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Beneath The Skin
Flying Doctor Elly Lavender has spent years on the run from a violent stalker. Her obsessive former patient will do anything and threaten anyone in his campaign to force her to love him. When her most recent cover is blown, she runs for help to the childhood friend she could never get out of her mind – outback cop Adam Jepson.
Isolated, hurting, all Adam Jepson wants is to forget. After the deaths of his wife and son three years before, he’s moved to the outback with his young daughter, Zoe, to put the past behind him for good. But when Elly walks into his station, she reminds him of all the childhood joy and love he’d forgotten. Soon, he’s lost in a desire he never knew could exist. And while his guilt at leaving Elly behind years ago, and the vow he’d made to his dying wife, means he can never be the man she needs, he can’t stop caring, can’t stop trying to make Elly’s life right. Though the whole town seems against them, he can’t stop wanting the forbidden.
But when anonymous harassment escalates to murder, Elly knows her presence in Macks Lake has put Adam and Zoe’s lives at risk. Everyone’s safer if she remains alone – a fact that her stalker is very much counting on as he gets ever closer to his prey...
Isolated, hurting, all Adam Jepson wants is to forget. After the deaths of his wife and son three years before, he’s moved to the outback with his young daughter, Zoe, to put the past behind him for good. But when Elly walks into his station, she reminds him of all the childhood joy and love he’d forgotten. Soon, he’s lost in a desire he never knew could exist. And while his guilt at leaving Elly behind years ago, and the vow he’d made to his dying wife, means he can never be the man she needs, he can’t stop caring, can’t stop trying to make Elly’s life right. Though the whole town seems against them, he can’t stop wanting the forbidden.
But when anonymous harassment escalates to murder, Elly knows her presence in Macks Lake has put Adam and Zoe’s lives at risk. Everyone’s safer if she remains alone – a fact that her stalker is very much counting on as he gets ever closer to his prey...
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 13, 2017
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Australian romantic suspense is one of my favourite genres and it is always a pleasure when a new writer emerges on the scene. Beneath the Skin is written by Australian author Melissa James, who is an established author also writing under the name of Lisa Chaplin. After achieving publishing success with Mills & Boon romance titles and ancient historical fiction, Melissa James has now turned her hand to contemporary Australian fiction, with a focus on romantic suspense.
In this spellbinding outback suspense novel, we meet Elly Lavender, who is a flying doctor. Elly has a violent stalker on her tail and as a result, she has had to flee from one place to another, to avoid detection. When Elly’s last secret place of hiding is exposed, she decides to seek help from an old childhood friend Adam Jepson, who also happens to be a police officer. However, Adam has personal demons of his own, following the loss of his wife and son three years ago. Adam now lives a quiet life in the outback with Zoe, his only daughter and family left. When Elly re-enters his life, Adam wrestles between the guilt he feels over not helping Elly enough years ago and the loyalty he still has to his wife. With high emotion and forbidden attraction on the cards for Elly and Adam, they must also navigate a town which is highly against their pairing, contend with a murder and thwart a very determined stalker. All these strains put Adam’s family and this couple’s lives at risk, if they are to give in to their passions and move to a future together.
Beneath the Skin is my introduction to the work of Melissa James and I do hope it marks the start of a new reading relationship with this skilled Australian writer. As soon as I had a glimpse of the cover and blurb of this book, I was certain I was going to enjoy reading Beneath the Skin. It is a pleasure to read a suspense novel that is written and presented well. Melissa James has a strong writing style that is ideally suited to the genre in which she is writing, Australian romantic suspense. What I appreciated most about this book was the drip feed style suspense aspect in this book, which aided in cracking the secrets and twists hidden within this novel. I will admit to having to sneak more page and chapter in while I was reading this hooking novel!
I loved that Beneath the Skin offered the reader a fine example of Australian romantic suspense, but at the same time, it was novel that was skilfully able to incorporate a number of sub or connecting genres within the book’s consuming plot. With sidelines of crime, romance, culture, Australian history, family, loss and mental illness at the core of this novel, it is extremely hard not to get swept up in the plot of Beneath the Skin. Those who enjoy more romance in their romantic suspense novels will the pleased with this offering. There is plenty of sexual tension evident in this book and the off-limits romance that develops between the leads presents the reader with an array of relationship woes and passionate scenes to contend with!
One of the shining aspects of Beneath the Skin and I topic I hold in high regard is the history and the focus on our ongoing state of relations with the indigenous population. James uses Beneath the Skin as a vehicle to highlight our treatment of the indigenous, both in our shameful past and the present day. Through the characters in this novel and the exploration James offers into their pasts, we get a glimpse into the heartbreaking stolen generation. James uses Beneath the Skin as a means to highlight the impact that this shameful policy has had on each generation and family touched by this government measure. It is a contentious issue and one that often incites very passionate viewpoints. For me personally, in reference to this novel, I believe James handled this aspect of the novel with the exact level of poise and insight it deserves.
