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She’ll never stop loving the boy he was, or the man he’s become
Beth Garcia grew up chasing after her older brother David and his best friend, Juan, dreaming of a day Juan would see her as someone other than David’s little sister. When Juan joined a gang and disappeared, she thought her chance was gone. Now Juan’s back, and the gentle boy she once knew is a hardened man, pushing her away. But Beth sees the spark of desire in his eyes, and she vows to fight for a love she was once denied.

He betrayed her once to save his life—he’ll betray her again to save hers
As a teen, Juan Martinez lost everything—his family, his home, the only life he’d ever known. Alone and desperate, he turned to a violent gang for protection. But when you sell your soul to the devil, you pay a heavy price. Juan served hard time, and now, out on parole, he only wants to disappear—from the gang, from memories of better times, and especially from the gorgeous woman who captured his heart all those years ago. Because being with Beth means dragging her into his dangerous past—and Juan’s past isn’t done with him yet.

To escape his past, they’ll have to create an even more powerful future
As their passion ignites, Juan and Beth are faced with a threat that could destroy it all: Juan’s former gang wants him back, and they won’t take no for an answer. Forced to confront living a life he hates to save the woman he loves, Juan feels helpless yet again. But this time, he has Beth, and she won’t give up the only love she’s ever known. She’ll fight to the end to save the man who may not know how to save himself.

This national bestseller was originally published as Buried.

ebook

First published July 1, 2014

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About the author

Selena Laurence

51 books910 followers
Romance Author | Coffee Drinker | Breaker of Tropes | Mother of Doodles

Selena Laurence is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of One of a Kind Romance. She has published books in Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Paranormal Romance. She’s also a curated contributor in non-fiction on Medium as SE Reed.

Selena lives in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with her family, her Goldendoodle, and Demon Cat. Her favorite city is Edinburgh, her favorite color is purple, and her favorite shoes are Converse.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,314 reviews13.7k followers
July 30, 2014
4 Stars

I'm going to find Juan- the real Juan. I'm going to bring him back from the dark, deep place of pain and punishment he's been living in. I know who he is. I'm going to remind him who he is, and then I'm going to make sure the world knows him too.


In my typical fashion of doing things back asswards, I went into this book without having read the previous 2 in this series. What? Don't act like you're surprised. What can I tell you after finishing it? 3 things.

1. The story goes to prove what a fantastic author Selena Laurence is
2. You can easily read this as a standalone
3. I will now be going back and reading the previous 2, not because I was lost in the story, but simply because I'm intrigued by the characters.


Juan Martinez has spent the past 7 years in hell. He's lost his mother, his home, and life as he once knew it. Seeing no other alternative, he turned to the only option he thought was available to him; joining the Reyes Hispanos, one of the most violent gangs in his town of Texas. His life certainly hasn't been easy, and he's long since buried all his youthful dreams. The straight A student with dreams of a wife and a white picket fence has been replaced by the cold faced gangster that's learned to hide everything he feels. After serving hard time for being convicted of a death in a drive-by shooting, Juan only wants one thing; to hide. To hide from his past, to hide from his present, and definitely to hide from the gang that is already breathing down his neck and wants him back into the fold. But all that changes when at his halfway house his past comes crashing into him in the form of Beth Garcia; his childhood best friend's younger sister and the woman he's always loved.

Beth still remembers the boy that Juan used to be, and she refuses to believe in the facade of the dangerous gangster he now presents. She doesn't believe he's guilty of the crime he was convicted for. She sees beyond the hard exterior to the broken soul of the man beneath. The man that she used to know, and the man that she is determined to find again.

I can't give you any one word to describe this book, because it doesn't fit into any particular box or genre that I can think of. It was emotional, heart wrenching, at times sexy, and poignant.

I loved the strength in both of these characters. With every piece of the puzzle of Juan's past that gets revealed, you get further and further drawn into the story.

Juan for all his bad boy gangster ways was nothing like that with Beth. This was his childhood crush and the girl he always imagined himself being with. So while their connection is instantaneous when the reconnect these 7 years later, you can understand it given their history. Though their relationship is not an easy one with the chaos that surrounds them from Juan's past life. There was action and quite a few nail biting moments that will keep you glued to the story from beginning to finish.

I also loved how Selena included Joss from A Lush Betrayal in the end here. It was so flawlessly done and just added to my enjoyment of the story to see the two worlds tied together.

**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**

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Profile Image for Mary Mooney.
2,539 reviews59 followers
July 20, 2014
What do you do what your brothers best friend gets sent to prison and after four years you see him? This was not a question for Beth, when she saw Juan she had to talk to him and see how he was doing. When he tried to chase her away with gang-banger talk, she called him on it and told him like it was. Juan has always liked Beth but she was his best friends sister and was off limits. Beth has like Juan for as long as she can remember. When she tries to help him, they both get caught and are taken to the gangs headquarters. Where Juan is traded to a man that just might want to kill him. So can he save Beth or will they both be lost in the process? Another perfect addition to the Hiding from Love series. If you haven't read any of this series, I recommend you start now so you will be ready for Buried on August 4th.
**Copy provided by the author of my honest review**
Profile Image for Selene.
164 reviews23 followers
August 8, 2014
Love can make you lose it all, risk it all, want it all. But most of all, love can help you have it all.

Growing up, Beth has always had a crush on her big brother's best friend Juan. He's the perfect guy ... athletic, good-looking, smart, respectful, and just an all-around good guy. One day, he is ripped from their lives when his mother is deported. For reasons no one seems to understand, Juan left the safety of Beth's family and joined the RH, a very violent and dangerous gang. Juan's association with the RH lands him in prison.

