What do you think?
Rate this book
The Westwick University Duet #1
The Lies Beneath
Privilege has its secrets…
Westwick University is known for its prestige and pedigree for hundreds of years.
Many people would die to come here…
And some have come here and died.
There are lies buried within these walls that the world doesn’t know about.
But I do.
It’s what happens when your family has gone to the same college for generations.
Stories and secrets are passed down, making me yearn to know more.
I’m determined to discover if each and every one is true, but I’m distracted.
Because my new professor has taken a particular interest in me.
Or so I think.
I shouldn’t be tempted because anything with him is forbidden.
But the way that he only has eyes for me has set me on edge.
I can’t tell if there is something there or if I’m making it all up in my head.
Why would a billionaire, who is known for his solitary life after the death of his wife, want to teach here?
There’s so much I don’t know.
But I know that lies do nothing but lead to more lies.
And when I uncover the truth, the world will implode.
The Lies Beneath is the first book in a dark forbidden college romance duet that has enemies-to-lovers themes. This book may not be suitable for all readers due to dubious situations that might be triggering. It ends in a cliffhanger.
Westwick University is known for its prestige and pedigree for hundreds of years.
Many people would die to come here…
And some have come here and died.
There are lies buried within these walls that the world doesn’t know about.
But I do.
It’s what happens when your family has gone to the same college for generations.
Stories and secrets are passed down, making me yearn to know more.
I’m determined to discover if each and every one is true, but I’m distracted.
Because my new professor has taken a particular interest in me.
Or so I think.
I shouldn’t be tempted because anything with him is forbidden.
But the way that he only has eyes for me has set me on edge.
I can’t tell if there is something there or if I’m making it all up in my head.
Why would a billionaire, who is known for his solitary life after the death of his wife, want to teach here?
There’s so much I don’t know.
But I know that lies do nothing but lead to more lies.
And when I uncover the truth, the world will implode.
The Lies Beneath is the first book in a dark forbidden college romance duet that has enemies-to-lovers themes. This book may not be suitable for all readers due to dubious situations that might be triggering. It ends in a cliffhanger.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2023
380 people are currently reading
2622 people want to read
About the author
Bri Blackwood
27 books489 followersBri loves a good romance, especially ones that involve a hot anti-hero. That is why she likes to turn the dial up a notch with her own writing. Her Broken Cross series is her debut dark romance series.
She spends most of her time hanging out with her family, plotting her next novel, or reading books by other romance authors.
She spends most of her time hanging out with her family, plotting her next novel, or reading books by other romance authors.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
March 24, 2023
full rtc in the morning
I jumped into this one because I'd seen it numerous times all over my newsfeed and off I went 1clicking. I'm so glad I took that plunge, this pulled me in straight away and kept my attention throughout. So many questions were left up in the air which I'm guessing as the series goes along all will be revealed. It does end in one major cliffy though which is the only downside to this book. But I'm definitely looking at purchasing the next one as I need/want to see how the author wraps this all up.
I jumped into this one because I'd seen it numerous times all over my newsfeed and off I went 1clicking. I'm so glad I took that plunge, this pulled me in straight away and kept my attention throughout. So many questions were left up in the air which I'm guessing as the series goes along all will be revealed. It does end in one major cliffy though which is the only downside to this book. But I'm definitely looking at purchasing the next one as I need/want to see how the author wraps this all up.
September 4, 2024
how could you write student x professor trope and still manage to make it dry and boring as hell
May 5, 2023
Loved it!!!!
Soren Grant gives a whole new meaning to the word stalker!!! He's a lot like Joe Goldberg from Netflix's You! He's full of dark secrets and even darker tendencies and being a hit man and top member of the Chevalier a secret society that makes even the mafia look tame. He's a highly intelligent individual who just happens to get off on killing and he's come back to the foal after being gone since his wife Eden was murdered. But a chance meeting and a simple touch has him obsessive over the new student Iris Bennington who just happens to look a lot like his dead wife . He immediately starts watching and stalking her every move and he's not even clandestine in his actions! He lets her know from the beginning what he wants and that includes coming into her dorm room and even becoming one of her professors. His visits start with stolen touch's and threats that if she tells anyone he will kill her grandmother. Iris should hate him and she wants to but something about his touch sets her on fire. Both are keeping secrets from each other and soon Soren has to make a choice to go against the Chevalier and protect Iris or risk the wrath of one of the most feared secret societies to ever come into being. This is a college University lovers to enemies and Age Gap dark romance with murder and suspense and a definitely morally gray character big time! But I couldn't help really liking Soren! He's smart,sexy and very intense! And Iris is your typical 20 something innocent naive girl who's in way over her head. I liked her and she did show moments of strength and spunk when Soren pushed her too far. They had great chemistry and the sex once it started was hot! This book ended on a WTF cliffhanger and leaves you wondering if Soren is a savior or just a sadistic villian who has been leading the lamb ( Iris) to slaughter. Can't wait for book 2 The Truth Between coming out in October! Great writing and a awesome storyline makes this a must read! And the cover fabulous!!
Until next time Luv's💕💋
Soren Grant gives a whole new meaning to the word stalker!!! He's a lot like Joe Goldberg from Netflix's You! He's full of dark secrets and even darker tendencies and being a hit man and top member of the Chevalier a secret society that makes even the mafia look tame. He's a highly intelligent individual who just happens to get off on killing and he's come back to the foal after being gone since his wife Eden was murdered. But a chance meeting and a simple touch has him obsessive over the new student Iris Bennington who just happens to look a lot like his dead wife . He immediately starts watching and stalking her every move and he's not even clandestine in his actions! He lets her know from the beginning what he wants and that includes coming into her dorm room and even becoming one of her professors. His visits start with stolen touch's and threats that if she tells anyone he will kill her grandmother. Iris should hate him and she wants to but something about his touch sets her on fire. Both are keeping secrets from each other and soon Soren has to make a choice to go against the Chevalier and protect Iris or risk the wrath of one of the most feared secret societies to ever come into being. This is a college University lovers to enemies and Age Gap dark romance with murder and suspense and a definitely morally gray character big time! But I couldn't help really liking Soren! He's smart,sexy and very intense! And Iris is your typical 20 something innocent naive girl who's in way over her head. I liked her and she did show moments of strength and spunk when Soren pushed her too far. They had great chemistry and the sex once it started was hot! This book ended on a WTF cliffhanger and leaves you wondering if Soren is a savior or just a sadistic villian who has been leading the lamb ( Iris) to slaughter. Can't wait for book 2 The Truth Between coming out in October! Great writing and a awesome storyline makes this a must read! And the cover fabulous!!
