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typedtruths 's review for:
Pounding Skin
by L.A. Witt
Pouding Skin was recommended to me because I am a diehard fan of [b:Sunset Park|25842991|Sunset Park (Five Boroughs, #2)|Santino Hassell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445081788s/25842991.jpg|45707493]. While both of these stories do share a lot of similarities - a bi male mc discovering his sexuality - it did not live up to my expectations. Maybe I got too attached to Colin and Daniel in Back Piece? Either way, this companion sequel was a decent contemporary romance but failed to captive me.
Characterwise, I adored Matt. He was such a sweetheart! And I have a weakness for both shy/awkward characters - hello, relatable - and tattoo artists. Jon, on the other hand, was a little bland. He was not a character I felt had any particular presence. I found myself anticipating Matt’s chapters but I did appreciate his character development, particularly his arc in the final third. It was very heartwarming.
I struggled to get into the story because of the plotline. It took a while to find its feet and I was never too sure what exactly it was focusing on; too many topics were touched upon and not followed through. I wanted more of Matt’s financial struggles, more about Jon’s job, more tattooing! Yes, Matt and Jon’s romance was actually quite sweet. I really got into it in the last half, to the point that I got a little teary-eyed, but I needed more from the story to stay engaged.
The repetitive smut didn’t help. Look, I’ve read enough adult contemporaries to know that sex scenes are all but guaranteed. I just think Witt took it a little too far this time. If more of it had been focused on Matt coming to terms with his sexuality, maybe it wouldn’t have bothered me so much but after about the fourth scene? I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. It was too much.
Overall? I think Pounding Skin had a lot of potential but its focus on repetitive smut let it down. Matt and Jon were a cute couple and decent protagonists. I just needed more from the story to truly get engaged. Will I read the sequel? Yes. Lucas was an intriguing character and I am on edge for more Colin and Daniel (and now, Matt) cameos.
🌻 Trigger warnings for needles and coming out themes.
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Characterwise, I adored Matt. He was such a sweetheart! And I have a weakness for both shy/awkward characters - hello, relatable - and tattoo artists. Jon, on the other hand, was a little bland. He was not a character I felt had any particular presence. I found myself anticipating Matt’s chapters but I did appreciate his character development, particularly his arc in the final third. It was very heartwarming.
I struggled to get into the story because of the plotline. It took a while to find its feet and I was never too sure what exactly it was focusing on; too many topics were touched upon and not followed through. I wanted more of Matt’s financial struggles, more about Jon’s job, more tattooing! Yes, Matt and Jon’s romance was actually quite sweet. I really got into it in the last half, to the point that I got a little teary-eyed, but I needed more from the story to stay engaged.
The repetitive smut didn’t help. Look, I’ve read enough adult contemporaries to know that sex scenes are all but guaranteed. I just think Witt took it a little too far this time. If more of it had been focused on Matt coming to terms with his sexuality, maybe it wouldn’t have bothered me so much but after about the fourth scene? I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. It was too much.
Overall? I think Pounding Skin had a lot of potential but its focus on repetitive smut let it down. Matt and Jon were a cute couple and decent protagonists. I just needed more from the story to truly get engaged. Will I read the sequel? Yes. Lucas was an intriguing character and I am on edge for more Colin and Daniel (and now, Matt) cameos.
🌻 Trigger warnings for needles and coming out themes.
Blog • Twitter • Instagram