After Juan's release, years later, Beth and Juan have a chance encounter and her feelings of young love resurface despite his tough and hardened exterior. Beth is convinced the Juan she knew years ago still exists deep inside and she is determined to find him and be with him.

The boy I know is still inside somewhere. He may have strayed but I know deep in the very fibers of my being - he isn't lost. - Beth

As much as Juan might want to be with her too, he knows he will never be truly free from his past and he cares too much to subject her to a life full of danger.

It'll never work. I'll never be free, and I won't bury you with me. - Juan

Beth isn't about to walk away from Juan without a fight. How much is she willing to sacrifice to be him?

And Juan .... just how far will he go to protect Beth from his past, his future, from him? 

Just as people are separated because of wars, because of illness, because of death, Beth and I will be separated because of circumstances out of our control ...  That I would get the brief moment in time to touch her skin, taste her mouth, smell her hair, be inside of her.  I will cling to those memories for the rest of my life .... I won't regret it, because I had her.  For one brilliant sparkling moment, I had her.

You see, Juan has a bigger problem than the RH and it's about to find him....

This blook BLEW ME AWAY! I think I felt just about every emotion reading this book ... I cried, I LOL-ed, and my heart broke. Not to give anything away but there were moments in this book that had me sobbing (as in LE SOB) ... for reasons I'd never expect in a million years. Selena is just good like that!

AND! Oh my hottness .... what is it about a guy who has the potential to be the baddest of the bad boys but is just a good guy at heart. *SWOON* Sucks me in every time!

Buried is part of the Hiding from Love series and it stands alone. There is character crossover but the previous books are not required reading.
Profile Image for MsChris1161.
487 reviews52 followers
August 5, 2014
I'm so glad I finally found the time to read BURIED. Of course I loved it sooooo much I'm kicking myself for letting other stuff, like needing to sleep, get in the way for days. Seriously loved everything about it. The storyline was phenomenal. I couldn't see a way clear for Juan, but obviously I didn't fall for him quite as completely as Beth. Because Beth, she never once gave up or backed down when it came to fighting for the man she loved to be free. And Juan, he was so noble. He did whatever it took to protect the woman he loved. Selena Laurence kept me glued to these pages. Wanting. No, needing to know what was going to happen to these two young lovers. She did not disappoint!

Buried is absolutely my favorite book of Selena's to-date, yes even more than A Lush Betrayal, even though that makes me feel a little guilty for knowing I am bumping Joss's book to #2. Because I am a serious Joss Jamison fan. I know I sound a bit silly. Let's call it sleep deprivation combined with being totally stoked after reading this awesome book. So totally giddy, instead of silly.

I also have to say I love romance. Romantic, hearts and flowers, everyone's having a great time and laughing it up from all the witty banter kind of books. Buried is not that. It is intense, brings to light a desperate way of life, and it is driven by the situations and storyline. AND character driven, but not in the typical meaning. I mean the character of Juan and Beth, the inate goodness, integrity and quality way in which they make their choices. The love between them is unconditional, unending, and sacrificial. Nothing touches my old romantic heart more than a man willing to give up everything, a man willing to live a life that would be hell for him, if it meant his lady would be safe and free.

I really don't want to give spoilers, so the last thing I'll say is I love an epilogue at the end of books. This one has an epilogue that made me squeal like a fan girl! Total icing on the cake of this incredible story (as they always should be, lol). Bottom line. Buried is a Must-Read story. 5 stars.

~Complimentary copy received in exchange for a honest review.


Profile Image for Heather.
465 reviews30 followers
August 6, 2014
I think Buried is my favorite Selena Laurence book to date. I think I say that with every book, but seriously, it is. It touched my heart so much. Without getting into a political rant, I have seen this happen more than once and it breaks my heart. Parents do not bring their children up over the border via a coyote unless there are no other options, they feel like life will end if they don’t take the risk. It is one of the most dangerous things that you can do and I can only imagine the desperation a parent is facing if they take that route.

That’s what happened to Juan. His mom brought him up over the border and then she is deported later. His life fell apart. He knows how much she risked to keep him out of Mexico, to shield him. He turned to the Reyes Hispanos and in turn gets sent to prison for his involvement in a drive by.

I loved Beth, that girl doesn’t take no for an answer and she goes after what she wants. Juan tells her to stay away over and over and she doesn’t. She wants to find the Juan she knew and loved all those years ago, the Juan that grew up next door and was best friends with her brother, the Juan who was a part of her family.

There is so much more going on in Juan’s life and it is a dangerous life she is attempting to step into. She won’t let him go through this on his own. She won’t let him slip away again.

I just felt this story deep inside of me. I’ve seen the desperation and fear in peoples’ eyes. I’ve seen my own husband worried about family that are still in Mexico because of everything that is going on down there right now. I felt those feelings in Buried, just the repercussions of choices made.

It was just a beautiful love story full of action and drama and she managed to tie it in with the Lush series. :)

Thank you so much for my copy of Buried!

Profile Image for Linda Rimer-Como.
1,264 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2014

A fantastic story that is extremely well written with intense characters that have great interaction. There is suspense, intrigue and sexual chemistry as the author brings us a great story of love, loss, hope and determination. Can you love someone enough to let them go if it means saving their life? A truly remarkable, can't put it down book! I enjoy reading books by Selena Laurence, as she keeps you on the edge of your seat! This book is no exception!