Until next time Luv's💕💋
March 26, 2023
The writing style wasn't for me and there wasn't really anything happening. The book was just really slow. And I feel like there was to much inner dialogue. Iris doesn't even find new information about if her family member was a founder or not and that's like the whole premises of the book.
I also hated how it was said that Iris looks like Sorens dead wife. Because really, what was the point?
I also hated how it was said that Iris looks like Sorens dead wife. Because really, what was the point?
June 8, 2025
Loved this Soren is the morally dark anti-hero I always go ga-ga for and he had that dark delicious wrong vibe in absolute spades. When he decides to stalk he does it 100 percent intentionally inciting fear and unsettling the focus of his obsession with total deliberation. There's nothing half-assed about it Soren revels in his dark side.
Iris Bennington is the focus of Soren’s attentions she had the unfortunate bad timing to come to his attention and he zeroed in on her instantly. Once he set his focus on her and decided she was his she didn't stand a chance.
Iris is currently attending Westwick University whilst studying but she also has an ulterior motive. Shes hell-bent on proving her ancestor's involvement with a dangerous secret society and this focus is what now places her in grave danger.
This had a little bit of everything we have some thrilling suspense, a secret society, an unhinged obsessed stalker together with some sizzling spice. Trope wise it's a university setting, age-gap, professor dark romance and it delivered for me.
Do check your triggers with this one though as this is as toxic as it comes. We have some definite dub-con bordering on non-con. Plenty of toxicity and murderous goings on. The ending was also fabulous and this concludes on a cliffy so I'm going into book two immediately.
Iris Bennington is the focus of Soren’s attentions she had the unfortunate bad timing to come to his attention and he zeroed in on her instantly. Once he set his focus on her and decided she was his she didn't stand a chance.
Iris is currently attending Westwick University whilst studying but she also has an ulterior motive. Shes hell-bent on proving her ancestor's involvement with a dangerous secret society and this focus is what now places her in grave danger.
This had a little bit of everything we have some thrilling suspense, a secret society, an unhinged obsessed stalker together with some sizzling spice. Trope wise it's a university setting, age-gap, professor dark romance and it delivered for me.
Do check your triggers with this one though as this is as toxic as it comes. We have some definite dub-con bordering on non-con. Plenty of toxicity and murderous goings on. The ending was also fabulous and this concludes on a cliffy so I'm going into book two immediately.
March 11, 2023
Wow what a rollercoaster!
Stalker
Teacher/student
Age Gap
This book ended on one hell of a cliffhanger that I was not expecting!!! Geez!! This book was a hell of a ride! Iris heads to Westwick University and is trying to find out more about the past. Soren doesn't want that to happen. He stalks her, scares her, makes her stay on edge the whole time!! He buys her a laptop that he can track, tracks her phone, her every move. It's just plain creepy but oh so good! Iris ends up being invited to this party and things go down!!! But what happens next I guess will have to wait till the next book comes out... sigh!! Such a great start to a duet!! Can't wait for the next book!!
Stalker
Teacher/student
Age Gap
This book ended on one hell of a cliffhanger that I was not expecting!!! Geez!! This book was a hell of a ride! Iris heads to Westwick University and is trying to find out more about the past. Soren doesn't want that to happen. He stalks her, scares her, makes her stay on edge the whole time!! He buys her a laptop that he can track, tracks her phone, her every move. It's just plain creepy but oh so good! Iris ends up being invited to this party and things go down!!! But what happens next I guess will have to wait till the next book comes out... sigh!! Such a great start to a duet!! Can't wait for the next book!!
November 30, 2023
to be completely honest, what caught my eye when i first saw this book were the tropes it shares with my favorite book; it had me at dark forbidden gothic college romance, student/professor, dark academia, enemies to lovers vibes. it seemed inevitable that i’d set myself up for disappointment when i knew from the start this story couldn’t evoke in me the same experience i had when i first read “gothikana”. albeit trying to keep my expectations low, i couldn’t help but point out the similarities between the two books. but that ended fairly quickly when i realized what i’d gotten myself into. this couldn’t have been further from what i initially thought. whereas i was expecting the unreliability of the narration due to the parapsychological vs. paranormal debacle that surrounds verenmore, in this case it was the fact that the fmc was being stalked by her love interest, fueling her anxiety and paranoia, that supported the notion that her pov wasn’t always what it seemed. it was the existence of a secret society operating in the college grounds that aided the haunting eeriness of the atmosphere. none of this is to say that this story doesn’t warrant its own merit; it managed to keep me on my toes when i was so sure i knew what the outcome was going to be before i even started it. and with it being the first half of a duet what’s to say that anything i believe so far is the truth? the two major plot twists already caught me off guard, but in doing so, they planted the seed of a theory that might raise the macabre element in the second half if i’m proven right.
* i was sent an arc by the author in exchange for an honest review
* i was sent an arc by the author in exchange for an honest review
March 17, 2023
The Lies Beneath by Bri Blackwood is a dark romance with an air of mystery to it. It was this unknown aspect to what was really going on, as well as having Iris look into the matter that really made the book for me.
Iris is trying to find information at her school that will reveal the history of the Chevalier’s beginnings and her ancestors role in it throughout the book. Her family member was cut out from the making of this group, or so the story goes, and she wants to find proof of this in order to give her family the recognition it deserves. However, there are those who don’t want her to dig into this. Such as Soren, who ends up being both tormentor and temptation.
It’s no secret that I’m all about that dark romance, so I was all for this book. It didn’t disappoint as Soren was the kind of main male character that you hate to love and then just outright can’t get enough of.
One of my only complaints was repetitiveness between events that took place in each characters POV to get both of their perspectives, but this is something that I’m never a fan of because I don’t like reading the same scene no matter whether it is from a different perspective or not. But it was so minor in its occurrence that it’s not really that big of a deal.
The book definitely ends on a cliffhanger and I feel like I need to know what comes next, and to find out if Iris actually discovers the truth behind the Chevaliers or not. Overall I very much enjoyed The Lies Beneath by Bri Blackwood and I am very much looking forward to the sequel which will wrap up Iris and Soren’s story! I definitely recommend this read for my dark romance lovers.
Iris is trying to find information at her school that will reveal the history of the Chevalier’s beginnings and her ancestors role in it throughout the book. Her family member was cut out from the making of this group, or so the story goes, and she wants to find proof of this in order to give her family the recognition it deserves. However, there are those who don’t want her to dig into this. Such as Soren, who ends up being both tormentor and temptation.
It’s no secret that I’m all about that dark romance, so I was all for this book. It didn’t disappoint as Soren was the kind of main male character that you hate to love and then just outright can’t get enough of.
