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Beneath the Layers #1
Beneath the Layers
I have a secret.
A secret that no-one besides my boyfriend, my mother and I know. A secret from my past which has me trapped in a relationship from hell.
Refusing to tell a soul, I’ve kept it balled up inside for the past few years, trying to seem composed for the world while my reality was the complete opposite. I gave up on any hopes of a different life. A life where love and happiness existed. Alex, personally saw to it himself. He made sure it was drilled deep within my brain. This was the hand that life had dealt me. The life I learned to accept.
Until the day I bumped into Nick.
A gorgeous man who's haunted my thoughts and awakened my desires. A man, whose persistence turned my world upside down, more than it already was. The same man who also happened to be my boss and had a secret of his own. A secret that I couldn't decipher, even when it stood right in front of me. A secret that would blow me away.
My name is Tara and this is my story.
A secret that no-one besides my boyfriend, my mother and I know. A secret from my past which has me trapped in a relationship from hell.
Refusing to tell a soul, I’ve kept it balled up inside for the past few years, trying to seem composed for the world while my reality was the complete opposite. I gave up on any hopes of a different life. A life where love and happiness existed. Alex, personally saw to it himself. He made sure it was drilled deep within my brain. This was the hand that life had dealt me. The life I learned to accept.
Until the day I bumped into Nick.
A gorgeous man who's haunted my thoughts and awakened my desires. A man, whose persistence turned my world upside down, more than it already was. The same man who also happened to be my boss and had a secret of his own. A secret that I couldn't decipher, even when it stood right in front of me. A secret that would blow me away.
My name is Tara and this is my story.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Mia Rivers
4 books58 followersMia Rivers lives in sunny South Florida. She channeled her deep-rooted passions for reading and writing into the creation of her very own fictional world and characters.
When she's not writing, she can be found listening to a good band, hanging out with friends, spoiling her fur baby or planning a future trip. But, you’ll rarely see her without her treasured Kindle. Especially, when she’s getting her daily coffee fix at Starbucks.
Check out her debut novel Beneath the Layers, available on Amazon, B&N and Itunes.
When she's not writing, she can be found listening to a good band, hanging out with friends, spoiling her fur baby or planning a future trip. But, you’ll rarely see her without her treasured Kindle. Especially, when she’s getting her daily coffee fix at Starbucks.
Check out her debut novel Beneath the Layers, available on Amazon, B&N and Itunes.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 13, 2015
Story Rating ~ 4 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 5 SEXY Stars!
Heroine Rating ~ 4 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3.75 Stars
Ending ~ To be continued
Overall Rating ~ 4 - I want more Stars!
I REALLY enjoyed every moment of this book. It grabbed me right away and captivated me until the end.
The story started out with a scene that was familiar to me, sexy guy bumps into woman, and woman drops her things, man looks into her eyes and BAM a connection is made. For me, this sounded a lot like the beginning of Sylvia Days book, Bared to You. Now for me, that is not a bad thing because I quite like this theme. There were also other similarities between these two stories but this book definitely has its own story. I have to say that for a debut novel I think Mia Rivers did an outstanding job.
My favorite character was the hero Nicholas. He was SO DAM SEXY, with his ripped body and his emerald green eyes. When he stared into Tara eyes with such intensity it nearly stole my breath. I was worried at first about his intentions where Tara was concerned and was glad that he got a chance to really see Tara for who SHE was. Nick was very protective and I loved the fact that once he decided what he wanted, he did not give in until he got it.
What I liked so much about the heroine Tara was that even though her and Nicholas’s attraction and chemistry was off the charts HOT, she fought it because she already had a boyfriend. Her boyfriend Alex was a real nasty piece of work. I hated him for what he was doing to Tara and then I hated him even more when I found out how he was making her stay with him.
There were also a lot of wonderful secondary characters. I LOVED ALL of Tara’s friends! I loved that they were there when she needed them. These characters added a lot to my overall enjoyment throughout this read.
Even though the attraction between Tara and Nicholas right away, it was a while before they acted on it. The sexual tension was definitely there and once they finally gave themselves over to each other it was so HOT that I actually started throbbing down there myself.
Just when I thought things were worked out between Tara and Nicholas, that they could finally be together, we were throw a HUGE TWIST that I NEVER seen coming and then BAM I was left hanging from a cliff. I have to say Mia Rivers left me wanting more and wanting it NOW!
In the end, I thought this was a very good read, the writing was well done and kept me interested all the way through. I cared about the characters and can hardly wait for the next book in this series to find out what will happen next.
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Hero Rating ~ 5 SEXY Stars!
Heroine Rating ~ 4 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3.75 Stars
Ending ~ To be continued
Overall Rating ~ 4 - I want more Stars!
I REALLY enjoyed every moment of this book. It grabbed me right away and captivated me until the end.
The story started out with a scene that was familiar to me, sexy guy bumps into woman, and woman drops her things, man looks into her eyes and BAM a connection is made. For me, this sounded a lot like the beginning of Sylvia Days book, Bared to You. Now for me, that is not a bad thing because I quite like this theme. There were also other similarities between these two stories but this book definitely has its own story. I have to say that for a debut novel I think Mia Rivers did an outstanding job.
