Skin Game by Ava Gray

This happen to be one of the pending reviews that have been sitting in my draft box since February, so that have been 3 months ago -- OOPs! I kinda was drafting this review for awhile and then I get nervous to published it, I admit. I know I'm not good with reviews but I do the best as I know how :) But look for 8 more pending reviews from me in near future teehehe.



Ava Gray
Pub. Date: November 2009
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 320pp
ISBN-13: 9780425231531
ISBN: 0425231534
Edition Description: Original






Kyra is a con woman and a thief who had a particular special skill - steals with a touch. She became the person her target's strongest skill, but only for limited of time. When her father die from the hand of the casino owner Gerard Serrano, Kyra want to avenging his murder by pulling the ultimate con and flee with his money and his pride. She travel from place to place to continue to do what she does best: conning and steals. But she does it for good reason and not ashamed of it. And with the money hidden in safe place, she set out a plan for another adventure. Hoping that Gerard or his men won't be near to find her. But Gerard Serrano couldn't let her get away embarrassing his pride or stealing his money, so he hired a hit man to bring Kyra back with his money.

Reyes is a hit man, who never misses his mark. He is the best at what he does and when he take his job, mercy never sway him wrong. He get his job done. Unfortunately when he with Kyra, he can't help but be tempts with her fierce passion and heart. And every minute he have with her, he wonder if maybe Kyra isn't as bad a she seem to be, because he have fallen for her. But he still decided to go through with his plan carry out the hit and find out where she hidden the money.

I think this is an unusual kind of heroe and heroine that we don't often see. At lease for me. Both had a job that isn't honorable. Kyra a con and thief. Reyes is dangerous hit man. They both enjoy what they do and if they took a break, both felt they've miss doing their job. This seem like these characters aren't likable or heroine/hero worthy. BUT as you get to know them inside and out, you will be able to understand them a lot more and know the reason why they do what they do. You may not like it but you might find that you care for them to want to root for their HEA ( I know I did!). And when they are together, spark fly and sizzle the pages. Together, Kyra and Reyes are compatible who stay true to themselves and didn't change from who they are. I can see why some people said the book are dark. Because it obvious is. It was a little gritty and raw and even have a powerful emotions. There was one scene where it was unexpected and intense. And it surprise me when it happen. I thought it was well done for Ava Gray to have that gut to write that scenes. And I love the ending!

You will meet the secondary characters who also will have their own story next. I was intrigue by them and wanting to know what happen to them in the past before they end up doing what they currently do now. Especially when the secondary guy seem to be dark one with bit of soft side in between, IMO.

I REALLY did enjoy reading this book from beginning to end. It kept me turning the pages. It actions packed, raw and gritty. Romance and emotions. I love that the book balance everything. This the first book I read by Ava Grey and it won't be my last! And I don't think you'll regret reading it! Looking forward to read the 2nd book Skin Tight, next!

Grade: 4 1/2 stars

draft: 2-21-10
re-edited: 3-11-10, 3-28-10, 4-25-10