Bone Deep [Paperback]

BONE DEEP by Bonnie Dee

BONE DEEP is an historical romance (re-release May 2012) novel without the usual feel of the historical aspect. Taking place in 1946, Bone Deep follows the life and love of military widow Sarah and how she learns to overcome grief when she realizes that are far worse things in life than having a loved one die-a survivor who must face the reality of abuse with every stare and whisper.

Sarah will embark on a journey of discovery when she finds the `tattooed' man from the travelling carnival hiding in her barn. When Sarah and Tom first eye each other, Tom is trapped behind a cage in the `freak show' exhibits, but there is something about the sadness in his eyes that draws Sarah like a moth to a flame. She sees behind the colors and artwork that cover 99% of his body-she sees the man and she knows instantly that this man has a story to tell.

Tom's connection to Sarah is instant. When Tom first introduces himself to Sarah, he is soft spoken and with few words. But he is also on the run. He has escaped the confines of his `jailer' and refused to go back to a life on display. Years of isolation and abuse have taken their toll on Tom. With few companions and friends, Tom has had little use for the spoken word. But his body art tells a different story.

As the storyline develops Sarah will discover that there is an attraction between the two, but there are so many odds that must be overcome including the rumors that an escapee from the carnival is threatening the lives of everyone around. To protect Tom, Sarah opens her home as well as her heart.

There is a slight paranormal feel to the storyline, one that is explained by way of Tom's connection to the carnival fortune teller, and it is this particular power that will force Tom into the open before the condemning eyes of the local towns people. Sarah and Tom must endure the rumors and talk, as well as the escalating anger from the people who are too quick to judge. But it is 1946 after all and someone different is perceived as a threat.

BONE DEEP is first and foremost a love story. The love scenes are romantic, real and emotional. You can feel the love that is growing between Tom and Sarah, and you know that someone will come along and tear this couple apart. Sarah's immediate attraction to Tom went beyond the façade and into his soul. She taught him to love and trust, and he taught her to open up her heart and let someone else inside.

This is my first Bonnie Dee novel. It is a little older, I believe it was first released in 2006 (according to Goodreads), but it is well worth the time and effort of the read. Bonnie writes a story that proves love can overcome abuse, even when everyone around is threatened by the very person with whom you are in love.

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what a find this book was i read the whole book in a day it was a gentle sweet loving romance that grabs you and draws you into it.Sarah and Toms story had me hooked from the start and i wanted to see what happened hence reading it in a day the other thing was as the other reviewer has said it should of had an epilogue to finish it off nice and neatly...but the end was ok.Sad to have finished it.A bargin for free and i would of aid for it too.

As Soon as I read the synopsis for this book I wanted to read it. Nothing was going to stop me, not even my "I will not be swayed reading list" So I downloaded it and began almost instantly.

Set in the late 1940's. It begins with Sarah, a widow,who works her husbands family farm on her own, being dragged off to the Carnival with some friends.
In the canvas tent along with the obese, bearded, dwarfs and hermaphrodites, Sarah discovers the tattooed man. Covered head to toe in a tapestry of colours,and wearing nothing but a loin cloth.
Since seeing him, she is drawn to him in her dreams and in waking.

Tom, has been made a "freak" by the ruthless and immoral carnival owner. Since he was eight years old, Tom has been trapped, marked, and forced to endure physical and mental abuse.

Sarah discovers Tom the next day in her barn after the Carnival leaves. He is half starved, socially ignorant and smelly, lol!

The attraction they form is incredible. The sex is steamy,heartfelt and erotic (for the 1940's lol)And of course you get to read all about Tom's beautiful body.

The book covers the difficulties Tom's presence creates in a small religious community. Together they face the obstacles that will either destroy them or hold them.
Sarah is a wonderful selfless character and very easy to like. We have the villain in Mr Reed. And the broken and beautiful Tom who almost stole my heart.

Now I say he almost stole my heart because I feel like I wanted to know him more. I am greedy with my hero's, I need to feel their pain and torment, I want to know their thoughts. I need to know everything that happened to him, warts and all.
So for me, this is where the story fell short. Tom's issues and past torment at the hands of the Carnival owner, seemed to be a no go area that wasn't discussed between him and Sarah. She didn't want to upset him? Apart from a few throw away, yet disturbing comments from Tom,you only get the smallest idea at the extent of his abuse. He seemed fine and just accepted what was. I suppose that's cool. But like I said, I'm greedy for emotions and angst and I wanted to fix him, but I wasn't given the chance. I feel robbed.
I really would have liked an epilogue too!(see greedy)It needed an epilogue. I think that would have completed this story.

So for me 3.5 Star read! I liked it and almost really loved it!