My favorite character was the hero Nicholas. He was SO DAM SEXY, with his ripped body and his emerald green eyes. When he stared into Tara eyes with such intensity it nearly stole my breath. I was worried at first about his intentions where Tara was concerned and was glad that he got a chance to really see Tara for who SHE was. Nick was very protective and I loved the fact that once he decided what he wanted, he did not give in until he got it.
What I liked so much about the heroine Tara was that even though her and Nicholas’s attraction and chemistry was off the charts HOT, she fought it because she already had a boyfriend. Her boyfriend Alex was a real nasty piece of work. I hated him for what he was doing to Tara and then I hated him even more when I found out how he was making her stay with him.
There were also a lot of wonderful secondary characters. I LOVED ALL of Tara’s friends! I loved that they were there when she needed them. These characters added a lot to my overall enjoyment throughout this read.
Even though the attraction between Tara and Nicholas right away, it was a while before they acted on it. The sexual tension was definitely there and once they finally gave themselves over to each other it was so HOT that I actually started throbbing down there myself.
Just when I thought things were worked out between Tara and Nicholas, that they could finally be together, we were throw a HUGE TWIST that I NEVER seen coming and then BAM I was left hanging from a cliff. I have to say Mia Rivers left me wanting more and wanting it NOW!
In the end, I thought this was a very good read, the writing was well done and kept me interested all the way through. I cared about the characters and can hardly wait for the next book in this series to find out what will happen next.
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
March 7, 2015
***3 Fiery Stars***
(Arc kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
I love discovering new authors; you can feel their passion and fears all wrapped inside their story and is a very exciting opportunity for me to fall in love with new writing styles and new characters. I have no doubt we'll be hearing a lot about this author in the future, because if one thing this book signifies is that Mia Rivers has arrived and that she's here to stay...
Tara has a secret; one that has been haunting her for the past five years and has her trapped in a really bad relationship. She has been mastering the art of compliance, she ignores her brain and her heart which scream at her to leave Alex but the consequences come with a very high price to pay, one she can't afford.
In a effort to at least strive in her professional life she's applied and actually landed a new job as a paralegal in one of the top attorney firms in the city. On her way to work on her first day she crashes into the sexiest man she's ever seen; imagine her surprise when it turns out that the handsome man in a suit, the one she can't stop thinking about is her new boss.
Nicholas is dark and mysterious, he's not a man who likes to get too involved with women but ever since he's set eyes on Tara he can't get her out of his mind and even though she has a boyfriend, he can't tell there's something not right about the dynamics in their relationship and he won't stop until he finds out what it is, in hopes to make his move on Tara because Nicholas wants her in his bed.
Tara struggles with her attraction for her new boss but she can't allow herself to dream about anything with him because she has to stay with her boyfriend in order to protect the dark secret that bounds her to him. Lucky for Tara, Nick is very relentless and he will stop at nothing until he can free her from her abusive boyfriend but little does he knows that his past will also come back to try to mess with the future he so fervently wants...
I loved reading about my city in this book; Miami became almost a secondary character in the story. The author included some of my favorite hangouts, her descriptions were flawless exuding the excitement and sensuality of Miami, making it the prefect setting for this super sexy story. Now let me explain why the three star rating; I was overwhelmed by the heaviness of the plot, there were too many details , to many twists and turns I could have done without. I would have kept it simpler, I felt at times, like the author was just trying too hard to create the angst that was already present without the added details. Another problem I had was the inconsistency of characters, the choices both were making in the story didn't go accordingly with who they were and what they represent, causing me to get very confused and creating a disconnection with the characters. Overall I think this story could use a little trimming and a bit more sharpening but have no doubt that I will be the first one to read the next book, after that outrageous ending, I will be counting the days until the next book comes out.
My Beneath the Layers music playlist:
*Nobody to Love by Sigma
*Get it Started by Pitbull ft. Shakira
* Addicted To You by Shakira
*Promises by Wiz Khalifa
(Arc kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
I love discovering new authors; you can feel their passion and fears all wrapped inside their story and is a very exciting opportunity for me to fall in love with new writing styles and new characters. I have no doubt we'll be hearing a lot about this author in the future, because if one thing this book signifies is that Mia Rivers has arrived and that she's here to stay...
Tara has a secret; one that has been haunting her for the past five years and has her trapped in a really bad relationship. She has been mastering the art of compliance, she ignores her brain and her heart which scream at her to leave Alex but the consequences come with a very high price to pay, one she can't afford.
In a effort to at least strive in her professional life she's applied and actually landed a new job as a paralegal in one of the top attorney firms in the city. On her way to work on her first day she crashes into the sexiest man she's ever seen; imagine her surprise when it turns out that the handsome man in a suit, the one she can't stop thinking about is her new boss.
Nicholas is dark and mysterious, he's not a man who likes to get too involved with women but ever since he's set eyes on Tara he can't get her out of his mind and even though she has a boyfriend, he can't tell there's something not right about the dynamics in their relationship and he won't stop until he finds out what it is, in hopes to make his move on Tara because Nicholas wants her in his bed.
