she pulled this one off like she wanted to [more on this later], but I love the attempt. Big girls can be just as beautiful and as sexy as those who are smaller in stature. Ms. Michaels tells this true. Loved that she went there in this one and gave us such a lovely man in Finn.
Now, what did I not like or thought could be better?
1 -- Okay, I appreciate the "big is beautiful" theme, but give us a woman who isn't a head case. Mallory had no self esteem and the way she was always in her head about her body was over the top annoying. The fat thing was played up too much. She talked about Mallory's self image to a degree that was seriously unhealthy. I got tired of hearing about it. Finnegan had way more patience than I. I wanted to tell this girl to just get over herself. Get happy with yourself BITCH and shut the f#%k up!
2 -- Intimacy in this one was slow in coming. I don't have to have it in a book to be happy. But, don't drag it out forever and a day as if these two are virgins. Gah!
3 -- Erin. I could have done without this girl in the story. She really added nothing to it -- my opinion only.
4 -- I thought the ending a bit rushed. I think another 50 pages would have allowed the ending to land a bit softer and more well developed.
5 -- The price is a bit spendy. I paid it, but would recommend others wait for a price drop. It isn't a great read. It's good, but not great. There are better ones out there for less jingle.
I really did like this book. It was good, it just wasn't great. I'm ready for this author to just KNOCK one out. She has 5 Star capability. I think she has GREAT potential. I'll keep trying her cause I have faith in her talent. I. KNOW. SHE. CAN. DO. THIS. Just not with this one.
Happy Reading!!
Overall Rating = 3.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 4 / 5 = 4.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 3 Stars
Ending = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 3 Stars -- [$4.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild to Moderate
201 pages
Okay, I just couldn't stay away. I felt bad. I read the Surrender Trilogy by this author and my average rating for the 3 books was 2 Stars. I read Skin Deep and really liked it. I wanted to give another series a shot. So, I read Skin.
What did I like about this book?
1 -- The cover is lovely. Don't you think so?
2 -- Finnegan is my kind of Hero. He is strong and kind. He's smart and loyal. He was a bit too accommodating, but no one is perfect. He has appointed himself as the caregiver of his family. I really liked him.
3 -- Loved all the family and am planning to read more in this series.
4 -- The author went to bat for fat girls every where. I liked and appreciated [being a fat girl myself] the concept. I'm not sure she pulled this one off like she wanted to [more on this later], but I love the attempt. Big girls can be just as beautiful and as sexy as those who are smaller in stature. Ms. Michaels tells this true. Loved that she went there in this one and gave us such a lovely man in Finn.
Now, what did I not like or thought could be better?
1 -- Okay, I appreciate the "big is beautiful" theme, but give us a woman who isn't a head case. Mallory had no self esteem and the way she was always in her head about her body was over the top annoying. The fat thing was played up too much. She talked about Mallory's self image to a degree that was seriously unhealthy. I got tired of hearing about it. Finnegan had way more patience than I. I wanted to tell this girl to just get over herself. Get happy with yourself BITCH and shut the f#%k up!
2 -- Intimacy in this one was slow in coming. I don't have to have it in a book to be happy. But, don't drag it out forever and a day as if these two are virgins. Gah!
3 -- Erin. I could have done without this girl in the story. She really added nothing to it -- my opinion only.
4 -- I thought the ending a bit rushed. I think another 50 pages would have allowed the ending to land a bit softer and more well developed.
5 -- The price is a bit spendy. I paid it, but would recommend others wait for a price drop. It isn't a great read. It's good, but not great. There are better ones out there for less jingle.
I really did like this book. It was good, it just wasn't great. I'm ready for this author to just KNOCK one out. She has 5 Star capability. I think she has GREAT potential. I'll keep trying her cause I have faith in her talent. I. KNOW. SHE. CAN. DO. THIS. Just not with this one.
Happy Reading!!
October 19, 2018
Update: alright after reading this for the 20th time I know I need to do a better review. Okay, first, Full disclosure I am Irish so I'm already partial to this book. That being said, oh god I loved these two characters. Finn is amazing. He takes all of her concerns she always had about herself and throws them away. The family dynamic here is EXACTLY like mine and the love these two share. Oh god. Everyone read this book!