One of my only complaints was repetitiveness between events that took place in each characters POV to get both of their perspectives, but this is something that I’m never a fan of because I don’t like reading the same scene no matter whether it is from a different perspective or not. But it was so minor in its occurrence that it’s not really that big of a deal.
The book definitely ends on a cliffhanger and I feel like I need to know what comes next, and to find out if Iris actually discovers the truth behind the Chevaliers or not. Overall I very much enjoyed The Lies Beneath by Bri Blackwood and I am very much looking forward to the sequel which will wrap up Iris and Soren’s story! I definitely recommend this read for my dark romance lovers.
March 6, 2023
The Lies Beneath by Bri Blackwood.
Thank you Bri for the ARC.
Stalker
Teacher/student
Age gap
Secret society
The Lies Beneath if the first book in the Westwick University duet. Iris arrives with more than the intention of an education. She’s here to set the record straight and change the course of history. Only a secret society is working against her to prevent that from happening. Soren sets his sights on Iris and he’s hooked. And he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her. This story offers suspense, intrigue, tension, angst. Oh and spice, baby. It will definitely keep you on your toes wondering what’s coming next. That ending….. Excited for the conclusion in The Truth Between.
"There are certain things I want from you, Iris, that you will be prepared to give me."
“You’ll take all that I’m willing to give you,”
"The part where you don't actually want me to. Your fear isn't that you’re afraid of what I will do. You're scared because you think you might like the things I'm going to do to you. I can see it in your eyes."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥
Definition:
Privilege has its secrets…
Westwick University is known for its prestige and pedigree for hundreds of years.
Many people would die to come here…
And some have come here and died.
There are lies buried within these walls that the world doesn’t know about.
But I do.
It’s what happens when your family has gone to the same college for generations.
Stories and secrets are passed down, making me yearn to know more.
I’m determined to discover if each and every one is true, but I’m distracted.
Because my new professor has taken a particular interest in me.
Or so I think.
I shouldn’t be tempted because anything with him is forbidden.
But the way that he only has eyes for me has set me on edge.
I can’t tell if there is something there or if I’m making it all up in my head.
Why would a billionaire, who is known for his solitary life after the death of his wife, want to teach here?
There’s so much I don’t know.
But I know that lies do nothing but lead to more lies.
And when I uncover the truth, the world will implode
Thank you Bri for the ARC.
Stalker
Teacher/student
Age gap
Secret society
The Lies Beneath if the first book in the Westwick University duet. Iris arrives with more than the intention of an education. She’s here to set the record straight and change the course of history. Only a secret society is working against her to prevent that from happening. Soren sets his sights on Iris and he’s hooked. And he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her. This story offers suspense, intrigue, tension, angst. Oh and spice, baby. It will definitely keep you on your toes wondering what’s coming next. That ending….. Excited for the conclusion in The Truth Between.
"There are certain things I want from you, Iris, that you will be prepared to give me."
“You’ll take all that I’m willing to give you,”
"The part where you don't actually want me to. Your fear isn't that you’re afraid of what I will do. You're scared because you think you might like the things I'm going to do to you. I can see it in your eyes."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥
Definition:
Privilege has its secrets…
Westwick University is known for its prestige and pedigree for hundreds of years.
Many people would die to come here…
And some have come here and died.
There are lies buried within these walls that the world doesn’t know about.
But I do.
It’s what happens when your family has gone to the same college for generations.
Stories and secrets are passed down, making me yearn to know more.
I’m determined to discover if each and every one is true, but I’m distracted.
Because my new professor has taken a particular interest in me.
Or so I think.
I shouldn’t be tempted because anything with him is forbidden.
But the way that he only has eyes for me has set me on edge.
I can’t tell if there is something there or if I’m making it all up in my head.
Why would a billionaire, who is known for his solitary life after the death of his wife, want to teach here?
There’s so much I don’t know.
But I know that lies do nothing but lead to more lies.
And when I uncover the truth, the world will implode
March 13, 2023
Sleeping With The Enemy
What is the worse thing to do when approached by your stalker? Allow your body to react to his presence and sleep with him against your better judgement.
Iris is on a mission to prove her family's claim as descendents of one of the founding families of the Chevalier Secret Society. Iris doesn't realize the target she has put on her back in her pursuit of the truth.
Soren is an OG Chevalier member. Cold, Deadly, Ruthless and Dangerous. He went MIA after the murder of his wife but now that he has resurfaced he finds himself obsessed with a student at Westwick University. A women at minimum a decade younger and also his latest target to spy on because of the truth she is trying to uncover.
This was a dark romance. Full is stalking, Manipulation, Dubious Consent and Kidnapping.
Iris is in over her head with her search for the truth. The truth is leading her down a dangerous path because not only has she succumbed to her stalkers demands she's now found herself a prisoner in his web of lies and deceit.
Now Iris has no idea how to save herself as well as keeping her body from betraying her by wanting Soren's touch when her mind is screaming for her to run far, far away from this dangerous man who holds her very life in the palm of his hands.
Maybe some secrets are meant to remain secret
What is the worse thing to do when approached by your stalker? Allow your body to react to his presence and sleep with him against your better judgement.
Iris is on a mission to prove her family's claim as descendents of one of the founding families of the Chevalier Secret Society. Iris doesn't realize the target she has put on her back in her pursuit of the truth.
Soren is an OG Chevalier member. Cold, Deadly, Ruthless and Dangerous. He went MIA after the murder of his wife but now that he has resurfaced he finds himself obsessed with a student at Westwick University. A women at minimum a decade younger and also his latest target to spy on because of the truth she is trying to uncover.
This was a dark romance. Full is stalking, Manipulation, Dubious Consent and Kidnapping.
Iris is in over her head with her search for the truth. The truth is leading her down a dangerous path because not only has she succumbed to her stalkers demands she's now found herself a prisoner in his web of lies and deceit.
Now Iris has no idea how to save herself as well as keeping her body from betraying her by wanting Soren's touch when her mind is screaming for her to run far, far away from this dangerous man who holds her very life in the palm of his hands.