Tara struggles with her attraction for her new boss but she can't allow herself to dream about anything with him because she has to stay with her boyfriend in order to protect the dark secret that bounds her to him. Lucky for Tara, Nick is very relentless and he will stop at nothing until he can free her from her abusive boyfriend but little does he knows that his past will also come back to try to mess with the future he so fervently wants...
I loved reading about my city in this book; Miami became almost a secondary character in the story. The author included some of my favorite hangouts, her descriptions were flawless exuding the excitement and sensuality of Miami, making it the prefect setting for this super sexy story. Now let me explain why the three star rating; I was overwhelmed by the heaviness of the plot, there were too many details , to many twists and turns I could have done without. I would have kept it simpler, I felt at times, like the author was just trying too hard to create the angst that was already present without the added details. Another problem I had was the inconsistency of characters, the choices both were making in the story didn't go accordingly with who they were and what they represent, causing me to get very confused and creating a disconnection with the characters. Overall I think this story could use a little trimming and a bit more sharpening but have no doubt that I will be the first one to read the next book, after that outrageous ending, I will be counting the days until the next book comes out.
My Beneath the Layers music playlist:
*Nobody to Love by Sigma
*Get it Started by Pitbull ft. Shakira
* Addicted To You by Shakira
*Promises by Wiz Khalifa
April 29, 2015
4 StArS
WELL WHAT CAN I SAY......EXCEPT MISSY MIA RIVERS HAS ARRIVED!!
I enjoyed this read, great characters, great plot, I was sucked in and...
OH BOY, that ending...yep think I'm gonna need a BOTTLE and Cig's Darling's....after that little CLUSTERFUCK!!!
Was it good....let's see what my groupie's think *fanning one's self....yes rather delusional as usual - a girl can dream*
Hell YeaH!!!
WELL WHAT CAN I SAY......EXCEPT MISSY MIA RIVERS HAS ARRIVED!!
I enjoyed this read, great characters, great plot, I was sucked in and...
OH BOY, that ending...yep think I'm gonna need a BOTTLE and Cig's Darling's....after that little CLUSTERFUCK!!!
Was it good....let's see what my groupie's think *fanning one's self....yes rather delusional as usual - a girl can dream*
Hell YeaH!!!
April 20, 2015
IN EXCHANGE FOR HONEST REVIEW. WHOA, WHOA!! HELL YES~~5+ STARS, THANK YOU MIA! This drew me in from the get go. Mia, as I said, I do not read books with cliffhangers, (most of the time)I can't wait and gosh darn it, I'm going to be miserable waiting for #2. You know, I feel the same with every story I read~~ PLEASE REVIEWERS...DO NOT USE ANY WORDS TO LEAD READERS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT'S GOING ON! I see it all the time and I hate it! Some don't put "spoiler" No one wants to know how a movie ends, so don't ruin it! WHAT AN ENDING! YES!
YEP, AND THEN SOME!
GIVE IT UP FOR MY NICK~OH YES LADIES!
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MY TARA
YEP, AND THEN SOME!
GIVE IT UP FOR MY NICK~OH YES LADIES!
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MY TARA
May 8, 2015
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Well this was an amazing debut novel by Mia Rivers. Tara is a girl with a secret and she was keeping it but I was itching to know what is it. Most of the time I was guessing what will happen next.
When I started reading I realised that this book have same beginning as most of the books and that's what caught me reading this one. I'm sucker for "I have new job lets bump into my new hot boss and later he will start getting blue balls because I won't give him " kind of a books.
The characters were smart and definitely not easy. I love how Tara turned Nick down multiple times but he came back every time. I loved the chemistry between them.
Now I'll put my thoughts for the end of the book in a . Don't open if you don't wanna know. :)
I really liked this book. It was hot, steamy, sexy and intriguing. I couldn't put the book down. It was easily read and I finished in one day. I really liked the writing and it made me want to keep reading. I can say that I will buy this book as paperwork even if I need to do that online because I really really loved it. Mia you have done amazing work I can't wait for the next book.
Happy Reading!!
Well this was an amazing debut novel by Mia Rivers. Tara is a girl with a secret and she was keeping it but I was itching to know what is it. Most of the time I was guessing what will happen next.
When I started reading I realised that this book have same beginning as most of the books and that's what caught me reading this one. I'm sucker for "I have new job lets bump into my new hot boss and later he will start getting blue balls because I won't give him " kind of a books.
The characters were smart and definitely not easy. I love how Tara turned Nick down multiple times but he came back every time. I loved the chemistry between them.
If he kept saying shit like that, I wouldn't be able to keep this good girl facade going for much longer.
Now I'll put my thoughts for the end of the book in a . Don't open if you don't wanna know. :)
I really liked this book. It was hot, steamy, sexy and intriguing. I couldn't put the book down. It was easily read and I finished in one day. I really liked the writing and it made me want to keep reading. I can say that I will buy this book as paperwork even if I need to do that online because I really really loved it. Mia you have done amazing work I can't wait for the next book.
Happy Reading!!
April 17, 2015
OH MY GOODNESS!! This ladies is a must read! I was up late last night finishing this book because I could not put it down! First off you have a strong willed women. Then you have a handsome man in a suit, with broad shoulders, tattoos, that always gets what he wants!!The sexual tension in this book was amazing!! I did not want to put this book down the writing was great and the story was AWESOME!!If you read anything you should read this book!!This is a first book for Mia Rivers and I can't wait for her next one!!
