"well-written torrid romance"

In Tampa, Florida, though he hides his feelings, Michael Romano, a partner in an architect firm, knows that he wants the company's bookkeeper his best bud Kyra White as his own though he fears risking their friendship in any attempt to romance her. Following her latest rejection from some office loser, Michael takes Kyra to her favorite spot, a bookstore. Tired of male rebuffs, Kyra buys Sex Kitten 101 planning to remake her image from competent numbers manager to sexy siren.

From her hair to lip gloss to clothing, Kyra radically changes her appearance. Men, including a recent rejecter, desire her, but one kiss makes Kyra realize that she wants Michael. As they fall in love, Kyra quits her job because of an embezzlement charge hanging over her head. Additionally, Michael detests introducing his beloved to his parents because he feels ashamed of their old country ways. Thus, what easily should be a love of a lifetime built on passion and friendship appears doomed.

SKIN DEEP is a well-written torrid romance that reminds this reviewer of a General Hospital sub-tale (included Carl Anderson's song Friends and Lovers). The story line is what readers expect from the talented writing team Tori Carrington as the plot emanates heat from the two delightful lead characters. Though the embezzlement is interesting, the tension between Kyra and Michael is so hot that the money stealing becomes a minor nuisance rather than a strong subplot. Fans of equatorial relationships will want to read this tale because no one turns up the solar heat quite like this author team does. Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted March 12, 2006

Originally published in Harlequin Temptation #890, 08/02.

Summary

As exciting as a pile of cracker crumbs...?

That's what Kyra White's ex thinks of her. Well, she'll show him—and every other guy who's ever dumped her! Toting the book that will transform her into a sex kitten in twelve simple steps, gal-next-door Kyra sets out to go from blah to breathtaking with the help of blond hair dye and barely there clothing.

But architect and best friend Michael Romero isn't so sure he likes the new Kyra. With her fresh confidence and "come on to me" looks, she's making it even more difficult for him to keep his feelings for her under wraps, but he'd better soon reveal that his attraction runs more than skin-deep because now that Kyra's making serious waves in the XY gene pool, her makeover could turn into his game over.