See Beneath Your Beautiful

by Eunice Nascimento

Giving in to desire might be her downfall…

To twenty-eight-year-old Libby Thompson, work, her mum and best friend are the definition of a perfect life. She’s spent years learning to overcome her painful past and has no intention of allowing any man to disrupt the peaceful world she’s built. Even if that man is as sexy and ruggedly handsome as Noah Rodrigo, who just knows how to sweet-talk her into forgetting she’s sworn off men for life.

When Noah meets Libby at her best friend’s party, there’s no mistaking the undeniable attraction between them, but the blue-eyed beauty isn’t interested in dating. Too bad the feeling she’s “the one” won’t go away. Used to taking risks and trusting his gut, the property developer concocts a plan to seduce her. But the business of love is beyond anyone’s control. Will Libby find the courage to commit her heart to him?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2021

About the author

Eunice Nascimento strives to write stories that explore how people’s life experiences affect their relationships. She’s inspired by life, news, the people around her and enjoys writing tangled situations where true love wins out. By taking readers on an emotional roller-coaster, she hopes that they will find a delightful escape from the everyday in her books.

Eunice currently resides in London with her spouse and two children. When she’s not writing or spending quality time with her family, she enjoys reading romance novels, watching K dramas, dancing salsa, bachata, and kizomba. Though she admits that lately she’s more likely to watch YouTube dancing videos than to actually dance herself.


Visit Eunice at www.eunicenascimento.com, www.facebook.com/eunicenascimentowrites, www.instagram.com/eunicenascimento2015 and www.twitter.com/eunicemussage to learn more about her. Make sure to join her monthly newsletters for exclusive short stories about characters in the See Beneath World.

Reviews

[Edward Hendry · Rating 4 out of 5]

See Beneath Your Beautiful by Eunice Nascimento

Although I don’t typically read the sweet romance genre, this book pleasantly surprised me. The pages of the plot are well put together, and the editing is spot on. Outside of a little too much tell and not show, the author does a great job with character arcs, weaving Libby’s relationship killing condition in and out seamlessly. One does wonder what makes Libby so attractive to her knight in shining armor…

Edward Hendry, author

[Angela Panayotopulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book -- SEE BENEATH YOUR BEAUTIFUL -- immediately brought to mind the song lyrics of a song with the same title by Labrinth and Emeli Sande...

"Would you let me see beneath your beautiful
Would you let me see beneath your perfect
Take it off now girl, take it off now girl
I wanna see inside
Would you let me see beneath your beautiful tonight..."

And, while I don't know how purposeful this choice of title was on the author's part in this regard, I love how that song really encompasses the heart and spirit of this romance novel so fully.



In SEE BENEATH YOUR BEAUTIFUL, we're transported to modern London, where Libby's cozy everyday life is disrupted by a mutually-love-at-first-sight encounter with Noah. Her initial inclination to recoil from intimacy (thanks to an eight-year-long pact she's upheld -- after childhood bullying, a heartbreaking relationship, and witnessing her parents' divorce -- to "marry" her career) is challenged by this guy's charm and chemistry. Though she's tough and successful in many ways, Libby has her own share of demons and insecurities; ultimately, she's got to learn that the only way to get over her fears is to push through them.

While this isn't a genre I usually curl up with, the smooth writing and enough unusual details make for a quick and pleasant read. It's a cute, thoughtful, cozy girl-meets-guy story peppered with classic challenges and self-imposed barriers that must be overcome if that inevitable happy ending is to be seized. I liked how the POV switched between the two protagonists, helping to shed light on both sides of the coin, and their initial phone conversations were very endearing. There's a good use of secondary characters who are developed enough to have their own quirks and personalities. I especially loved the constant glimpses into Libby and Noah's different cultural backgrounds and well-drawn family dynamics.



4.5 stars rounded up to 5. If feel-good Hallmark romances are your thing, definitely give this story a go.