June 23, 2015
I loved the passion and emotions!
From the kitchen counter…
to the hot scenes in Miami night clubs…
to the bloody secrets!!
Overall I will tell you I liked it and I'm looking forward to the next one. The most important thing to me in a book is the characters and Nick was a good one, he was hot! Tara was kinda flat for me, I think she needed more sense of humor and back bone, she could have put forth effort or some kind of fight to rid herself of Alex. I liked the interactions of the main characters and I liked that it wasn't insta-love. I think the flow of the story beginning to end was perfect and paced just right. It wasn't told in a rush and the story flows from scene to scene effortlessly. I laughed out loud in a few places but I wish there was a little more humor in it, I'm thinking the author could have accomplished that with more supporting character interactions. Basically it was good but I think it needed more plot to the story, the whole story pretty much depends on the secret which is a good one but maybe the author could have added more fights or something with Alex made him a little more psycho lol I think more fights or scary scenes with Alex, Nick and Tara would have added more angst to it (which I like lol). So .... I liked it! I think it being a debit novel it was pretty awesome even though it wasn't an edited version I barely found and mistakes maybe two, that I noticed, which is really good. I've seen a bunch of stories that have already been published with tons of mistakes. I really liked the writing and it made me want to keep reading. I loved the chemistry between the main characters. Who knows what will happen and how the story will continue, the cliffhanger was fucking awesome!! Like..
It kinda feels like, ok, now it's gonna get really juicy! I soooo did not see that coming! I can't wait to see what happens!
I shouldn’t have been so nervous. This was completely normal, right? Considering the fact that he was my boss and we were just going over work.
My hands tingled with the absence of his touch, while my heart thudded against my chest at the thought that I’d be working with a man like him, the very same man who turned my insides into mush this morning.
My routine was the same every day. Work hard, hit the gym, and fuck whoever was lucky that evening. Not everyone would agree with my lifestyle, but it worked for me. It worked, up until Monday.
My grandfather taught me to never let someone fuck with what’s mine. That’s exactly what Tara was. Mine.
From the moment my name escaped her beautiful lips while I was buried deep inside her, I knew for certain, it wouldn’t be any other way. And I always took care of what belonged to me.
If there’s anything I knew better than the law, it was how to read a woman. And I could tell from the moment we shook hands, I could effortlessly wrap this one around my finger.
I wanted her, craved her, and after getting a taste, I owned her. But love her? That wasn’t allowed. I vowed to never love a woman again for as long as I lived.
So …
Coming soon I think March 2015
I was kindly provided an ARC by the author to be honest so honestly I thought it was really good!
From the kitchen counter…
to the hot scenes in Miami night clubs…
to the bloody secrets!!
Overall I will tell you I liked it and I'm looking forward to the next one. The most important thing to me in a book is the characters and Nick was a good one, he was hot! Tara was kinda flat for me, I think she needed more sense of humor and back bone, she could have put forth effort or some kind of fight to rid herself of Alex. I liked the interactions of the main characters and I liked that it wasn't insta-love. I think the flow of the story beginning to end was perfect and paced just right. It wasn't told in a rush and the story flows from scene to scene effortlessly. I laughed out loud in a few places but I wish there was a little more humor in it, I'm thinking the author could have accomplished that with more supporting character interactions. Basically it was good but I think it needed more plot to the story, the whole story pretty much depends on the secret which is a good one but maybe the author could have added more fights or something with Alex made him a little more psycho lol I think more fights or scary scenes with Alex, Nick and Tara would have added more angst to it (which I like lol). So .... I liked it! I think it being a debit novel it was pretty awesome even though it wasn't an edited version I barely found and mistakes maybe two, that I noticed, which is really good. I've seen a bunch of stories that have already been published with tons of mistakes. I really liked the writing and it made me want to keep reading. I loved the chemistry between the main characters. Who knows what will happen and how the story will continue, the cliffhanger was fucking awesome!! Like..
It kinda feels like, ok, now it's gonna get really juicy! I soooo did not see that coming! I can't wait to see what happens!
I shouldn’t have been so nervous. This was completely normal, right? Considering the fact that he was my boss and we were just going over work.
My hands tingled with the absence of his touch, while my heart thudded against my chest at the thought that I’d be working with a man like him, the very same man who turned my insides into mush this morning.
My routine was the same every day. Work hard, hit the gym, and fuck whoever was lucky that evening. Not everyone would agree with my lifestyle, but it worked for me. It worked, up until Monday.
My grandfather taught me to never let someone fuck with what’s mine. That’s exactly what Tara was. Mine.
From the moment my name escaped her beautiful lips while I was buried deep inside her, I knew for certain, it wouldn’t be any other way. And I always took care of what belonged to me.
If there’s anything I knew better than the law, it was how to read a woman. And I could tell from the moment we shook hands, I could effortlessly wrap this one around my finger.
I wanted her, craved her, and after getting a taste, I owned her. But love her? That wasn’t allowed. I vowed to never love a woman again for as long as I lived.
So …
Coming soon I think March 2015
I was kindly provided an ARC by the author to be honest so honestly I thought it was really good!
