The Bones Beneath My Skin by T.J. Klune
Standalone
Action/Suspense M/M
Self-Pub | October 26, 2018
About the Book: In the spring of 1995, Nate Cartwright has lost everything: his parents are dead, his older brother wants nothing to do with him, and he’s been fired from his job as a journalist in Washington DC. With nothing left to lose, he returns to his family’s summer cabin outside the small mountain town of Roseland, Oregon to try and find some sense of direction.
The cabin should be empty.
It’s not.
Inside is a man named Alex. And with him is an extraordinary little girl who calls herself Artemis Darth Vader.
Artemis, who isn’t exactly as she appears.
Soon it becomes clear that Nate must make a choice: let himself drown in the memories of his past, or fight for a future he never thought possible.
Because the girl is special. And forces are descending upon them who want nothing more than to control her.
I love TJ Klune.
Do I start every Klune review by saying that? I feel like I’ve said it before. I probably have. Many times. I do though. I love him so much. I feel like it’s better to say ‘I love his work’, and I really really do, but I actually really love TJ. I’ve been a reader for so long, followed a lot of authors, but my love for TJ Klune has made me realize I’ve never had a ‘favorite author’ before. He inspires me. It’s obvious he pours his whole heart, his boldness and passion, into every single story he writes and that’s why they’re so amazing. They’re a reflection.
Which brings me to The Bones Beneath My Skin. I knew, because TJ told us, this was a 90’s action story, with exploding helicopters and car chases and everything. I was ready for it. I adore action movies. Rom-Com and action are my two favorite genre’s, and this is like a blend of both. -Well, more like Rom-Action, but whatever- Plus, TJ can write anything. Obviously this book was going to be spectacular!
So yeah, it was spectacular!
The very best part was; hot damn does this man know how to write amazing children! I had no doubt Artemis Darth Vader would be the star of this story, and she so totally was! I don’t even want to use the word ‘precocious’ because it’s not even right. She was so much more than that. She’s transcendent! Every interaction she had with another character was fictional gold. It’s not often I say this, but if The Bones Beneath My Skin didn’t include any romance I think I would have loved it just as much for the relationship between Artemis Darth Vader and Alex. I melted for her, and for how gentle gruff Alex was with her. Plus, it helps when Art was described this is what I imagined:
This has always been one of my favorite Baby Chick pictures, but now it has become my visual of Artemis Darth Vader.
Now just because I’d have loved the book without a romance doesn’t mean the relationship between Alex and Nate was lacking in any way. It wasn’t. Once again TJ wrote a love story that was perfectly paced, believable, and completely romantic. I absolutely loved reading the two of them opening their hearts to each other. It’s just their relationship wasn’t the heart of the book for me. I don’t think they were supposed to be, actually. Even Nate spent a lot of time thinking about the bond between Art and Alex. The love between Alex and this little girl were the main attraction, and it was absolute perfection.
For Christmas I have only one special wish. My holiday would be complete if only we were able to read one short story between Art and Tyson, perhaps at a breakfast diner. I mean, can you imagine the brilliant conversation when Tyson meets bacon monster Art??! Oh Lord, hear my pra– Actually, TJ please hear my pleas because I’m pretty sure the decision really lies with you.
Rating: 
Thank you to the author for providing an advance copy, in exchange for an honest review.
Birdie Bookworm 
TJ really does write the best children!!! Also, I agree, we need a short story w Tyson and Art sdkjfdlksj
And did you catch the reference to Into This River!! I HAD A MOMENT, I llove when authors connect their universes, AND I think at one point he even mentioned driving past the Wolfsong town????? it was too much, I nearly died.
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He did! He drove past Green Creek, and a few of his other books locations too. There were Easter Eggs all over the place in this one.
Oh my god, I want a bacon debate between Tyson and Art so bad!!
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I KNEW IT! I remember that exact moment now, gosh I hope TJ just forever writes in this universe. slkdjfksl I think in general we fans would accept this decision 1000%
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Heck YES we would!
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