[Zita Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about overcoming. Libby, like all victims of bullying, suffers from anxiety, depression, social withdrawal. Unable to shed the recurring nightmares, she trusts very few people in life. So, the irrepressible attraction to Noah becomes quite the conundrum. Should she open herself up to possible hurt? Can she trust him? Can she allow him to burst the bubble of security she has built around herself?

The author takes us through Libby’s journey with lively conversations between the characters, and vivid descriptions that put us right at the scene: “the quiet was replaced by voices, music, the staccato of firing staple guns…” We also get a very interesting look at the Angolan culture that Noah is from, and the message that beneath our life experiences and cultures, we are all part of the same humanity.

At times I found the text wordy and repetitive. Libby’s rehashing of her issues in her mind, over and over again, got a little tedious. A show of anxiety through her actions and words would have been enough. Sometimes the diction also seemed a little melodramatic and out of place, like when Noah sees Libby as “regal, poised and with a proud bearing,” words which bring to mind nobility or royalty. It didn’t fit the uptight, insecure person we were seeing.

A question I was left with was what exactly tied those two together besides how beautiful they thought the other was? Was it the attraction of opposites? What made them “perfect for each other?” Why was he willing to put up with her insecurities and take on her burdens, not a small task? What did he get out of that besides taking care of a beautiful woman? A little more development there would have been nice.

In the end, the words of Libby’s friend, Chelsea, summed up what resonated the most for me: “Libby, everyone feels that way. It’s alright to be scared…sometimes we get hurt – it’s part of life.”

[Nico Genes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance.

We all have certain things that we swear we don't want or won't do. The reasons behind them could be several.

Libby, the main character of this story, decided to stay away from men. She did not want to have any relationships, and her focus would be her teacher career only. Although she loved children, Libby didn't want to have any of her own. The reasons hide in a traumatic childhood: she was bullied at school and left by her father at a young age. The only way she could keep her life and mind under control was to stay away from guys, potential emotions, and a presumably unavoidable broken heart. She'd suffer enough in her life.

Noah Rodriguez is the opposite. He knows what he wants in life. He wants to get married, have children and traditionally live his life. Despite his great looks, successful career, and being surrounded by many attractive young prospects, no one seemed to get his attention the way Libby did.

With lots of patience, understanding, and consideration, Noah finds a way to Libby's heart. Will their love be strong enough to overcome all the bumps caused by Libby's anxiety, depression, and lack of confidence? Is Noah the one that can make Libby forget about the pact with herself and make her change her views on the future?

Although the novel is a work of fiction, I believe people out there could resonate with it. The pace is relatively slow, but the story is beautifully written, and the main characters lovable.

I loved the most the intensity and purity of their emotions.

[William Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

See Beneath Your Beautiful by Eunice Nascimento looks to be the first novel in the See Beneath series. To be honest, contemporary romance isn’t my genre at all, but I’m always happy to read out of my comfort zone.

Libby Thompson, the book’s main character, is well-written and likeable. I liked that it wasn’t just fluffy romance and handled some heavy issues, particularly with Libby’s backstory which did a lot to flesh out her character and make her feel real.

The novel was well written from a technical standpoint and Nascimento was particularly good at beautiful scene descriptions. The romance was also well done, although I’m not a fan of love at first sight and the book did remind me of a Hallmark-like romance movie. Though if you’re a fan of those type of movies this is definitely the book for you.

[Bobbi Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is engaging. The very first paragraph sets the scene and pulled me in. The characters and their emotions are well-developed, as is their back story. I love the culture that is showcased in the book. The setting is beautiful described throughout the book, and I could clearly see Libby and Noah in my head as they fall in love and find their way to each other and then back again. The issues of childhood bullying and depression are artfully explored, giving readers a look inside the mind of a woman suffering from sometimes overwhelming depression. Libby reminds me of myself, and when I read this book, I was instantly rooting for her and her handsome, sweet man! I am ready to read the sequel!

