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The Wolf Within #1

Beneath The Skin

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The Wolf Within, #1

If you could shift into a wolf, what would you discover about yourself?

Two years after the deaths of her bond mates, Constance Newcastle is ready to start over. The problem? The rest of the Great Pack, gathered in Paris to shift into wolves together, is not so sure she deserves the chance. Although the Great Council ruled the car crash an accident, even Constance blames herself. She was driving, after all.

Treated like a pariah by those she longs to rejoin, Constance reunites with an old lover. Everything looks promising until he mysteriously dies. Accused of his murder and desperate to clear her name, Constance joins forces with handsome, confident Liam Murphy, a former Alpha pack leader with a past as tragic and troubled as her own. Guided by the mysterious Councilor Jason Allerton, Constance and Liam discover they are not alone-- throughout the Great Pack, people are dying. Can all the deaths be accidents, or is something more sinister going on?

CONTENT Vulgar language, some sexual situations

62,316 Words

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

5 people are currently reading
135 people want to read

About the author

Amy Lee Burgess

28 books150 followers

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,476 reviews177 followers
February 2, 2012
Origianally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

Two people forced together to solve a mystery that is destroying their way of life. Can they work together or will their differences kill them and possibly more of their kind?

Constance is damaged goods. Two years ago, she lost everything; her bond mates and even her pack. After two years of loneliness and heart ache, she needs to move on, but she is unable to move past her pain. Forcing herself to attend The Great Gathering, she hopes to find a new life with a new pack. She knows her chances are slim, but she must at least try.

Liam Murphy has no time for games or a new bond mate. He lost his heart and soul three years ago. Asked to attend The Great Gathering by his former pack, he was prepared to barely participate and move on with his single life. For some reason Councilor Jason Allerton has something different in mind. Everywhere Liam turns, Constance is there. When things start getting deadly, there is nothing more for Liam to do; he has to see where Councilor Allerton is leading him and Constance, no matter the consequences.

Pack members are dying and there are no clues left behind. All deaths seem to be from natural causes or accidents. Together, Liam and Constance set out to discover the mystery. Their journey takes them from the romance of Paris to the sultry heat of Houston, Texas. If they don’t find out what is behind these deaths, they very well could be next.

I really don’t have a set writing style that I prefer, but I have noticed that single point of view is not my favorite. I do have to say after reading Beneath the Skin that my opinion has changed a bit. I was drawn into Constance’s mind. Her pain was heartbreaking and her fears became my fears. I can’t imagine this story being written any other way. There were times I wanted to jump into Liam’s mind to see what the heck he was thinking, but the mystery behind his actions enhanced the story. Ms. Burgess did an amazing job pulling me in and making me feel like I was Constance.

For me the uniqueness of The Pack is what I found the most exciting. Though my journey with Constance was fascinating, it was the rules and magic of this universe that pulled me in the most. Ms. Burgess has written an amazing take on being Pack. From shifting abilities, to their history and even their future, I was captive and intrigued. I was in utter awe of her ability to expand on a well used subject matter and make it all her own. This is her first published novel and all I can say is WOW!! Her storytelling abilities are fantastic, the pace of the book was perfect and her continuity was spot on. Congratulations to an amazing first novel!! Ms. Burgess is now an author I’m going to follow and her next two novels in this series are already on my TBR list.

Beneath the Skin is a fabulous book. It pulls you in, wraps you up and holds on tight. Don’t miss this great book! If you love shifter novels, with a bit of steamy romance, you won’t be disappointed.

Profile Image for Tana.
619 reviews213 followers
December 13, 2015
Beneath The Skin by Amy Lee Burgess

I have to say I am absolutely in love with this series. Amy Lee Burgess is a fantastic author. Her writing is great, she writes a female lead character that has gone through some horrible situations and you end up just wanting the best for her, I just loved her.

This is the first book in the series, and I read it in one afternoon, to be honest I read all 4 of her books in one weekend I couldn't stop reading them. I even emailed Amy to find out when the next book is coming out. OMG I have to wait till April I think she said LOL.

So this novel starts off with us meeting Constance Newcastle aka Stenzie, she seems to always find trouble or get into trouble. She has lost her bond mates in an accident and now she is a ceremony looking for a new bond mate. Meeting up with an old friend she thinks things are going to go her way and she won't end up being alone.

Well that is until he dies! Next thing you know Constance Newcastle is in trouble again and being accused of maybe causing his death.