Want to read
April 14, 2015Trilogy.
May 19, 2015
review to come.
May 21, 2015
4 Passionate stars
(Ecopy provided by author in exchange for an honest review and it is an honest one)
I pretty much liked the book. It was passionate and emotional. I personally dig for new authors and I love reading them. This was a debut novel by Mia Rivers and she did quite a great job !
It felt a bit slow in the beginning but then it picked up gradually and overall kept me hooked. I love Nick's character in this book but Tara's character didn't work well for me. I think she needed to be more strong, more independent and a decision maker.
As the story unfolds, we get to know that Tara has a secret and you need to read this book to know her secret, it took me everything to stop myself from searching out the secret in this book first, it was such a page turner. Due to this secret she is forced to live with her stupid boyfriend. Further I'll leave it for you to read and find out yourselves.
Nick is Tara's boss. He is sooo HOT and handsome and loving !! *swoon*
The Ending.........!! Zooompp..!!
The twist was mind-blowing, didn't see that coming. I'll be damn waiting for the next book. I hope it comes out soon, can't wait to see what happens next !
(Ecopy provided by author in exchange for an honest review and it is an honest one)
I pretty much liked the book. It was passionate and emotional. I personally dig for new authors and I love reading them. This was a debut novel by Mia Rivers and she did quite a great job !
It felt a bit slow in the beginning but then it picked up gradually and overall kept me hooked. I love Nick's character in this book but Tara's character didn't work well for me. I think she needed to be more strong, more independent and a decision maker.
As the story unfolds, we get to know that Tara has a secret and you need to read this book to know her secret, it took me everything to stop myself from searching out the secret in this book first, it was such a page turner. Due to this secret she is forced to live with her stupid boyfriend. Further I'll leave it for you to read and find out yourselves.
Nick is Tara's boss. He is sooo HOT and handsome and loving !! *swoon*
"My grandfather taught me to never let someone fuck with what’s mine. That’s exactly what Tara was. Mine.
From the moment my name escaped her beautiful lips while I was buried deep inside her, I knew for certain, it wouldn’t be any other way. And I always took care of what belonged to me."
"I wanted her, craved her, and after getting a taste, I owned her. But love her? That wasn’t allowed. I vowed to never love a woman again for as long as I lived."
The Ending.........!! Zooompp..!!
The twist was mind-blowing, didn't see that coming. I'll be damn waiting for the next book. I hope it comes out soon, can't wait to see what happens next !
"If there’s anything I knew better than the law, it was how to read a woman. And I could tell from the moment we shook hands, I could effortlessly wrap this one around my finger."
April 19, 2015
3,5 stars.
I got this book in exchange for an honest review and honestly, I wanted to give it 3 stars (not a bad work for a first creation) but then, I hit the last pages and I was all “Oh my God! This is brilliant! I did not see it coming!”. It ends on a 5 Machiavellian stars of a cliffhanger. And now I understand the title…
This book is the first one published by this author. Some chapters have room for improvement while others are really good and the end is incredible.
Tara, not really tall but curvy has found a new job and it’s her first day as a paralegal in her new firm. She is trapped in a relationship that’s no longer a relationship. From the very beginning, I wanted to slap her boyfriend. He had some nerves! I could not understand why she stayed with him. Of course, all is explained later and it was written “on purpose”.
Tara will literally collide with a handsome hunk of a man: tall, strong, dark hair, green eyes…you get the picture. This man, Nick, is her new boss and a hotshot lawyer.
As they were instantly attracted to each other, he’ll relentlessly pursue Tara. But she resists strongly because she is “not that kind of a woman”, so not the cheating type. I hate cheating in books, it’s a huge no, no for me so I could admire her for her will but I could not understand why she did not leave her horrible boyfriend. For the love of God woman, let that douchebag go. Kick him in the nuts, that’s all he deserves!
I was constantly torn. On one hand, I admire fidelity and loyalty but on the other hand, I could not understand how a cultivated woman could stay with a cheating boyfriend. I had the same feelings I got with “Collide” by Gail McHugh. This last book was a huge success but it grated on my nerves all along, with the heroine being a doormat.
I won’t say Tara is a doormat, she still go out with her friends, keeps her job even under the pressure of her boyfriend but the point is, I was furious with her as she was manipulated. Until I learned the reason why and I got one of the “layers beneath” …
From that moment on, I could grasp why she chose to stay and how hard it was for her to resist her heart and not go with Nick.
After a first “tentative” chapter, I fell in the story and had some intense scenes (outside the club against a car, in the penthouse, when Nick showed some possessive traits, when Alex showed his true face…).
I was a little disappointed as I thought Nick uncovered and “solved” Tara’s secret a little too quickly. Not too early in the book but the scenes flew by and there was potential to make it more suspenseful and grittier. But who am I to judge, I’ve never written a single book in my life!
So, I don’t regret reading this book as it made my blood boil. I also love being surprised in a book and what a surprise it was! I’ll read book 2 as I think the story will have many, many twists and turns.
I got this book in exchange for an honest review and honestly, I wanted to give it 3 stars (not a bad work for a first creation) but then, I hit the last pages and I was all “Oh my God! This is brilliant! I did not see it coming!”. It ends on a 5 Machiavellian stars of a cliffhanger. And now I understand the title…
This book is the first one published by this author. Some chapters have room for improvement while others are really good and the end is incredible.