Characterisation is solid in Beneath the Skin. Elly in particular is a protagonist crafted with care and detail. It is easy to sympathise with the awful predicament Elly found herself in, constantly living in fear of her life due to her stalker. James employs the use of an effective style of narration, first person, which alternates between four main players in the story. This style of narration gives James the room to really get beneath the skin of her key protagonists and consequently gives the reader a solid understanding of the thoughts and inner processes of each of the characters James is working to portray. The stalker is one of these characters that James is able to bring to life and I found his narration quite chilling.
Beneath the Skin is a novel packed with relevant issues that highlight the problems faced by many outback remote communities. James works to build our sense of understanding for the medical strains and lack of essential services faced by remote communities such as Macks Lake. Adam’s position as an outback cop helps to construct an appreciation for the work conditions remote area police officers face. It is clear in these aspects of the plot that hardship is a part of the fabric in these isolated outback communities.
A first-rate Australian romantic suspense novel, Beneath the Skin is a book that kept my eyes glued to the pages of this unfolding tension filled story. Melissa James has demonstrated that she is an author to watch in the contemporary Australian fiction field with this polished title.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Australian romantic suspense is one of my favourite genres and it is always a pleasure when a new writer emerges on the scene. Beneath the Skin is written by Australian author Melissa James, who is an established author also writing under the name of Lisa Chaplin. After achieving publishing success with Mills & Boon romance titles and ancient historical fiction, Melissa James has now turned her hand to contemporary Australian fiction, with a focus on romantic suspense.
In this spellbinding outback suspense novel, we meet Elly Lavender, who is a flying doctor. Elly has a violent stalker on her tail and as a result, she has had to flee from one place to another, to avoid detection. When Elly’s last secret place of hiding is exposed, she decides to seek help from an old childhood friend Adam Jepson, who also happens to be a police officer. However, Adam has personal demons of his own, following the loss of his wife and son three years ago. Adam now lives a quiet life in the outback with Zoe, his only daughter and family left. When Elly re-enters his life, Adam wrestles between the guilt he feels over not helping Elly enough years ago and the loyalty he still has to his wife. With high emotion and forbidden attraction on the cards for Elly and Adam, they must also navigate a town which is highly against their pairing, contend with a murder and thwart a very determined stalker. All these strains put Adam’s family and this couple’s lives at risk, if they are to give in to their passions and move to a future together.
Beneath the Skin is my introduction to the work of Melissa James and I do hope it marks the start of a new reading relationship with this skilled Australian writer. As soon as I had a glimpse of the cover and blurb of this book, I was certain I was going to enjoy reading Beneath the Skin. It is a pleasure to read a suspense novel that is written and presented well. Melissa James has a strong writing style that is ideally suited to the genre in which she is writing, Australian romantic suspense. What I appreciated most about this book was the drip feed style suspense aspect in this book, which aided in cracking the secrets and twists hidden within this novel. I will admit to having to sneak more page and chapter in while I was reading this hooking novel!
I loved that Beneath the Skin offered the reader a fine example of Australian romantic suspense, but at the same time, it was novel that was skilfully able to incorporate a number of sub or connecting genres within the book’s consuming plot. With sidelines of crime, romance, culture, Australian history, family, loss and mental illness at the core of this novel, it is extremely hard not to get swept up in the plot of Beneath the Skin. Those who enjoy more romance in their romantic suspense novels will the pleased with this offering. There is plenty of sexual tension evident in this book and the off-limits romance that develops between the leads presents the reader with an array of relationship woes and passionate scenes to contend with!
One of the shining aspects of Beneath the Skin and I topic I hold in high regard is the history and the focus on our ongoing state of relations with the indigenous population. James uses Beneath the Skin as a vehicle to highlight our treatment of the indigenous, both in our shameful past and the present day. Through the characters in this novel and the exploration James offers into their pasts, we get a glimpse into the heartbreaking stolen generation. James uses Beneath the Skin as a means to highlight the impact that this shameful policy has had on each generation and family touched by this government measure. It is a contentious issue and one that often incites very passionate viewpoints. For me personally, in reference to this novel, I believe James handled this aspect of the novel with the exact level of poise and insight it deserves.
Characterisation is solid in Beneath the Skin. Elly in particular is a protagonist crafted with care and detail. It is easy to sympathise with the awful predicament Elly found herself in, constantly living in fear of her life due to her stalker. James employs the use of an effective style of narration, first person, which alternates between four main players in the story. This style of narration gives James the room to really get beneath the skin of her key protagonists and consequently gives the reader a solid understanding of the thoughts and inner processes of each of the characters James is working to portray. The stalker is one of these characters that James is able to bring to life and I found his narration quite chilling.
Beneath the Skin is a novel packed with relevant issues that highlight the problems faced by many outback remote communities. James works to build our sense of understanding for the medical strains and lack of essential services faced by remote communities such as Macks Lake. Adam’s position as an outback cop helps to construct an appreciation for the work conditions remote area police officers face. It is clear in these aspects of the plot that hardship is a part of the fabric in these isolated outback communities.
