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Harlow Trilogy #1
Beneath Him
No matter how many times I try to stay away from him, he keeps drawing me back in.
Sexy, relationship phobic, make-up artist Jessica Grayson runs into an intense stranger who takes her breath away. The chemistry between them is consuming and impossible to deny. But he’s everything she’s learned to distrust—rich, handsome, and alpha.
Alex Harlow is a private man with much to regret. From the moment he laid eyes on Jessica, he had to have her. Despite her attempts to keep things between them casual, Alex is determined to win her over. But how can he convince her to trust the chemistry between them—and him—when his life is surrounded by secrets that could destroy them both?
Sexy, relationship phobic, make-up artist Jessica Grayson runs into an intense stranger who takes her breath away. The chemistry between them is consuming and impossible to deny. But he’s everything she’s learned to distrust—rich, handsome, and alpha.
Alex Harlow is a private man with much to regret. From the moment he laid eyes on Jessica, he had to have her. Despite her attempts to keep things between them casual, Alex is determined to win her over. But how can he convince her to trust the chemistry between them—and him—when his life is surrounded by secrets that could destroy them both?
228 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2013
About the author
C. Shell
24 books320 followersC. Shell lives in the hot state of Texas with her husband and two beautiful girls Romance books are her obsession. One that includes a bad boy or an alpha male who knows what he wants is her own personal version of heaven. She finds the happy endings and endless possibilities of books alluring and addictive. When she is not thinking up her next kick-ass character, she is working in the community rescuing dogs.
I invite you to ask me any questions, keep up to date with my latest books and give me your feedback.
http://www.cshellauthor.com
cshellauthor@aol.com
TicTok: @C. Shellauthor
I invite you to ask me any questions, keep up to date with my latest books and give me your feedback.
http://www.cshellauthor.com
cshellauthor@aol.com
TicTok: @C. Shellauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
April 5, 2013
Well, this one felt like a gallop through beautiful countryside I felt like I wanted to slow down to admire the scenery but I was forced along at breakneck speed towards the inevitable cliffhanger. It’s the story of Alex Harlow, super-rich CEO, and Jessica, a make-up artist. They meet when she is working on a shoot for one of his publications and she literally walks straight into him during her pursuit for doughnuts.
It’s an instant attraction and Alex sets out to pursue Jessica in earnest. It took about half of the book for me to warm up to Alex – his dogged determination to make Jessica ‘his’ verged on stalkerish rather than romantic and I wasn’t entirely sure that I liked him very much. He grew on me and I came to like him but he’s demanding, single-minded and challenging to say the very least despite being, of course, drop dead gorgeous and pantie-meltingly shit hot in bed – and the sex scenes are pretty darned HAWT!
I did really like Jessica – she has a hilarious inner monologue which allows the story to romp along. She’s getting bowled over by Alex but is determined to hold onto her integrity – she’s sassy, feisty and really funny. I liked her a lot.
This ends with the ubiquitous cliffhanger which is everywhere these days and now I do really want to read the sequel ‘Embracing Him’ to find out what happens next. I did enjoy this but I have some reservations – I felt that it needed to be about 100 pages longer to help further develop the characters and to slow the plot down somewhat to give the reader time to digest, savour and react along with the characters before diving head first without a helmet straight into the next plot development.
3 stars
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews or visit us on Facebook.
Sorry if I forgot to introduce myself earlier. I am Alex Harlow, but you call me Alex, Sir, or my favorite of all time, Master of the Universe," he says smirking again.
It’s an instant attraction and Alex sets out to pursue Jessica in earnest. It took about half of the book for me to warm up to Alex – his dogged determination to make Jessica ‘his’ verged on stalkerish rather than romantic and I wasn’t entirely sure that I liked him very much. He grew on me and I came to like him but he’s demanding, single-minded and challenging to say the very least despite being, of course, drop dead gorgeous and pantie-meltingly shit hot in bed – and the sex scenes are pretty darned HAWT!
"I am not going to pretend I am easy to deal with," he whispers. "I like to be in control of everything that is mine and those around me. I'm demanding and totally relentless when I go after something I really want; like you.”
I did really like Jessica – she has a hilarious inner monologue which allows the story to romp along. She’s getting bowled over by Alex but is determined to hold onto her integrity – she’s sassy, feisty and really funny. I liked her a lot.