Tara, not really tall but curvy has found a new job and it’s her first day as a paralegal in her new firm. She is trapped in a relationship that’s no longer a relationship. From the very beginning, I wanted to slap her boyfriend. He had some nerves! I could not understand why she stayed with him. Of course, all is explained later and it was written “on purpose”.
Tara will literally collide with a handsome hunk of a man: tall, strong, dark hair, green eyes…you get the picture. This man, Nick, is her new boss and a hotshot lawyer.
As they were instantly attracted to each other, he’ll relentlessly pursue Tara. But she resists strongly because she is “not that kind of a woman”, so not the cheating type. I hate cheating in books, it’s a huge no, no for me so I could admire her for her will but I could not understand why she did not leave her horrible boyfriend. For the love of God woman, let that douchebag go. Kick him in the nuts, that’s all he deserves!
I was constantly torn. On one hand, I admire fidelity and loyalty but on the other hand, I could not understand how a cultivated woman could stay with a cheating boyfriend. I had the same feelings I got with “Collide” by Gail McHugh. This last book was a huge success but it grated on my nerves all along, with the heroine being a doormat.
I won’t say Tara is a doormat, she still go out with her friends, keeps her job even under the pressure of her boyfriend but the point is, I was furious with her as she was manipulated. Until I learned the reason why and I got one of the “layers beneath” …
From that moment on, I could grasp why she chose to stay and how hard it was for her to resist her heart and not go with Nick.
After a first “tentative” chapter, I fell in the story and had some intense scenes (outside the club against a car, in the penthouse, when Nick showed some possessive traits, when Alex showed his true face…).
I was a little disappointed as I thought Nick uncovered and “solved” Tara’s secret a little too quickly. Not too early in the book but the scenes flew by and there was potential to make it more suspenseful and grittier. But who am I to judge, I’ve never written a single book in my life!
So, I don’t regret reading this book as it made my blood boil. I also love being surprised in a book and what a surprise it was! I’ll read book 2 as I think the story will have many, many twists and turns.
August 23, 2015
Omg, sorry if this review doesn’t make sense. Just finished & my minds jumbled everywhere…
Beneath The layers, a tremendous title for a shocking book!!
The ending surprised me, shocked me, tore me & gutted me.
After everything Tara has gone thru life isn’t done with her yet.
Stuck with Alex, her first love,first everything.
One night definitely cemented both together. For life. Do death do them part.
Only nothing as it it seems. Alex having a piece on the side. Tara feeling raw & being none the wiser, believes every word Alex has ever fed her.
For Tara a new job means a new start in life. NOT!!!
Betrayal, lies, deceit, lies & revelations.
Tara can’t catch a break.
Nicholas is an attorney who’s attracted to Tara. Love at first sight.
Only he’s holding secrets.
The ending will blow you away. I wanted to scream “NO NO NO NO”
Holy freaking hells bells, please I need a happy less scaring ending.
Hurry book 2!!!
I was graciously gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Beneath The layers, a tremendous title for a shocking book!!
The ending surprised me, shocked me, tore me & gutted me.
After everything Tara has gone thru life isn’t done with her yet.
Stuck with Alex, her first love,first everything.
One night definitely cemented both together. For life. Do death do them part.
Only nothing as it it seems. Alex having a piece on the side. Tara feeling raw & being none the wiser, believes every word Alex has ever fed her.
For Tara a new job means a new start in life. NOT!!!
Betrayal, lies, deceit, lies & revelations.
Tara can’t catch a break.
Nicholas is an attorney who’s attracted to Tara. Love at first sight.
Only he’s holding secrets.
The ending will blow you away. I wanted to scream “NO NO NO NO”
Holy freaking hells bells, please I need a happy less scaring ending.
Hurry book 2!!!
I was graciously gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is Mia Rivers debut novel and it was a great debut. It had plot and character and emotion in it. This book kept me turning pages so I could see what happened and what Tara's secret was. You could feel the tension between the characters, especially Nick and Tara. While this book most definitely had some really steamy scenes, it wasn't just steamy scene after steamy scene, there was also a plot to it; a story. The steam was definitely there but there was more to the book than just that. And the ending was extremely unexpected. I'm eagerly awaiting book two.
Review On: http://girlwithapenandadream.blogspot...
This is Mia Rivers debut novel and it was a great debut. It had plot and character and emotion in it. This book kept me turning pages so I could see what happened and what Tara's secret was. You could feel the tension between the characters, especially Nick and Tara. While this book most definitely had some really steamy scenes, it wasn't just steamy scene after steamy scene, there was also a plot to it; a story. The steam was definitely there but there was more to the book than just that. And the ending was extremely unexpected. I'm eagerly awaiting book two.
Review On: http://girlwithapenandadream.blogspot...
April 20, 2015
(Arc kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
It was a quick enjoyable read.
There was a lot going on in book, so many twists and layers to the story.
Quite a few characters in play as well.
As this is the start of a series/trilogy is there is loads of stuff unfinished/just beginning/only partly explained.
It ends with a huge drama and a cliff hanger.