A first-rate Australian romantic suspense novel, Beneath the Skin is a book that kept my eyes glued to the pages of this unfolding tension filled story. Melissa James has demonstrated that she is an author to watch in the contemporary Australian fiction field with this polished title.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
June 22, 2018
Dr Elly Lavender is on the run from an obsessive stalker and has been running for some years. Desperate for help, she finds herself fleeing to the one person she is sure she can trust, even though she has not seen him for a long time. So she ends up in Macks Lake where her childhood friend Adam Jepson is a police officer. Adam moved to the outback after the death of his wife and son three year earlier. His aim is to give his daughter Zoe a secure life and for him to put the past behind him. But when Elly walks into his station, he begins to realise the past is still with him in so many ways. Guilt consumes him along with an attraction to Elly he cannot hide, much as he tries to. When Elly’s life is threatened as the stalker moves closer, Adam is forced to make some tough choices. Choices that could put his life and Zoe’s at risk. Who can he trust? And why is his mate Rick behaving so oddly especially since Elly arrived in Macks Lake?
This novel is filled with tension from start to finish. As well as learning what is going on with Adam and Elly, the reader is also exposed to the thoughts and plans of her stalker and the inner voice that too often directs him to evil. Various people lose their lives as the stalker seeks to implement his plans for Elly. I found this a gripping read with strong and likeable main characters in Adam and Elly. Elly in particular has a heart for those in need. Rick remains very much an enigma for a long while and that provides interest too.
The stalker is controlled by an inner voice and another person from afar is also a threatening presence. Dark themes of abuse, manipulation and obsession are in evidence throughout and guaranteed I would keep turning the pages. At times I did feel there was a bit too much repetition of certain things to do with Elly and Adam’s relationship, and some aspects of the ending seemed a bit over the top. But all in all, this was a suspenseful read.
I also liked the descriptions of the outback and learning about the customs and issues relating to our Indigenous people. More than one person in this story is mentally unstable and getting inside the head of them, as well as finding out things from Elly and Adam’s point of view, added impact to the story. This is a gripping read and I was glad I invested the time in reading it. If you like romantic suspense with a bit of a twist you should enjoy this one as I did.
This novel is filled with tension from start to finish. As well as learning what is going on with Adam and Elly, the reader is also exposed to the thoughts and plans of her stalker and the inner voice that too often directs him to evil. Various people lose their lives as the stalker seeks to implement his plans for Elly. I found this a gripping read with strong and likeable main characters in Adam and Elly. Elly in particular has a heart for those in need. Rick remains very much an enigma for a long while and that provides interest too.
The stalker is controlled by an inner voice and another person from afar is also a threatening presence. Dark themes of abuse, manipulation and obsession are in evidence throughout and guaranteed I would keep turning the pages. At times I did feel there was a bit too much repetition of certain things to do with Elly and Adam’s relationship, and some aspects of the ending seemed a bit over the top. But all in all, this was a suspenseful read.
I also liked the descriptions of the outback and learning about the customs and issues relating to our Indigenous people. More than one person in this story is mentally unstable and getting inside the head of them, as well as finding out things from Elly and Adam’s point of view, added impact to the story. This is a gripping read and I was glad I invested the time in reading it. If you like romantic suspense with a bit of a twist you should enjoy this one as I did.
July 26, 2021
Holy crap, this was awful! So awful!
Elly Lavender, previously known as Janie Larkins, has been on the run for several years from Danny Spencer, whose life she once saved through her work as a doctor. He comes from a rich family, is obsessed with her, and wants to have a child with her, an ambition fully supported and funded by his evil, narcissistic grandfather.
Elly heads to Mack's Lake in NSW to seek help from Adam Jepson, the boy she was in love with as a teenager when adopted by some of his family members. She has never forgiven him for marrying another girl when he was 20 and Elly was 15. (Boy, she really, really, really hasn't forgiven him.) Sparks are reunited, of course, but how close is Danny Spencer to finding her and ruining everything?
What. The. Actual. Fuck.
This was just truly awful in every regard. Adam was likeable enough (and I felt bad for him having to jump through the million hoops Elly put in front of him), but all the other characters were annoying or stereotypical. There is some interest in Elly's feelings of not belonging in either of the worlds she lives in, due to her mixed Aboriginal heritage, but this can't overcome the fact she comes across as both an apparent saint and a horribly entitled woman.
Elly Lavender, previously known as Janie Larkins, has been on the run for several years from Danny Spencer, whose life she once saved through her work as a doctor. He comes from a rich family, is obsessed with her, and wants to have a child with her, an ambition fully supported and funded by his evil, narcissistic grandfather.
Elly heads to Mack's Lake in NSW to seek help from Adam Jepson, the boy she was in love with as a teenager when adopted by some of his family members. She has never forgiven him for marrying another girl when he was 20 and Elly was 15. (Boy, she really, really, really hasn't forgiven him.) Sparks are reunited, of course, but how close is Danny Spencer to finding her and ruining everything?
What. The. Actual. Fuck.
This was just truly awful in every regard. Adam was likeable enough (and I felt bad for him having to jump through the million hoops Elly put in front of him), but all the other characters were annoying or stereotypical. There is some interest in Elly's feelings of not belonging in either of the worlds she lives in, due to her mixed Aboriginal heritage, but this can't overcome the fact she comes across as both an apparent saint and a horribly entitled woman.
