Makena Brady is about to do something a little unconventional and get a tattoo like she has always wanted. She just has to get the nerve to walk through the door of SkIntense Body Art before she backs down, but she talks herself out of running away and will go past the point of no return.

Tattoo artist, Darq Stone has been watching Makena outside his shop that he owns. He is surprised when Makena finally comes in and senses that there is something special about her, Darq has a soothing way about him, and soon Makena is his chair awaiting his special artistic touch. Instead of giving her a permanent tattoo, he paints a small dragon, a guardian, on her inner thigh so she will be protected from evil and not rush into a final decision. Makena can hardly keep her thoughts to herself and wants Darq to have his way with her right in his chair., but what Makena has no way of knowing is that Darq can read her every thought and desire.

Darq is not human but from another world hiding from his enemy called the Gemii, who will kill himself and his friend Heath (who is also like Darq) if they are found. Heath is ready to leave this world because they have stayed for too long. Darq doesn’t want to leave because of Makena. Soon he is invading her dreams, and they begin having intense fantasies every night. Before Darq can go any further with Makena, he has to decided whether to tell her who he really is, and if he should flee to safety or stay with this woman who could be his mate.

I was first impressed by Skin because of the wonderfully artistic cover, and I am very happy to say the story inside is just as good. Bernadette Gardner has penned a sexy romance with a mystical and very intriguing character in that of Darq. He acts very protective of Makena right away, and his touch and words are very seductive not only to Makena but also to the reader. Makena falls for his charms very easily, and even though she is ready to jump him as soon as she walks through his door, this doesn’t take away from their budding relationship. Makena is one of those heroines that needs a man like Darq to help her let loose of all her inhibitions, and the sexual tension between them is excellent.

There are not many tattoo themed stories out there, especially with a character such as Darq. I enjoyed this short tale and the smoldering attraction Makena and Darq have for each other. Because I really did enjoy Skin, I will keep my eye out for future releases from Bernadette Gardner.

Reviewed by: Katie