[Ann Birdgenaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure; See Beneath your Beautiful, book 1 in the ‘See Beneath’ series by Eunice Nascimento is not my favorite ‘go to’ genre. But this book had me from the first scene. Nascimento has written a realistic story that most of us have experienced on some level. Social anxiety and insecurities driven by childhood traumas, and loss have damaged Libby in a deep way. Her fears have turned into control issues that include avoiding love and relationships at all costs. Enter Noah, handsome, successful, kind; and he has his heart set on Libby. The backstories are dealt with gently considering the painful subject matter of mental health, bullying and abandonment and I enjoyed learning about Noah’s Angolan culture. Two cultures collide but can love conquer all? Well written and relatable though a little slow at times. I would recommend this book to romance novel lovers and anyone who has had to face their fears and take a chance on love.

[A. Claire Everward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so beautiful and so real. It’s incredibly easy to enjoy both characters, like them and frankly, wish they were your friends. With one side suffering so much pain and the other one just searching for love, you find yourself hoping they’ll both find each other and make each others’ dreams come true. The setting, the dialogues, the background stories are excellently and beautifully written. And while you're reading pay attention to the undercurrents - family, culture, society. Great writing.

[J.C. Gatlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

See Beneath Your Beautiful is a character-driven romance, which elevates this love story above the average genre formula. In fact, the characters are so real and compelling, that I almost forgot that I was reading a romance.

The book’s primary character, Libby, has given up on love—which is a fairly common trope in romances, but Libby is much more. She is a career-focused teacher who loves her kids, but doesn’t want a family of her own. This no-man, no-love, no-children rule, though self-imposed, is a deep scar from childhood traumas, specifically the pain being abandoned by her father at an early age and years of relentless bullying when growing up. Now her life is controlled and safe. She has encased herself inside a shell that protects from pain, but isolates her emotionally from the world.

Now here’s the rub: A handsome, successful young man named Noah is about to upend all that. He’s ready to get married and start a family, and he sees something in Libby that sets her apart from the bevy of women he’s dated. In fact, he sees something in Libby that she doesn’t even see in herself…yet.

Libby and Noah are both well-drawn, true-to-life characters with interesting backgrounds. They keep the plot moving forward. The plot is Libby’s journey from a damaged, diffident young woman who is watching life from arm’s length to a happy, whole person who reconciled her past and opened her heart.

While the characters are engaging, the story itself would benefit from a little more suspense and faster pacing. I found myself skipping some sections of description and character exposition to jump ahead to the next scene. As this is the first book in a series, and the main characters are firmly established, perhaps future stories will introduce some higher stakes.

All in all, See Beneath Your Beautiful is elegantly written with relatable, likable characters. I highly recommend to romance readers.

[Bookaholicxoxo · Rating 4 out of 5]

´See beneath your beautiful’ is a great easy read romance.

It’s rare to find a romance novel which centres around an interracial couple while simultaneously not making that the main conflict within the book and stressing their struggles as an interracial couple in the name of being ´woke´.

What I loved about this book is that it was able to see beneath colour, culture and trauma and portrayed the message that everyone is capable of being loved.

I usually hate insta love with a passion, however the chemistry between Noah and Libby did evolve past physical attraction. The couple have a lot in common and their differences only work their favour, they love the other for what is beneath the surface.

If you are looking for an easy to read, heartwarming novel I’d recommend giving this book a chance. For a first published novel it is very promising to what Enice will have to release in the future.

PSA. There is angst :)

I received an ARC in return for an honest review.

[S. Lynn Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to love those sparks when characters first meet, and the story starts with definite sparks!

I really liked the book and how neither Noah nor Libby just jumped straight in and assumed that their initial undeniable attraction meant the other had to be “the one”. They first decided to “see where this might go” and that’s where the story goes.

