Beneath the Lies

by Racheal Shantel

Gwen can only run so far before her past catches up with her and her lies to convince everyone shes not that person anymore. Unfortunately for her she runs right in to the arms of the king of the city, the head of the mafia. Her past has a hold on her, and being with Dominic makes her forget who she was until the past comes to take her back. But the past doesn’t know that Dominic is coming for war when it comes to Gwen. He would lay anyone at her feet. The king of Chicago plays no games when it comes to his princess.

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2025

Reviews

[Apryl (inmybookishgirlera) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book had me in a chokehold from page 1! Mafia romance is my newest obsession and this one was perfection! I loved the story development as well as the character development it was done perfectly. The MMC is just ugh delicious, sexy, intelligent and ruthless. The FMC is a badass and I just loved her! She’s struggled a lot in the past and becomes so strong willed and confident. The plot was plotting and when all the pieces came together at the end I was shocked!

The spice in this book will make you question your choices in the bedroom but ugh I was here for it! So hot! If you want a book that grips you from page 1 and doesn’t let go, this one’s for you! 5⭐️I can’t wait for the 2nd book!

[Voiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Lies

I got this book to read because a friend asked me to check it out,well I did not expect to get so involved with this book from the main beginning it grabbed my attention.I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN,I read this book straight through I absolutely fell in love with the story.I can’t wait for the next book to come out and I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intense, action packed book. It hit the ground running from the first chapter. I enjoyed the chemistry between the FMC and MMC. I also really enjoyed the growth and development of the FMC and her self-esteem through the book. I will definitely read this author’s future books!

[Jessica Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really got into this book. It kept me interested and I love Dominic! The plot kept me hooked and I really loved the characters and when the pieces started coming together I was shocked! Can't wait for the next one!

[Kris Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this storyline. I love a good mafia romance and this one has me interested from the beginning. The FMC, Gwen is trying to make more out her life and escape the abusive, troubled life she was in. I literally loved her character; she's feisty and determined. Her relationship with Dominic, the MMC is steamy. I absolutely loved the secrets that are unraveled as the story/drama builds.
However, the book did have a lot of spelling and grammatical errors that were quiet distracting. I can usually let most slide but this one just has too many basic errors to ignore. I would have also liked to see the author research Italian/Italian mofias a little more just to bring more depth to the MMC's background. Lastly, this could just be an error but if you are going to use Italian words or phrases make sure it is Italian and not Spanish. That was a big one for me.
I do plan to read the next book

[tattooedbooknerdgirl35 (Amanda Lynn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg wow, Beneath The Lies by Racheal is seriously one of my new favorite Dark Mafia romance, this book sucked me in from the very first page until the very end. I seriously can’t wait til Racheal continues with this series.

This book focuses on Dominic The king of the Chicago mafia. He has a lot on his plate with owning most of Chicago and then he cast his eyes on Gwen.

Then you have Gwen a girl who’s been through a lot through her past and still dealing with it, she ran away from her drug dealing boyfriend back home to her mom. Gwen is a fighter and then she meets Dominic and she doesn’t know who he is, but he wants to protect her and he doesn’t know how’s she’s connected to his business… Read & find out all the gritty details, the spicy scenes and just the amazing story that Racheal has created… Definitely a book you don’t want to miss out on.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing! Mafia plus dark romance and just enough spice and plot. Gwen's on the run from her abusive ex who had planned to sell her to get himself out of trouble and moves back home. Her and her friend go out to a club...she meets Dominic and they instantly have that spark. She starts her new job and he goes there telling her he's taking her out. What she doesn't realize is this man who screams trouble is the man her ex planned on selling to but neither know. The story line thickens when Dominic decides to just ghost her after finding out more about her. He does this all to protect her though. Definitely a 5 star read I can't wait for the next book!