To save or should I say help her in walks Liam Murphy, a man who doesn't want to bond or be in love, but Constance and Liam end up no choice but to bond.

Their relationship is a bit different and they end up becoming friends and of course a bit more. You just have to read to find out the rest.

Amy Lee Burgess has a total different spin on the wolves in this series and I loved it.

So if you like werewolves, and a great female lead character and some hot and sexy male werewolf’s you should add all Amy's books to your list to read. I would recommend this series to all my friends and followers.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Myrddin.
Author 6 books6 followers
January 7, 2012
Wolves and shape-shifter stories are not my thing but I do love a mystery so I enjoyed this book in spite of not being passionate about the wolf aspect. What fascinated me were the characters and their various interactions and dynamics in one-on-one scenarios and in group settings. The story pulls you into an alternate world but the power plays, insecurities, self-discoveries can still seem familiar and relatable even in this alternate world of shape-shifting wolves. The lead female character, Constance, is trying to reboot her life and herself. As we read we follow that process—one that is discomforting but also joyful and playful as it unfolds page by page. She struggles with personal demons while trying to navigate the more ominous mysteries developing in the group dynamic.

This is the first book in what will be an ongoing series so many of these interesting characters, along with many new characters, will be making appearances with Constance in later books. I look forward to indulging and delving deeper into the mysteries that await.

If you enjoy shape-shifter stories and/or mysteries, you will delight in reading this book. The wolf angle is right on trend too so get into the groove and give it a read!
Profile Image for Tera Shanley.
Author 14 books133 followers
July 11, 2014
What an awesome start to the Wolf Within series! This is my first Burgess book and I have to say, I absolutely fell in love with the author's voice. Stanzie has endured so much and is still fighting for a normal life, despite so many obstacles. She's strong, and funny and open to love, where some would've given up. As it seems Liam has - sexy, Irish former Alpha who is bonded to Stanzie to help her out of a tight spot. You've never read a more closed off soul than Liam, but if anyone can open him back up to the possibility of happiness and love, it's our Stanzie. Burgess has created a wonderful shifter world with an intriguing hierarchy for the wolves. The setting sounds gorgeous, and her knack for description drops you right into the story. I loved it. Read it in one day and can't wait to read more from this author! 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Nerine Dorman.
Author 70 books238 followers
October 8, 2011
Tired of all those uber-muscle-bound tough-as-nails urban fantasy females? Stanzie is a refreshing change from those hard women. She's real and hell, she loves shoes. But beyond that, this is a fascinating glimpse into a culture of wolf shifters that is a welcome change from the norm. Burgess's Pack are a complex secret society existing among humans, and Stanzie as a character, has to fight hard for her happiness after a lonely two-year exile. If you read one debut author this year, make it Amy Lee Burgess.
Profile Image for Carrie Clevenger.
Author 17 books71 followers
May 5, 2013
This book is not formulaic romance with graphic scenes of unbridled lust, but there is a definite sense of separate character for every person. Amy's shifters are a little different than I've seen, with a very nicely drawn alternative universe surrounding them to complement. Recommended for those who love stories of relationships, personality and the struggle of the soul.
Profile Image for April.
795 reviews
December 3, 2019
3.25. Not fond of the descriptions used in the wolves. Constance was a hard character to connect with, I didn't really like her.
Profile Image for Jeannie Zelos.
2,851 reviews57 followers
July 18, 2012
Beneath the Skin. (The Wolf Within) Amy Lee Burgess.

Having been given book three in the series for review and loved it I had to buy books one and two. This review is as always independent of whether I've bought it or received for free. Integrity is important to me, and the views I've given are personal and honestly held.

First in a paranormal romance series about shifter wolves. Its an excellent introduction introducing Stanzie who lost her bond mates in a terrible car accident two years earlier. She was blamed by her pack mates, even though she was cleared by the Council as they believe she was drunk and they chose to ban her from their pack. Two years have passed and Stanzie can apply to rejoin another pack if she finds a new bond mate. She is at a Regional gathering in France for this purpose when she's reunited with an old lover. Everything is going well and she feels promise for a new future when tragedy strikes her again and she is accused of his murder. She joins forces to clear her name with Liam Murphy, a former Alpha who also has a complicated past. Guided by Councillor Allerton they investigate several other accidents as he wants some discreet enquiries made to see if there is more to these than meets the eye.