This ends with the ubiquitous cliffhanger which is everywhere these days and now I do really want to read the sequel ‘Embracing Him’ to find out what happens next. I did enjoy this but I have some reservations – I felt that it needed to be about 100 pages longer to help further develop the characters and to slow the plot down somewhat to give the reader time to digest, savour and react along with the characters before diving head first without a helmet straight into the next plot development.
3 stars
For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews or visit us on Facebook.
Want to Read
February 27, 2013Book 3 in May, 2013.
July 10, 2013
In this genre it is extremely common to read books that are similar to one another...there are only so many ways to describe a kiss or how a couple meets...but this book was basically plagiarism of
1. Tells her to "Watch her mouth". Repeatedly.
2. Overreacts to her drinking.
3. Says he needs to give her a "Remember Fuck."
4. Careful attention paid to describing each outfit the Heroine wears.
5. Buys her a dress.
6. Security Guard named Clive....COME ON! Author couldn't even come up with a different name for the guard!?!?!
7. The dialogue during sex is identical.
8. Scene where he pounds on the door and is pissed.
9. Hero repeatedly, obsessively calls and texts her.
9. Heroine drinks with close female and male friend.
10. Sends pastry to her office.
Okay - now onto the novel itself. There is no excuse for the glaring grammatical/editorial errors! In the very first paragraph, the Magazine the Hero owns is referred to by two different names. The Glimmer/Shimmer name exchange continued throughout the novel.
I started to "quince" which by the way is how this author "winces"!
Between the errors, the complete rip-off of This Man and not being aware in advance that this was a cliff-hanger ending...one-star.
1. Tells her to "Watch her mouth". Repeatedly.
2. Overreacts to her drinking.
3. Says he needs to give her a "Remember Fuck."
4. Careful attention paid to describing each outfit the Heroine wears.
5. Buys her a dress.
6. Security Guard named Clive....COME ON! Author couldn't even come up with a different name for the guard!?!?!
7. The dialogue during sex is identical.
8. Scene where he pounds on the door and is pissed.
9. Hero repeatedly, obsessively calls and texts her.
9. Heroine drinks with close female and male friend.
10. Sends pastry to her office.
Okay - now onto the novel itself. There is no excuse for the glaring grammatical/editorial errors! In the very first paragraph, the Magazine the Hero owns is referred to by two different names. The Glimmer/Shimmer name exchange continued throughout the novel.
I started to "quince" which by the way is how this author "winces"!
Between the errors, the complete rip-off of This Man and not being aware in advance that this was a cliff-hanger ending...one-star.
March 1, 2013
Very good book! Alex is domineering, possessive and sexy. Jessica is a normal, sweet woman with trust issues when it comes to rich men. Can't wait to read the next book!
March 31, 2013
The story begins with Jessica and Jane, two really good friends who have their own business and work together. Jane is unable to take part in a particular job so she sends or more like convinces Jessica to go. It is there where she will ever so clumsily run into a gorgeous, strong armed man with intense, green eyes. Later she will find out that his name is Mr. Alex Harlow, her boss and he is quite bossy and will NOT take no for an answer. He pursues Jessica because there is no doubt of the sexual chemistry that exists between them.
"Keep looking at me like that and I will take you back to my bedroom and spend the whole day giving you a personal showing of all my many talents."
Jessica has been hurt and only wants a sexual relationship with him but Alex will have no parts of that. He wants all of Jessica!!
"I have no intention to leave you alone or let this be anything as simple and trivial as just sex. I plan to consume you. All of you; mind, body, and soul."
The sex is hot and Jessica is independent and has spunk. Alex is rich and gorgeous but seems to be hiding something from Jessica.
"Keep looking at me like that and I will take you back to my bedroom and spend the whole day giving you a personal showing of all my many talents."
Jessica has been hurt and only wants a sexual relationship with him but Alex will have no parts of that. He wants all of Jessica!!
"I have no intention to leave you alone or let this be anything as simple and trivial as just sex. I plan to consume you. All of you; mind, body, and soul."
The sex is hot and Jessica is independent and has spunk. Alex is rich and gorgeous but seems to be hiding something from Jessica.
I enjoyed this story and I look forward to see what the author has in store for both Jessica and Alex in the rest of the series. It is fairly short, about 13 chapters but intriguing nonetheless. I do wish it was a little longer and more developed meaning their relationship seemed a little rushed, but all in all a good, quick sexy read. Author provided a copy of this book for an honest review.
