Review: Skin Game by Ava Gray

Format Read: MMPB
Number of Pages: 294
Release Date: December 1, 2009
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Formats Available:MMPB, Ebook
Purchasing Info: The Book Depository, GoodReads,  Author's website

Book Blurb:
A beautiful fugitive—wanted dead or alive.


Kyra is a con woman and a particular kind of thief. She steals with a touch, but she only takes one thing: her target’s strongest skill. Which means she can be a fighter, an athlete, a musician, an artist—anything she wants… for a limited time. Heartbroken, she turns her gift toward avenging her father’s murder; with deadly patience, Kyra works her way into casino owner Gerard Serrano’s inner circle. After pulling off the ultimate con, she flees with his money and his pride.


A hit man who never misses the mark.


Reyes has nothing but his work. Pity for Kyra, he’s the best and mercy never sways him once he takes a job. He’s been hired to find out where Kyra hid the cash—and bring her back to face Serrano’s “justice.” Dead will do, if he can’t locate the loot. He’s never failed to complete a contract, but Kyra tempts him with her fierce heat and her outlaw heart. So Reyes has a hell of a choice: forsake his word or kill the woman he might love.

My Thoughts:
Reyes and Kyra aren't role model material.  They are complex characters.  That's one of the things that makes it so fun to read about them.  Reyes sees himself as a "vigilante for hire" rather than a hitman.  He only takes jobs where his target deserves to be killed.  Kyra is picky about who she targets with her con jobs.  Working together they make a good team.  When they are not working, the action gets pretty hot and steamy.

Gray keeps a good balance between the romance and the rest of the story.  The paranormal part of this paranormal romance is limited to Kyra's ability to borrow the skills of the people she touches.  Gray focuses on the plot and characters and leaves out any explanation of the origin of Kyra's ability.  I hope she is just saving it for another book in this series because I'm curious! 

 This was a very enjoyable read.  The unconventional hero and heroine, page-turning suspense and hot romance all come together to make a memorable book.  I am eagerly awaiting Book 2, Skin Tight due out in June 2010.

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