I really really loved this. I think about this book all the time. I wish there was more on these two.
I really really loved this. I think about this book all the time. I wish there was more on these two.
December 27, 2015
Finn you absolute star! a little misguided with always trying to do the right thing but your honesty with Malory was lovely. It took you a while and you were so patient but you finally got to show how beautiful inside and out Malory was. Yay for the bigger girl getting the hot guy!!
September 2, 2013
First, let me start by saying Lydia Michaels never fails to impress me, but I'll be honest, I didn't think I could like this book more than I did Sacred Waters, the first book in the McCullough Mountain series. Boy was I wrong!
Skin is fantastic! I savored every moment of the story, so much so that, while I could have easily finished the book in a day, I purposefully only read chunks at a time to draw it out as long as I could.
Mallory is EVERY woman. No matter your age or size, the reader will identify with her insecurities and her struggles to stop listening to her negative inner dialog. And Finn is just plain adorable. The devotion he feels toward his family and Mallory is only surpassed by his humility. He's just an all around, genuinely decent guy who happens to be drop dead gorgeous... a very rare combination in most romance novels.
Despite what the media would have us believe, life is not about being perfect. It's about finding, and reveling in the beauty that only comes from within. It's about finding your own unique strength in your perceived imperfections. Skin, at its essence, delivers that message in a wonderfully woven love story. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, but it's far from only being skin deep.
Skin is fantastic! I savored every moment of the story, so much so that, while I could have easily finished the book in a day, I purposefully only read chunks at a time to draw it out as long as I could.
Mallory is EVERY woman. No matter your age or size, the reader will identify with her insecurities and her struggles to stop listening to her negative inner dialog. And Finn is just plain adorable. The devotion he feels toward his family and Mallory is only surpassed by his humility. He's just an all around, genuinely decent guy who happens to be drop dead gorgeous... a very rare combination in most romance novels.
Despite what the media would have us believe, life is not about being perfect. It's about finding, and reveling in the beauty that only comes from within. It's about finding your own unique strength in your perceived imperfections. Skin, at its essence, delivers that message in a wonderfully woven love story. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, but it's far from only being skin deep.
June 26, 2021
I love the McCulloughs and Finn is no exception, but to put a larger bodied heroine on the page and then make weight loss part of her happily ever after is hurtful at best and irresponsible at worst. This kind of HEA just perpetuates diet culture and negative body image, and can be super triggering for anyone with body dysmorphia, eating disorders or negative body image. Mallory learns to love herself because she's in a smaller body and feeling confident because she lost weight - anyone who has yo yo dieted knows that is false self love and false confidence. Finn loved her before she lost a pound - she didn't need the "glow up." Mallory deserved better than to have her journey end with weight loss rather than true self love. I loved Almost Priest and was so excited to read about the rest of the McCulloughs, but I'm done with this series now. Do better, Lydia Michaels - your characters and your readers deserve it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2016
I loved this book - it has so many great qualities about it. It definitely made me fall in love with the whole McCullough clan - I have since read the entire series and loved them all except for Sheilagh's story.
I especially loved the realness of self-image issues that Mallory deals with in this story. Some of her thoughts hit very close to home!
I especially loved the realness of self-image issues that Mallory deals with in this story. Some of her thoughts hit very close to home!
August 19, 2014
This modern-day fairytale gives hope in more than one way to those striving to live a healthier lifestyle.
Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
June 18, 2014
Ahhhhhh! I WAS Mallory later in life. Thankfully I found my Finn :) This book was a breath if fresh air! I want to be a McCullough!
June 19, 2014
Damn good! Just damn good!
March 29, 2019
This was such a great book. Could not put it down. Finn is just too darn hot. I loved Mallory's character because as a woman I can surely relate to her thought process. I highly recommend this book!
January 24, 2023
I have so many complicated feelings about this book. It was recommended on one of my favorite Booktube channels, one of the main characters is plus-sized, and it's a romance with a hunky mountain man. Why wouldn't I like it?