August 6, 2017
Right from the outset with Beneath the Skin, you know you’re in the hands of a skilled writer, one who knows exactly how to hook you, how to keep you turning the pages deep into the night, and how to spill all the secrets at just the right time. This is my first Melissa James novel but it most certainly will not be my last.
With a tension filled plot and realistically crafted characters, Beneath the Skin is a stand out novel within the romantic suspense genre. There’s so much depth to this novel and Melissa’s passion for improving the lives of Australians living in rural and remote areas – as detailed in her author’s note – blazes through the story, infusing every part of it with relevance and significance. Issues relating to Indigenous Australians are handled with a perfect balance of sensitivity and truth. Tackling the ongoing ripple effect of the Stolen Generation and weaving it into a commercial novel is no small feat and it’s testimony to Melissa’s strength as a writer that she has not only done this, but done it exceptionally well.
I enjoyed the way Melissa told the story, alternating between Elly, Adam, Danny the stalker, and later, Rick. I am a fan of multiple perspectives though, as you always seem to get a more balanced feel for a story when you can get into the heads of all the major players. In a novel such as this one too, where a sustained threat is imminent throughout, alternating perspectives introduces an evolving element into the story that may have otherwise been missed. We have the constant fear Elly lives with being magnified as the story progresses, as we, the readers, begin to clearly see just how out of touch with reality her stalker is. Without having had the benefit of being inside of Danny’s head from time to time, the danger he posed as his wits deteriorated may have been minimised, which would have reduced the suspense throughout the entire novel significantly.
There are a few clever and unexpected twists within Beneath the Skin and more than one crazy person to deal with, but to say much more would be skating into spoiler territory and this is not a novel you want spoiled! Suffice to say, it is a novel that will keep you enthralled from start to finish and should satisfy readers who enjoy multiple genres rolled into one. A very fine commercial fiction debut from an established author; I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to experience more of this type of fiction from Melissa James in the not too distant future.
Thanks is extended to the author for gifting me with a copy of Beneath the Skin for review.
Beneath the Skin is book 49 in my 2017 Australian Women Writers Challenge.
With a tension filled plot and realistically crafted characters, Beneath the Skin is a stand out novel within the romantic suspense genre. There’s so much depth to this novel and Melissa’s passion for improving the lives of Australians living in rural and remote areas – as detailed in her author’s note – blazes through the story, infusing every part of it with relevance and significance. Issues relating to Indigenous Australians are handled with a perfect balance of sensitivity and truth. Tackling the ongoing ripple effect of the Stolen Generation and weaving it into a commercial novel is no small feat and it’s testimony to Melissa’s strength as a writer that she has not only done this, but done it exceptionally well.
I enjoyed the way Melissa told the story, alternating between Elly, Adam, Danny the stalker, and later, Rick. I am a fan of multiple perspectives though, as you always seem to get a more balanced feel for a story when you can get into the heads of all the major players. In a novel such as this one too, where a sustained threat is imminent throughout, alternating perspectives introduces an evolving element into the story that may have otherwise been missed. We have the constant fear Elly lives with being magnified as the story progresses, as we, the readers, begin to clearly see just how out of touch with reality her stalker is. Without having had the benefit of being inside of Danny’s head from time to time, the danger he posed as his wits deteriorated may have been minimised, which would have reduced the suspense throughout the entire novel significantly.
There are a few clever and unexpected twists within Beneath the Skin and more than one crazy person to deal with, but to say much more would be skating into spoiler territory and this is not a novel you want spoiled! Suffice to say, it is a novel that will keep you enthralled from start to finish and should satisfy readers who enjoy multiple genres rolled into one. A very fine commercial fiction debut from an established author; I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to experience more of this type of fiction from Melissa James in the not too distant future.
Thanks is extended to the author for gifting me with a copy of Beneath the Skin for review.
Beneath the Skin is book 49 in my 2017 Australian Women Writers Challenge.
August 7, 2017
This was a really good romantic suspense novel with an emphasis on suspense. I enjoyed the way the story was told from the main 3 or 4 characters view points. Getting into the head of Danny throughout the story really added to the suspense and was quite scary to see how mentally unwell he was. I was extremely interested in Melissa's portrayal of Elly as a Koori woman and found learning about the aboriginal ways and culture very interesting. There are some big topics covered in this book and I thought it was all sewn together really well. I was definitely hooked on finding out what happened next. I look forward to reading more by Melissa James
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for a copy to review
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for a copy to review
December 9, 2018
A life lived on the run from an obsessive monster of a man collides with a figure from her past that the key character cannot forget.
An interesting mix of Aboriginal history and small country town culture.
An interesting mix of Aboriginal history and small country town culture.
August 10, 2017
Unfortunately I just could not get into this book. The characters and the flow of the novel just didn't connect for me.
December 30, 2017
Implausible plot held together by simple writing style and some inauthentic dialogue.