Received copy for review.
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
July 31, 2014
Gripping, raw, powerful! Not your typical romance but one you MUST read! Juan and Beth are two characters you know belong together right from the start. An amazing love story between two people who couldn't be more different. He lives in a dangerous world, not a place he ever wants her to see, and he will do anything to keep her safe. You really don't want to miss this one, I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,697 reviews49 followers
March 14, 2018
Beth and Juan are good together. Beth is a great character and has the best outlook on life. She’s determined to make Juan believe in himself and remember the man he was before prison. Juan wishes his life could be different and that he wasn’t who he is. He wants Beth with a deep desperation, but is afraid she will be hurt in the life he knows he has no choice but to live.

Both of these characters are selfless and willing to give up their own happiness for the other. I was happy with the way it ended, although honestly, I had to remind myself it was fiction because I had a hard time believing someone as powerful as Miguel would allow that play to happen. But overall it was a good book and we were able to see Gabe and Alexis again.

The Kindle version is no longer available on Amazon so I was unable to leave a review with Amazon.
2,036 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2019
Part 4 picks up right where 3 ended... Bryon gets released to return to work and has been promoted along with needing to hire new volunteers or possibly have to work with an outside company and the men are not trained to fight fires properly. There are many stories going on at once and we find out nurse Nancy did not poison Byron but she is looking for help since the police want to question her. Bryon and Clara help her and let’s hope she does not go after Bryon even though Clara warned her. Joel and his wife, Vera are being set up for a big scandal to happen and I only hope it turns out good for them and the evilness of the man running for senate against Joel is out to get everything he wants, money and more money! There are many twist and unknowns in this story, I look to the next part. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
224 reviews
April 2, 2019
Juan was leading a life he never wanted, gangs, drugs and prison, but felt he had no choice but when Beth re entered his life he struggled with wanting her and keeping her safe. But one wrong decision put them both in a desperate situation and as Juan worked to protect her and keep her safe Beth worked to free Juan and give him the life he deserved and they both wanted.
Profile Image for Casey.
2,650 reviews47 followers
April 4, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

Buried by Selena Laurence is the third book in her Hiding From Love series. Although this book is number three in the series, you do not need to have read the previous two books to understand this one. I hadn't read the previous two books in this series before reading Buried, but I can't wait to go back and read them after reading this story. This book was so good, and I loved that it was something completely new and different. I highly recommend checking this one out if you are looking for a unique read.

Juan is just getting out of prison and is getting ready to start living life on the outside again. He is staying at a half-way house when he ends up seeing the girl he grew up loving at the women's halfway house next door. He knows that he needs to stay away from Beth and that nothing good can come from them talking again but finds himself looking forward to seeing her as much as he dreads her getting sucked into his life. Juan is no longer the studious boy that Beth remembers, and is now a gang-banger that puts up a facade to keep others out. But Beth sees beneath the mask and knows that the boy she once loved is still in there. Beth is determined to help Juan find himself again and finally have a chance at the relationship that they have both always wanted. But with Juan's gang not willing to just let him walk away, and a secret threat that Juan refuses to tell anyone about things won't be as easy as Beth is imagining. Can Juan and Beth find a way to be together and be free, or will Juan's ties to the gang be too much for them to overcome?

I really liked Juan. I was worried at first that he would be too much of a thug for me to really root for, but he was so much more. I loved that he was into soccer and plants, and that he was able to still be the smart boy he was growing up. He wasn't a total player, and his feelings for Beth were strong and true. He loved her so much, and it was clear that he would do literally anything in order to protect her and keep her safe. She was his top priority, and he never wavered on his feelings for her. Beth was great as well. She was a little naive and didn't seem to really get exactly what Juan's life and decisions entailed. She didn't realize that gangs don't just let you walk away and it took both Juan and her family repeatedly telling her for her to finally see what they were up against. But she was so determined, and like Juan she never gave up. She cared just as much about Juan and was willing to sacrifice and risk just as much as he was for them to be together. I really felt that they had a strong connection despite the years they spent apart, and I loved that they had a history together. It was really great that they were able to find their way back to each other, and I enjoyed seeing them go from being childhood friends and crushes to falling in love with one another. They had great chemistry together, but they also had such a deep and strong love that was undeniable.

Overall, I thought that this was a great book. I loved the story and I was really glad that this one wasn't overly predictable. I felt like the twists and turns were real and believable, and although I had some things figured out there was also a lot that I never would have guessed. Juan and Beth were meant to be together, and that was clear from the beginning. But with everything stacked against them, it was hard to see how everything could possibly work out for them. Beth and Juan were a really great couple, and their story is definitely one that will stick with me. I loved the characters in this book, and it was great to see Joss Jamison from Selena's Lush series as well. I loved how she wove his character in and it could not have been done any better! I am becoming a huge fan of Selena's, and each book I read of hers just proves what a great writer she is. I highly recommend checking her books out if you haven't already, and I would definitely recommend Buried. I can't wait to go back and read the rest of this series, and I look forward to seeing what Selena writes next.

**ARC Provided by Author**
Profile Image for Tiffany Willams.
583 reviews31 followers
August 4, 2014
"I'm going to find Juan-the real Juan. I'm going to bring him back from the dark, deep place of pain and punishment he's been living in since that fateful day when he was seventeen. I know who he is. I'm going to make sure the world knows him too."

Love isn't easy. Plain and simple. But it's worth fighting for.
And a fight is about to happen.