Maybe some secrets are meant to remain secret
March 13, 2023
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Angst: 💔💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ✅️
Do I recommend it? ✅️
Trigger Warnings: ☠️ ☠️ ☠️
Tropes: dark forbidden romance, teacher/student, gothic college romance, dark academia, billionaire, age-gap, secret society, enemies-to-lovers
Westwick University Is known for it's prestige, pedigree and secrets for hundreds of years. Many would die to come here while others have died here. The walls are built with lies. The world may not know about them but Iris does. Her family have attended the university for generations. As secrets and stories are passed down, curiosity is sure to grow. It certainly did for Iris. Now that she's attending the school, she's desperate to discover if the stories are true, especially those involving a member of her family. She has gained a new distraction that starts out in an unsettling manner. Her new professor seems unusually interested in her. Anything more between them is forbidden. He seems to only have eyes for her but is it for real or just her imagination? Soren is a billionaire who became a recluse after his wife died so why would he even be teaching here. She also seems to have gained a stalker as well. Lies lead to more lies. The secret society known as the Chevaliers are keeping a close eye on her as they don't want her discovering the truth she is so desperately searching for. When she uncovers the truth, the world will implode.
This book was an exciting start to this duet. It held an intensity that drew my attention and kept it until the cliffhanger ending. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, suspense and action. As the book progressed, I became just as invested as Iris on figuring out the truth. Soren possessed a dark intensity that drew me in and had me desperate to figure him out. The cliffhanger knocked me for a loop and now, I'm dying to get my hands on the next book. I highly recommend this read if the triggers don't stop you. Please educate yourself. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💔💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ✅️
Do I recommend it? ✅️
Trigger Warnings: ☠️ ☠️ ☠️
Tropes: dark forbidden romance, teacher/student, gothic college romance, dark academia, billionaire, age-gap, secret society, enemies-to-lovers
Westwick University Is known for it's prestige, pedigree and secrets for hundreds of years. Many would die to come here while others have died here. The walls are built with lies. The world may not know about them but Iris does. Her family have attended the university for generations. As secrets and stories are passed down, curiosity is sure to grow. It certainly did for Iris. Now that she's attending the school, she's desperate to discover if the stories are true, especially those involving a member of her family. She has gained a new distraction that starts out in an unsettling manner. Her new professor seems unusually interested in her. Anything more between them is forbidden. He seems to only have eyes for her but is it for real or just her imagination? Soren is a billionaire who became a recluse after his wife died so why would he even be teaching here. She also seems to have gained a stalker as well. Lies lead to more lies. The secret society known as the Chevaliers are keeping a close eye on her as they don't want her discovering the truth she is so desperately searching for. When she uncovers the truth, the world will implode.
This book was an exciting start to this duet. It held an intensity that drew my attention and kept it until the cliffhanger ending. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, suspense and action. As the book progressed, I became just as invested as Iris on figuring out the truth. Soren possessed a dark intensity that drew me in and had me desperate to figure him out. The cliffhanger knocked me for a loop and now, I'm dying to get my hands on the next book. I highly recommend this read if the triggers don't stop you. Please educate yourself. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Read
March 14, 2023DNF @ 10%
I really wanted to enjoy this because the premise was enticing, but I couldn't get past the slow pace and the clunky writing. It was like reading a step-by-step breakdown of the FMC/MMC's thoughts/actions/observations:
"She pulled her body back slightly so that she could look down at me and gave me a bright smile. A few seconds later, she stepped away from me."
"With a heavy sigh, I yanked the door open before fixing my grip on the box and walking as quickly as I could through the door. Once I'd overcome that obstacle, I took a quick look around, without stopping any of the progress I was making toward putting this box down in my room."
"As I continued to roll my eyes at myself..."
Either the writing style is elementary or the FMC and MMC are *supposed* to be boring as hell; either way, not for me.
I really wanted to enjoy this because the premise was enticing, but I couldn't get past the slow pace and the clunky writing. It was like reading a step-by-step breakdown of the FMC/MMC's thoughts/actions/observations:
"She pulled her body back slightly so that she could look down at me and gave me a bright smile. A few seconds later, she stepped away from me."
"With a heavy sigh, I yanked the door open before fixing my grip on the box and walking as quickly as I could through the door. Once I'd overcome that obstacle, I took a quick look around, without stopping any of the progress I was making toward putting this box down in my room."
"As I continued to roll my eyes at myself..."
Either the writing style is elementary or the FMC and MMC are *supposed* to be boring as hell; either way, not for me.
March 14, 2023
This is my first book by this author and Bri Blackwood did not disappoint! I also loved all of the tropes including:
✔️ billionaire
✔️ age gap
✔️ touch her and die
✔️ stalker
✔️ secret society
✔️ professor/student
… and much more! I will 100% pick up a book with any of these lol.
The Lies Beneath is about a girl who’s going to college wanting to discover the secrets buried that could shed some light on her family. Add in Soren, the older and alphahole who is hell bent on making her fear him. Mystery, secrets, and lies. No one is innocent. Who can you trust?
Make sure to read the authors note. This book does have some sensitive topics that could be triggering for some. Can’t wait for the next book!
✔️ billionaire
✔️ age gap
✔️ touch her and die
✔️ stalker
✔️ secret society
✔️ professor/student
… and much more! I will 100% pick up a book with any of these lol.
The Lies Beneath is about a girl who’s going to college wanting to discover the secrets buried that could shed some light on her family. Add in Soren, the older and alphahole who is hell bent on making her fear him. Mystery, secrets, and lies. No one is innocent. Who can you trust?
Make sure to read the authors note. This book does have some sensitive topics that could be triggering for some. Can’t wait for the next book!
March 12, 2023
‘The only thing I wanted was her. And I'd made a promise to myself that I would always get what I wanted.’
The Lies Beneath is Bri Blackwood's brand new book in The Westwick University duet. This is a dark forbidden Gothic romance that is releasing on the 13th of March! and will be available on Kindle Unlimited.
Blurb:
Privilege has its secrets…
Westwick University is known for its prestige and pedigree for hundreds of years. Many people would die to come here… And some have come here and died.
There are lies buried within these walls that the world doesn’t know about. But I do. It’s what happens when your family has gone to the same college for generations.
Stories and secrets are passed down, making me yearn to know more. I’m determined to discover if each and every one is true, but I’m distracted. Because my new professor has taken a particular interest in me.
Or so I think.
I shouldn’t be tempted because anything with him is forbidden. But the way that he only has eyes for me has set me on edge. I can’t tell if there is something there or if I’m making it all up in my head.
Why would a billionaire, who is known for his solitary life after the death of his wife, want to teach here? There’s so much I don’t know.
But I know that lies do nothing but lead to more lies. And when I uncover the truth, the world will implode.
Iris and Soren are definitely a interesting couple. The dynamic between them is twisted, intense and complicated, it really sucks you into their story. As this is only the first book you only just get a glimpse into their world before leaving you shocked with a cliffhanger ending!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and I am so greatful to be able to have a peek into this new world! Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading but go preorder this!
