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Written on Your Skin [Mass Market Paperback]

Meredith Duran
3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)

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Book Description

July 28, 2009
THE SOCIETY BEAUTY WHO SAVED HIS LIFE...

Beauty, charm, wealthy admirers: Mina Masters enjoys every luxury but freedom. To save herself from an unwanted marriage, she turns her wiles on a darkly handsome stranger. But Mina’s wouldbe hero is playing his own deceptive game. A British spy, Phin Granville has no interest in emotional entanglements...until the night Mina saves his life by gambling her own.

THE JADED SPY WHO VOWED TO FORGET HER...

Four years later, Phin inherits a title that frees him from the bloody game of espionage. But memories of the woman who saved him won't let Phin go. When he learns that Mina needs his aid, honor forces him back into the world of his nightmares.

IN LIVES BUILT ON LIES, LOVE IS THE DARKEST SECRET OF ALL...

Deception has ruled Mina’s life just as it has Phin’s. But as the beauty and the spy match wits in a dangerous dance, their practiced masks begin to slip, revealing a perilous attraction. And the greatest threat they face may not be traitors or murderous conspiracies, but their own dark desires....


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Written on Your Skin + Bound by Your Touch + Wicked Becomes You
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Meredith Duran blames Anne Boleyn for sparking her lifelong obsession with British history (and for convincing her that princely love is no prize if it doesn’t come with a happily-ever-after). She spends her free time collecting old etiquette manuals, guidebooks to nineteenth century London, and travelogues by intrepid Victorian women. Visit her website at MeredithDuran.com.

Product Details

  • Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Pocket Books; Original edition (July 28, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 141659311X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1416593119
  • Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #785,021 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

MEREDITH DURAN blames Anne Boleyn for sparking her lifelong obsession with British history. A graduate student in the social sciences, she spends her free time collecting old etiquette manuals, guidebooks to nineteenth-century London, and travelogues by intrepid Victorian women. She is the author of four novels, all published by Pocket Books. The Duke of Shadows has reached a worldwide audience by being translated into seven languages and was the winner of the Gather.com First Chapters Romance Writing Competition. The Duke of Shadows and her second novel, Bound by Your Touch, were ranked among the top 100 romances of all time in the 2010 All About Romance poll. Her other books include Written on Your Skin and Wicked Becomes You, which was a Romantic Times Top Pick and was included on Woman's World list of Best Beach Reads for Summer 2010. Her next novel, A Lady's Lesson in Scandal, will hit the shelves in July 2011.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 31 people found the following review helpful
By ellejir
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Meredith Duran is a relatively new entrant in the historical romance genre, but her remarkable talent seems to grow with every book she writes. "Written on Your Skin" is her third historical romance and is loosely connected to her recent release, "Bound by Your Touch", although the books do not need to be read in sequence.

"Written on Your Skin" is the story of Phin Granville, a cartographer and former British spy, and Mina Masters, the lovely, seemingly spoiled step-daughter of one of Phin's former espionage targets. While the character types are very familiar to historical romance readers (tortured nobleman spy--check, headstrong society beauty--check), Duran's ability to transcend the stereotypes and bring these characters fully alive is what sets this book above others in the romance genre.

The story begins in Hong Kong in 1880, with Phin wrapping up a mission aimed at bringing down Gerald Collins, a wealthy Irish-American businessman, gun-runner and Mina's step-father. Phin views Mina as a reckless, bubble-headed flirt; a "loose end" from his investigation that will not go away or take no for an answer. But when Phin is poisoned during a party at Collin's house, it is Mina who has the presence of mind to save his life and help him to escape, despite the risks to herself and her mother.

Four years later, it is Mina who needs Phin's help when her mother is kidnapped by an escaped Collins during a trip to England. But Phin has recently and unexpectedly come into the title of Earl of Ashmore, and his elevation into the aristocracy has allowed him to finally turn his back on the violence of the past decade and upon his hated spy-master, Ridland. When Ridland tells Phin that Mina is requesting his help, Phin initially believes that it is a plot by Ridland to discredit him or bring him back into the game of spying for England. He agrees to help Mina in the search for her mother, but only if she remains at his house under lock and key. Mina is aware that there was a traitor in the British spy network in Hong Kong four years ago, but since she is not sure of the traitor's identity, she is reluctant to trust anyone, including Ridland. She is desperate to rescue her mother from her abusive step-father, and warily joins forces with Phin to do so, although she chafes at (and revolts against) his attempts to lock her in.