Along the way, of course, there are bobbles in their developing relationship - realistic ones, they seemed to me, and not the all-too-often-written way-out assumptions and misunderstandings. I felt the depictions of depression and anxiety were particularly well-presented: how they can skew a person’s view of people and events, including oneself. The interesting characters, both main and supporting, drove the story, which is a nice, slow, contemporary romance.

I found this book a lovely escape and a captivating read, fun and charming. It’s a great choice for readers who love these kinds of romance tales.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost quit reading this book as I got overwhelmed with details and meeting the extended family of one of the main characters. But I'm so glad I kept reading because this was a great story with complex characters, dealing with some heavy issues (childhood bullying, depression, anxiety) in a really caring way. I fell in love with both characters in this story and will be looking for more books by Eunice Nascimento. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charles McCormack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always have a difficult time giving less than stellar reviews. I find anyone who attempts the arduous task of trying to write a compelling story worthy of praise and admiration. Nonetheless, as a reviewer I have a responsibility to give constructive criticism to the writer in hopes of furthering their craft and to prospective readers who have taken time to read the review in hopes of discovering if this book is for them. That said, I do it all the time, personally believing that an honest review is like gold to the serious writer.
I wanted to love this story, after all it is a romantic novel, but for the most part did not find it engaging. The main reason is that the story made little sense to me. I could not genuinely relate to it; it didn’t seem of this world. The story line was fine. A beautiful petite woman, Libby, who, having been bullied in school, grew up with a panic disorder, paralyzing self-esteem issues and feelings of guilt and self-contempt for not having stood up for herself. Unfortunately, as is often the case in such circumstances, Libby’s panic is most challenged when confronted with something good going on, particularly a romantic relationship. The wonderfulness of the experience doesn’t fit with Libby’s view of herself and internal narrative of self-contempt and worthlessness. Consequently, she finds such relationships very threatening. The romanticized other is feared to be the equivalent of a trojan horse, intent on getting behind her defenses, and then rejecting her, thus the relationship destabilizes. This all made perfect sense to me. Indeed, I could relate.
Unfortunately, this is where the relating ended. There were several problems. The author repeatedly chose to go into great detail about what was on Libby’s mind which for me brought the pace of the story to a standstill. Despite my best efforts, I kept losing interest, often belatedly realizing that my mind had gone off to other things, before herding it to back to the reading at hand.
Another issue was that the heroine was not a likeable figure. Constantly whining, at least in her internal dialogue, and barely able to make it through the day. She was largely enfeebled and without spirit or much concern for others. The very picture of a broken, defeated, and dependent woman, Libby relied largely on those around her to get her through life. One can have empathy for such a woman, but such characteristics, particularly when enduring chapter after chapter are not appealing or attractive. That said, Libby’s mom and her best friend Chelsea, along with Libby’s love interest Noah, were well crafted characters, worthy of both liking and respect.
A third issue was a problem understanding Noah’s obsession with Libby. Noah is beautifully described, as are all the members of his family and the culture of which they were apart (Angolan). The family gatherings were rich with food and laughter and life, and the usual family conflicts, that added texture to the read. Those scenes came to life. What left me wanting was any glimmer of understanding of why Noah, an incredibly handsome, open, honest, and extremely successful person would have any interest in Libby, aside from her beauty. From the get-go he is smitten. I get that part, looks attract. However, aside from their physical attractiveness, they had absolutely nothing in common. From the beginning, Noah pursued Libby, battling desperately for her affections, which she made an arduous challenge at every turn. For unexplained reasons, he kept at it, feeling empty and alone at times he was unsuccessful. Nonetheless, he persisted and then persisted even more, eventually succeeding in joining the ranks of those upon whom Libby would rely on to get through the day. To me Noah’s readiness to assume the role of rescuer and giver to Libby as victim and taker, with little sense of fun or reward, didn’t seem realistic, particularly given that Noah was surrounded by beautiful women who would have been delighted to be with him and were far healthier and vivacious than poor fragile, enfeebled Libby. I could understand why Libby’s mother and childhood friend Chelsea would be willing to assume such roles, they had known her in better times, but not a new guy from a healthy family, with no trauma in his own life. In real life, for Noah to have fallen so hard for Libby, he would have had to have had issues of his own, some compelling need to be in a primary caretaking relationship to another to secure his own sense of self. Yet the basis for their neurotic click was never revealed.
Conversely, Libby’s desire to be with Noah was completely understandable. At every turn, Noah was kind, attentive, handsome, smart, doting, honest, very open and straight-forward with his feelings, everything she was not. Oh! And he was also well-to-do and… wait for it… a great dancer. I mean really, what’s not to love?
The best part of the book is the final quarter. Here Libby is finally beginning to take responsibility for her life and holding herself accountable. Realizing she must fix herself before she can be with another in any kind of healthy way, she re-enters psychotherapy. These chapters are well delivered, relatively free of the problems that beset the earlier part of the book (although I felt the ending was a little rushed), finally I was seeing her as a real human being. I found myself caring about what happened to Libby and if and how the relationship with Noah would or could be salvaged? I’ll leave it to you, kind reader, to discover the answer to those questions for yourself.