June 7, 2013
3.5 STARS!!!!!!
I read this book back in 2013 but never wrote a review of the book. The author asked if I wouldn't mind writing a review of her book so here it goes.
Alex Harlow is very domineering, controlling, persistent, possessive and totally goes after what he wants. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and thinks the world should cater to his needs. After the death of his mother he handed the family magazine business, but Alex isn't satisfied with just a magazine....he wants to make a name for himself outside of his family's company and now owns several other successful businesses.
Jessica Greyson is jaded, broken make-up artist that is just getting her business of the ground with the help of her best friend and business partner Jane. Jessica has closed off her heart due to a past relationship and isn't open for anything that might leave her even more emotionally broken.
Jessica runs into Alex at a photo shoot, and things quickly escalate from there. Alex instantly wants Jessica from the very moment he sees her (lust at first sight). This book definitely reminds me of a cross between FSOG and Bared to You. There is ton of sexual tension, along with some hot sex scenes and of course a little bit of drama (every book needs a crazy pathetic ex that just can't let go).
This book is part of a series and ends with a cliffhanger as does the second book.....there's 3 books in the series. Without giving too much away just give the book a try and I'm sure you won't be disappointed
I read this book back in 2013 but never wrote a review of the book. The author asked if I wouldn't mind writing a review of her book so here it goes.
Alex Harlow is very domineering, controlling, persistent, possessive and totally goes after what he wants. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and thinks the world should cater to his needs. After the death of his mother he handed the family magazine business, but Alex isn't satisfied with just a magazine....he wants to make a name for himself outside of his family's company and now owns several other successful businesses.
Jessica Greyson is jaded, broken make-up artist that is just getting her business of the ground with the help of her best friend and business partner Jane. Jessica has closed off her heart due to a past relationship and isn't open for anything that might leave her even more emotionally broken.
Jessica runs into Alex at a photo shoot, and things quickly escalate from there. Alex instantly wants Jessica from the very moment he sees her (lust at first sight). This book definitely reminds me of a cross between FSOG and Bared to You. There is ton of sexual tension, along with some hot sex scenes and of course a little bit of drama (every book needs a crazy pathetic ex that just can't let go).
This book is part of a series and ends with a cliffhanger as does the second book.....there's 3 books in the series. Without giving too much away just give the book a try and I'm sure you won't be disappointed
April 8, 2013
So I enjoyed reading this book, only was a couple of hours, but it wasn't all that original. Similiar to This Man, dominant alpha male who is very aggressive in getting what he wants and commanding heroine to follow his orders (read possessive). I also didn't buy into how attached they were for each other just from love at first sight. Seems there needed to be a progression of their relationship to have it be believeable.
Also, there seemed to be a lot os story lines to follow - Alex/Jess (main), Jax, Jane/Hunter/David, Jess' Mom/Dad issues, Lexy, Travis, etc. Hard to follow which was supposed to create the suspense.
Lastly, the editing in my version was awful - wrong words, poor grammar, puncuation, you name it really began to irk me. Especially since this is such an easy fix by having some eyes review before being released. Will likely finish out the series because I do like the steaminess of the novel, but will undoubtably be getting frustrated from editing taking away from digesting it. Be forewarned.
Also, there seemed to be a lot os story lines to follow - Alex/Jess (main), Jax, Jane/Hunter/David, Jess' Mom/Dad issues, Lexy, Travis, etc. Hard to follow which was supposed to create the suspense.
Lastly, the editing in my version was awful - wrong words, poor grammar, puncuation, you name it really began to irk me. Especially since this is such an easy fix by having some eyes review before being released. Will likely finish out the series because I do like the steaminess of the novel, but will undoubtably be getting frustrated from editing taking away from digesting it. Be forewarned.
May 16, 2013
2.5 maybe for me
I've got no problem with a FSOG copycat novel (the more the merrier for me - a good book is just that).
But I hardly know where to start with how bad this one was!!
First off who's the guy on the cover? He's not in the book!! He looks nothing like the description of executive businessman Alex Harlow. That pic is quite misleading.
The book is written (unnecessarily) at such breakneck speed that I never really got a feel for it. Another issue is that the commentary is soooo FSOG it's ridiculous. She even refers to him as the Master of the Universe!! I'm not saying it was, but it 'felt like' plagiarism IMO. And again in terms of phrases used in the hot(ish) bits, I honestly felt as if I'd read every one of them in another book at some point. There's nothing new here.
Such a shame, I had REALLY high hopes for this one.
I've got no problem with a FSOG copycat novel (the more the merrier for me - a good book is just that).
But I hardly know where to start with how bad this one was!!
First off who's the guy on the cover? He's not in the book!! He looks nothing like the description of executive businessman Alex Harlow. That pic is quite misleading.
The book is written (unnecessarily) at such breakneck speed that I never really got a feel for it. Another issue is that the commentary is soooo FSOG it's ridiculous. She even refers to him as the Master of the Universe!! I'm not saying it was, but it 'felt like' plagiarism IMO. And again in terms of phrases used in the hot(ish) bits, I honestly felt as if I'd read every one of them in another book at some point. There's nothing new here.
Such a shame, I had REALLY high hopes for this one.
April 6, 2013
I liked that the heroine wasn't naive and virginal.
But, the hero always telling her to watch her language and giving her Remember Fucks reminded me a lot of the This Man series. Except those books are way better.
The plot had promise and there was a good twist, but there were too many missed editing errors. Even for a self-published book.
However, I am interested enough to see how things play out after that twist. I really, really hope that Jessica has nothing to do with Alex until he gets his personal shit together. I think I'll lose respect for her character if she gives in to him.
But, the hero always telling her to watch her language and giving her Remember Fucks reminded me a lot of the This Man series. Except those books are way better.
The plot had promise and there was a good twist, but there were too many missed editing errors. Even for a self-published book.
However, I am interested enough to see how things play out after that twist. I really, really hope that Jessica has nothing to do with Alex until he gets his personal shit together. I think I'll lose respect for her character if she gives in to him.
March 4, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Alex is a hot alpha male that makes Jess feel sexy and confident. I expect flaws in self published books but I did not find many in this book. I look forward to the next in this series. This book on the same lines as up close and personal, chasing beautiful, temptation and naked.
February 25, 2013
Loved it and can not wait for the next installment. I had a hard time putting this book down once I started it which did not set well with the hubby :) A must read!
April 6, 2013
This book was MEH for me; The sex scenes were hot, the plot was ok but the grammar was a bit off-putting so I give it 3 stars!
October 21, 2018
Awesome read!! Kept me wrapped up in it's story from start to finish! Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
April 20, 2013
I am totally unable to give this more than two stars for one massive reason, this smacks of Jodi Ellen Malpas and her utterly gorgeous, dominant and sexy as hell Jesse.......
I may be in the minority here but I feel it necessary to review books as how I feel about them and my opinion must remain true to me, so I am being honest at how I feel about this book wholeheartedly, but put simply it's my opinion, thoughts, it's how I understood the characters and ideas came to fruition and ultimately how this book left me feeling and I am going to be brutally honest.
The similarities between this book and This Man is too close for comfort, yes the story has a different avenue but ultimately everything else is the same, the ring tones on the phone (but on hers in this case), telling Jessica to mind her language, the making of saying 'yes I am yours' during sex, the essence of the dominance and the control is all Jesse, so I wonder why the heck that this author didn't actually say that this is fan fiction? Alex just doesn't have his own identity he's coming across to me as all Jesse and I can't get past that. Ooh and let's not forget the reminder fucks, again an idea from This Man trilogy.
I honestly don't mind reading stories that are similiar but to have taken the whole persona of another as in this case it is what it feels like to me is wrong.
Even Jessica has personality clashes with Ava from This Man, she loses her ability to think straight around Alex, she runs from him all the time, she digs her heels in, she fights the control, she ignores his calls and text messages driving him over the edge etc, etc.........
SOME of the similarities can be overlooked and embraced even but for me there is just TOO MUCH that is similar and ideas that are in Jodi's book are appearing in this and I can't get past that, it is so far beyond similiar it's not right.
I will be reading the following two books just to see if these books follow the same personlity clashes and that is the only reason why.
I may be in the minority here but I feel it necessary to review books as how I feel about them and my opinion must remain true to me, so I am being honest at how I feel about this book wholeheartedly, but put simply it's my opinion, thoughts, it's how I understood the characters and ideas came to fruition and ultimately how this book left me feeling and I am going to be brutally honest.
The similarities between this book and This Man is too close for comfort, yes the story has a different avenue but ultimately everything else is the same, the ring tones on the phone (but on hers in this case), telling Jessica to mind her language, the making of saying 'yes I am yours' during sex, the essence of the dominance and the control is all Jesse, so I wonder why the heck that this author didn't actually say that this is fan fiction? Alex just doesn't have his own identity he's coming across to me as all Jesse and I can't get past that. Ooh and let's not forget the reminder fucks, again an idea from This Man trilogy.
I honestly don't mind reading stories that are similiar but to have taken the whole persona of another as in this case it is what it feels like to me is wrong.
Even Jessica has personality clashes with Ava from This Man, she loses her ability to think straight around Alex, she runs from him all the time, she digs her heels in, she fights the control, she ignores his calls and text messages driving him over the edge etc, etc.........
SOME of the similarities can be overlooked and embraced even but for me there is just TOO MUCH that is similar and ideas that are in Jodi's book are appearing in this and I can't get past that, it is so far beyond similiar it's not right.
I will be reading the following two books just to see if these books follow the same personlity clashes and that is the only reason why.
April 6, 2013
Thank God that number 2 is out already and that the third and final one (hopefully) is only a week away! This one has a cliffhanger, people.
This is a story about Jessica (the broken make-up artist) and Alex (the controlling, filthy-rich alpha-male). This is love (or at least lust) at first sight. It is focuses on the Jess' stubbonness and her urge to fight against her feelings towards Alex, and his no-is-not-option attitude towards her.
Overall, I enjoyed it and will be continuing with the second one asap!
This is a story about Jessica (the broken make-up artist) and Alex (the controlling, filthy-rich alpha-male). This is love (or at least lust) at first sight. It is focuses on the Jess' stubbonness and her urge to fight against her feelings towards Alex, and his no-is-not-option attitude towards her.
Overall, I enjoyed it and will be continuing with the second one asap!
March 18, 2013
4+ star read.....a steamy story which includes a strong minded, bull headed girl that falls for a hot, sexy and gorgeous alpha.....warning, there's a cliff hanger and I can't wait to read the next installment.
March 5, 2015
This book was really short but it had a good storyline considering. I found the characters believable and likeable. However there are grammar and spelling mistakes. Also because of the book being so short relationships formed fast which was a bit unrealistic.
February 25, 2013
Awesome!! I love books like these where you have a sexy alpha male type and strong enough girl. Alex was sexy and I look forward to next book.
April 2, 2013
I just could not get into this at all. I really wanted to. I needed just a strong alpha-male read, but this was just too fast and there were just too many inconsistencies to get invested at all.
February 12, 2014
The chemistry between Jessica and Alex was good but the plot was weak.
I also didn't like the ending. It was a cliffhanger but I didn't mind that so much as the content of it.
I also didn't like the ending. It was a cliffhanger but I didn't mind that so much as the content of it.
June 9, 2017
Sigh...I had high hopes for Beneath Him. It has a possessive alpha determined to woo a feisty, independent woman, just my thing. But, the execution is sadly lacking, I'm afraid. Alex is the alpha in question. He's rich, hot, possessive, domineering and way too CONTROLLING! He meets Jessica when she literally runs into him in his offices, where she is the makeup artist on a shoot for the magazine he owns. He has one look (and feel) of her and he wants more, he wants all of her.
"I'm demanding and relentless when I go after something I want." His head pulls back, and his eyes bore into mine, holding me captive. "I want you, Jessica. All of you and nothing less."
Well, he gets her, after driving her absolutely mad calling and texting her, but only her body, at first. She's been burned in the past by a controlling man, so she's not about to let her heart get broken by another rich guy who only sleeps with a woman, then discards her when he acquires another toy. So it's only sex, or at least that's the charade Alex agrees to before he drops the bombshell that he wants all of her. She can't help but to go along with it, because he's hot, and great in bed. But, at the end right before that ubiquitous cliffhanger, she gets her heart broken all over again. How could she have been stupid enough to give into this man?!
I really like Jessica, she's the sole reason I didn't rate this lower. She's smart, feisty and independent. Alex is pretty much just a caricature of the possessive, controlling alpha. There's nothing particularly interesting or outstanding about him. He's like every other guy in romances, but without the depth that makes an alpha truly special.
And then there's the fact that C. Shell's writing is choppy. I'd suggest she learn how to use apostrophes, because without them, the language in her writing is much too formal and stilted. It took me out of the book every other sentence and made reading Beneath Him uncomfortable. I am interested in learning what happens in the next book, but not sure if I'll remember to check back to see if it's ever published. Considering that Beneath Him was published last year and I don't see a sequel anywhere, I'd say the chances of the sequel any time soon are about 0.
A good tightening of everything in Beneath Him would have been really helpful. Fleshing out Alex a lot would go a long way toward making him palatable. And some language readjusting too, would help. If all these things are done in the sequel (if one is ever published), then perhaps it would be a story worth reading. As Beneath Him stands, though, it's not that great and not worth a second read.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
Well, he gets her, after driving her absolutely mad calling and texting her, but only her body, at first. She's been burned in the past by a controlling man, so she's not about to let her heart get broken by another rich guy who only sleeps with a woman, then discards her when he acquires another toy. So it's only sex, or at least that's the charade Alex agrees to before he drops the bombshell that he wants all of her. She can't help but to go along with it, because he's hot, and great in bed. But, at the end right before that ubiquitous cliffhanger, she gets her heart broken all over again. How could she have been stupid enough to give into this man?!
I really like Jessica, she's the sole reason I didn't rate this lower. She's smart, feisty and independent. Alex is pretty much just a caricature of the possessive, controlling alpha. There's nothing particularly interesting or outstanding about him. He's like every other guy in romances, but without the depth that makes an alpha truly special.
And then there's the fact that C. Shell's writing is choppy. I'd suggest she learn how to use apostrophes, because without them, the language in her writing is much too formal and stilted. It took me out of the book every other sentence and made reading Beneath Him uncomfortable. I am interested in learning what happens in the next book, but not sure if I'll remember to check back to see if it's ever published. Considering that Beneath Him was published last year and I don't see a sequel anywhere, I'd say the chances of the sequel any time soon are about 0.
A good tightening of everything in Beneath Him would have been really helpful. Fleshing out Alex a lot would go a long way toward making him palatable. And some language readjusting too, would help. If all these things are done in the sequel (if one is ever published), then perhaps it would be a story worth reading. As Beneath Him stands, though, it's not that great and not worth a second read.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
March 4, 2024
A fast moving steamy romance
When Jessica Grayson goes to work for a magazine shoot she has little idea that her life is about to be turned upside down by Alex Harlow, the wealthy owner of Glimmer Magazine and a host of other businesses. Make up artist Jessica has come from an ordinary background and worked hard to set up her own company with her best friend Jane. She has been hurt by a rich playboy in the past and has no interest in pursuing a romantic relationship with anyone more powerful than she is. Alex Harlow is a man who is used to getting what he wants and as soon as he sees Jessica at the photo shoot, he on a mission to make her his.
Jessica is not a naive girl who can be won over easily, no matter how sizzling the chemistry between them. Jessica is feisty and does not treat Alex with the admiration he’s used to. She is not impressed by his almost stalkerish behaviour and attempts to control her but cannot deny her attraction to him.
Beneath Him is told from Jessica’s point of view so the reader gets to know her fast, however, for much of the book, Alex is an enigma. As Jessica gets to know Alex his personality is slowly revealed and we get glimpses of the person behind the dark, brooding facade. The narrative of Beneath Him moves quickly with a few little twists and turns, ending on a cliffhanger plot twist.
Beneath Him is a quick and easy to read story, filled with explicit sex scenes and a growing romance. There were aspects of the storyline that I thought could be further developed. Overall, I enjoyed this book and felt that Jessica’s emotional turmoil came through well in the narrative. Jessica and Alex’s story is continued in the second Harlow book, Embracing Him.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When Jessica Grayson goes to work for a magazine shoot she has little idea that her life is about to be turned upside down by Alex Harlow, the wealthy owner of Glimmer Magazine and a host of other businesses. Make up artist Jessica has come from an ordinary background and worked hard to set up her own company with her best friend Jane. She has been hurt by a rich playboy in the past and has no interest in pursuing a romantic relationship with anyone more powerful than she is. Alex Harlow is a man who is used to getting what he wants and as soon as he sees Jessica at the photo shoot, he on a mission to make her his.
Jessica is not a naive girl who can be won over easily, no matter how sizzling the chemistry between them. Jessica is feisty and does not treat Alex with the admiration he’s used to. She is not impressed by his almost stalkerish behaviour and attempts to control her but cannot deny her attraction to him.
Beneath Him is told from Jessica’s point of view so the reader gets to know her fast, however, for much of the book, Alex is an enigma. As Jessica gets to know Alex his personality is slowly revealed and we get glimpses of the person behind the dark, brooding facade. The narrative of Beneath Him moves quickly with a few little twists and turns, ending on a cliffhanger plot twist.
Beneath Him is a quick and easy to read story, filled with explicit sex scenes and a growing romance. There were aspects of the storyline that I thought could be further developed. Overall, I enjoyed this book and felt that Jessica’s emotional turmoil came through well in the narrative. Jessica and Alex’s story is continued in the second Harlow book, Embracing Him.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 16, 2024
The story begins with Jessica heading for a contract job as the head make-up artist for a photo shoot at Glimmer Magazine. Jessica, suffering from a hangover and starving, runs to get a donut before her next model shows up. While running back, she trips over her own feet. Her fall is stopped by none other than Alex Harlow, the CEO of Glimmer Magazine. Jessica is written as a strong, no-nonsense character with her own career and isn’t dependent on a man nor attracted to money. Alex is the domineering alpha businessman who feels instalove for Jessica, who in turn has instalust for Alex. Both have commitment issues, and they embark on a tumultuous love affair.
Each of the main characters has a unique set of challenges they need to overcome. I enjoyed the characters and getting to know more about them. There was lots of spice simmering throughout the story. Add in wonderful, snarky, light-hearted comic relief from Jessica’s two best friends, Jax and Jane, and the story is great. Overall, I would recommend this book. It pulls readers in with tension, plot points, and character building. The story ends in a shocking cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read the next book, Embracing Him.
Each of the main characters has a unique set of challenges they need to overcome. I enjoyed the characters and getting to know more about them. There was lots of spice simmering throughout the story. Add in wonderful, snarky, light-hearted comic relief from Jessica’s two best friends, Jax and Jane, and the story is great. Overall, I would recommend this book. It pulls readers in with tension, plot points, and character building. The story ends in a shocking cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read the next book, Embracing Him.
June 16, 2017
This was an okay read for me. I liked the stories as well as the characters. Jessica and Alex have great chemistry. Alex is all alpha male and Jessica is a bit wary of that, not to mention Alex has plenty of secrets. Could use a bit of editing but entertaining, I would like to give the next book a chance.
June 27, 2017
This was just an okay read for me. I liked the heroine and her feistiness, the hero was an alpha male, but one I didn't love. They were great together and there were hot sex scenes. This book had a cliffhanger ending. The ending was not a good one. I am not sure if I am interested in reading the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 12, 2024
I thought Beneath Him was just ok. I felt it needed more content to make it a stronger storyline. I like the main characters Jessica and Alex and its very clear that they had a strong connection. I am looking forward to reading book 2 in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2018
This felt like a rework of FSOG or something. I know there is similarities in this genre but that doesn’t mean it is the same. And that’s the problem this book was cookie-cutter.
November 1, 2021
A really big bullshit. Like said a review I've read : you have the feeling that is an assemblage of paragraphs from others books, I really can't stand it
October 14, 2026
The coherence of the arguments in "Beneath Him (Harlow Trilogy, #1)" keeps you locked in from start to finish. "C. Shell" has a talent for breaking down complex geopolitical dynamics without losing critical nuance.
July 29, 2013
I liked this book, it was interesting but at the same time it was a little unrealistic and lacking a bit of originality. I feel as though the timing was off , as in the insta-love. It would have been more enjoyable if the characters had more time to actually develop a real relationship, they had no time to really know each other and are practically strangers therefore I found myself thinking , how can their emotions and feelings really be running this deep ? I get that they have a connection , but now what is it that makes them need each other? I also did not like the fact that the ending was so predictable, not giving it away. I gave it three stars because I like that I was drawn in from the very beginning, she got to the point and spared the unnecessary details while still being descriptive. Alex is a hottie but I have to be honest and say I found myself laughing at a lot of the stuff he says when things get steamy *sighs* (just a little corny) , Jess can be immature at times ,but ultimately I like the duo. I am going to finish the series because even though I didn't like certain parts of this story, I was still interested, and since I feel that the characters relationship wasn't properly developed, it makes me want to continue reading and see why Jess is so different from the rest and what truly makes their relationship so special ??.... I'm hoping I receive the answers.....So, onto "Embracing Him" I go.
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