**RANT ALERT**
YEAH....I really, really didn't like it. I don't even know where to start because so much of what I feel probably is the exact opposite of what other people might. I guess I can start with the plus-size rep because, let's be honest, that's what I came for. I think there's a right way to do it, and the right way, sorry to say, is not to have the plus-size MC complain constantly about being fat and then moping the fuck around and being annoying as all-get-out and only feeling attractive when someone else convinces her that she is and maybe only marginally feeling better only after losing weight, even though she started at like 190 pounds. PLEASE, just shut the fuck up, Mallory. You don't have real problems.
Now, here's the part where I say that I realize that Mallory may exactly represent how a lot of plus-size ladies feel. Heck, there were a few lines here or there that I related to, but I could barely respect her as a character and couldn't see what Finn saw in her. I just couldn't. Be confident. Who cares if you're fat? Sure, health is important, but good fucking LORD, I couldn't listen to her complain one more time about her weight and how people saw her and then just straight up refusing to believe Finn for the longest time about his feelings about her and her weight. When he kept asking about how much she weighed at the beginning of the book because he didn't think she was fat and then she said she weighed 190 pounds and was considered to be "morbidly obese" by her asshole doctor, I literally died laughing. Add 100 pounds to that and then talk to me, Mallory.
I couldn't for the life of me understand why Finn liked her. She complains constantly, eats like a fucking rabbit, and then, honestly, doesn't have much of a personality to speak of. What does this woman do for fun? What was her life like before? Why does she have such a low opinion of herself and why did he keep trying? Sorry, but I would have given up. It's not up to other people to prove to you your worth.
In addition to the abysmal fat rep, I couldn't abide most of the storytelling. Finn's ex was actually the most horrible person ever, and I legit lost respect for him when he stayed with her for 10 years and then couldn't see how terrible she was???? UGH. No wonder Mallory has a hard time believing Finn's opinion. He's a shit judge of character.
I could go on and on here about how much I just really didn't like this book, but at the end of the day, this is not the rep I was looking for. Sure, we all have our insecurities, but I have never, EVER felt the way Mallory does, been treated differently because of my weight, and I was never made fun of when I was a kid or as an adult. Maybe I'm lucky. Maybe I have an actual personality. Or maybe I should write a better book than this one. Seriously. I should have read the book about Finn's gay brother instead because that at least sounded better, but now I can wave goodbye to Lydia Michaels forever because...we're done.
**RANT ALERT**
YEAH....I really, really didn't like it. I don't even know where to start because so much of what I feel probably is the exact opposite of what other people might. I guess I can start with the plus-size rep because, let's be honest, that's what I came for. I think there's a right way to do it, and the right way, sorry to say, is not to have the plus-size MC complain constantly about being fat and then moping the fuck around and being annoying as all-get-out and only feeling attractive when someone else convinces her that she is and maybe only marginally feeling better only after losing weight, even though she started at like 190 pounds. PLEASE, just shut the fuck up, Mallory. You don't have real problems.
Now, here's the part where I say that I realize that Mallory may exactly represent how a lot of plus-size ladies feel. Heck, there were a few lines here or there that I related to, but I could barely respect her as a character and couldn't see what Finn saw in her. I just couldn't. Be confident. Who cares if you're fat? Sure, health is important, but good fucking LORD, I couldn't listen to her complain one more time about her weight and how people saw her and then just straight up refusing to believe Finn for the longest time about his feelings about her and her weight. When he kept asking about how much she weighed at the beginning of the book because he didn't think she was fat and then she said she weighed 190 pounds and was considered to be "morbidly obese" by her asshole doctor, I literally died laughing. Add 100 pounds to that and then talk to me, Mallory.
I couldn't for the life of me understand why Finn liked her. She complains constantly, eats like a fucking rabbit, and then, honestly, doesn't have much of a personality to speak of. What does this woman do for fun? What was her life like before? Why does she have such a low opinion of herself and why did he keep trying? Sorry, but I would have given up. It's not up to other people to prove to you your worth.
In addition to the abysmal fat rep, I couldn't abide most of the storytelling. Finn's ex was actually the most horrible person ever, and I legit lost respect for him when he stayed with her for 10 years and then couldn't see how terrible she was???? UGH. No wonder Mallory has a hard time believing Finn's opinion. He's a shit judge of character.