[Janet Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Their story got complicated at times but such is life. So follow the ups and downs of their relationship. This is an easy read, standalone, HEA.

[Dawn Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a poignant story, so well put together.

[Charles McCormack · Rating 3 out of 5]

See Beneath Your Beautiful by Eunice Nascimento
Decent story line not fully executed
I always have a difficult time giving less than stellar reviews. I find anyone who attempts the arduous task of trying to write a compelling story worthy of praise and admiration. Nonetheless, as a reviewer I have a responsibility to give constructive criticism to the writer in hopes of furthering their craft and to prospective readers who have taken time to read the review in hopes of discovering if this book is for them. That said, I do it all the time, personally believing that an honest review is like gold to the serious writer.
I wanted to love this story, after all it is a romantic novel, but for the most part did not find it engaging. The main reason is that the story made little sense to me. I could not genuinely relate to it; it didn’t seem of this world. The story line was fine. A beautiful petite woman, Libby, who, having been bullied in school, grew up with a panic disorder, paralyzing self-esteem issues and feelings of guilt and self-contempt for not having stood up for herself. Unfortunately, as is often the case in such circumstances, Libby’s panic is most challenged when confronted with something good going on, particularly a romantic relationship. The wonderfulness of the experience doesn’t fit with Libby’s view of herself and internal narrative of self-contempt and worthlessness. Consequently, she finds such relationships very threatening. The romanticized other is feared to be the equivalent of a trojan horse, intent on getting behind her defenses, and then rejecting her, thus the relationship destabilizes. This all made perfect sense to me. Indeed, I could relate.
Unfortunately, this is where the relating ended. There were several problems. The author repeatedly chose to go into great detail about what was on Libby’s mind which for me brought the pace of the story to a standstill. Despite my best efforts, I kept losing interest, often belatedly realizing that my mind had gone off to other things, before herding it to back to the reading at hand.
Another issue was that the heroine was not a likeable figure. Constantly whining, at least in her internal dialogue, and barely able to make it through the day. She was largely enfeebled and without spirit or much concern for others. The very picture of a broken, defeated, and dependent woman, Libby relied largely on those around her to get her through life. One can have empathy for such a woman, but such characteristics, particularly when enduring chapter after chapter are not appealing or attractive. That said, Libby’s mom and her best friend Chelsea, along with Libby’s love interest Noah, were well crafted characters, worthy of both liking and respect.
A third issue was a problem understanding Noah’s obsession with Libby. Noah is beautifully described, as are all the members of his family and the culture of which they were apart (Angolan). The family gatherings were rich with food and laughter and life, and the usual family conflicts, that added texture to the read. Those scenes came to life. What left me wanting was any glimmer of understanding of why Noah, an incredibly handsome, open, honest, and extremely successful person would have any interest in Libby, aside from her beauty. From the get-go he is smitten. I get that part, looks attract. However, aside from their physical attractiveness, they had absolutely nothing in common. From the beginning, Noah pursued Libby, battling desperately for her affections, which she made an arduous challenge at every turn. For unexplained reasons, he kept at it, feeling empty and alone at times he was unsuccessful. Nonetheless, he persisted and then persisted even more, eventually succeeding in joining the ranks of those upon whom Libby would rely on to get through the day. To me Noah’s readiness to assume the role of rescuer and giver to Libby as victim and taker, with little sense of fun or reward, didn’t seem realistic, particularly given that Noah was surrounded by beautiful women who would have been delighted to be with him and were far healthier and vivacious than poor fragile, enfeebled Libby. I could understand why Libby’s mother and childhood friend Chelsea would be willing to assume such roles, they had known her in better times, but not a new guy from a healthy family, with no trauma in his own life. In real life, for Noah to have fallen so hard for Libby, he would have had to have had issues of his own, some compelling need to be in a primary caretaking relationship to another to secure his own sense of self. Yet the basis for their neurotic click was never revealed.
Conversely, Libby’s desire to be with Noah was completely understandable. At every turn, Noah was kind, attentive, handsome, smart, doting, honest, very open and straight-forward with his feelings, everything she was not. Oh! And he was also well-to-do and… wait for it… a great dancer. I mean really, what’s not to love?
The best part of the book is the final quarter. Here Libby is finally beginning to take responsibility for her life and holding herself accountable. Realizing she must fix herself before she can be with another in any kind of healthy way, she re-enters psychotherapy. These chapters are well delivered, relatively free of the problems that beset the earlier part of the book (although I felt the ending was a little rushed), finally I was seeing her as a real human being. I found myself caring about what happened to Libby and if and how the relationship with Noah would or could be salvaged? I’ll leave it to you, kind reader, to discover the answer to those questions for yourself.