May 11, 2018
Not boring; suspense was really stupid, unnecessary weird ...plus dead wife took over 50% of book
May 16, 2018
Hmmm....overall the story was good, but I really didn't like the way the author wrote...far too Mills & Boonsy for me I'm afraid.
August 15, 2017
Book blurb...
I’m coming for you. This time, it’s forever…’
Flying Doctor Elly Lavender has spent years on the run from a violent stalker. Her obsessive former patient will do anything and threaten anyone in his campaign to force her to love him. When her most recent cover is blown, she runs for help to the childhood friend she could never get out of her mind — outback cop Adam Jepson.
Isolated, hurting, all Adam wants is to forget. After the deaths of his wife and son three years before, he’s moved to the outback with his young daughter, Zoe, to put the past behind him for good. But when Elly walks into his station, she reminds him of all the childhood joy and love he’d forgotten. Soon, he’s lost in a desire he never knew could exist. And while his guilt at leaving Elly behind years ago and the vow he made to his dying wife means he can never be the man she needs, he can’t stop caring, can’t stop trying to make Elly’s life right. Though the whole town seems against them, he can’t stop wanting the forbidden.
But when anonymous harassment escalates to murder, Elly knows her presence in Macks Lake has put Adam and Zoe’s lives at risk. Everyone’s safer if she remains alone — a fact that her stalker is very much counting on as he gets ever closer to his prey…
My thoughts…
The characters in Beneath the Skin are haunted by their past, and by decisions made (both their family's and their own). The two main characters, Adam and Elly, are young (first loves) but their backgrounds and their families mean their fate is uncertain.
Adam, as an adult, has a very emotional journey and this had the greatest impact on me. The male point of view was well handled and added to the authenticity the author delivers. The writing has some beautiful prose, despite the darkness of the plot. With Elly I did feel like I was on a seesaw quite a bit: Will she stay? Will she go? Will she live or will she die? Even though throughout the story readers are constantly reminded about the characters’ earliest childhood love (and how this determines their futures), by books-end I had a better understanding of Elly and her issues.
Overall, this novel is easy to follow and one for readers who enjoy the pursuit of the bad guy along mixed in with the love of the good guy.
This review is also published on my blog http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
I’m coming for you. This time, it’s forever…’
Flying Doctor Elly Lavender has spent years on the run from a violent stalker. Her obsessive former patient will do anything and threaten anyone in his campaign to force her to love him. When her most recent cover is blown, she runs for help to the childhood friend she could never get out of her mind — outback cop Adam Jepson.
Isolated, hurting, all Adam wants is to forget. After the deaths of his wife and son three years before, he’s moved to the outback with his young daughter, Zoe, to put the past behind him for good. But when Elly walks into his station, she reminds him of all the childhood joy and love he’d forgotten. Soon, he’s lost in a desire he never knew could exist. And while his guilt at leaving Elly behind years ago and the vow he made to his dying wife means he can never be the man she needs, he can’t stop caring, can’t stop trying to make Elly’s life right. Though the whole town seems against them, he can’t stop wanting the forbidden.
But when anonymous harassment escalates to murder, Elly knows her presence in Macks Lake has put Adam and Zoe’s lives at risk. Everyone’s safer if she remains alone — a fact that her stalker is very much counting on as he gets ever closer to his prey…
My thoughts…
The characters in Beneath the Skin are haunted by their past, and by decisions made (both their family's and their own). The two main characters, Adam and Elly, are young (first loves) but their backgrounds and their families mean their fate is uncertain.
Adam, as an adult, has a very emotional journey and this had the greatest impact on me. The male point of view was well handled and added to the authenticity the author delivers. The writing has some beautiful prose, despite the darkness of the plot. With Elly I did feel like I was on a seesaw quite a bit: Will she stay? Will she go? Will she live or will she die? Even though throughout the story readers are constantly reminded about the characters’ earliest childhood love (and how this determines their futures), by books-end I had a better understanding of Elly and her issues.
Overall, this novel is easy to follow and one for readers who enjoy the pursuit of the bad guy along mixed in with the love of the good guy.
This review is also published on my blog http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
August 21, 2017
Elly Lavender is on the run from a violent stalker.
The flying doctor has been having to cover her tracks to try and stop Danny Spencer from finding her.
The compassionate doctor cant help but stop in on remote Aboriginal community's as she flees (after all this is the reason she trained to be a doctor, helping those in need who don't see a doctor as often as others take for granted) making her easier for Danny to track.
Elly runs to Macks Lake where her childhood friend Adam Jepson is an outback cop.
Adam is a lost and hurting sole after his wife and son were tragically killed three years before, the once fast paced city detective is trying his best for his young daughter Zoe.
As the story unfolds we realise there is a bit more to Elly and Adams past than just being childhood friends. Both are holding back on there mutual attraction, Adam by a promise he made to his dying wife and Elly has been hurt by Adam in the past but also doesn't want to put him and Zoe at risk.
The story is also following Danny as he tracks Elly down and we get an insight into his messed up mind.
The longer Elly stays in Macks Lake the more likely it seems that someone else wants Elly out of town, running Elly out of town would play right into Danny's plans..
Does Elly run again to protect those she loves or will she stay?