I could go on and on here about how much I just really didn't like this book, but at the end of the day, this is not the rep I was looking for. Sure, we all have our insecurities, but I have never, EVER felt the way Mallory does, been treated differently because of my weight, and I was never made fun of when I was a kid or as an adult. Maybe I'm lucky. Maybe I have an actual personality. Or maybe I should write a better book than this one. Seriously. I should have read the book about Finn's gay brother instead because that at least sounded better, but now I can wave goodbye to Lydia Michaels forever because...we're done.
February 27, 2024
The long, icy winter took a huge toll on the road up the mountain to their property and as Finnigan got out of his truck he looked at his tire in disgust. It was so torn up that there was no fixing it. As he grabbed the lug wrench and the donut he jerked in surprise at the sound of grunting. Was someone making out in the woods? On his family's private property? He didn't think so!
He dropped his tools and took off towards the sound and wham... a heaving woman just ran smack into him making his nose bleed. Why was she here and what was she running from?
Mallory hadn't realized that she had run so far from the park running path and was beyond embarrassed at nearly running over the man before her. Not only was he gorgeous, but she was not. Hence the running. She hated running.
Mallory had just moved to the small mountain town from Philadelphia. Her friends didn't understand why she took a job in the middle of nowhere, but she couldn't take it anymore. She had tons of friends, but their lives now revolved around their weddings, new husbands and babies. She was beyond mortified to find she was the only single woman for the bouquet toss for the last wedding.
The nail in the coffin was when her doctor called her fat and if she didn't make a lifestyle change immediately there would be serious health consequences to deal with. As soon as she got home she hit the job ads for anywhere at least two hours away. Her plan was to move away, lose her extra weight and return home as a new slimmer woman.
Now she is standing in front of a gorgeous man in a flannel and workboots with her limp hair and sweat pouring down her overweight body. Way to start her new life. To make her feel even worse when she saw him at the grocery store two weeks later he looked at her like he had never seen her before. Her self-esteem just fell lower which she didn't think was possible.
I loved this book! I listened to the audiobook narrated by the wonderful Lucinda Gainey and she did an amazing job bringing Finnegan and Mallory's story to life. This is book two in the McCullough Mountain series and although it has its own HEA, this series revolves around the seven McCullough siblings and they are an active part in each story in this series. I highly recommend you start this series from the beginning.
Mallory just wants carbs, but is determined to do what she needs to get healthy. But she hates every step she runs and every delicious bite of food she gives up. Finn is determined to show Mallory that she is more than just a number on a scale.
This book is action-packed, full of rowdy fun having such a large family and smoking hot. I loved revisiting this family and can't wait to see what is in store for the remaining siblings. I highly recommend that you listen to the audiobook version. I have had the pleasure of listening to several audiobooks narrated by Lucinda Gainey and I love the depth of her voice and her characterizations. One of my favorite narrators.
He dropped his tools and took off towards the sound and wham... a heaving woman just ran smack into him making his nose bleed. Why was she here and what was she running from?
Mallory hadn't realized that she had run so far from the park running path and was beyond embarrassed at nearly running over the man before her. Not only was he gorgeous, but she was not. Hence the running. She hated running.
Mallory had just moved to the small mountain town from Philadelphia. Her friends didn't understand why she took a job in the middle of nowhere, but she couldn't take it anymore. She had tons of friends, but their lives now revolved around their weddings, new husbands and babies. She was beyond mortified to find she was the only single woman for the bouquet toss for the last wedding.
The nail in the coffin was when her doctor called her fat and if she didn't make a lifestyle change immediately there would be serious health consequences to deal with. As soon as she got home she hit the job ads for anywhere at least two hours away. Her plan was to move away, lose her extra weight and return home as a new slimmer woman.
Now she is standing in front of a gorgeous man in a flannel and workboots with her limp hair and sweat pouring down her overweight body. Way to start her new life. To make her feel even worse when she saw him at the grocery store two weeks later he looked at her like he had never seen her before. Her self-esteem just fell lower which she didn't think was possible.