The characterizations in this book are outstanding. Both Phin and Mina carry the emotional and physical scars of their past and are constantly playing roles to hide their true selves. Phin hides his lethal skills and violent past behind the facade of a dissipated, bored nobleman, and Mina pretends to be a brainless, fragile china doll, when in truth she is calculating and rather ruthless. Phin's father was a alcoholic wastrel, and Phin has deep-seated fears that he will end up just like his father. His feelings of dissociation with his more innocent, "wholesome" past are poignant and even disturbing at times. Mina's mother was trapped in an abusive marriage to Collins, and Mina has vowed never to put herself in a man's control due to the horrors that she witnessed in that marriage. She has become a successful businesswoman in the four years since Hong Kong, and is adamant about being in control of herself and her own destiny. The attraction between Phin and Mina is combustible, despite their initial efforts to deny it or minimize it. The issues of trust--trusting one's own instincts, trusting one's self and trusting others--are beautifully explored in the story.

The prose in this story is lovely, reminiscent of the best in the genre. For historical romance readers who has been missing the writing style of Judith Ivory and Laura Kinsale, this book is for you.

VERY HIGHLY recommended for historical romance readers who like complex, flawed characters and beautiful prose.
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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Lyrical, but Excessively Dark and Slow to Build September 12, 2009
Format:Mass Market Paperback
There is no denying the fact that Meredith Duran is a talented writer and a truly original voice in the very crowded historical romance market. Her descriptions of things as mundane as haystacks are so vivid that they'll stay with you long after you close the novel. And her depth of characterization is memorable as well.

This story concerns two characters you may have difficulty warming up to, though, even though they are expertly drawn. Phin is a deeply miserable person for a good portion of the book, and although we get an explanation for that misery throughout (he resents the fact that he was forced to become an agent when he really just wanted to be an ordinary map maker), Duran takes until almost the end of the novel to explain how he was forced into doing something he hated. Without that explanation, Phin just looks like an overly cynical, whiny, brutish opium addict. Speaking of the opium, we see Phin both in this novel and its predecessor "Bound by your Touch" that he uses the stuff fairly regularly, and we all know it was/is highly addictive. But somehow Phin escapes the perils of addiction without anyone really commenting on it, and that didn't really ring true to me.

And with his best friend, James, he's a jerk. Usually in romance novels, scenes between friends are a great way for us to see why someone would love the hero, even if the heroine is skeptical. But here, the scenes are painful and hard to read because both characters are jaded, hostile, and unlikeable.

I liked Mina a lot, and found her unique among romance heroines. She's smart, capable, and hardened against men after seeing the abusive relationship between her mother and stepfather. Her hesitance to not trust Phin made sense, yet unlike Phin, she comes across as essentially a happy person, so she was more endearing.

Phin and Mina meet in China, where both are essentially under cover. They're attracted to each other, but due to circumstances, it doesn't go anywhere. When they meet again years later, they still don't trust each other, and although that's understandable considering their backgrounds, their mistrust and Phin's grouchiness towards her grow tiresome very quickly.

Overall, I thought this romance could have used a little more, well, romance. An extra does of tenderness would have been ice as well. There are love scenes, and they're well done, but the story would have benefitted from a few more sweet exchanges or moments to cancel out the effect of all the darkness. It's hard to enjoy the beauty of the writing when you're not sure the characters are ready, willing, or deserving of love with each other. For instance, I would have liked a scene where Phin and let down their guards and simply laughed together over something mundane--just something so they appeared more human and in love with each other.

Grade: B
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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Masterfull Historical (A Grade) July 28, 2009
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Written on Your Skin is a beautiful, all encompassing experience. Meredith makes sure to bring forth every emotion. And those who wish to write their own historical romance, take note. Meredith Duran is becoming a master writer of this genre. Learn from her.

The year is 1880, the setting is Hong Kong, Tokyo. Phin Granville is working undercover as a British spy. He needs to take down a Mr. Gerard Collins who will soon be arrested for crimes against the British government. Phin hates this life. He doesn't want to be a spy. It eats away at him where the stress gets to him so much that he has horrible headaches. But Phin doesn't really have a plan or the desire to figure out what he wants in life. He does enjoy making maps, that's for certain, and longs for the sweet release of his torments through smoking Opium. Phin is close to having a breakdown at any moment. But then Collins' step-daughter waltzes into his life and the suffering he experiences will not compare to the run around Mina gives him. Mina is a young, brash American who flaunts herself in front of society and taunts Phin wherever he goes. When Phin first meets Mina he thinks of her as a featherbrain, a very fragile young woman who looks like a porcelain doll. Mina is full of energy and enjoys speaking what's on her mind. Mina wants Phin and even though Phin thinks he can handle Mina, he can't. He treats her with disdain and near loathing, but underneath this façade, he wants her desperately. He hates feeling this way for a woman and can't decide if he wants to wring her neck or screw her into oblivion.