I look forward to reading the next book and seeing what happens!
"Karma was a bitch and it bit you in the ass when you least expected it. It was very unfortunate for those who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Because when karma came storming through, it would take down whoever stood in its way."
It was a quick enjoyable read.
There was a lot going on in book, so many twists and layers to the story.
Quite a few characters in play as well.
As this is the start of a series/trilogy is there is loads of stuff unfinished/just beginning/only partly explained.
It ends with a huge drama and a cliff hanger.
I look forward to reading the next book and seeing what happens!
"Karma was a bitch and it bit you in the ass when you least expected it. It was very unfortunate for those who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Because when karma came storming through, it would take down whoever stood in its way."
January 9, 2015
An amazing debut novel by Mia Rivers!
Secrets get revealed piece by piece throughout this sexy story of Tara the beautiful, yet troubled paralegal and her sexy new boss Nick. Instant attraction. He swoops in to rescue her, just from what..he's not quite sure yet.
Heated encounters and nights out in the Miami club scene keep this book moving fast. Until slam...the ending!!
HOLY CRAP!! You will NOT see it coming!!
This is one you must add to your TBR list!!
*I received an ARC of this book from the author. #lucky
Secrets get revealed piece by piece throughout this sexy story of Tara the beautiful, yet troubled paralegal and her sexy new boss Nick. Instant attraction. He swoops in to rescue her, just from what..he's not quite sure yet.
Heated encounters and nights out in the Miami club scene keep this book moving fast. Until slam...the ending!!
HOLY CRAP!! You will NOT see it coming!!
This is one you must add to your TBR list!!
*I received an ARC of this book from the author. #lucky
April 16, 2015
Oh my god what a debut. Seriously this author took a book and smacked me around the face with it. I would never have guessed that it was her first book and I can sure tell you it wont be her last.
What can I saw without giving to much away. Nothing much really other than if you like hot men in suits secrets and shocks then this is right up your street. I loved this book and highly recommended it. Mia Rivers has definitely earn her one click stop on my amazon account.Oh and nick earned a place in my book boyfriend club.
What can I saw without giving to much away. Nothing much really other than if you like hot men in suits secrets and shocks then this is right up your street. I loved this book and highly recommended it. Mia Rivers has definitely earn her one click stop on my amazon account.Oh and nick earned a place in my book boyfriend club.
January 22, 2015
An exciting debut from Mia Rivers!
Beneath the Layers is a fast paced, heart racing, dive worthy read! From start to finish, I couldn't get enough of it. I devoured it in a few hours and was reeling for days with an intense book hangover! Even now, I sit, anxiously awaiting book two, dying to know the outcome of one of the most amazing and hauntingly delicious twists I have ever encountered! Beneath the Layers will entrap your in it's seduction and leave you begging for more!
One of the best new debuts of 2015!
Beneath the Layers is a fast paced, heart racing, dive worthy read! From start to finish, I couldn't get enough of it. I devoured it in a few hours and was reeling for days with an intense book hangover! Even now, I sit, anxiously awaiting book two, dying to know the outcome of one of the most amazing and hauntingly delicious twists I have ever encountered! Beneath the Layers will entrap your in it's seduction and leave you begging for more!
One of the best new debuts of 2015!
March 5, 2015
Beneath the Layers from Mia Rivers
Suspenseful Debut! Nick and Tara are awesome and the OMG ending will have you on the edge of your seat!
Suspenseful Debut! Nick and Tara are awesome and the OMG ending will have you on the edge of your seat!
January 10, 2015
This is an amazing debut novel from Mia Rivers. As the synopsis tells you, Tara has a secret, a big one, and wait until you find out what it is. I was itching to know the secret the whole time I was reading while simultaneously wanting to punch and steal her hot boss. I spent most of the book guessing, and I was still surprised when the big reveal came.
These characters were smart and relatable with differences that ran so deep, I felt like I knew them. In every way Alex was lacking, Tara had Nick to make up for it. I also loves Tara's girl time and how it showed her personality in a different light.
Over all, this story was intriguing and sexy, and I couldn't get enough…can't get enough. I can't wait for the next book especially since this one leaves you hanging with the biggest reveal yet. While the story is complete, a little cliffhanger is thrown in at the end to set up the next book. Now I am dying to know what happens while being completely satisfied with part 1.
These characters were smart and relatable with differences that ran so deep, I felt like I knew them. In every way Alex was lacking, Tara had Nick to make up for it. I also loves Tara's girl time and how it showed her personality in a different light.
Over all, this story was intriguing and sexy, and I couldn't get enough…can't get enough. I can't wait for the next book especially since this one leaves you hanging with the biggest reveal yet. While the story is complete, a little cliffhanger is thrown in at the end to set up the next book. Now I am dying to know what happens while being completely satisfied with part 1.
January 12, 2015
This was a great debut novel by Mia Rivers!
I love the element of secrecy. It adds so much depth to a novel. Tara's secret - which taunted me from the beginning - definitely didn't disappoint. I experienced angst and frustration right along with the characters. The forbidden romance? Definitely a fan of that as well! Gotta love the rich, hot bosses who lust after their associates.