Beth Garcia fell in love when she was very young. She fell head over heels for her brother's best friend. She saw a future with him even though she never declared this love to him. Then, one day, that future she wished for was torn into millions of pieces. She had no idea that it would be seven years before she would see his face again. But would he still be the same?

Juan Martinez had a good life full of friends, good grades and a mother who loved him. But all good things must come to an end, right?! When Juan was 17 his mother was deported back to Mexico and Juan ran. He ran so he wouldn't get caught and have to go back to Mexico. So, what does he do? Joins the RH a.k.a. the Reyes Hispanos, one of the most well-known gangs. Just when he thought it couldn't get any worse, he is accused of killing a small child in a drive-by shooting. Juans life would never be the same.

"Juan's life isn't the sort of thing you ugly-cry about. It's too dark and too serious for that. It isn't a soap opera or an in-your-face reality TV show. Juan's life is a tragedy, pure and simple."

While volunteering at a women's halfway house, Beth looks over to the men's facility next door and is speechless. Juan. Her Juan. He's home. But he's not himself anymore. He's done hard time and it shows all over his face. As you are reading, you feel the love and struggle between these two characters.

"I just want it to all go away so I can have that beautiful boy back. I want to be the sixteen-year-old Beth who loved the seventeen-yer-old Juan. Both of us so innocent, so idealistic, so untried."

Every time she broke through his hard shell, you cheered. Every time he put his guard back up, you cried. They knew their time was limited before the RH found him again. Once you're in a gang, you are there forever. Not always physically, but mentally. Juan struggles so much to keep Beth at arms length and to not let her see all the bad that comes with loving him. Being Beth, it doesn't stop her from proving that they can survive anything.

"See, you gave yourself away with that kiss. No man kisses a woman like that unless he really feels something for her."
"I've never denied that I feel something for you."
"Then you can't deny me. You can't tell me to lock my feelings away amd pretend this isn't something important."
"Please don't do this, Beth. You know I can't resist you forever."
"Exactly."

When Juan's past catches up to his present, he and Beth are thrown into the life Juan has spent years running from.

"Just as people are separated because of wars, because of illness, because of death, Beth and I will be separated because of circumstances out of our control."

Decisions have to be made. Danger stands lurking. Hearts must be broken. Lives will change forever. Can Juan and Beth's love survive it all? Is it worth the fight?

"He loves me, and he would rather live without me than see any harm come to me."

"And you are the only thing for me. The best, the worst, the everything. My world starts and ends with you, Beth Garcia. Te amo, mi corazon."

Ahhhh! This book was amazing!! Selena had me on the edge of my seat so many times! I have never read a book that revolved around the life of a gang member before. It's intense, people!! My heart was racing and my eyes were filled with tears through it all. I wanted to come through the book and hold Juan. I wanted to hold him and tell him how much his life is worth. I wanted to applaud Beth for being so determined to prove Juan's innocence and for loving him through everything. This story makes you think. You wonder about what your life would be like if you had this happen to you or a loved one. Would you fight like Beth? Would you suffer like Juan? Would you survive? Great book!! Amazing read!! Congrats on another wonderful book, Selena!

"Life's full of risks. You can't live it without taking some. We're just learning how to live."
Profile Image for Les Romantiques.
575 reviews21 followers
August 4, 2014
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Author

Buried is the fourth volume in the Hiding from love series. I already reviewed the first three ones: Camouflaged ( https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ), Hidden (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) and Concealed (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ).

I repeat it here, Concealed is to this day my favorite novel by the author and in the series. That didn’t prevent me to want to read Buried as soon as I understood Beth and Juan would be the heroes of this volume, officially the last one in the series. The author announced she could perhaps write some novellas for secondary characters. I will certainly read them.

Buried is completely different from the other volumes of the series. By the way, I’d say I went from one surprise to the next with Selena Laurence, so in the future I won’t forecast on how she’ll treat her story.
So this fourth volume is more than a love story, it’s even more than a redemption story, it’s the story of a man who made bad choices in his life and a woman who tries to rescue him in spite of him and at her own risks. The readers already knew in Concealed that Juan has been in prison for several years after being charged for the murder of a little seven-year-old girl. The big difficulty for the author would be not only to make this man likeable (in Camouflaged, Alexis mentioned how much he was horrible at one point) but also how the heroes would be able to be happy when Juan is not finished yet with his gang.
So I can already see people exclaim: we don’t go out of a gang. Perhaps. Or not. In any case, the story is treated so that once the book closed, we believe in the happy future for Beth and Juan. And Buried is a romance, let’s not forget it. Which means the author must anyhow find a solution for our heroes to be together in the end.  Nevertheless, the book contains a lot of violence. On one hand, that’s a surprise because I was not accustomed to this kind of violence with Selena Laurence (the violence in Camouflaged was different because it was linked to the war in Afghanistan). But on the other, it was logical. And the author doesn’t spare us anything about what can happen when someone is brought in this world. So I can say that the atmosphere is really well rendered.

Beth and Juan have loved each other since they were young. The reader knows it from the beginning and the reader has his heart bleeding for what could have been if the immigration service didn’t intervene in Juan and his mother’s lives. And it’s also from the beginning that we understand that they love each other and that the fact that they confess it quickly won’t be the problem for our two lovebirds. On top of his criminal past, Juan hides a big secret, one that makes the readers able to understand all the ins and the outs of the young man’s past and present. A secret Selena Laurence succeeded to hide until its revelation. LOL

I really liked to see again Alexis and Gabe, as well as Beth’s family. I liked their solidarity in the ordeals Beth is going through. I also really liked the latter’s determination, her total faith in Juan and the fact that she loves him in spite of everything and is ready to sacrifice herself for this love. They are both ready to do it, which shows the depth of their feelings. And as always with Selena, the sex scenes are high-quality, her style is fluent, the novel sways between a bit of humor and a lot of emotion.

