Name: Martha McLendon's review of Beneath These Shadows by Meghan March
Item: Beneath These Shadows
Rating: 5
Author: Martha McLendon

Meghan March

Are you ready to head to New Orleans? Fall in love with the sexy series readers call "deliciously addictive" and "binge-worthy" from New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Meghan March. Beneath These Shadows is a STANDALONE romance set in the world of the Beneath series. You DO NOT have to read any other books in the series to enjoy it. The only permanent thing in my life is the ink I put on my clients. I drift from city to city, in and out of beds, from one tattoo shop to the next. Every time I start to put down roots, I rip them up. Until New Orleans. Until her. She’s everything I’m not. Full of fire and life. An innocent where I’m a sinner. I want to consume her. Protect her. Keep her. But first, I have to escape from beneath these shadows. The entire Beneath series is complete and each book in the Beneath series can be read as a standalone. Beneath This Mask, Beneath #1 Beneath This Ink, Beneath #2 Beneath These Chains, Beneath #3 Beneath These Scars, Beneath #4 Beneath These Lies, Beneath #5 Beneath These Shadows, Beneath #6 Beneath The Truth, Beneath #7 What reviewers are saying: "This book was sooo much more than a love story, it's a bad a * * action story as well!!!I just love reading Meghan's books, they are sooo good!!" ~iScream Books "Meghan March stays true to her word when she states that she writes unapologetically sexy romance because Beneath These Shadows was that and so much more." ~Michelle, Four Chicks Flipping Pages "This story held me captive from the first page to last, it had tender moments, funny ones, and all came to a climax that was worthy of the five stars bestowed upon it. This series is one of my favs and Bishop was an amazing addition!" ~Dawn, Two Unruly Girls ____________ Topics: New Orleans, New Orleans romance, romance set in New Orleans, French Quarter, Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street, tattoos, tattooed bad boy, tattooed bad boy hero, tattoo shop, kidnapping, contemporary romance, alpha hero, alpha bad boy hero, protective bad boy hero, hidden identity, mob, suspense, romantic suspense, mystery, organized crime, innocent heroine, strong female.

Beneath These Shadows

Mihaela

Are you ready to head to New Orleans? Fall in love with the sexy series readers call "deliciously addictive" and "binge-worthy" from New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Meghan March. I was raised on the streets, so I know things are rarely as simple as they appear—especially this rich girl showing up at my pawnshop demanding a job. She’s the most tempting thing I’ve ever seen, and I’ll be damned if I can make her leave. Shit just got complicated … but when it comes to her, I want complicated. We’re both fighting our own demons, and our only chance at a future is to let go of the past. But will we be strong enough to break free from beneath these chains? Beneath These Chains is the third book in the Beneath series, but each of these hot contemporary romances can be enjoyed as a stand alone. Then again, why would you want to miss out on all the alpha heroes and the women who bring them to their knees? After all, there's something for everyone in New Orleans... The entire Beneath series is now live and each book in the Beneath series can be read as a standalone. Beneath This Mask, Beneath #1 (Now FREE) Beneath This Ink, Beneath #2 Beneath These Chains, Beneath #3 Beneath These Scars, Beneath #4 Beneath These Lies, Beneath #5 Beneath These Shadows, Beneath #6 Beneath The Truth, Beneath #7 "Oh...My...LORD! March delivers the perfect combination of sweet, sexy, and sassy in Beneath These Chains, creating two dynamic, lovable characters and wrapping them in an intense, action-packed story that kept me riveted from page one." - USA Today bestselling author Erin Noelle #LordOhLord is right! - Nicole Rene Ruined, I'm telling you. 5+++ stars, and really, I needed to start rereading another fave of mine to get over Lord but... One doesn't get over Lord. Ever. - Diva Discussions #One-click now! - Kawehi's Book Blog What can I say but oh LORD i loved this book. - T.Jeavons Topics: New Orleans, New Orleans romance, romance in New Orleans, French Quarter, alpha, alpha hero, tattoos, tattooed hero, tattooed alpha, tattooed alpha hero, pawn shop, military, military soldier, contemporary, contemporary romance, suspense, romantic suspense, new adult, romance, strong female, strong heroine, pawn shop romance, mystery, red hair, red haired main character, sassy heroine.