I really enjoyed Beneath the Skin, there was so much more going on than just Danny stalking Elly and the romance between Adam and Elly.
Elly's childhood was filled with loss and abandonment, being aboriginal as well as white Elly felt she never quite fitted in in either world, this was explored and added an interesting element, there is also Adams story since Elly has last seen him.
Then there is the insight into Danny and his tragic childhood and the events that led him to being mentally unhinged.
All these things combine for a great read and some other twists in the story that you don't see coming leave you on the edge of your seat eager to turn the page.
Thanks to Harlequin and Beauty and Lace for the chance to read and review Beneath the Skin.
Original review can be found at http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
The flying doctor has been having to cover her tracks to try and stop Danny Spencer from finding her.
The compassionate doctor cant help but stop in on remote Aboriginal community's as she flees (after all this is the reason she trained to be a doctor, helping those in need who don't see a doctor as often as others take for granted) making her easier for Danny to track.
Elly runs to Macks Lake where her childhood friend Adam Jepson is an outback cop.
Adam is a lost and hurting sole after his wife and son were tragically killed three years before, the once fast paced city detective is trying his best for his young daughter Zoe.
As the story unfolds we realise there is a bit more to Elly and Adams past than just being childhood friends. Both are holding back on there mutual attraction, Adam by a promise he made to his dying wife and Elly has been hurt by Adam in the past but also doesn't want to put him and Zoe at risk.
The story is also following Danny as he tracks Elly down and we get an insight into his messed up mind.
The longer Elly stays in Macks Lake the more likely it seems that someone else wants Elly out of town, running Elly out of town would play right into Danny's plans..
Does Elly run again to protect those she loves or will she stay?
I really enjoyed Beneath the Skin, there was so much more going on than just Danny stalking Elly and the romance between Adam and Elly.
Elly's childhood was filled with loss and abandonment, being aboriginal as well as white Elly felt she never quite fitted in in either world, this was explored and added an interesting element, there is also Adams story since Elly has last seen him.
Then there is the insight into Danny and his tragic childhood and the events that led him to being mentally unhinged.
All these things combine for a great read and some other twists in the story that you don't see coming leave you on the edge of your seat eager to turn the page.
Thanks to Harlequin and Beauty and Lace for the chance to read and review Beneath the Skin.
Original review can be found at http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
Want to read
September 2, 2017Beneath The Skin is a suspenseful outback Australian romance written by Melissa James. With her strong writing and her suspenseful story line this story will keep you intrigued , she gives us crumbs along the way to intrigue the reader and have us wandering which way the story is going.
With great plot twists and a merry go round of events, the author pens many secrets within the pages.
And with a violent stalker among the midst Elly has to keep moving and fleeing from one place to the next. She Enlists the help of an old friend Adam. But what Elly doesn't know is that Adam also has demons of his very own.
The author delivers us a smorgasbord within, steamy romance, crime, suspense, family heartache, loss , and so much more. It will pull at your heart strings many a times watching Adam fight his inner demons from his past , and trying to move on with his future with out the guilt that consumes him.
Wasn't overfly fussed on a few aspects of the writing as in topics. As its a subject I am unsure how to mention I wont. The author did pin point these, but I don't agree on all of them so will withhold my thoughts.
The stalker was well detailed giving us that spooky , creepy , feel to him - he definitely come across in exactly the way the author penned.
Many aspects and points were outlined and penned , remote outback, lack of support and the medical restraints within the outback communities. Family, heartache and living in fear. But after it all there is light in the darkness so to speak.
With great plot twists and a merry go round of events, the author pens many secrets within the pages.
And with a violent stalker among the midst Elly has to keep moving and fleeing from one place to the next. She Enlists the help of an old friend Adam. But what Elly doesn't know is that Adam also has demons of his very own.
The author delivers us a smorgasbord within, steamy romance, crime, suspense, family heartache, loss , and so much more. It will pull at your heart strings many a times watching Adam fight his inner demons from his past , and trying to move on with his future with out the guilt that consumes him.
Wasn't overfly fussed on a few aspects of the writing as in topics. As its a subject I am unsure how to mention I wont. The author did pin point these, but I don't agree on all of them so will withhold my thoughts.
The stalker was well detailed giving us that spooky , creepy , feel to him - he definitely come across in exactly the way the author penned.
Many aspects and points were outlined and penned , remote outback, lack of support and the medical restraints within the outback communities. Family, heartache and living in fear. But after it all there is light in the darkness so to speak.
October 31, 2017
This is my first book I have read by Melissa James a romantic spence thriller set in the outback of Australia of Macks Lake. Elly Lavender a flying doctor who is on the run from a voilent stalker who she once treated and save his life after road side accident in Western Australia.
Elly returns to Macks Lake where she grew up as a child and enlists the help of her childhood friend Adam Jepson who she grew up with after her mother's death as she lived with his family and police Dective who is now widower and father of four year old daughter Zoe. Elly reminds of the childhood memories they had together and the family divide between them of him being white and her Indigenous heritage to the Koori people. Elly as doctor helps with Aboriginal people from communities in the area for their health care needs.