So, I recommend you read the book and the series if you have the opportunity. Know that even if Buried takes place a little before Concealed, the reader can read this story separately and those who already read the other volumes won’t see any repetition. A very good job from the author for that. And, for Selena Laurence’s fans, there is a big bonus in the epilogue, which will encourage everyone to reread the beginning of a certain book… But I’ll let you discover the surprise. 

I will give the maximum rating to the book and I won’t make any comparison between Buried and Concealed… because no one is better, the two are just different.
Profile Image for Emma Harris.
105 reviews12 followers
August 6, 2014
4 Glowing Stars

Synopsis

Seven years ago, Juan Martinez lost everything—his only parent, his home, his life as he’d known it. Alone, lost, and desperate, he turned to the Reyes Hispanos—the RH—one of the most violent gangs in South Texas. But when you sell your soul to the devil, you pay a heavy price. Convicted of a drive-by shooting, Juan has served hard time. Finally out on parole, he wants to disappear—from the RH, from memories of all that he’s lost, and especially from the gorgeous woman who just showed up next door.

Beth Garcia grew up following after her older brother, David, and his best friend, Juan. She always dreamed of a day when she’d be old enough for Juan to look at her as someone other than David’s little sister. But he disappeared at seventeen, after his mother was deported, and Beth thought she’d lost him forever. When she finds him living at the halfway house next door, she knows he’s still the same guy inside. Determined to save him from himself and the RH, Beth sets out to prove that he didn’t commit the crime he was convicted of. But the path to absolution is dark, and even Beth may not be able to discover the real Juan.

Can a man with a damaged soul and a beautiful heart let a woman with fierce loyalty and unwavering love risk it all to save him? Or will his past bury them both this time?



I was given an ARC of Buried as part of the blog tour.

First off let me start by saying that I adore Selena Laurence and her writing and she is such a lovely person too.

Now onto my review:

I have given Buried 4 glowing stars - I really enjoyed it but I wasn't hooked, I could quite easily put it down and pick it back up again...I didn't have this constant itch where u need to get back to it to find out what's going to happen.

Now you've read the synopsis so you know the general gist of the book and this isn't your usual love story. This is Juan and Beth's story - Juan has just been released from a 4 year stint in prison due to his involvement in a shooting and him being part of the local gang (RH) Reyes Hispanos - on his release he is taken to a safe house where he will have to stay for 90 days - it's here that he sees Beth who works next door at a half way house for girls. Beth is the sister of his best friend whilst growing up, they both have deep rooted feelings for one another which resurface the moment they clap eyes on each other, but as you know very well the path to true love rarely goes smoothly in books and this is no exception.

I won't spoil any more of the storyline for you but what I will say is read it!! This book is powerful, heartfelt and raw and you could never comprehend what Juan has had to do to survive and come out of the other side. I love the fact that Joss gets a mention from Selena's Lush series...I <3 Joss :)

There's a lot of Spanish in this book which I found it to slow down the pace a little but it didn't stop me from enjoying it.

Why didn't I give it 5 stars - well I kinda do my ratings as if I'm hooked on a book, can't drop it and just want to keep reading til I've finished then it's a definite 5 for me, so although I wasn't hooked on this book I still thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it!

Congrats to Selena on another brilliant book and I can't wait for your next one <3 xx


QUOTES:

"I'm going to find Juan- the real Juan. I'm going to bring him back from the dark, deep place of pain and punishment he's been living in. I know who he is. I'm going to remind him who he is, and then I'm going to make sure the world knows him too."

"Love can make you lose it all, risk it all, want it all. But most of all, love can help you have it all."

"The boy I know is still inside somewhere. He may have strayed but I know deep in the very fibers of my being - he isn't lost."

"Just as people are separated because of wars, because of illness, because of death, Beth and I will be separated because of circumstances out of our control ... That I would get the brief moment in time to touch her skin, taste her mouth, smell her hair, be inside of her. I will cling to those memories for the rest of my life .... I won't regret it, because I had her. For one brilliant sparkling moment, I had her."

Profile Image for Sugar and Spice Book Reviews.
462 reviews172 followers
August 8, 2014
Love can make you lose it all, risk it all, want it all. But most of all, love can help you have it all.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book, I had not read any of the other Hiding from Love novels, but I have read Selena's Lush series....it is fabulous! Buried really does stand alone, I didn’t feel like I missed any of the story from not reading the rest of the series….Buried made me want to go back and read those books! Selena is a phenomenal writer….she managed to bring Juan’s character to life and make him this tough, tattooed, former gang member, but also show his soft side for his woman *sigh* I LOVED me some Juan! 5 stars.

It's a strange thing that when you're in hell, you can find the one or two tiny things that bring you happiness and focus on them entirely.

Buried starts out with Juan fresh out from his release from prison and living in a half-way house. His years of being associated with the RH gang brought nothing but trouble to his life and eventually led to a jail sentence. Upon his release, Juan runs into Beth. Beth is Juan’s childhood friend’s younger sister. Juan and Beth both crushed on each other growing up. Juan thought that Beth would be the perfect wife to him, she was beautiful and smart….Beth thought the same of Juan, he’d make an amazing husband...funny, smart, loved his mother, and hot as heck.

The boy I know is still inside somewhere. He may have strayed but I know deep in the very fibers of my being - he isn't lost.