I loved this book! I listened to the audiobook narrated by the wonderful Lucinda Gainey and she did an amazing job bringing Finnegan and Mallory's story to life. This is book two in the McCullough Mountain series and although it has its own HEA, this series revolves around the seven McCullough siblings and they are an active part in each story in this series. I highly recommend you start this series from the beginning.
Mallory just wants carbs, but is determined to do what she needs to get healthy. But she hates every step she runs and every delicious bite of food she gives up. Finn is determined to show Mallory that she is more than just a number on a scale.
This book is action-packed, full of rowdy fun having such a large family and smoking hot. I loved revisiting this family and can't wait to see what is in store for the remaining siblings. I highly recommend that you listen to the audiobook version. I have had the pleasure of listening to several audiobooks narrated by Lucinda Gainey and I love the depth of her voice and her characterizations. One of my favorite narrators.
February 6, 2018
In Skin, #2 of the McCullough Mountain series, Lydia Michaels writes a truly authentic representation of what many women deal with. Weight. And we’re not talking about a size 6 heroine who worries over not being a size 2. We’re talking real weight issues. A battle hundreds of thousands of women deal with. It was a nice change to have a heroine I could identify with rather than a physically perfect one.
I could so identify with Mallory. She wanted to step out of her role as everyone’s friend and have her own relationship, but she didn’t think she could love herself or be loved until she lost the weight. She was riddled with insecurities and didn’t believe she could be happy until she made herself over into the image she had in her head of the perfect body.
I loved how Finn looked beyond the physical at people and saw the beauty inside. I especially loved that Mallory’s weight loss and exercise regime wasn’t something he demanded of her. He was willing to support her and even aid in her efforts though if that was what she wanted.
Loving Finn was easy. Loving herself and accepting that Finn loved her was harder. This is so much more than a romantic love story. It’s a story about seeing the beauty in yourself, loving yourself, and knowing you are worth loving. Kudos to Ms. Michaels for writing a genuine heroine that millions of women can relate to.
I could so identify with Mallory. She wanted to step out of her role as everyone’s friend and have her own relationship, but she didn’t think she could love herself or be loved until she lost the weight. She was riddled with insecurities and didn’t believe she could be happy until she made herself over into the image she had in her head of the perfect body.
I loved how Finn looked beyond the physical at people and saw the beauty inside. I especially loved that Mallory’s weight loss and exercise regime wasn’t something he demanded of her. He was willing to support her and even aid in her efforts though if that was what she wanted.
Loving Finn was easy. Loving herself and accepting that Finn loved her was harder. This is so much more than a romantic love story. It’s a story about seeing the beauty in yourself, loving yourself, and knowing you are worth loving. Kudos to Ms. Michaels for writing a genuine heroine that millions of women can relate to.
May 30, 2022
OK at this point my Instagram should just become a Lydia Michaels fan page because I have finished yet another one of her books and I loved it. I think I love this one the most out of all the ones that I read because our female main character is a curvy plus size woman and she is beautiful and the fact that everyone around her tells her that and she won’t listen it’s so relatable and then of course this God like lumberjack of a man makes her see her for how beautiful she really is. The love in this book was just spot on. This is probably like the one book that I read where I’m like I want to live in here like I could just jump in there and I would feel so loved and welcomed. I’m just saying Center county a.k.a. Jasper Falls is probably my favorite book world. Now you already know what I’m going to say. No I know I’ve said it once or twice but I’m a say it again the reason why I love Lydia Michael’s books is because she brings completely different people from different variations of size shape and color and she puts them with someone you would not expect and then they’re just perfect together. Buy a book from Lydia Michaels you’re going to love it.
May 24, 2022
After enjoying Almost Priest, I was eager to dive into the second McCullough Mountain book. As I’d hoped, Beautiful Distraction was another addictive read from the author that I devoured in a single sitting.
As with all the books from Lydia Michaels that I have read thus far, Beautiful Distraction was a story that grabbed me from the first page and had me falling deeper with each chapter. I could not get enough of the characters and their story, and was sucked into each detail that unfolded, everything sucking me deeper into the tale. Despite how much I loved this one, I did feel the ending was a little too easy. It was not enough to ruin the story for me, but I do wish things hadn’t been quite as easy. It took away a bit of the impact of the rest of the story when things were resolved in the blink of an eye. Nevertheless, it was a fabulous story I could not put down.
