Redeem
Under My Skin Series, Book 4
Christina Lee
M/M Romance
Release Date: 02.28.19
Amazon | Universal
Cover artist: Kanaxa
Blurb
Successful financial analyst Michael Walsh leads a picture-perfect life that anyone would envy—unless they caught a glimpse beneath the surface. Haunted by failed relationships and self-doubt, Michael harbors a soul-deep loneliness that no number of casual hookups can fulfill. So why can’t he stop thinking about his New Year’s fling with a man whose quiet desperation matches his own?
Barista Stewart Jenkins has an abysmal track record with relationships, and no matter how hard he tries to keep things tightly under wraps, his life is spinning out of control. His hookup with the gorgeous Michael was only supposed to be sex—hot, dirty, and uncomplicated—but that small taste leaves him desperate for more.
Every no-strings encounter that follows between Michael and Stewart peels away more layers, blurring the lines between them, until they’re left with a raw tenderness and acceptance they’re both urgently craving. A relationship absolutely wouldn’t work on paper; they come from drastically different lives and are plagued by inexcusable sins. All that vulnerability is sure to reveal old wounds, and forgiveness seems so far out of reach unless they can find a way around their fears on the road to redemption.
Excerpt
“Ah, hell, that’s good,” I gasped as he stroked upward while simultaneously sucking on my neck. I probably should’ve protested because he was sure to leave a bruise, but I couldn’t find it in me to care. Besides, it would be a marker of this night. Like a sexy brand.
His breaths grew heavier, and his chest rumbled in deep pleasure as he jerked sloppily against me. His hand stayed firm and tight on my cock even as he drew back and shuddered out his release. The sound was so sensual that my orgasm slammed through me at nearly the same time.
“Holy fuck.” My body grew limp as my come spilled over his hand and onto the floor. I shut my eyes and kept my head anchored against the wall as he released his grip and my shaft pulsed in response.
The quiet in the room grew deafening—the only sound our breaths and the muted noises of the crowd outside the door.
“You got a name?” I didn’t know why I said it out loud. It was only a fleeting thought through my mottled brain.
“Why the fuck does it matter?” he replied as the sound of his zipper cut through the echoing silence. “Not like I’ll ever see you again.”
“Dunno.” My cheeks flushed red, so I kept my head buried in my arm. “Maybe when I yank on my cock later, replaying this scene in my head, I can call you something.”
He didn’t respond. I heard him straightening his clothes and then pulling a few paper towels, which he forced into my hand. “Michael,” he mumbled against my ear.
And then he was gone.
4.5 of 5 Stars
I read book one in this series and thought it was just ok and after reading the reviews for books two and three decided to sit those out. The synopsis of this one reeled me back into the series and I’m glad I read it because I really liked this one. Although this definitely can be read as a standalone – as I did, I’m not sure I felt the full effect of the emotions between all the characters. I missed a lot of the history between Michael and West and Stewart and Elijah. The author explained it well, but I do wonder how much better this story is for those that saw the melt down of both Michael and Stewart and how they arrived at the point they’re in when this story begins. I was a bit confused a couple of times with references to the past but was still able to enjoy the story not having read the middle two books.
Both men are go through some introspection and growth while forging a sort-of friends with benefits arrangement. The outcome is predictable but still enjoyable to read. Michael and Stewart have amazing sexual chemistry immediately but slowly learn they were pretty much made for each other. There are a couple of sweet gestures thrown in along the way that made for a pretty great story.
There are a couple of side characters that I wouldn’t mind reading stories about in the future so I’ll stick with the series in the hopes we get more from them.
About the Author
Once upon a time, I lived in New York City and was a wardrobe stylist. I spent my days shopping for photo shoots, getting into cabs, eating amazing food, and drinking coffee at my favorite hangouts.
Now I live in the Midwest with my husband and son—my two favorite guys. I’ve been a clinical social worker and a special education teacher. But it wasn’t until I wrote a weekly column for the local newspaper that I realized I could turn the fairytales inside my head into the reality of writing fiction.
I write Adult, New Adult, and M/M Contemporary Romance. I’m addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything. I believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.
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