Beth just doesn’t understand how Juan could get involved with a gang like the RH. All she sees is the man Juan used to be, not the hard man he has became and she is determined to break down his walls. No matter how much Juan longs for Beth, he is determined to make her run from him. Juan knows that the RH will be coming for him, he will never escape his past and he doesn’t want his sweet Beth mixed up in that lifestyle.

"Our true loves never die," he says. "We can ignore them, forget to nourish them, despise them even, and they won't die. They wait patiently for us to find them again. You've rediscovered one tonight. Others may be waiting for you as well."

Beth is not one to back down from what she wants...and what she wants is Juan. These two have the biggest fight of their lives to overcome if they are going to be together. Is true love worth the risk?

"Life's full of risks, you can't live it without taking some. We're just learning to live, let's not stop now."

If you haven’t read one of Selena’s books yet, it is a must! Selena is definitely an author that does not get the notice she is due, she has the ability to make the words and the story just flow so smoothly. Buried is an intense, heart-wrenching, amazing, “true” love story!

"You're the only thing for me. The best, the worst, everything. My world starts and ends with you."

*Reviewed by Brandi
Profile Image for Pratr- Authors.
442 reviews10 followers
July 23, 2014
Ok first i want to say that i was not really sure what to think of this book when i read the Book Description. I was worried it was not going to be my cup of tea. was i ever wrong! and so happy that i was !! !

OMG i loved this book. I loved the story of Juan and Beth. it was heartfelt and you truly just wanted to have it all work out for them but i was sure there was no way it could be done.

Juan was a smart, caring and he loved his mother with all his heart. one day Juan's mom was deported back to Mexico and that day he run away from the only other family he has ever know and join the local gang RH - Reyes Hispanos. while he was there he was convicted of being associated in a drive by that killed a little girl. Went to Prison for 4 years. when he is released he is send to a boarding house where he is under house arrest for 90 days. Juan is okay with because it gives him time to think about how to avoid the RH. while he is there he spots his long lost best friends sister ( who he always had a thing for) working at the girls halfway house next door.

Beth has had a crash on Juan for as long as she can remember and seeing him outside on the back pouch has just made her realize how much she really cares. Beth knows that she needs to help Juan escape from all the bad things in his life so he can be truly free! but Juan keeps pushing her away when she asked too many questions. so now Beth is determined to find out what the big secret is that made Juan run to the Rh so many years ago. But can Beth handle the truth when she finds out and can she just walk away from the man she has fallen in love with and has sworn to help him in any way she can!?

this book was amazing and i did not want it to end i wanted read more and more! the writing was smooth and flowed so well that it was easy to get lost in the book. my only negative comment i have, would be all Spanish in the book it took away from it the flow at times but the author did an amazing job to let you know what everything meant so you were never lost in dialog. I'm so glad that i was asked to read this book and so happy that now i have found a new author to watch for!!

I would rate this 5 out of 5 fangs!!
*Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock*
Profile Image for Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews).
1,451 reviews32 followers
August 4, 2014
What a phenomenal rollercoaster of emotions! As with all the other characters in the earlier books in this series, the main character, Juan, has some heavy issues he is dealing with. In essence, all of her characters are “hiding from love,” afraid to give themselves completely over to someone who has the power to make their lives wonderful and complete…. or totally destroy them.

Buried is the story of Juan and Beth. They already knew each other when they were children. Juan was Beth’s brother’s best friend. She always had a crush on him and hoped one day he would notice her. Although Beth didn’t know it, Juan had feelings for her since he was in his early teens. You would think these two would eventually figure things out and have their HEA. But, that was not in the cards for them. Life had other plans, and Juan made some really bad decisions that caused him to disappear from Beth’s life. They run into each other when Beth recognizes him and approaches him. He is at a halfway house after getting out of jail. He is trying to stay hidden from his former gang, RH (Reyes Hispanos). Beth is working next door as a volunteer as part of her women’s studies program. Juan tries to push her away not wanting her to know the extent of his criminal past and to keep her safe. But, they can’t seem to resist each other for long. Little do they know that the past not only threatens their new relationship but their very lives. Will they be able to survive and finally have their HEA?

Selena Laurence continues to amaze me. She has such a talent for character development and the complexity of the characters she creates. I think Juan may be her most complex. He may even beat Walsh from her Lush Series. I was blown away in how she wrapped this book up connecting characters from earlier books in this series and with her other series, Lush. Both series have different characters who come from very different backgrounds, but she ALWAYS makes her readers connect with each and every one of them. That, my fellow readers, is TALENT! If you have not read Hiding From Love or the Lush Series, you really need to…like right now!!!
Profile Image for Kim.
1,079 reviews33 followers
August 5, 2014
When true love is found you will do anything for the one person ! Beth always had a crush on Juan when they were growing up but there age difference kept them apart but Juan noticed Beth too.... Juan was a part of Beth's family, he was best friends with her brother David but when things start to turn for the worst for Juan when his Mother gets deported by the INS he turns to the RH to protect him so he doesn't get deported too. He would do anything to stay out of Mexico and that is what he did....sold his soul to the devil, so he thought .... But the devil was not the RH he thought it was his Dad !

Juan's journey took him from high school to being in a gang to going to jail to being placed in a halfway house to living his worst nightmare and ending up in Mexico anyway but Beth never left his side after she found him again at the halfway house. She could not let him go after finding him again after the disappearing and ending up in jail. She knew just by one encounter with him that the old Juan was still in there somewhere and she was determined to get him to come out....but would he be willing to come out ?? Or did he think he wasn't worthy of coming out to her to find his true love or would he hide to protect her.