Without a doubt, this was a fabulous second book in the series. It has left me desperate to dive into the next.
As with all the books from Lydia Michaels that I have read thus far, Beautiful Distraction was a story that grabbed me from the first page and had me falling deeper with each chapter. I could not get enough of the characters and their story, and was sucked into each detail that unfolded, everything sucking me deeper into the tale. Despite how much I loved this one, I did feel the ending was a little too easy. It was not enough to ruin the story for me, but I do wish things hadn’t been quite as easy. It took away a bit of the impact of the rest of the story when things were resolved in the blink of an eye. Nevertheless, it was a fabulous story I could not put down.
Without a doubt, this was a fabulous second book in the series. It has left me desperate to dive into the next.
May 25, 2022
Quick Summary: Book 2 did not disappoint.
My Review: Beautiful Distraction by Lydia Michaels was a well done romance. Just as with book one, it was a fast-paced emotionally charged book about two people who sincerely wanted to be appreciated, valued, and loved. M was refreshing to see as a plus-sized character. Her insecurities and issues were all to real. With that said, her lack of confidence and constant negative self-talk got to be a bit much after a while. F was a nice male lead. I loved that he saw M in the light that he did. He gets all kinds of points for that. Overall, their romance was beautiful (just as the title says).
On to book 3!
Rating: 3.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Series: Yes
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
My Review: Beautiful Distraction by Lydia Michaels was a well done romance. Just as with book one, it was a fast-paced emotionally charged book about two people who sincerely wanted to be appreciated, valued, and loved. M was refreshing to see as a plus-sized character. Her insecurities and issues were all to real. With that said, her lack of confidence and constant negative self-talk got to be a bit much after a while. F was a nice male lead. I loved that he saw M in the light that he did. He gets all kinds of points for that. Overall, their romance was beautiful (just as the title says).
On to book 3!
Rating: 3.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Series: Yes
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2022
I quite liked this book. I was eager to read another of the sibling's stories after Almost Priest. I'll admit I found a few things problematic. As a person who has struggled with weight and body image, it didn't seem very realistic that Mallory's body issues were suddenly gone overnight. They seemed so deep through the book and I liked that Finn loved her through them, but to go from being so hard on herself to just letting it go in the end didn't seem true to her character. Also, the book ends with disparaging Erin, her karma for not being a nice person is working at Dairy Queen and gaining a few pounds. That seems a bit at odds with the body positive message.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2025
Did I binge read this book…yes.
Did it have me in all my feels…yes.
Was it absolutely worth it… YES!
Author Lydia Michaels has created this world and these characters that literally feel like long lost friends.
The FMC, Mallory immediately will have you in all your feels.
She’s beautiful and smart but has so many internal demons. She’s such a relatable character that you immediately feel your heart breaking for her.
The MMC, Finn is a complete Lumbersnack and total sweetheart.
These two together have some of the best banter and chemistry I’ve ever read!
They’re funny, they’re raw, and they’re HOT!
This book also introduces you to this incredible family and continues to set the stage for the rest of the series!
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
Did it have me in all my feels…yes.
Was it absolutely worth it… YES!
Author Lydia Michaels has created this world and these characters that literally feel like long lost friends.
The FMC, Mallory immediately will have you in all your feels.
She’s beautiful and smart but has so many internal demons. She’s such a relatable character that you immediately feel your heart breaking for her.
The MMC, Finn is a complete Lumbersnack and total sweetheart.
These two together have some of the best banter and chemistry I’ve ever read!
They’re funny, they’re raw, and they’re HOT!
This book also introduces you to this incredible family and continues to set the stage for the rest of the series!
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
May 20, 2022
I loved seeing Mallory come into herself. I felt for her, but man it took her longer than I would have liked for her to believe Finn. I remember reading bits of him and Erin from the Jasper Falls series. So I enjoyed seeing how he and Mallory began. I love his nickname for her. I lover his support of her. They really balanced each other and it was so sweet to see. And seeing that Finn needed her love and support just as much as she needed his. I loved how it ended too, and I can't wait to dig into the next book of the series.
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