[Krystal Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg did this book have me in an absolute chokehold from page one! The MMC is just oof, sexy, intelligent, strong, and ruthless. The FMC has been through so much and is an absolute badass. She's strong willed, stubborn, loving, sweet and beautiful. The spice in this book will make you rethink your choices in the bedroom lol. The story development as well as the character developement is so incredibly done. The description of the world as well as the things around are done flawlessly it makes you feel like you are there. If you want a book that grips and never let's go this is the one for you!!!

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost There—Needed That Final Edit

Beneath The Lies by Racheal Shantel had all the elements of a solid dark romance—Gwen and Dominic’s chemistry was on fire, and the plot brought some intense, suspenseful twists. Unfortunately, the story was overshadowed by constant spelling and grammatical errors that really disrupted the flow. It pulled me out of the world too often to ignore. I wanted to love this more, but due to the lack of editing, I’m giving it 3 stars instead of 4. A final pass with beta readers would’ve made all the difference.

[magnolia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing definitely needed editing and the plot was too cliche to stand out. Still loved the story but it reminded me of the wattpad books I used to read when I was younger so there was too many cringy parts that made me close the kindle 😭 trust the story was good enough to finish reading but honestly it stands with the same mafia trope most books have. Props to the author for picking up the passion of writing but definitely needed an editor to suggest or just help out in general because man… just man 🫠

[Micaela Del · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Beneath The Lies by Racheal Shantel, and wow—I’m so proud of her! The story had me hooked from the beginning. The characters felt so real, and the way the secrets slowly unfolded kept me guessing the whole time. There were moments that hit hard emotionally, and others that had me flipping pages to see what would happen next. Racheal really poured her heart into this book, and it shows. Seriously, if you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out!

Ps, SO SPICYYYYY 😍

[Dannie Brannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly am Ragin cause it’s finished but OMG if you haven’t read this then am sorry but ur missing out I absolutely loved this book , I have only read a few dark romances but just WOW this books wins it so far I love Dominic and gwen both my fav characters

I swear if you love dark MAFIA romance then this is a book honestly wish I could re read it now !!

Can’t wait for the second book 🙌

[samantha ✿ paperback.maniac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, short, mafia romance read. I didn’t really feel like anything stood out that was different from any other mafia book but I still enjoyed it nonetheless and the characters. There was a lot of typos in this one and usually, it never bothers me but there were quite a few. I needed a fast read and this one gave me exactly what I needed so, can’t complain.

[Melissa Gringo242424 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just another mafia romance, Gwen and Dominic come from different worlds but still manage to put a different twist on this genre. Maddie is a great supporting character along with Levi. My complaint is the book needs to go back to the editor for proofreading. So many spelling errors and grammar errors. Great read though

[B. Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. From start to finish she had my attention. I couldn’t put it down, and at one point wanted to throw my kindle across the room. Great story, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book! Definitely recommend.

[Margaret Worrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect blend of darkness

Took me a bit to really like Dom because he was so arrogant but he grew on me. I love that he allows her to remain herself but also grow instead of taking over like most other mafia books.

[Lusine G · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. I felt the story was a bit rushed, but I expected it because the book is a short read. I expected the fmc to give more of a fight coming out of a bad relationship. The grammatical errors were VERY distracting. Too distracting to ignore. Has potential, could have been better.

[Kristie Pope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book!

I give this book a 3.5 star rating. They don’t do half stars so that’s why I’m writing this. I enjoyed reading it.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

So. Many. Typos.

[Ashley McAdams · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just can’t

I wanted to love this book, the first few grammar/punctuation errors I just kind of brushed off but it just kept getting worse that I couldn’t read it anymore.

[Skyla Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥️ love it

[Jenn Haithcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I took a chance to read this book! I loved it, I’m forever a fan !

[Yvonne Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I'm so happy that I found this Author. The spice is spicing. I have a love hate relationship with Dominic and was ready to throw my phone. She really captured the gruesome side of things. I look forward to the next book