Stanzie is a lovely character who has been caught up in events through no fault of her own. Liam is a typical alpha needing to help someone who he can see will be blamed for an event for which she is clearly innocent. The book centres on both the events and the characters. Stanzie and Liam are both working on how to get along, Stanzie has been abandoned by both her pack and her family and is struggling to understand Liam. He's a fantastic man – trying hard to help her and yet victim of his own sad story. Initially they don't appear to get in and yet are thrown together by events (and the manoeuvrings of Councillor Allerton ) and gradually become closer.

The characters are so well described that even though I've now read this book three times and know what is coming I'm still moved to tears for poor Stanzie, and understand Liam's withdrawals when he's feeling angry over events he's trying to put behind him. Stanzie has a controlling bully of a father, difficulties from her former Alpha who disliked her and then lost the two people who were her loves. Her wolf is very childlike and known and laughed at throughout the Pack and she struggles with confidence because of her troubled past. Despite this she's very intuitive and intelligent and thus Councillor Allerton see her and Liam as being a good team to help him in his investigations. The book is centred around the people and how the events interact with them – that’s my favourite style of writing. Its written from the viewpoint of Stanzie and again that’s something that always makes books more real to me – I feel as if I’m actually in the novel and get lost in another world. The plots centre around the tragedies but also flashback to past ones to give a fuller picture. Its a very easy to follow story, well written and edited and going to become one of my favourite re read series. There's something new to find on each subsequent reading and the story remains fresh even though I know what’s going to happen.
It does have some sex scenes although not graphic and they are integral to the story. It also has some swearing and again it fits within the characters feelings at the time. Its 175 pages for £3.67 as an e reader and to me real value for money being one I'll keep to re read. Its not currently available as a print version.

Stars – Five stars, its a gripping story that I can't fault and real value for money.

Profile Image for Rhomy.
304 reviews74 followers
November 24, 2013
3.5 stars

When I'm not so sure what rating to give to a book, I just divide my review into "likes" and "don't likes" to make it clear.

Overall this was a fast paced read, entertaining and yes, I think it is a series I may keep reading. This is only the beginning, so I believe the characters have yet to mature and be developed.

There is a lot of potential in "Beneath the Skin" so I hope the series takes advantages of it.

So, thoughts:

What I didn't like:


Basically, I had a problem with the protagonist, Constance. She is whinny, keeps drowning herself in self pity and I can't remember how many times throughout the book she felt like she was going to puke. I know she went through a rought situation, but it was time for her to get over it.
I thought she didn't have any redeemable qualities, well, except that she likes Louboutin's shoes, but at the end she won me a little. (and I literally mean a little, I still thinks she is annoying)
I didn't like the way the author represented her wolf. Whenever constance shifted we read her thoughts and they go something like: "me run, me happy, me with friend, me scared" Seriously, it's kinda weird.


What I liked:


- As I said, the pace was fast, which made it entertaining
- The plot is ok, a bit of action, a bit of romance. Not much of any though. The mystery add to the story. Thumbs up.
- The originality of the approach. I mean, they are werewolces but turning has nothing to do with a full moon and the author created a unique world for these werewolves and their packs. I liked the way they joined in duos or triads and the ceremonies such as "the gathering". Also the idea of a Council, Grandmothers and Grandfathers.
- Looooooove the cover.
- I enjoyed the end very much, not only the discovery and solving of the mystery but Liam and Stanzie's renewed interaction.
- Liam Murphy. he is selfless, supporting, intriguing, smart and pretty interesting and he hides behind that smug, tough guy facade.


And that's it! I will keep an eye on the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Lexi.
Author 131 books253 followers
December 11, 2013
**Review written for an originally posted on my blog, Book Bliss. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review**

Review: 4.5 stars

General: I love that this book didn’t hold back. The writing was wonderful and the world building solid from the get go. From the beginning we are launched straight into the tragic event that fuels most heros/heroine’s. We even get to see a little of it and I thought that was a step up, to experience with the lead and not in flashback or storytelling mode. I enjoyed the little things that made this different from other wolf stories – the actual presence of a pack, the idea that we don’t have just once mate.

I felt the plot was strong and I was eager to follow but I felt there was a bit of a red herring in it and while I know people aren’t supposed to love them, it did annoy me more than it should have because it felt a little forced. Overall this book was a great kickstart to the series and I know that the world will continue to draw me in.

Characters: Stanzie- Stanzie is a heroine that you can immediately identify with because of the way the story starts. It’s so easy to sympathize with her and want for her to find hope. I wish she had a little more stand out of a personality but with what she had endured, I can understand why she was a bit of a blend into the crowd type of lead.