It's all about facades between these two. The world sees Phin one way. The same goes for Mina. Her step father beats her poor mother who is like a butterfly, fluttering against a window pane and trying to find a way to escape, but knows she can't because she is stuck in the hell of her own making. Mina won't be like her mother, even though she loves her dearly. Mina wants to break away and will help her mother also but running back to New York City and away from Collins. But there is a problem, and it is Phin. He is poisoned by one of Collins' lackeys. Mina nurses him back to health and helps him get away. And because Mina does help, the horrors her mother has gone through will not compare to what Mina will endure under Collins' hands.

Because Mina is a resourceful young woman she and her mother are able to make their way back to New York. Mina has started a very profitable hair tonic business. But Mina is now in London, four years later, searching for her missing mother. I am not sure why and how Mina's mother is in England and again at the hands of Collins, but Mina must find her mother before she is hurt or found dead. Collins is not one you want to cross and he will take out his anger on Mina's mama before Mina can save her. Mina is only one small woman after all. She may be resourceful but needs someone who is more skillful at the deceit and spy game. And that is Phin.

Phin never thought he would see Miss Masters again and does not want Mina in his life because she affects him in ways he cannot understand. Mina is very vulnerable even though she hides it so well. She is so good at putting on an act, one that even Phin misses at first. But he knows what game she is playing. Mina may drive him batty, but he sees her as a woman who cares for her mother and wants to save her from a horrible man before it is too late. Phin is now a rich Baron and has no choice but to help Mina. They will search across the English countryside looking for Mina's missing mother. During this time they will come to learn and understand who each other really is and why they act the way they do towards one another. Their desire and lust will grow and grow until it can no longer be contained.

Written on Your Skin is one of the most wonderfully sophisticated books I have read this year. In the mood for a road romance? This is your book. What some hotter than hot sex scenes? The passion and heat between this duo is very intense. There is one scene where my mouth dropped because Phin is so very naughty when he expresses his desire to bed Mina. And when these two do the deed, the crude language Phin uses with Mina will shock, but in a good way. The sex between Phin and Mina is a very powerful thing because this is where they accept each other, faults and all. Phin is too pushy and acts cold and superior to Mina because the idea that she can break through his defenses he has built around himself scares him. Mina may act mature and worldly but she lashes out in ways that are very immature. It is a mechanism to protect herself. Meredith has also given Mina an adorable childhood addiction she can't give up that equals to one sucking their thumb.

Written on Your Skin is an incredible feat of writing, one where you will read late into the night so you can soak up every detail on the page. Dark, poignant and all consuming, this book will have you awestruck because the words that Meredith Duran has written reaches deep into your soul.

Katiebabs
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars Superb
At first I thought it was boring, at times it felt like things were going no where slowly until I realized I needed to shift my gears. Meredith Duran's writing is superb. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Sam
1.0 out of 5 stars wow!
save your money this book is.......know words can describe how bad this book is i thought it was going to be as awsome as bound by your touch.
Published 14 months ago by alexandra
1.0 out of 5 stars 90% of the book felt like filler - ponderings, and descriptions. Plot...
STORY BRIEF:
Mina's stepfather Collins was doing something illegal in Hong Kong. Phin was working undercover to catch Collins. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Jane
3.0 out of 5 stars Duran fan, but didn't love this one
Ms. Duran has a beautiful writing style that I love, but I didn't love this story. I had a very hard time feeling a connection to either character. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Stacey A.
2.0 out of 5 stars Well, this was bad...
After reading The Duke of Shadows I was looking for something else from this author and stumbled upon this. I wish I did't. This was very bad. Read more
Published 17 months ago by AustenFan
5.0 out of 5 stars A troubled romance, beautifully written
Meredith Duran is the only romance writer whose lines I highlight. She writes beautifully-textured novels with sharp insights about damaged people struggling to trust and love. Read more
Published 20 months ago by P. Willson
5.0 out of 5 stars Unusual premise
Since I read six or seven historical romances a week, it is great to read a newly written book with an unusual premise--double agents and double crosses abound.
Published 21 months ago by Elizabeth Bloom
5.0 out of 5 stars Satisfying Victorian Romace for the Intellectual!
I have read the few who have given this novel low ratings and believe they are just not justified. Duran has now written five wonderful historic romances that consistently deliver... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Regan
5.0 out of 5 stars Completely engaging romance
If you're a serious romance reader, who appreciates words that beautifully express fear, anger, humor and of course, love, this is the book for you. Read more
Published 22 months ago by just a reader
2.0 out of 5 stars As exciting as watching paint dry.
This book had to be the most boring romance story that I have ever read. The heroine was annoying. She was untrusting of everyone. Read more
Published on May 17, 2011 by Truth Be Told
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