Beneath These Chains

Martha McLendon

OH GOOD LORD!!! I absolutely loved this book. Meghan does not disappoint. Alpha male at his best. This story it full of twist you don't see coming. Go read it it's a must. You will fall in love with Lord and Elle.

Are you ready to head to New Orleans? Fall in love with the sexy series readers call "deliciously addictive" and "binge-worthy" from New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Meghan March. Are you ready to fall in love with the villain? I’m the guy you love to hate. In every story in my life, I seem to end up playing the villain—and I’ve got the scars to prove it. That role works fine for me, because I’m sure as hell not anyone’s hero. I run my life and my empire with an iron fist—until she knocks my tightly controlled world off its axis. She’s nobody’s damsel in distress, but I can’t help but want to save her anyway. I guess we’re about to find out if there’s a hero buried beneath these scars. * * * The entire Beneath series is complete and each book in the Beneath series can be read as a standalone. Beneath This Mask, Beneath #1 Beneath This Ink, Beneath #2 Beneath These Chains, Beneath #3 Beneath These Scars, Beneath #4 Beneath These Lies, Beneath #5 Beneath These Shadows, Beneath #6 Beneath The Truth, Beneath #7 See what reviewers are saying: ""This book was EVERY-FREAKING-THING to me." --Author Amy Daws "When other readers ask if I have a list of books I'll read over and over again, Beneath These Scars will be in the top ten I recommend." --Goodreads Reviewer "I was hooked and in love from page one."--Goodreads reviewer Topics: New Orleans, french quarter, alpha, alpha male, alpha male billionaire, alpha male billionaire romance, billionaire, alpha billionaire, billionaire romance, alpha romance, contemporary romance, suspense, romantic suspense, damaged hero, strong female, strong heroine, enemies, enemies-to-lovers, enemies to lovers romance, interracial, interracial romance, mistress to wife, modern day beauty and the beast tale,

Beneath These Scars

"I'm the guy you love to hate"

This was a hot hot hot read. Lucas and Yve's love story isn't the typical one these two are strong, stubborn, and have been through a lot to get to the point where they can trust other people. Their scars run deep thanks to their pasts. I devoured this book in one day, the sex is hot hot hot, their love is beautiful and the plot twist had me screaming WHAT THE FUCK!! Beneath these Scars has now become my all time favorite book by Meghan March. THIS IS A MUST READ!!

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

From New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Meghan March comes a riveting standalone novel in the addictive Beneath series. Are you ready to go back to New Orleans? Look, but don’t touch…she might as well wear a neon sign that says it. It just makes me want her more. She might be above me in every way, but I still want her under me. I’ve got no business touching her rich-girl skin, but that won’t stop me from stealing a taste. Because rules were meant to be broken—especially when the prize is so fine. In a world where nothing is as it seems, what's buried beneath these lies? Beneath These Lies is the fifth book in the Beneath series, but each of these hot contemporary romances can be enjoyed as a standalone. Then again, why would you want to miss out on all the alpha heroes and the women who bring them to their knees? After all, there's something for everyone in New Orleans... The entire Beneath series is now live and each book in the Beneath series can be read as a standalone. Beneath This Mask, Beneath #1 (Now FREE) Beneath This Ink, Beneath #2 Beneath These Chains, Beneath #3 Beneath These Scars, Beneath #4 Beneath These Lies, Beneath #5 Beneath These Shadows, Beneath #6 Beneath The Truth, Beneath #7 Topics: New Orleans, New Orleans Romance, French Quarter, tattoo, tattoo shop, alpha hero, alpha, bad boy, alpha bad boy, alpha bad boy hero, dangerous, dangerous hero, smart heroine, strong heroine, strong female, cop, police officer, mystery romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, suspense.

Beneath These Lies

I absolutely loved this book. It was full of surprises. That will keep you guessing what will happen next. At one point I might have yelled I knew it, then was quickly saying I didn't know anything. I was nervous with the outcome that I wanted to stop reading but at the same time couldn't stop. It is a beautifully written book that will keep you guessing what will happen.