[Karen Szabo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Love Story! Opened My Eyes About Bullying!

I never realized that bullying could have such drastic influence in a persons life. So many of life’s issues are addressed in this story. I enjoyed the story and the journey of self discovery.

[Gill Mather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fairly one-dimensional novel. Most romantic novels include a hiccup in the relationship or some impediment to its fruition, e.g. the most famous Pride & Prejudice. In that respect, this novel relies on the mental health problems of the central character, who largely narrates the novel, and anxiety, depression and panic attacks essentially provide the plot.

The male lead character and his family are of Angolan origin. If one Googles ‘Angola’, it sounds like an interesting country with a troubled history. It’s a pity more couldn't have been made of that connection in the book, possibly contributing to an exciting plot.

As it is, the lack of a satisfying storyline isn’t lifted by the dialogue which is banal and cloying, as is much of the writing, with a lot of repetition of words and phrases. The in-your-face explanations of people’s thoughts and what’s going on are tedious. Given all the obvious and frequent references to the main characters’ huge attraction towards and love for each other, the ending is surprisingly short. There are quite a lot of spelling errors.

From her acknowledgements, the author appears to have had a good deal of help with her novel, therefore it’s surprising that the novel isn’t more polished.

Sorry, but I also found the title rather soppy.

[Ann Birdgenaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure; See Beneath your Beautiful, book 1 in the ‘See Beneath’ series by Eunice Nascimento is not my favorite ‘go to’ genre. But this book had me from the first scene. Nascimento has written a realistic story that most of us have experienced on some level. Social anxiety and insecurities driven by childhood traumas, and loss have damaged Libby in a deep way. Her fears have turned into control issues that include avoiding love and relationships all together. Enter Noah, handsome, successful, kind; and he has his heart set on Libby. The backstories are dealt with gently, considering the painful subject matter of mental health, bullying and abandonment and I enjoyed learning about Noah’s Angolan culture. Two cultures collide but can love conquer all? Well written and relatable though a little slow at times. I would recommend this book to romance novel lovers and anyone who has had to face their fears and take a chance on love.