🖤 Secret society
🖤 Stalker romance
🖤 Age gap
🖤 Murder
🖤 Mystery
🖤 Spicy
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
The Lies Beneath is Bri Blackwood's brand new book in The Westwick University duet. This is a dark forbidden Gothic romance that is releasing on the 13th of March! and will be available on Kindle Unlimited.
Blurb:
Privilege has its secrets…
Westwick University is known for its prestige and pedigree for hundreds of years. Many people would die to come here… And some have come here and died.
There are lies buried within these walls that the world doesn’t know about. But I do. It’s what happens when your family has gone to the same college for generations.
Stories and secrets are passed down, making me yearn to know more. I’m determined to discover if each and every one is true, but I’m distracted. Because my new professor has taken a particular interest in me.
Or so I think.
I shouldn’t be tempted because anything with him is forbidden. But the way that he only has eyes for me has set me on edge. I can’t tell if there is something there or if I’m making it all up in my head.
Why would a billionaire, who is known for his solitary life after the death of his wife, want to teach here? There’s so much I don’t know.
But I know that lies do nothing but lead to more lies. And when I uncover the truth, the world will implode.
Iris and Soren are definitely a interesting couple. The dynamic between them is twisted, intense and complicated, it really sucks you into their story. As this is only the first book you only just get a glimpse into their world before leaving you shocked with a cliffhanger ending!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and I am so greatful to be able to have a peek into this new world! Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading but go preorder this!
🖤 Secret society
🖤 Stalker romance
🖤 Age gap
🖤 Murder
🖤 Mystery
🖤 Spicy
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
December 3, 2023
Very disappointing
A trilogy is three separate books. A duet is two separate books snd yet this trilogy is advertised as duet.
Rape or any form of sexual/assault/forced sex should never be considered romantic.
I really wanted to enjoy this series but felt that book one lacked a sufficient backstory to support the storyline. Too many unknowns after completion of book one. Too much time spent in book one on descriptive minutia vs., actual solid content that added to the storyline.
The story dragged . Soren’s character was a rapist, a
a killer and a monster. I can’t stand it when a MMC forces any form of sex on the MFC and then states “ how much she wants it”. Nothing redeemable there. I like a good suspense story but just didn’t connect with either character. The story had potential, but just didn’t deliver what I expected.
I like this author, but will give this series a pass.
A trilogy is three separate books. A duet is two separate books snd yet this trilogy is advertised as duet.
Rape or any form of sexual/assault/forced sex should never be considered romantic.
I really wanted to enjoy this series but felt that book one lacked a sufficient backstory to support the storyline. Too many unknowns after completion of book one. Too much time spent in book one on descriptive minutia vs., actual solid content that added to the storyline.
The story dragged . Soren’s character was a rapist, a
a killer and a monster. I can’t stand it when a MMC forces any form of sex on the MFC and then states “ how much she wants it”. Nothing redeemable there. I like a good suspense story but just didn’t connect with either character. The story had potential, but just didn’t deliver what I expected.
I like this author, but will give this series a pass.
March 17, 2023
Rating 3.5/5
Spice 2.5/5
Thanks so much Bri for the ARC! Honestly went completely blind, and oh lord, haha! Iris will get her mouth in trouble, and then well, she really did. She is enrolled in this prestigious University where she is investigating the mysterious secret society. She's there to prove that she is connected to it somehow.
She catches the eye of a mysterious man and cusses the hell out of him. Oops! Unbeknownst to her, he's a VERY, VERY powerful man and her new professor. Soren is obsessive and will do anything to get what he wants. Yes, ma'am, he be stalking. However, he is also a puppet of the Secret society and is asked to do their bidding and to watch over her to make sure she doesn't find out any secrets and all.
The story for me, picked up later in half of the book. I need to see more of Iris' personality I need to see more fight in her and to do well what she really needs to do. She doesn't really do much, and I can't wait for her to shine in this book. I mean, I can't blame her when Soren has that filthy mouth of his. Sheesh *Sweating*
There is so much mystery and secrets. We love the dark academia vibe going on and the forbidden aspect of this romance. So we shall what is gonna happen in the next book!
Student Teacher
Forbidden
Billionaire Romance
Stalker
Age gap
Secret society
Plus mystery
Spice 2.5/5
Thanks so much Bri for the ARC! Honestly went completely blind, and oh lord, haha! Iris will get her mouth in trouble, and then well, she really did. She is enrolled in this prestigious University where she is investigating the mysterious secret society. She's there to prove that she is connected to it somehow.
She catches the eye of a mysterious man and cusses the hell out of him. Oops! Unbeknownst to her, he's a VERY, VERY powerful man and her new professor. Soren is obsessive and will do anything to get what he wants. Yes, ma'am, he be stalking. However, he is also a puppet of the Secret society and is asked to do their bidding and to watch over her to make sure she doesn't find out any secrets and all.
The story for me, picked up later in half of the book. I need to see more of Iris' personality I need to see more fight in her and to do well what she really needs to do. She doesn't really do much, and I can't wait for her to shine in this book. I mean, I can't blame her when Soren has that filthy mouth of his. Sheesh *Sweating*
There is so much mystery and secrets. We love the dark academia vibe going on and the forbidden aspect of this romance. So we shall what is gonna happen in the next book!
Student Teacher
Forbidden
Billionaire Romance
Stalker
Age gap
Secret society
Plus mystery
March 11, 2023
Omg when I tell you how excited I was to read this book. When Bri was teasing of a dark college professor/student st@lker romance I knew I had to read. This story is about Iris trying to find proof that her family belong to a secret society. When she accidentally bumps into Soren her world is about to change. Soren is so the touch her you d!e even think about it. This book ends on a omg you leaving me here! I need book two now. But it looks like I'll have a birthday present unless it gets moved up which I'm down for.
March 13, 2023
The Lies Beneath is the first book in the Westwick University duet. It's full of mystery and intrigue as Iris, a student, secretly moonlights as a super sleuth while she tries to prove her ancestors claim to being a founding member of a secret society. Unfortunately, members from said secret society will do anything in their power to prevent that from happening. Queue the added oh la la factor of our morally grey, Stalker, turned Professor turned lover and we have Soren. He has major "touch her and die" vibes and I'm HERE FOR IT!!!
April 22, 2023
boringggggg
March 14, 2023
I need more. Seriously. This book was so good, kept me on the edge of my seat and the spice is 🥵🥵. The FMC is so relatable. And don't even get me started on the MMC. Hot damn. 🥵 I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book!
Read
January 17, 2025dnf @ 30%
July 25, 2023
I have a few opinions about this book and wanted to write them down. Again, all just my opinions.
My main issue is the genre of this book, Dark Romance. I think this would have been incredible as Horror or Thriller.