Beth would do anything to show Juan she loved him but when he double crossed she didn't think he truly loved her but little did she know he did it out the love he has for her. Gabe tries to help Juan so he and Beth can have a wonderful and loving relationship that he and Alexi have. But will Juan's past keep them apart.....

This series keeps getting better and better and the men keep getting hotter and hotter !! Once you start this book you will not want to put it down to see where there journey takes them....Texas, Mexico.... True Love can lead you anywhere as long as you are Together !!
Profile Image for Kim.
1,079 reviews33 followers
August 5, 2014
When true love is found you will do anything for the one person ! Beth always had a crush on Juan when they were growing up but there age difference kept them apart but Juan noticed Beth too.... Juan was a part of Beth's family, he was best friends with her brother David but when things start to turn for the worst for Juan when his Mother gets deported by the INS he turns to the RH to protect him so he doesn't get deported too. He would do anything to stay out of Mexico and that is what he did....sold his soul to the devil, so he thought .... But the devil was not the RH he thought it was his Dad !

Juan's journey took him from high school to being in a gang to going to jail to being placed in a halfway house to living his worst nightmare and ending up in Mexico anyway but Beth never left his side after she found him again at the halfway house. She could not let him go after finding him again after the disappearing and ending up in jail. She knew just by one encounter with him that the old Juan was still in there somewhere and she was determined to get him to come out....but would he be willing to come out ?? Or did he think he wasn't worthy of coming out to her to find his true love or would he hide to protect her.

Beth would do anything to show Juan she loved him but when he double crossed she didn't think he truly loved her but little did she know he did it out the love he has for her. Gabe tries to help Juan so he and Beth can have a wonderful and loving relationship that he and Alexi have. But will Juan's past keep them apart.....

This series keeps getting better and better and the men keep getting hotter and hotter !! Once you start this book you will not want to put it down to see where there journey takes them....Texas, Mexico.... True Love can lead you anywhere as long as you are Together !!
Profile Image for Mandy.
320 reviews16 followers
August 20, 2014
5 out of 5
Selena Laurence’s writing grips me from the first page and her characters keep me attached to the stories long after I finish reading; Buried was no exception. Buried is Juan and Beth’s story. Beth is my man Gabe’s future sister in law and we got a glimpse of the possibilities between Juan and Beth in Concealed. I have been impatiently waiting for this book so I could get the answers. And I was delighted with the outcome. Buried may be the last book in the series, but it ranks up there with Gabe’s story (Camouflaged & Concealed) for me as a favorite. Gabe playing a role in Juan and Beth’s story was only a small contributing factor in this decision. (I can’t help my love for Gabe.) The rest was all in the details. And Selena Laurence nails the details. And the passion. Juan and Beth’s story was beautiful and had me on the edge of my seat wondering how things were going to proceed. Beth is the goodhearted girl from a good family who has been in love with her brother’s best friend since they were just kids. But how does the good girl make things work with a gangbanger fresh out of lock up? This is the premise of Buried and I did not see good things for Juan and Beth. I should know by now not to doubt Selena’s ability to weave a tale that does everything from make me laugh to make me squirm. Buried was perfect. Not a single thing to point out, except that this book (really, the whole damn series) should be required reading.
rawbooksonline.com
Profile Image for Shelby.
219 reviews6 followers
August 7, 2014
** I received a free e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review **

*Before I start this review I would like to point out that this is the first book in this series that I've had the pleasure of reading so far. I never like to read a series out of order so I will be remedying that very soon*

I really liked this book. Some of the scenes were a little too high octane and a little on the unrealistic or overly convenient side but after a reminder to myself that this is fiction and should be treated as such, I settled in and enjoyed the ride.

Like all of Selena Laurence's books that I've read, this one is very well written and the storyline flows nicely. The characters are extremely likeable (even the bad guys!) and there is never a dull moment or lag in the action. I really liked that the chapters alternated characters so the reader had the opportunity to connect personally with each one. I'm pretty sure I fell in love with Miguel after reading his chapter! And I really loved the Lush reference and the way it took me back to a great book. It was one of those "A-HA!" moments. I definitely remember reading that particular scene not all that long ago and it was like getting a very welcome visit from old friends.

Buried is an awesome book that only confirmed my belief that Selena Laurence is a great author. I will definitely be going back and reading this series from the beginning.
Profile Image for Sandra (Waiting For Wentworth).
339 reviews36 followers
August 13, 2015
Buried was my least favorite book in this series. I was actually really looking forward to reading it because the synopsis sounded so good. I thought I would like it more than I did. My biggest problem was the setting, which I didn't enjoy at all. It wasn't at all what I was expecting, so that kind of ruined the whole book for me.

Beth and Juan were okay characters, but I didn't find anything especially remarkable about either one. Oh, the insta-love. Gah. Beth and Juan hadn't spent more than a few moments together and they were already declaring their love and devotion to each other. Why didn't this work for me? Because the 'love' was leftover feelings from when they were younger, and it seemed more like nostalgia than actual feelings.

I really wasn't very impressed with the story either. I thought a lot of scenes were unrealistic and over the top. The violence that was portrayed felt forced just to prove the point of how dangerous Juan's life was. And Beth was way too accepting of the violence.