Liam- Liam got me from the get go just with his name. There’s something about it that draws me to him and picture someone super sexy. His alpha male ranked high – being an alpha himself. I found him entertaining and a good match for Stanzie.
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 14 books81 followers
February 8, 2016
Beneath the skin has many themes running through it. There’s abandonment, guilt, blame, love lost and love growing, insecurity and a lot of confusion of feelings. There’s a good pace throughout, which keeps the story ticking along. I’ve not read enough of the shifter paranormal sub-genre to know whether the notion, that as shifters they can change at any time, is a novel one - given that sex is involved as a catalyst – but in Beneath The Skin they don’t need to wait for that full moon, or other such natural circumstances. However, when Constance does eventually shift in the novel, the experiences are not as satisfying as she would wish them to be. It’s an interesting concept that she still has a lot to learn about the change, and like many human teenagers, she rebels against being constrained by rules. Fortunately, Liam Murphy is there to eventually help her become less impetuous. Unfortunately for Constance (an interesting choice of name), her first attempt in the novel to have sex with an old friend to initiate shifter-change, is beset by devastating circumstances. Nobody wants to be branded a murder but poor Constance is definitely in the wrong place at the wrong time and is blamed yet again for the demise of another Pack member. Those thought to be ultimately responsible for the unfortunate happenings to young Pack members around the world, provides quite a startling ending to this first novel in the series. The novel is well written and well edited and is an easy read in one sitting.
Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews52 followers
October 7, 2013
Constance Newcastle bond mates died two years ago in a car crash. Even though the Great Council found her innocent of the accident, her pack no longer wanted her. Now she is in Paris at the Great Pack Gathering hoping to get another opportunity at pack life.

Liam Murphy is the former Alpha of his pack. After his pregnant wife died in an unfortunate accident, he left his friends and family not wanting anyone but his beloved wife. Councilor Jason Allerton seems to be match making between the two. However, that is not the only reason he wants Constance and Liam to get together. There have been a number of tragic deaths throughout the groups. Is it a coincidence?

Amy Lee Burgess does a wonderful job making you feel for Constance and Liam. The trials and tribulations they had to go through are heartbreaking. As a reader, you feel for them and want them to find the happiness they deserve.

I’m glad I discovered Beneath The Skin and look forward to continuing reading the Wolf Within Series.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Visit my blog: http://dianelynchbookreviews.blogspot...
4 reviews
January 10, 2013
I loved this book. It really gets you into the whole series. Stanzie is a character you want to root for and so you do. I love a good mystery and this was a great one. You are guessing right to the end. The love story is definitely secondary, but there. That means to me that if you are a romance lover you are going to love this and want them to fall in love, but if you are not a romance lover, it won't make you not like the book. The romance is realistic and doesn't have that formula of most romance novels. When I finished reading this book, I was anxious for the next.
Profile Image for Stacy McKitrick.
Author 16 books225 followers
September 22, 2014
This book started out slow. Too slow. If not for the fact that Amy is a Lyrical Press “sister” and Sizzle and Sass “sister,” and I didn’t have such a wonderful time writing that little story with her back in October, I don’t know if I would have bought the book! Not buying it would have been a mistake, too. I really enjoyed the story (once it got going) and I like Constance and Liam. I look forward to reading the next one in the series (once I purchase it, of course!).

So, don't let the slow beginning put you off. If you like shifter books, go for it!
Profile Image for Wendy Strain.
32 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2014
Amy Lee Burgess offers us an intriguing story setting up an exciting new series in Beneath the Skin. Her wolves might seem to struggle with the same problems as the mainstream, but the fact that they are wolves adds entirely different dimensions to what they do and how they do it. The intricate weaving together of paranormal ability and common interpersonal challenges is seamless while the sequence of events keeps everyone - from characters to readers - on their toes.
Profile Image for Amy.
161 reviews
April 16, 2015
Where do I begin (with this review) is the question that is currently plaguing my brain. This story reeled me in & I devoured it in a sitting. I couldn't get enough! Amy's writing is simply wonderful, to say the least, and her take on wolf shifters is unique & refreshing. I fell in love with the characters and can't wait to dive into the next book in this series, I'm anxious to see what awaits me there.
1,678 reviews18 followers
January 28, 2015
This is a different take on the wolf bond, having pairs or even triads. This is also a story of loss and the hope of eventually finding yourself happy again...even if you are played like puppets to make it happen. I only wish the sex scenes would have been there, just not brushed over.
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