The writing needs a bit of polishing and I would have liked the author to describe their feelings more, his thrill from stalking and her fear. Not just saying she’s anxious.
A lot of my wished changes are pulling them away from Romance to Thriller. So keep that in mind.
Soren is a good antagonist. I would have liked him to be only obsessive with her and not romantically interested. Just him being a stalker, following her for only his own benefit. Her looking like his dead wife is a good reason to start obsessing over her, while he has to keep an eye on her because of his job. He is someone with paraphilia desires. The biggest part is snuff, in the book he says how seeing someone die/murdered arouses him. So again the ship sails past Dark Romance for me, but it tries to hold onto it.
Then our protagonist, I don’t think she’s memorable at all. I think it should have been focused on her fear more. She also, of course, is interested in him. But not in a Stockholm way (which would have been fitting) but romantic without exploring why. Childhood trauma? Stockholm? Any reason other than him being attractive? I think it is incredibly unrealistic (wouldn’t mind it but it throws you out of the story) to fall in love with a stalker unless the person also has issues. Could and should have been explored to make it dreadful. Also making her messed up would have been an option, but she is just the normal university girl that happened to be born in a special family and experience unfortunate events. She has no reason to be attracted to him.
Now the story which would contain more spoilers so careful. Her not finding out what she was looking for is fine with me (also considering there will be a second book which I think shouldn’t be there). But she needed a better reason, too much fear and just giving up instead of just slacking. In a No Country for Old Men way, just giving up when you meet your limit instead of running a suicide mission.
Now the end, she is kidnapped by him as a cliffhanger. Her leaving the town with her grandma and giving up would be more plausible. Or Soren killing her in the end when she plays with the fire too much. She insulted his wife and accused him of things that his morals are against, so he would have a reason, especially considering that he was supposed to stop her from looking for more information.
Now to my review end.
Will I read the second and last book? Yes.
I started, I will finish.
Will I read more from this author? Yes.
I am interested in her work since I enjoyed a lot of parts and would like to know how her other books are.
My main issue is the genre of this book, Dark Romance. I think this would have been incredible as Horror or Thriller.
The writing needs a bit of polishing and I would have liked the author to describe their feelings more, his thrill from stalking and her fear. Not just saying she’s anxious.
A lot of my wished changes are pulling them away from Romance to Thriller. So keep that in mind.
Soren is a good antagonist. I would have liked him to be only obsessive with her and not romantically interested. Just him being a stalker, following her for only his own benefit. Her looking like his dead wife is a good reason to start obsessing over her, while he has to keep an eye on her because of his job. He is someone with paraphilia desires. The biggest part is snuff, in the book he says how seeing someone die/murdered arouses him. So again the ship sails past Dark Romance for me, but it tries to hold onto it.
Then our protagonist, I don’t think she’s memorable at all. I think it should have been focused on her fear more. She also, of course, is interested in him. But not in a Stockholm way (which would have been fitting) but romantic without exploring why. Childhood trauma? Stockholm? Any reason other than him being attractive? I think it is incredibly unrealistic (wouldn’t mind it but it throws you out of the story) to fall in love with a stalker unless the person also has issues. Could and should have been explored to make it dreadful. Also making her messed up would have been an option, but she is just the normal university girl that happened to be born in a special family and experience unfortunate events. She has no reason to be attracted to him.
Now the story which would contain more spoilers so careful. Her not finding out what she was looking for is fine with me (also considering there will be a second book which I think shouldn’t be there). But she needed a better reason, too much fear and just giving up instead of just slacking. In a No Country for Old Men way, just giving up when you meet your limit instead of running a suicide mission.
Now the end, she is kidnapped by him as a cliffhanger. Her leaving the town with her grandma and giving up would be more plausible. Or Soren killing her in the end when she plays with the fire too much. She insulted his wife and accused him of things that his morals are against, so he would have a reason, especially considering that he was supposed to stop her from looking for more information.
Now to my review end.
Will I read the second and last book? Yes.
I started, I will finish.
Will I read more from this author? Yes.
I am interested in her work since I enjoyed a lot of parts and would like to know how her other books are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2023
To sum up The Lies Beneath, it’s a secret society, age gap, billionaire stalker turned teacher/student, dark romance.. with an ending that’ll make you say “WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED?” 👀
Iris is in her sophomore year at Westwick University but she’s not only there to earn her college degree. This year, she’s staying in Payne Hall in an attempt to uncover the truth about her ancestor, Margaret Turner, and her relation to the founding of the Chevaliers.
The Chevaliers are a secret society that reminded me very much of the Lords from Shantel Tessier’s The Ritual. They’re a group of men that it seems join in college and go on to become very successful, while also doing some illegal businesses behind the scenes.. and some occasional murder. The Chevaliers do not want Iris to uncover the truths about the beginnings of their society because (as I’m understanding it) they may have had more noble beginnings and clearly do not want to go back to a family type organization.. nor do they want to admit women (still not totally sure on this)?
Soren is a high ranking member of the Chevaliers. I believe the right hand man to New York’s chairman. Unfortunately for Iris, she catches his attention during an accidental run in and from that point on, he is obsessed with her. He begins stalking her and when she threatens to call the police, he threatens harm to her grandmother.
The only reason this book did not get 5 ⭐️s for me is because the transition from “I’m going to call the police” to “fuck me” was confusing. Internally, Iris was terrified of this man for weeks.. she was carrying around a bat with her everywhere she went for fear of him showing up. Then the second she got his magical cock, it was like she just no longer cared. Don’t get me wrong, the tension was high and I was ecstatic when they finally fucked but I would have just like some more transition from terrified to lusting like crazy.. especially because there was the time for it since there will be multiple books in the series.
All this to say, the spice was A++++++ 🌶️🔥🌶️🔥 There is nothing I love more than an age gap teacher/student romance and The Lies Beneath delivered on allllll of that! It was hot, hot, HOT! 🔥
There are many, many unanswered questions but I’m sure we’ll get them all answered in the next book(s) and I cannot wait to get more of Soren and Iris’ story in The Truth Between!
Iris is in her sophomore year at Westwick University but she’s not only there to earn her college degree. This year, she’s staying in Payne Hall in an attempt to uncover the truth about her ancestor, Margaret Turner, and her relation to the founding of the Chevaliers.
The Chevaliers are a secret society that reminded me very much of the Lords from Shantel Tessier’s The Ritual. They’re a group of men that it seems join in college and go on to become very successful, while also doing some illegal businesses behind the scenes.. and some occasional murder. The Chevaliers do not want Iris to uncover the truths about the beginnings of their society because (as I’m understanding it) they may have had more noble beginnings and clearly do not want to go back to a family type organization.. nor do they want to admit women (still not totally sure on this)?