Overall, this book was a big miss for me, but I did enjoy the rest of the series. I have to say that this author is new to me, and I did enjoy her writing, so I'll definitely have to check out some of her other works.
Profile Image for Xavier Neal.
Author 132 books2,258 followers
August 1, 2014
Great read if....you enjoyed the other books in the series, romance novels, stories with struggles, cultural stories, emotional reads, strong female characters, hot sex scenes, and an unsuspected HEA!

Side note: This book was terrific! Aside from the fact I am a huge Selena fan and required to say that, lol jk jk, this book was definitely something special. The story line itself was troubling and left you as the reader knowing there was no easy solution, left you feeling hopeless at times that the HEA you desperately wanted, wasn't actually ever going to reach you. In this book, the main female character is remarkable. In a world that seems to be beating against her to change, to bend, to break, she refuses. She stays strong and proves that the age of the "weak" female in the romance world is fading. As for the hero, you find yourself cheering for someone who is not only a sexy, misunderstood, mislabeled man but possess a fragile state that you as the reader even fear you could break. The combination of so many elements leads you right down a path to a remarkable story that reminds you it's not your past that makes your future. It's You.
Profile Image for Tnt Reviews.
308 reviews9 followers
August 7, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love the writing style of Selena Laurence. It was very easy-to-read, fast-paced, and kept my attention throughout. Juan grew up as a normal boy, he was good at school and loved soccer. Beth is the little sister of Juan's best-friend. Juan made choices after his mother was deported that took him away from Beth. Finally, they've come back together. However, the circumstances could be better. Juan has always loved Beth. Beth has always loved Juan. Will their love survive the obstacles to come?

I was very happy with the story line of this book. It was different. No billionaires, bikers, or rock stars. This book deals with gangs. I loved that it had alternating POV's. We got to hear the story from both Beth and Juan's POV. My heart broke for both Beth and Juan and the trials they were put through. I think Juan was too young to make the decisions he made to join the gang. I loved Beth's determination and loyalty to never lose Juan once she finally found him. Overall, this was a very good story, and I loved the ending. It was perfect.

4-Bombs
Reviewed by Tracy
Profile Image for Nelly.
627 reviews9 followers
April 13, 2015
Beth is a strong independent woman. When Juan, a childhood friend and crush, comes back into her life by chance she can't let him go. Juan is a sexy, smart, selfless man that was unfortunately born into bad circumstance.

When Beth and Juan are reunited they both want what's best for the other, never putting themselves first but when Juan and Beth are brought across the U.S. Border by Juan's father they have tough decisions to make. Even though Beth doesn't know the culture she is very good at staying strong until she and Juan are alone. Juan is good at calming her and guiding her to keep her safe.

He gives up his first and only love to keep her safe. She gives up the family she is close to and loves to have him back.

This is a great story. Lots of emotions and passion. Glad to see that Beth gets her happily ever after too. Wonder if there will be more to see what happens down the road.
Profile Image for Crystal.
495 reviews30 followers
August 5, 2014
This was the first book in this series that I have read. They can be read as stand alone but after reading Juan and Beth's story I have to read them all. I loved this story because it was such a testament of what people will be willing to do for love and the ones they love.

Juan has just gotten out of prison and is in a halfway house next door to the halfway house for women that Beth volunteers at. Beth and Juan grew up together and always felt attracted to one another but never did anything about it. Juan was Beth's brothers best friend so he always felt she was off limits. Once they meet again they can't deny that the attraction is still there. Juan knows he needs to push her away but can't resist the pull.

Events conspire to separate the young couple. Can love conquer all? This was a really enjoyable read that I would highly recommend.
38 reviews5 followers
August 4, 2014
Buried (A Hiding From Love Novel) by Selena Laurence

Beth Garcia and Juan Martinez, childhood friends, had secret crushes on each other in their childhood. Now here they are seven years later, he a convicted felon who is now at a halfway house for 90 days, and she a graduate student for women’s studies who has an internship at a halfway house for women, right next to Juan’s halfway house. Juan and Beth are both very passionate adults, about life and who they love. Both have family who care deeply about them. One family has dark secrets and the other family helps to uncover these dark secrets so Beth and Juan can be free…You have to decide when you read this gripping, sensual, risk filled love story if it is Karma or Coincidence that brought Beth and Juan together. I know what I believe. Now it is your turn to decide. Start reading!!
Profile Image for Toni.
273 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2014
I received this book as a gift for an honest review. It was fantastic. As always Selena writes a story that grips you straight from the start and Buried is no different. Buried is about friendship, loss, love, not giving up and loving someone so much that you will sacrifice everything for them. Juan ran from the family and friends he knew to get away from danger. Years later he is leaving prison to go to a halfway house for serving time for being in gang related crimes. At the halfway house he bumps into Beth his long lost friend who he ran from many years ago. Juan had always loved Beth and still does. The gang that Juan was in want him back and put him and Beth in a dangerous situation. But Juan will do anything to keep the girl he loves safe and she will do what it takes to save her man. A great book full of love, loss and plenty of drama.
Profile Image for LAKristy.
253 reviews39 followers
February 2, 2015
Very well written and edited stand-alone story with no cliffhanger. Although this can easily be read as a stand-alone, characters from previous stories are included and characters from the next series are introduced, so I recommend reading them in order.

I've read the entire Hiding from Love series, and while they were all really good, this is the best of the series. The author touches on many serious subjects like illegal immigration, gang life, post-prison life, and drug cartels in way that doesn't glamorize any of it, but is still suspenseful and entertaining. Despite the serious subjects, she intertwines stories of love between children and parents, siblings, best friends and childhood friends to create a beautifully romantic love story of faith and redemption.

Strongly recommended.
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