Elly Stalker escalates to murdering people along the way to find her but Elly finds it hard to trust Adam to protect her and keep himself and daughter safe she does not want be the cause of their deaths. Adam comes alive with Elly learns she is the one he has loved.
Melissa James has written this book very well Elly and Adams relationship shines through as well as Aboriginal people in the book and their ways. I would read this book again hope read more of Melissa James.
Elly returns to Macks Lake where she grew up as a child and enlists the help of her childhood friend Adam Jepson who she grew up with after her mother's death as she lived with his family and police Dective who is now widower and father of four year old daughter Zoe. Elly reminds of the childhood memories they had together and the family divide between them of him being white and her Indigenous heritage to the Koori people. Elly as doctor helps with Aboriginal people from communities in the area for their health care needs.
Elly Stalker escalates to murdering people along the way to find her but Elly finds it hard to trust Adam to protect her and keep himself and daughter safe she does not want be the cause of their deaths. Adam comes alive with Elly learns she is the one he has loved.
Melissa James has written this book very well Elly and Adams relationship shines through as well as Aboriginal people in the book and their ways. I would read this book again hope read more of Melissa James.
September 10, 2017
I received Beneath The Skin by Melissa James,
to Read and Review from Beauty and Lace Book Club and Harlequin Australia.
Beneath The Skin is described as "A gripping outback romantic suspense novel".
This is very true.
Elly Lavender is a Doctor and this is her latest identity.
She is on the run from a former Patient she treated who has fixtated on her.
He will do anything to anyone who he thinks is keeping Ely keep away from him.
Elly runs to a former childhood friend for help.
He is Adam, an outback Policeman.
Adam lost his wife and infant son three years previously
and has brought his surviving young daughter Zoe to the isolated outback town of Macks Lake.
When Elly appears, all the childhood feelings resurface for Adam.
The timing is very wrong for romance.
The incidents follow Elly from place to place,
the harassment escalates, the trail of bodies increase,
a chilling confrontation is building in Macks Lake
where Elly is finally face to face with her Stalker.
This is a memerorial book that touches many subjects
and will have you guessing until the chilling conclusion.
to Read and Review from Beauty and Lace Book Club and Harlequin Australia.
Beneath The Skin is described as "A gripping outback romantic suspense novel".
This is very true.
Elly Lavender is a Doctor and this is her latest identity.
She is on the run from a former Patient she treated who has fixtated on her.
He will do anything to anyone who he thinks is keeping Ely keep away from him.
Elly runs to a former childhood friend for help.
He is Adam, an outback Policeman.
Adam lost his wife and infant son three years previously
and has brought his surviving young daughter Zoe to the isolated outback town of Macks Lake.
When Elly appears, all the childhood feelings resurface for Adam.
The timing is very wrong for romance.
The incidents follow Elly from place to place,
the harassment escalates, the trail of bodies increase,
a chilling confrontation is building in Macks Lake
where Elly is finally face to face with her Stalker.
This is a memerorial book that touches many subjects
and will have you guessing until the chilling conclusion.
September 16, 2017
This wonderful novel is only available in Australia and New Zealand for now, but I won an signed copy sent by the author!
From the moment I opened BENEATH THE SKIN by Melissa James, I was caught up with the main character, Elly, a Flying Doctor with a lot of secrets and danger on her tail. You know immediately what kind of person she is by the way she treats others and she's the kind of person you'd want to call your friend. The author does an excellent job of humanizing all of the characters- even when you think the hero Adam has made a stupid choice, you recognize that this is what a real person might do- and the little girl Zoe is a delight- not precocious at all and understandably cautious around strangers.
The action is very well-paced and the intrigue is delivered from multiple directions, including one thread that ends in an unexpected but delightful twist. I definitely recommend getting the Kindle version until it's released here in the States.
From the moment I opened BENEATH THE SKIN by Melissa James, I was caught up with the main character, Elly, a Flying Doctor with a lot of secrets and danger on her tail. You know immediately what kind of person she is by the way she treats others and she's the kind of person you'd want to call your friend. The author does an excellent job of humanizing all of the characters- even when you think the hero Adam has made a stupid choice, you recognize that this is what a real person might do- and the little girl Zoe is a delight- not precocious at all and understandably cautious around strangers.
The action is very well-paced and the intrigue is delivered from multiple directions, including one thread that ends in an unexpected but delightful twist. I definitely recommend getting the Kindle version until it's released here in the States.
September 4, 2018
This romantic suspense has three points of view - the hero, the heroine, and the villain. The sub-plots are what makes this book special (the main suspense plot of the villain stalking the heroine is a bit same-same), and the way the characters deal with the unveiling of their own character is really interesting.
I also really enjoyed the Australian Indigenous representation (although I'm not the right person to determine if it's accurate), and love that a portion of this book's proceeds are going to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. This book adds depth to the Outback of Australia by adding in communities who are usually erased from Australian rural romance.
I also really enjoyed the Australian Indigenous representation (although I'm not the right person to determine if it's accurate), and love that a portion of this book's proceeds are going to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. This book adds depth to the Outback of Australia by adding in communities who are usually erased from Australian rural romance.
August 27, 2017
Beneath the Skin is my first novel by Melissa James and certainly wont be my last!
I really enjoyed the way this story was told. I found the way Melissa portrayed the characters and the aboriginal culture really interesting and kept me turning the page. There are alot of topics covered in this book but they all work seamlessly together and make a really intriguing read.
What a great Australian romantic suspense, Well Done Melissa!
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Harlequin for the opportunity to read this great book.
I really enjoyed the way this story was told. I found the way Melissa portrayed the characters and the aboriginal culture really interesting and kept me turning the page. There are alot of topics covered in this book but they all work seamlessly together and make a really intriguing read.
What a great Australian romantic suspense, Well Done Melissa!
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Harlequin for the opportunity to read this great book.
September 3, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved learning small bits of Aboriginal culture, and giving the obsessed killer a voice made his character more understandable and believable. Very well written from the start. Sometimes the love scenes (not sex) are too protracted, and occasionally you need to suspend credibility in small things, but the intricately linked plot and characters are well developed. She makes the reader care. Did not want to put the book down.
January 4, 2020
I have come to the conclusion that I just don't get on well with this genre. I think this would have been an amazing story if not for the whole romance thing. Too many eye roll moments for me. Take away the heavy romance angle, it would be a nail-biting thriller of a girl on the run from a crazed stalker. This would be more my cuppa!
July 13, 2020
The twists at the end were my favourite part.
December 6, 2021
I only read 2 chapters and gave up.
July 14, 2024
Haven’t not read any Melissa James novels before enjoyed reading this. one very Australian in it’s settings
August 28, 2017
Elly Lavender is a doctor who has been working in Outback Qld/New South Wales for quite some time but is currently on the run from a man who has become obsessed with her.
Elly saved Danny Spencer when she found him trapped in a car wreck. When Danny was released from hospital he declared that he loved Elly and that she was his, his alone. Elly soon realised she needed to get as far away from this man as possible.
Australia’s outback is huge, so it should be easy for Elly to ‘get lost’ and lose her stalker.
The problem is Danny’s grandfather is extremely rich with contacts in all the high places, so disappearing completely is not so easy after all. But even he has his own agenda; a different heir to his fortune, who is brighter than his Grandson.
Elly returns to a small town where the love of her life, Adam, lives with his small daughter. A police officer with baggage of his own, Adam finds it hard seeing Elly after all these years, but the sexual tension between the two is great.
To put more of a strain on things, Adam’s partner Rick, seems to have a problem with what is going on between the pair.
The story alternates between Elly and her stalker. And as Danny and his alter ego Monster, slowly but surely tracks her down with the help of Grandfather, a path of bloody murders is left in his wake.
The relationships between all characters are believable and extremely well written. I did however get frustrated at times with Elly and her “no I can’t go there” attitude towards Adam, I was like: “just do it!”
I enjoyed the setting of the book, having a love of the Outback and with a knowledge of the areas around Broken Hill, Mildura and along the Murray River on both sides, was trying hard to figure out exactly where on the map Macks Lake might be.
I really enjoyed reading this book and will be looking out for more from this Author in the future.
Elly saved Danny Spencer when she found him trapped in a car wreck. When Danny was released from hospital he declared that he loved Elly and that she was his, his alone. Elly soon realised she needed to get as far away from this man as possible.
Australia’s outback is huge, so it should be easy for Elly to ‘get lost’ and lose her stalker.
The problem is Danny’s grandfather is extremely rich with contacts in all the high places, so disappearing completely is not so easy after all. But even he has his own agenda; a different heir to his fortune, who is brighter than his Grandson.
Elly returns to a small town where the love of her life, Adam, lives with his small daughter. A police officer with baggage of his own, Adam finds it hard seeing Elly after all these years, but the sexual tension between the two is great.
To put more of a strain on things, Adam’s partner Rick, seems to have a problem with what is going on between the pair.
The story alternates between Elly and her stalker. And as Danny and his alter ego Monster, slowly but surely tracks her down with the help of Grandfather, a path of bloody murders is left in his wake.
The relationships between all characters are believable and extremely well written. I did however get frustrated at times with Elly and her “no I can’t go there” attitude towards Adam, I was like: “just do it!”
I enjoyed the setting of the book, having a love of the Outback and with a knowledge of the areas around Broken Hill, Mildura and along the Murray River on both sides, was trying hard to figure out exactly where on the map Macks Lake might be.
I really enjoyed reading this book and will be looking out for more from this Author in the future.
November 20, 2019
picked this up amonth ago got frustrated and confused by chapter 2 and was going to return it to the library...but the cover and blurb intrigue me so checked goodreads and it has raving reviews. so here I go again.
this book is damn confusing, who is who, why so many names. it contradicts itself page after page. tamping down my frustration because the storyline is pretty good.
It was worth the read
this book is damn confusing, who is who, why so many names. it contradicts itself page after page. tamping down my frustration because the storyline is pretty good.
It was worth the read
January 6, 2026
This was a gripping read. Good twists and a nice romance plot..
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