Soren is a high ranking member of the Chevaliers. I believe the right hand man to New York’s chairman. Unfortunately for Iris, she catches his attention during an accidental run in and from that point on, he is obsessed with her. He begins stalking her and when she threatens to call the police, he threatens harm to her grandmother.
The only reason this book did not get 5 ⭐️s for me is because the transition from “I’m going to call the police” to “fuck me” was confusing. Internally, Iris was terrified of this man for weeks.. she was carrying around a bat with her everywhere she went for fear of him showing up. Then the second she got his magical cock, it was like she just no longer cared. Don’t get me wrong, the tension was high and I was ecstatic when they finally fucked but I would have just like some more transition from terrified to lusting like crazy.. especially because there was the time for it since there will be multiple books in the series.
All this to say, the spice was A++++++ 🌶️🔥🌶️🔥 There is nothing I love more than an age gap teacher/student romance and The Lies Beneath delivered on allllll of that! It was hot, hot, HOT! 🔥
There are many, many unanswered questions but I’m sure we’ll get them all answered in the next book(s) and I cannot wait to get more of Soren and Iris’ story in The Truth Between!
March 9, 2023
The Lies Beneath was my first Bri Blackwood book and it won't be the last . The Lies Beneath is the first book in Westwick University Duet and I desperately want to know what happens next to Iris and Soren and I have some suspicions about that.
The Lies Beneath is a dark forbidden romance written in the tradition of the gothic romance . And it has it all - a secret society with a mystery around it's founding, a centuries old university with a dark history and old buildings with secret passages and hidden rooms and haunting atmosphere . Let's not forget the danger , the angst, the suspense, the forbidden student/ professor relationship that is also an outsider/ defender of the society relationship.
Iris comes to Westwick for her second year and she's decided to set the record straight for her family that will lead to changing the history of the society of the Chevalier . But the society is working against her and wants to stop her . And there are a lot more people out there who are interested in her findings . And suddenly she's alone with so many enemies after her . A chance encounter with a stranger leads to his obsession with her . You see Soren just come back to his position in the society, yes he's a Chevalier and a dangerous one . And he wants to keep her and is playing a dangerous game with the society and with her . Very soon the lines are blurred and Iris is under his spell and the spiciness is of the charts and is with an edge of danger. Because if Soren starts as her stalker with obsession soon he is one of her professors and he is also a Chevalier with a mission. All those links are connected and at the masked ball of the society Iris comes to some realizations . Is Soren a defender of the society's secrets or is he Iris's savior ? And if he is the later why this saving looks like not saving at all . And with that cliffhanger at the end of the book the questions are more than the answers , some loyalties and friendships are questioned too .
I received an ARC copy of this book by Give Me Books Promotions in exchange of an honest review .
The Lies Beneath is a dark forbidden romance written in the tradition of the gothic romance . And it has it all - a secret society with a mystery around it's founding, a centuries old university with a dark history and old buildings with secret passages and hidden rooms and haunting atmosphere . Let's not forget the danger , the angst, the suspense, the forbidden student/ professor relationship that is also an outsider/ defender of the society relationship.
Iris comes to Westwick for her second year and she's decided to set the record straight for her family that will lead to changing the history of the society of the Chevalier . But the society is working against her and wants to stop her . And there are a lot more people out there who are interested in her findings . And suddenly she's alone with so many enemies after her . A chance encounter with a stranger leads to his obsession with her . You see Soren just come back to his position in the society, yes he's a Chevalier and a dangerous one . And he wants to keep her and is playing a dangerous game with the society and with her . Very soon the lines are blurred and Iris is under his spell and the spiciness is of the charts and is with an edge of danger. Because if Soren starts as her stalker with obsession soon he is one of her professors and he is also a Chevalier with a mission. All those links are connected and at the masked ball of the society Iris comes to some realizations . Is Soren a defender of the society's secrets or is he Iris's savior ? And if he is the later why this saving looks like not saving at all . And with that cliffhanger at the end of the book the questions are more than the answers , some loyalties and friendships are questioned too .
I received an ARC copy of this book by Give Me Books Promotions in exchange of an honest review .
March 11, 2023
The first book in the Westwick University duet and my first book by Bri Blackwood and I loved this dark, forbidden tale as Iris transfers to the university with the ulterior motive of unearthing the truth about her ancestor’s part in the establishment of a secret society known as the Chevaliers, a society who are determined to maintain the status quo by any means necessary. There may be danger coming from more than one direction though as within days Iris attracts the attention of a stalker who quickly becomes obsessed with possessing her completely. Just wait until she finds out who he is!
The Lies Beneath has everything I love in a book. With Secrets, intrigue, suspense, mystery and an obsessed antihero who finds it so easy to “unalive” anyone who would dare to hurt the heroine but who will protect Iris from him as her stalker plays psychological mind games with her pushing her to the very edge, I was sucked in right from the first page and before I knew it, it was three hours later and I was ready to throw my kindle at the wall after that cliffhanger of an ending. I honestly have no idea what was going on let alone what could possibly happen next but I can’t wait to find out and I’m so glad I took a chance reading this author.
The Lies Beneath has everything I love in a book. With Secrets, intrigue, suspense, mystery and an obsessed antihero who finds it so easy to “unalive” anyone who would dare to hurt the heroine but who will protect Iris from him as her stalker plays psychological mind games with her pushing her to the very edge, I was sucked in right from the first page and before I knew it, it was three hours later and I was ready to throw my kindle at the wall after that cliffhanger of an ending. I honestly have no idea what was going on let alone what could possibly happen next but I can’t wait to find out and I’m so glad I took a chance reading this author.
March 13, 2023
If you are looking for a mysterious and suspenseful dark forbidden romance and set in college, look no further... Iris is hoping to find the truth about her ancestor Margaret Turner and their ties to the Chevaliers secret society. Soren is part of said society. Ultimately tasked with keeping an eye on her.
Iris and Soren have good chemistry together. Soren is obsessed with her after a chance encounter and I am obsessed in return by his obsession.
There is still so much mystery surrounding the plot. This story kept giving new twists and the suspense was there almost on every page. This book lost a star because I could not keep my focus after getting more mystery after mystery.
I did like Bri Blackwood's writing though. The characters are well written and side characters only added to the story.
I have no idea how it will turn out in book 2. That ending left me wishing I had book 2 now.
𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻.
➛ Dark Gothic Romance
➛ Dual 1st person POV - 𝗜𝗿𝗶𝘀 & 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻
➛ Tropes: Forbidden (Teacher/Student), Stalker, Age Gap, Mystery, Suspense, Secret Society
➛ Spicy - 🔥🔥🔥
➛ Duet: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, this is book 1. Cannot be read as a standalone!