Can I just live in this series? Seriously, going back to New Orleans with these characters was just what I needed. Every time I pick up a new book in the Beneath series, I'm transported back to New Orleans and makes me want to visit the city. 

Eden is a sassy, independent, yet naive girl who grew up a little different than most people. She is out to seek adventure and freedom for however long she has it and she is going to enjoy it. Her naivete puts her in the straight path of Bishop. Sparks fly so grab a fan it gets freakin HOT with these two. 

Bishop is a tattooed alpha with a past he's trying to escape. Eden is the game changer, he might finally want to put some roots down for. He wants to protect her, even if it's from herself sometimes. The struggle between the two is great to watch, both stubborn in their own way. 

The secrets that loom in the shadows will either destroy them or bring them together. They are both guilty of keeping things from one another. This book will hook you from the first page and won't let you go until the end. But don't worry you will enjoy every minute of it you won't want it to end. 

I could not put it down. This is the 6th book in the series, it's a standalone but I would recommend reading in order since we do see some old friends. Which by the way I LOVED!!

Kasey Montagnat

I actually have been so bad at reading books fast this month but I liked the plot of this book but there was 150 pages to go and I was so bored so that’s why it’s 3 stars <3

Lover of Romance 

Beneath These Shadows is a story of Bishop and Eden. And man their book was pure deliciousness on every level. I was so intrigued in seeing how this all played out and their development into their relationship was fascinating. I especially was drawn to Eden and her back story and seeing her explore herself and discover what she is capable of. Bishop is overprotective alpha male, who is very withdrawn from many people ….especially women though. But he is intrigued by the innocence of Eden and how she doesn’t play games and she is refreshing in many ways. But she is hiding a big secret….one that is a very interesting dynamic in many ways because of how it connects to Bishop and his past. Meghan March just doesn’t miss a beat and I have to say I am ADDICTED and I can’t seem to stop reading her books.

Beneath These Lies was a captivating book and this book throws you for a loop because we see how Meghan March places an element in the story I was never going to expect her to throw in….a bit of a love triangle and boy was it a whopper. Any y’all know that I can’t stand love triangles and even though this one was present, you obviously know who the main couple actually is. But it is sad for Hennessey, who is solid and a good man through and through (and yes he does have a book, the last book in the series—review below for it) but its not quite his time yet. This story features a mob boss “Rix” and a classy lady who owns and runs an art gallery and also is a talented artist herself. But she gets in a bind in trying to find her friend and co worker, and this bind puts a bulls eye on her back and Rix is determined to win her over. And while it does have some darker elements at times, I truly love the ending and the way the story evolves. Stunning in only the way that Meghan March delivers.

THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS, SO FAIR WARNING, UPON READING THE REVIEW.
Beneath These Scars is the fourth installment in the Beneath series by Meghan March. Beneath These Scars is a story that has much more angst that I have even seen from this author but I had such a fun time with it and even though I wasn’t quite in the mood for this level of angst and bantering I eventaully adapted because …well…its MEGHAN MARCH ….do I EVEN need to say any more than that? LOL I am such a sucker for her writing style and the way that she writes a good romance and I always get such a kick out of her books and I definitely got such a fun one out of this one here.

In Beneath These Scars is a story that takes our two characters who have this sexy chemistry but well its really unrequited love here. Our heroine, Yve so doesn’t care for our hero….Lucas. She thinks he is arrogant cocky and rich and even though she wants to eat him sexually she doesn’t see any depths to him but as their chemistry builds, a secret from Yve’s past is back to haunt her, and Lucas has a fight on his hands on proving to Yve of his devotion and sincerity to her. But their road isn’t going to be easy, misunderstandings arise, danger erupts and their love will be tested in ways they can’t imagine…

This woman pushed all my buttons, taunted me, challenged me, mocked me. And the perverse son of a bitch that I was, I wanted more.

Beneath These Scars was such a delightful book and I couldn’t get enough of this one here. I will say that I got a hoot of an entertaining time with this couple because they definitely go at it and the sexual tension between these two is delicious. This is one of the true talents of Meghan March, is the way that she builds this tension and I just LOVED it. At first, boy these two really struggle with their animosity for each other and its pretty lively for sure. But what is done so well is their chemistry building into something more lasting and full of more depths that you expect from this author. Every SINGLE time I read this author, I am always bowled over by her talent in crafting such a masterpiece and she does no difference with this one. And another plus, her writing is so engaging. She offers such quick easy reads that you can easily get behind.

“Holding you,” he replied, and pulled me into his arms. “So you can break and not worry about falling apart. Just for today, Yve, let me hold you together.”

I really found it interesting especially what happens with the heroine who has suffered an abusive relationship in the past. She is not like your average heroine you expect to find, she is a bit crazy, fierce, determined and driven. I loved her personality and even though I couldn’t relate with her on some levels, she touched this reader in a way that was unexpected. She has such a fighting spirit and even though she could learn to swallow her pride a bit more, I did love seeing her journey through that experience and open herself to Lucas. Now Lucas was a fun hero, yes he can be arrogant…but what billionaire male isn’t??!! hehe I think it just comes with that, but he has so many hidden depths to him and when we start seeing him being more revealed with each chapter, you fall in love with him even more deeply.

Overall I found Beneath These Scars to be a vitalizing real romance that brings unique depths of emotion and intrigue that pulls you into a story that is gravitating in its beauty of feels

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

  
    
  




Beneath The Chains is the third book in March's Beneath series and this is where we get Lord's story. We were able to see him briefly in the previous book which featured his brother's story. But in this book we get Lord and boy he was yummy in all the delicious ways that March delivers in her stories. And it starts out with such strength and zest. 



  

  Right now, this moment, I had no cares. I was living in the now and enjoying it—because of him.
  




Beneath The Chains begins with our heroine Elle, who may seem on the surface as if she has plenty of wealth and prestige but beneath it she has scars that dig deep, scars she doesn't let anyone see. She is on the hunt for something precious that belonged to her father that was lost. And she knows if it will turn up it will be at the pawn shop that Lord owns and runs. When she walks in, Lord is tossing out his employee who has been stealing from him. So she demands a job and Lord quite puzzled at her determination, reluctantly lets her have the job even though he has doubts because he knows that she will be one hell of a distraction for him. But soon their relationship that begins with heat and sizzling sex turns into something deeper and with a killer on the loose and it all surrounding them ....the villain is closer to them than they think 



  

  Sometimes you had to let yourself break before you could start picking up the pieces.
  




Beneath The Chains is just a fantastic read and even though it does start out slow (as I have noticed with this series of March's) it definitely picks up especially once you become more invested in the characters and see the hidden depths behind them. And quite frankly I adored both of these characters. They were so delicious together and I really enjoyed seeing them delve into each other and discover the secrets and hidden pleasures in their relationship. And I love these men that March writes, because once they find their woman, they stand by her no matter what and I adored that in Lord especially after we see what Elle has been dealing with and love his unwavering support of her. 



  

  Wouldn’t have mattered what I was doing. You need me, I’ll be there
  




Overall I found Beneath These Chains to be a sensual filled world with chills and gems of hidden delights that March delivers!!

Totally Addicted to Reading

When I read the first book in the Beneath series I was completely bowled over and couldn’t wait to read more of this author’s work. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to read books 2 and 3 which I plan to remedy before it’s too late. I do believe that failure to do so would be a travesty especially after reading Beneath These Scars which I have to admit I totally enjoyed. What I like so far about this series is that each of these books can be read as a stand-alone. 

This story is about Lucas Titan and Yvonne Santos. I must admit that initially I did not like Lucas and after reading the other reviews I realise that I was not alone in my feelings. He came off as arrogant, cocky and domineering. He was feared in the business world and not well liked in the social world. However, as I got deeper into the story I realized that there was more to Lucas Titan than what meets the eye. He is a complex character and I enjoyed uncovering all his layers. It just goes to show that being rich does not exempt one from having human flaws.

Yvonne (Yve) has a troubled past, but she is not going to allow it to control her life. She is strong, independent and sassy. She is not the typical woman that Lucas usually dates. As such he was confused when he found himself attracted to her. Because of the terrible events of her past Yve had trust issues when it came to accepting help from others, especially from the arrogant Lucas Titan. She preferred to fight her battles on her own. I was pleased to see her finally letting go of her insecurities and realizing there is no shame in accepting help even if it’s from a billionaire.

I loved the interaction between Lucas and Yve. They brought out the best and at times the worst in each other. The sexual tension was off the charts and when these two eventually became intimate I thought my kindle would combust. Yve tried to fight her attraction to Lucas but that was not an easy feat. Her body would just not cooperate with her mind.

I loved the suspense that was included in the story. It was evident that someone wanted to hurt Yve. I loved the twist that the author introduced; I must admit it took me by surprise. I believe that it helped to pull the whole story together. It helped Lucas and Yve come to terms with the issues that had caused them to erect the emotional barriers that were preventing them from ceasing their happily ever after. 

Beneath These Scars is the type of story that will remain with you for some time. The writing is good and the story riveting. It held my attention from start to finish. I was sorry to see it end. I highly recommend this title.

I received an ARC courtesy of Netgalley

Source: NetGalley
I was introduced to Meghan March when I read the first book in her Beneath series. I missed out on reading books 2 and 3 when they became available, but was fortunate to catch up on the series when I had the chance of reading Beneath These Scars. After reading this title I knew that I had to complete the series, hence my decision to read Beneath These Chains.

Like the other books in the series that I have read so far the story was told from a dual POV. I enjoyed reading stories written in this format as I believe it gives readers the chance to know what the characters are thinking and feeling.

Beneath The Chains, the third book in the series focuses on Lord Robichaux and Elle Synder. Lord is a former soldier who currently operates a pawn shop called chains. He had a rough life growing up; however, he was able to turn the negatives of his past into something positive for the future. Elle is sassy, feisty and independent. She is not afraid to go after what she wants, which is evident when she decided that she wanted a job at Chains.

Lord and Elle were an explosive combination. They brought the best out in each other. In spite of his bad boy persona Lord was the perfect gentleman. He treated women with the greatest respect. This trait was evident in his interaction with Elle.

“You shouldn’t be going to your knees for me, woman. You shouldn’t be going to your knees for any man.”

Initially Lord was wary of giving into his attraction to Elle. It was his belief that he was no good for her in light of their different backgrounds. He realized that Elle was the type of woman that should be wooed and treated like the lady she was. Elle was more interested in a short term fling. Elle’s biggest fear was that she would end up like her mom and as such she was not willing to commit to a permanent relationship. Will Lord be able to convince her otherwise? Elle was still trying to come to grips with the loss of her dad and what she believes was her mother’s betrayal. Will she be able to move past the pain, hurt and isolation caused by her father’s death? What I liked most about Elle was her independence, maturity and her ability to make good decisions. She was the epitome of a strong female.

 There was some amount mystery incorporated into the story. This added an element of danger to the story, which made Lord even more protective of Elle. Chains is located in a neighbourhood that’s riddled with gang activity, theft and violence. The revelation of the villain took me by surprise as honestly, I never for a moment suspected that individual.

I enjoyed this installment, maybe not as much as I did book 1 and 2 but it was still an awesome story. The writing was good, the characters were three dimensional and the plot was engaging. I was hooked from the first page and my interest never wavered for a moment. The story was well paced as such there was never a dull moment.

If you are looking for a story that is hot, sexy and have an element of suspense then give this series a chance. I am sure it would be worth your while.

Beneath These Shadows is the 6th book in The Beneath series and it can be read as a stand-alone. This book has sat on my kindle since the day it was released, but I kept pushing it back. I am not sure why, especially given the experience I have had with the series. Well, better late than never. 

What the story is about.

Beneath These Shadows tells the story of Bishop, a tattoo artist and Eden, the daughter of New York’s notorious mob boss. Running from his past, Bishop came to New Orleans to start over. He kept a low profile and tried not to bring attention to himself. All that changed, the day he rescued a beautiful woman who appeared lost and totally out of her element. In the process, he would discover that the past as an uncanny way of coming back to haunt.

Eden lived a sheltered life. She never experienced the beauty that life offered. Constantly surrounded by bodyguards, her life was a virtual prison. When her father’s business came under attack, he sent her away for her protection. Eden saw this as an opportunity to experience freedom for the first time in her life. Her desires led her to the City of New Orleans where she met a walking sex on stick tattoo artist, who helped her to discover all that life offered.

The Characters.

Bishop is the epitome of an alpha male. He is smart, determined, loyal, understanding and protective. His protective nature became evident in the manner in which he treated Eden. He recognised her innocence and naivete and appointed himself her personal saviour. In doing so he opened himself to the thing he had been running from. He knew the risks, but he willing accepted them to ensure Eden’s safety.

Eden is one of those heroines I had a hard time warming up to. I understood her need to experience freedom, but I had difficulty wrapping my head around the careless risks she took. Being innocent and naïve is not a crime, but when you add stupid behaviour to the mix, then we have a whole new scenario. The unnecessary risks taken put herself and Bishop in danger.

The Supporting Characters.

The story featured characters from the previous instalment. We are given insight into the current events of their lives. I enjoyed the bond that Bishop had developed with them. I also appreciated the manner in which they embraced Eden in their fold, knowing what she meant to Bishop. I loved how they rallied together to help Bishop when they thought Eden may be in danger. The introduction of new characters added to the suspense factor of the story and helped to make things intense and interesting.

The Romance

True to Meghan March style the romance packed heat and sizzle. Their attraction to each other was as clear as day. I appreciated that they took time before giving into the sizzling attraction between them. This helped to make their romance engaging and believable. What started out as an unlikely friendship, slowly grew into an undeniable explosive attraction.

The Story

Aside from my issues with the heroine, I thought the story was well-written. It was a tad bit predictable in some areas, but it did not take away from my enjoyment. There was one aspect of the story that I was hoping that the author would have developed further. This had to do with Eden’s relationship with her father. After all that had transpired, I was expecting to a deeper and loving bond develop between them, but their relationship remained static throughout the story.

There was another aspect of the story that I found annoying and which I believe did not add value to the story. The women who kept throwing themselves at Bishop even when he showed no interest. What I did not get was did he have history with these women or was it a case where they wanted to fulfil a fantasy.

Conclusion/Recommendation.

The story did not deliver all I expected. It was not my favourite of the series, but I still found it enjoyable.

b.andherbooks

Basically forgettable for me. I listened to the whole story, but felt pretty meh about it. The heroine is a sheltered daughter of a mobster who is suddenly launched out into the "real world" when her crime boss father is under investigation and she needs to be out of the way.

A series of fortunate events and kind strangers, along with white privilege, land her in the arms of a hot, alpha tattoo artist with a shop on Bourbon Street, New Orleans who gets her on her feet and is always there to pick her up before she hits the ground. 

Bishop has never settled for anyone before, but of course his "cupcake" is the one to change it all for him. Uh, huh. I can't even remember her name.

I did appreciate that there were a few times the heroine called Bishop out for his behavior. The narrators were good, so at least there was that.

Lisa ✩ @lifeinlit

Lord, who owns a pawn shop on the wrong side of town, is shocked to see his best friend’s girlfriend’s friend, Elle, walk into his stop one day and demand a job. She was assertive, confident, and all kinds of sexy, and completely blew his mind. Obvs he hired her, she started working there, and the story goes from there.

“Sometimes you had to let yourself break before you could start picking up the pieces.”

There’s a little bit of mystery, suspense, and a whole lot of sexy situations! Meghan March knows how to write her bad boys really bad and her sex scenes very sexy! This story was very enjoyable, probably my favorite of the entire series so far. I’m so happy this series is companion novels because I’ve really enjoyed getting to know these guys better! Lord took some time to grow on me. At first I thought he came off as very arrogant and entitled. But once he shed his bad-boy persona a bit into the story, I really started getting to know the “real” Lord. And this bad boy had a pretty good side too!

My favorite thing about companion novel series is that you can start and stop, anywhere you’d like. They do not have to be read in order, and you’re not missing anything if you wait a long time between books. For me though, this didn’t end up being an issue since I got the first book, read it, then immediately read the second… which lead immediately to the third. I’m aware that a fourth book just came out, and there’s a fifth in the works… so I’m sure I’ll be reading both of those as well.

(Thanks to Blackstone Audio and Audiobook Jukebox for the review copy!)

Find this review and others like it at Lost in Literature!

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Beneath These Shadows by Meghan March

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