The characters were relatable and multi-dimensional and I found their interactions very entertaining. The story was steamy and sexy in all the right places, and the ending? LOVED!!! I didn't see it coming. AT ALL.
I can't wait to see what's in store next for our heroine....
I love the element of secrecy. It adds so much depth to a novel. Tara's secret - which taunted me from the beginning - definitely didn't disappoint. I experienced angst and frustration right along with the characters. The forbidden romance? Definitely a fan of that as well! Gotta love the rich, hot bosses who lust after their associates.
The characters were relatable and multi-dimensional and I found their interactions very entertaining. The story was steamy and sexy in all the right places, and the ending? LOVED!!! I didn't see it coming. AT ALL.
I can't wait to see what's in store next for our heroine....
September 5, 2016
I did something I dont often do, that is start/read a book without knowing a lot about it. This is the debut novel of Mia Rivers, and normally before starting a book by a new author I do some research (to make sure I am not going to DNF half way through it).
I am really happy that I have decided to read this book, I really liked it. The writing style was easy to follow and read. Also I wasnt annoyed with either of the main characters. I really liked Tara for being independent and not swooning all over the handsome alpha male Nicholas. I have read LOTS of books where the heroine has NO backbone (insta love) and it becomes kind of boring. What I also loved were the few glances we got into Nicholas' mind, I wish we had a few more chapters in his POV!!
I loved that Tara was a 27 years old and not fresh from college. Her bff's were really fun and I wouldnt mind them getting their own story.
I also really liked that there was this secret, we got a few hints along the way but it took some chapters before it was fully revealed.
The epilogue though OMGGGG!!!! I still cant believe what I've read, I cant believe Mia left us hanging like that. I need book #2 ASAP, seriously I need to know what is going to happen.. It was so unexpected and cleverly done by Mia!!
Mia Rivers is definitely an author to look out for!
April 12, 2015
Amazing! What a way to start a writing career!
This book was so much more than a girl and her boss. Tara has a big secret that could destroy her life and that of her mom's. You keep turning the pages to find out the secret. I could not get enough of this story. All the characters pull you in and you want more. Beneath the Layers leaves you with some unanswered questions along with a ending I never saw coming! OMG!!! Now I'm just waiting for the next book and anything else Mia Rivers is writing!
Copy provided by author
This book was so much more than a girl and her boss. Tara has a big secret that could destroy her life and that of her mom's. You keep turning the pages to find out the secret. I could not get enough of this story. All the characters pull you in and you want more. Beneath the Layers leaves you with some unanswered questions along with a ending I never saw coming! OMG!!! Now I'm just waiting for the next book and anything else Mia Rivers is writing!
Copy provided by author
April 11, 2015
Oh my goodness - I cannot believe this is a debut novel! I ended up reading this book all in one sitting, staying up late! I was involved from the beginning and just couldn't leave it. Several surprises (one that I did NOT see coming), and it flows well, not too fast or slow. My only complaint is that there is no HEA (happily ever after) and while I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger, the story does not come to a close - there is another book in the works. That said, I LOVED it and am looking forward to continuation.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2015
Wow. I really enjoyed this book. It's a story about secrets that both characters are dealing with and slowly as you read along they begin to unravel and then she hits you with an ending I did not see coming. I think the author outdid herself for being her first book. Left me wanting more, can't wait to read more from her.
January 26, 2015
It is hard to believe that this is a debut novel for her. She did an excellent job.
I truly enjoyed this story but I must say......The ending will shock the crap out of you. Man, I did not see that coming. This is a book that will leave you wanting more. ENJOY!!!!!
I truly enjoyed this story but I must say......The ending will shock the crap out of you. Man, I did not see that coming. This is a book that will leave you wanting more. ENJOY!!!!!
April 9, 2015
Review to follow. Nice little mind fuck at the end.
April 17, 2015
*Arc given by author for honest review blah! blah! would have totally purchased it if i knew it was going to be this good...*
Okay! First let me say, I love books book I don't give a book 5 stars that easily. I'm not one of those who just will nit pick and down talk someone else' hard work but I loved this story.
The love story. The chemistry between Nick and Tara, and the twist! Ugh!!!! Mouth hit the floor.
Scrolled to the end of the book....flipped the Kindle over....Screamed....fetal position all of that!!! Loved it!!! Part 2!!!!
Okay! First let me say, I love books book I don't give a book 5 stars that easily. I'm not one of those who just will nit pick and down talk someone else' hard work but I loved this story.
The love story. The chemistry between Nick and Tara, and the twist! Ugh!!!! Mouth hit the floor.
Scrolled to the end of the book....flipped the Kindle over....Screamed....fetal position all of that!!! Loved it!!! Part 2!!!!
April 12, 2015
Awesome Book!! Mia Rivers is an author to keep an eye on! With her debut novel I was totally sucked into her work and was getting anxiety at the end..i did not want it to end! The characters are very likable and Nick oh my is he an alpha!! Perfect amount of drama, chemistry, sexiness, and fun; Mia's "Beneath the Layers" will not disappoint. I have made Mia River's her own collection on my kindle..I cannot wait to add more of her to it!!
January 8, 2015
Beta read. Awesome book. Fantastic characters, brilliant plot. Needs to be on your one-click list xxx
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