➛Next book: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 (Release Date October 2023)
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Iris and Soren have good chemistry together. Soren is obsessed with her after a chance encounter and I am obsessed in return by his obsession.
There is still so much mystery surrounding the plot. This story kept giving new twists and the suspense was there almost on every page. This book lost a star because I could not keep my focus after getting more mystery after mystery.
I did like Bri Blackwood's writing though. The characters are well written and side characters only added to the story.
I have no idea how it will turn out in book 2. That ending left me wishing I had book 2 now.
𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻.
➛ Dark Gothic Romance
➛ Dual 1st person POV - 𝗜𝗿𝗶𝘀 & 𝗦𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻
➛ Tropes: Forbidden (Teacher/Student), Stalker, Age Gap, Mystery, Suspense, Secret Society
➛ Spicy - 🔥🔥🔥
➛ Duet: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, this is book 1. Cannot be read as a standalone!
➛Next book: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 (Release Date October 2023)
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
March 9, 2023
I’ve never read a book like this before!
Immediately from starting this book I was enthralled by the whole secret society plot line. I’ve never read a novel that perfectly blended mystery and romance that had you burrowing under your blanket in suspense but also kicking it off from the spice. If you’ve ever watched that show house of Anubis in the mid 2000 then this book is like a spicier more interesting version.
The stalker trope is fave of mine and this book had it perfect written into it. I also liked that although this is a teacher/student romance it’s not like how you would think. This plot line doesn’t come into play until a bit into the book and it ties into the obsession/stalker trope which I loved.
Soren is just the right amount of twisted and obsessive for me. I can’t lie all his red flags looked green to me, I love me a man who goes after what he wants. Iris was the perfect fmc while not a passive person she had some spark to her but was also cautious when she realised she had a stalker and tried to get help as much as she could.
Bri has left me on a cliffhanger that I need to get off of! I can’t wait to read the next book in this mystery romance. If you’re a dark romance fan like I am then this book should be on the top of your TBR.
Immediately from starting this book I was enthralled by the whole secret society plot line. I’ve never read a novel that perfectly blended mystery and romance that had you burrowing under your blanket in suspense but also kicking it off from the spice. If you’ve ever watched that show house of Anubis in the mid 2000 then this book is like a spicier more interesting version.
The stalker trope is fave of mine and this book had it perfect written into it. I also liked that although this is a teacher/student romance it’s not like how you would think. This plot line doesn’t come into play until a bit into the book and it ties into the obsession/stalker trope which I loved.
Soren is just the right amount of twisted and obsessive for me. I can’t lie all his red flags looked green to me, I love me a man who goes after what he wants. Iris was the perfect fmc while not a passive person she had some spark to her but was also cautious when she realised she had a stalker and tried to get help as much as she could.
Bri has left me on a cliffhanger that I need to get off of! I can’t wait to read the next book in this mystery romance. If you’re a dark romance fan like I am then this book should be on the top of your TBR.
March 12, 2023
This book definitely kept me on my toes and had me thinking wth in several moments. The Lies Beneath is a dark, forbidden gothic romance.
Themes/tropes:
▪︎Age Gap
▪︎Teacher/student
▪︎Stalker
▪︎Secret Society
▪︎Dual POV
Iris is a determined college student to prove the stories and secrets passed down through her ancestors. Soren is a billionaire and her teacher who has secrets of his own and could hinder Iris' quest for answers. An accidental run in, leads to a fascination with Iris and many more events. What do you do when your stalker becomes your teacher?
There were many twists and turns leaving me speechless and on the edge of my seat. You are able to see both characters' thoughts, feelings, and takes on events, which helps readers see the depth of the characters and able to be more relatable. So many secrets are left to be found out and that ending.. I need the second book in my hands today.
Themes/tropes:
▪︎Age Gap
▪︎Teacher/student
▪︎Stalker
▪︎Secret Society
▪︎Dual POV
Iris is a determined college student to prove the stories and secrets passed down through her ancestors. Soren is a billionaire and her teacher who has secrets of his own and could hinder Iris' quest for answers. An accidental run in, leads to a fascination with Iris and many more events. What do you do when your stalker becomes your teacher?
There were many twists and turns leaving me speechless and on the edge of my seat. You are able to see both characters' thoughts, feelings, and takes on events, which helps readers see the depth of the characters and able to be more relatable. So many secrets are left to be found out and that ending.. I need the second book in my hands today.
March 7, 2023
Heat 1.5/5
Final rating 3.5/5
Iris, a second year student at Westwick, is intent on proving her ancestor was a founding member of the Chevaliers, a powerful and rich secret society. Soren Grant is tasked with watching Iris to make sure she fails her mission. He’s only too happy to watch Iris: at night, through tracking devices, at the football games, and as her professor. He’ll also happily take care of anyone who threatens or touches iris.
This is a slow-burn, age gap, teacher-student stalker gothic romance. We’ve got a secret society that unalives any poor soul not falling into line, a slightly unhinged and murderous stalker billionaire/professor, willing to lay it all out there for beautiful Iris. Unfortunately, she has no idea the trouble she’s digging up and gets herself into deep trouble with Soren and the Chevaliers.
Her new friend Aria acts strangely, and her dorm might also be haunted, but it might just be full of secret passages and rooms. I felt the progression between Soren and Iris jumped to 100 a bit suddenly, but the few spicy scenes were written well. I really want to know if Iris will ever find anything to prove her case. And Soren has a sordid past that needs to be revealed…
Final rating 3.5/5
Iris, a second year student at Westwick, is intent on proving her ancestor was a founding member of the Chevaliers, a powerful and rich secret society. Soren Grant is tasked with watching Iris to make sure she fails her mission. He’s only too happy to watch Iris: at night, through tracking devices, at the football games, and as her professor. He’ll also happily take care of anyone who threatens or touches iris.
This is a slow-burn, age gap, teacher-student stalker gothic romance. We’ve got a secret society that unalives any poor soul not falling into line, a slightly unhinged and murderous stalker billionaire/professor, willing to lay it all out there for beautiful Iris. Unfortunately, she has no idea the trouble she’s digging up and gets herself into deep trouble with Soren and the Chevaliers.
Her new friend Aria acts strangely, and her dorm might also be haunted, but it might just be full of secret passages and rooms. I felt the progression between Soren and Iris jumped to 100 a bit suddenly, but the few spicy scenes were written well. I really want to know if Iris will ever find anything to prove her case. And Soren has a sordid past that needs to be revealed…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews