Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Under the Surface

Rate this book
He was the perpetual bachelor with no plans of settling down. She was the girl who wanted to prove something to herself.

Two strangers. One night in the big city. The kind of spark that has the power to change everything.

But what happens when they meet again… in their hometown?

Ellie
What would you do if your boyfriend cheated on you and further rubbed it in by telling you how he really felt all along? I can tell you what I did—I decided to prove him wrong. I found a hot guy in a bar and had a night to remember before moving back home to Brantley Falls to run my mom’s café like I’ve always dreamed of. It sounded easy enough, except I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him. When we happen to cross paths again, he’s determined to show me how right we are for each other. Only he doesn’t understand that the person he met that night was not who I really am, and showing him the real me can only lead to heartbreak. But he’s relentless, and there’s only so much resisting a girl can do.

Liam
I’ve always been happy living the single life. I never wanted a wife and kids because then I’d risk disappointing them like my deadbeat dad did with me. So, I keep relationships casual, and everyone is the better for it. But if I’m so happy, why does my one-night stand leave me feeling like I’ve lost the best thing that’s ever going to happen to me? Now that I’ve found her again months later, I’m not letting go. It doesn’t matter that I have a reputation or that she thinks we’re too different and I don’t know who she really is. I just have to convince her I’ve known her all along, because I’ve seen under the surface, and I know she’s the one.

Under the Surface is a spicy, age-gap, he-falls-first (and hard!), second-chance, small-town romance with no cliffhanger and a guaranteed HEA!

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2025

5 people are currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

Brittany Bennett

2 books8 followers
Brittany Bennett is a hopeless romantic who spends her days writing sweet and spicy happily ever afters with some angst, humor, and drama mixed in. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing, she loves to get lost in a good book, take bike rides with the family, and watch her favorite Bravo reality shows.

Follow her on social media @authorbrittanybennett and sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on what’s coming next!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
13 (54%)
4 stars
11 (45%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Mikayla.
90 reviews
November 16, 2025
Star Rating: 4/5
Spice Rating: 4/5

Quote: “My Heart. I finally know what I want there”

ARC Read

Thoughts: I really enjoyed how Brittany Bennett provided enough background information before the story truly began. This context allowed me to understand Ellie better, explore the reasons behind her behaviour, and see how it perfectly fit into the narrative. At times, she came across as a bit too introspective; however, I still appreciated gaining insight into her hesitations and actions. I liked Liam’s character; he doesn’t seem standoffish or broody. Instead, he feels like a hardworking small-town guy who is very good-looking but also has a kind heart. Throughout this book, just like the first one, the support from their family and friends is one of the highlights. I love feeling the abundance of love and support they share, and I appreciate that they’re not afraid to hold each other accountable when necessary. I enjoyed Liam’s little bit of “stalking” behaviour, as he constantly wrestled with the idea of how wrong it might be, but couldn’t help himself. We love a driven and confident man. I loved the proposal, although I would have liked to see a bit more from him, considering how much effort he put into winning her over at the beginning. I appreciated that the story didn’t rush into them getting married and having kids; I feel that is often overdone in epilogues. The final part of their story also beautifully echoed how they met, which I found very satisfying. This is the second book in the series, and it’s another great story. I can’t wait for the next one featuring Harper and Reid!

Favourite Moment: I actually loved when she made him tea, even though she was trying to push him away, she was still trying to make him happy, and do things for him. I just thought this was such a sweet moment. The heart knows what it wants before we even do.

Notes: As in Under My Skin, I feel that Brittany Bennett gives her characters such emotional maturity that there is no need for the over-dramatic, jump-to-conclusion third-act break-ups. It feels so real when reading her books.

#brittanybennett #underthesurface #arcread #romance #smalltown #agegap #hefallsfirst #soulmates
Profile Image for Emily Knaus.
459 reviews4 followers
November 25, 2025
I don’t think I’ve ever read a MMC as patient as Liam. He’s the kind of MMC who doesn’t just wait, he holds space waiting for things to click into place. Every moment with him felt like a quiet reassurance that love doesn’t have to be rushed, forced, or demanded. Bennett wrote him with this steady, grounding energy that you can feel.

What makes it even more powerful is the chemistry between Liam and Ellie. From the very first moment he sees her, there’s no hesitation, he knows she’s the one. That instant recognition sets the tone for their connection, and the way he balances that certainty with patience is breathtaking. Their bond simmers with tension and tenderness, making every glance, every touch, feel inevitable. Liam is an MMC who embodies quiet devotion and proves that patience can be the most powerful form of love.

But what truly elevates this story is Ellie’s journey. Watching her slowly find herself, step into her own worth, and realize she is enough exactly as she is was incredibly profound. Liam’s devotion gives her the safety to grow, but it’s Ellie who ultimately claims her own strength and learns she can accept love without changing or shrinking. That transformation is both empowering and deeply moving.

The tension in this book isn’t about whether Liam will stay, it’s about whether Ellie can believe she deserves someone who will. And watching that unfold was both heartbreaking and deeply satisfying.

A huge thank you to Brittany Bennett & Naught Nook PR for the early copy! As soon as I finished, I went back to read Cam & Lizzie’s story!
32 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2025
Liam Granger, where do I sign up for one?

Liam Granger… honestly, where can I find my Liam Granger? The patience of this man is unmatched. I’m a sucker for the “ex-playboy falls first and falls hard” trope, and this book delivers it perfectly. Sure, sometimes it feels too good to be true—but you can’t help but hope anyway. You feel his love and longing for Ellie on every page. This man went celibate after one night with her, not even knowing if he’d ever see her again. If that’s not dedication, I don’t know what is.

What really made my heart melt was his patience. He never pushes Ellie. He waits. He gives her room to breathe, to heal, to choose him when she’s ready. He sees her hurt and refuses to add to it. And the way he sees the real her—behind all her masks—right from the beginning? I was gone. Completely smitten.

And then there’s Ellie. Ugh, my heart. I resonated with her so deeply. As a fellow homebody who’s terrified of being seen as “boring,” what Ben said to her was soul-crushing. Her guardedness made absolute sense, especially with someone who carries the reputation Liam does. Watching her slowly let her walls down, step into her comfort, be fully herself, and still feel unworthy—that hit hard. But her growth? Her healing? Her confidence coming back piece by piece? So satisfying.

I loved everything about this story. The romance, the character journeys, and yes—getting to revisit Cam and Lizzie’s story again was the sweetest bonus.

A beautifully written, emotionally tender read that gave me all the feels. 💛
Profile Image for Sarah Lowe.
142 reviews14 followers
January 5, 2026
A Small Town, Second Chance Spicy Romance that had me completely hooked from the beginning until the very end.

Eighteen months after a brief yet unforgettable one-night stand in Chicago, both Ellie and Liam continue to fondly reminisce about that night, finding it difficult to move on, until a chance encounter brings them together again.

Ellie, also known as Eloise Parker, has returned home from Chicago after bravely facing the painful truth of being cheated on and being made to feel like her personality is the reason. This leads Ellie’s confidence and courage to dwindle.

Liam Granger is truly the full package, a Hot, heavily tattooed bachelor with a reputation of a ladies man. Yet after meeting Ellie his preceptive changed making him truly admirable with how patient and respectful he is towards Ellie, even when she pushed him away he would respect her wishes and give her the space she needed.

I absolutely adored the banter, the chemistry the dynamics of this duo and the character growth.

Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5/5
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️3.5/5

Under the Surface is book 2 of the, Brantley Falls Series.
I would recommend reading them in order, as characters interconnect through each book.

🩷🫶🏼Eagerly awaiting Harper and Reid’s story🫶🏼🩷
Profile Image for Mrs Reads Between The Lines.
239 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2025
Brittany Bennet’s writing skills definitely shine in Under The Surface. I was captivated from the start. This is a small town, second chance at love done right! It’s beautifully written with just the right amount of spice.

When Ellie & Liam meet in a bar in Chicago they are complete strangers. She’s just had the worst break up and is looking for a little payback. He’s a perpetual bachelor, never wanting to marry and have kids because of his daddy issues.

After spending an explosive night together, Liam wakes up a changed man, ready to woo her into giving him a chance. Only, he finds an empty bed and a goodbye note.

Fast forward 18 months and they meet up again… in their hometown, where they’ve both been living since that night in Chicago. Ellie is still reluctant to put her heart on the line, and Liam is not giving up without a fight.

Favorite quote:

“It was meant to be. We were inevitable. The universe wasn’t going to keep us apart.” - Liam

I received an advanced copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Ashley.
162 reviews4 followers
December 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars

Thank you to the Nerd Fam & the author for the gifted copy.

Under the Surface is a sharp, emotionally grounded small-town romance with the perfect he falls first MMC. Liam is patient, steady, and completely devoted from page one easily the highlight of the book. His quiet determination gives the story its heart.

Ellie’s arc brings real depth as she works through betrayal, fear, and the belief that she’s “too much” to love. Her hesitation does get repetitive, which kept this from being a full 5 stars, but the payoff once she lets herself grow is genuinely satisfying.
If you like …
• Age-gap + one night stand → second chance
• Patient, soft but strong MMC
• Emotional tension without unnecessary drama
• Warm small town setting + supportive cast

A heartfelt, chemistry driven romance for readers who love devotion, character growth, and a guaranteed HEA. Fans of small town, age-gap, and slow burn emotional arcs will eat this one up.
Profile Image for Laurie.
298 reviews39 followers
December 17, 2025
✨ BOOK REVIEW — Under the Surface ✨
⭐️ 4 stars

Vibes:
🌊 Emotional depth
💔 Hidden trauma + secrets
🔥 Slow-burn tension
🖤 Healing, vulnerability, second chances

This book is quiet but powerful — the kind that slowly pulls you under and makes you feel everything. The emotional layers run deep, and the story takes its time letting the characters heal, grow, and truly connect.

What I Loved:
✨ The emotional honesty — raw without being overwhelming
✨ Strong character growth and introspection
✨ A slow-burn romance that feels earned and meaningful
✨ Themes of healing, trust, and learning to open up

What Didn’t Hit as Hard:
⏳ The pacing is gentle and may feel slow for some readers
💬 A few moments linger longer than needed

Final Thoughts:
Under the Surface is thoughtful, emotional, and beautifully written. I enjoyed this one and would recommend it if you love character-driven romance with heart, healing, and a deep emotional connection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kaitlynn Genevieve.
57 reviews
November 16, 2025
*ARC Review*

4.5 Stars. Well worth the wait. Not going to lie, it’s been so long that I honestly forgot about this series. Once this book showed up in my BookFunnel, I had to reread the first book, which I still enjoyed before I started this one.

Liam was an absolute sweetheart, and showed an extreme amount of patience and restraint (sort of) when it came to Ellie. The feelings were strong, and obvious from the start. This book was a perfect reflection of true love from the start, that didn’t feel faked or forced. There wasn’t even a big third act fight scene that brought them closer together. Everything was normal, natural, and honestly felt like something that could happen to anyone. A proper slice of life, cozy, small town story.

2/5 spice, sexy but still not the main point of the storyline. The chemistry was off the charts.
Profile Image for Rebecca Gulley.
Author 4 books26 followers
November 25, 2025
First off, I loved reading Liam and Ellie’s story! Liam falls first for our FMC when they meet at a bar, where Ellie is trying to hook up with a random guy after her ex makes her seem “boring”. The two are hot in the sheets, and when she wakes up and leaves, it sends Liam searching for her and rethinking the way he views his life.

Eighteen months later, the two run into each other again, and he has no intention of letting her slip away this time (good boy!). What starts as something casual for her eventually grows into more, and soon they’re both expressing how much they love each other.

I loved reading this small-town, age-gap romance. I adored both the MMC and FMC’s personalities. Their story was spicy and had a great storyline.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Surrender2silk.
1,709 reviews13 followers
December 23, 2025
book two in the Brantley Falls series. Ellie had enough. After her boyfriend cheated on her and called her boring, she’s on a mission to go wild. She goes out and has an amazing night with liam. When liam wakes up she’s gone. He spend 2 days looking for her but she’s gone. he goes back home. now that ellie is home she can’t stop thing about liam. to both them it’s a surprise when they see each other in town. Omg he can’t believe ellie is here. finally he can tell her how he feels. she has the worst feeling when she sees him again. he gonna destroy her when he gets tired of her. he’s the one that never gives up on her no matter what. the only thing mission is her on the same page.
Profile Image for Wendy Arana.
57 reviews1 follower
Read
November 17, 2025
I loved it! Maybe some parts could have been left out, but overall it was an enjoyable book! I loved Liam and Ellie and their personal development.

It's very well written, the character development is very well described, and the story is fun and easy to read. I liked Ellie's support network and how it supported her in her personal rediscovery so she could achieve something with Liam. Without pushing her or rushing her to achieve healing and redeem herself.

I can't wait to read Harper and Reid's story and find out who this mysterious girl is! 😊


56 reviews4 followers
November 17, 2025
Read this book in one day. Couldn’t put it down.

Ellie couldn’t let go of the hurtful stuff been said when he broke up with her but Liam came and showed her that Ben was an idiot and she was perfect the way she is. She’s smart, funny and has sass. She’s got a nerdy side but that makes her who she is.

Liam is the playboy who has a reputation but meets Ellie and knows he will never be the same. He has his own garage and knows what he wants.

Their chemistry is amazing and makes you feel like you’re right there with them. Absolutely loved this book.
Profile Image for Kelly.
438 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2025
I liked this book. A lot. Age gap is always going to lure me in. I really liked Liam and Ellie. I loved their first meeting and then how they reconnected. I loved how Liam was sure they were end game and pursued her while giving her the time she needed.

The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is the repetitiveness of Ellie’s “reasons they can’t be together”. It really gets on my nerves in a book when the reasons for something are repeated over and over again. A couple times - I get it. But just to keep rehashing the same points gets boring and I find myself skimming over the repetitive dialogue.

But, the story was good and Liam was swoony, so it just might be a book you’ll really like too.
Profile Image for thatbeccagirl_reads.
716 reviews17 followers
November 28, 2025
Ellie and Liam’s story starts with one unforgettable night, but it’s their second chance back home that gives this book its heart.
Liam is the kind of patient, quietly devoted MMC you can’t help but root for, and watching him show up for Ellie again and again is honestly the best part of the book. Ellie’s growth and her journey toward believing she deserves real love make their connection feel even more meaningful.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

159 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! This is a great age-gap second chance romance where he absolutely falls first. I love how one night in Chicago changes the biggest playboy in town!! It is heart warming how Liam pines for his Ellie for over 18 months until he finds her again in the most unlikely place, his hometown. This author excels at the slow-burn second chance romance!! Since this is book 2 in a series, I went back and read book 1 first. I absolutely can’t wait for book #3 now!!
Profile Image for Melanie Gardhouse.
66 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2025
One night stand to happily ever after.

Give it all to me! I am so in love with Liam and Ellie both. Their characters gave me so much life. I loved learning about each of them.

That ending was exactly what I needed to happen. I can’t wait to read more about the others in Brantley Falls.
Profile Image for Barbara Mann.
150 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2025
Loved it! Couldn't put it down, love a MMC that isn't afraid to chase after what he wants.
111 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I mean who doesn't want a Liam around? That man has more patience than most men. I love a good emotional slow burn book with a HEA that is well deserved.
223 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2025
Under the Surface – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had me totally hooked from the start! 💖🔥 I love a good slow-burn romance, and Brittany Bennett delivers—Ellie and Liam’s chemistry is just electric. Every glance, touch, and awkward moment between them had me grinning, swooning, and, yeah, maybe tearing up a little. The tension and longing? Off the charts.

Ellie’s journey of figuring herself out was so relatable, and Liam’s relentless, sweet pursuit made my heart melt. The age gap and the fact that he falls first? Ugh, perfection. It just adds this extra layer of intensity and sweetness that I couldn’t get enough of. There was one scene (no spoilers!) that actually made me stop and reread because it hit me right in the feels.

Brittany Bennett writes with so much depth—I really felt the stakes, the fears, and the beauty of these two finally finding each other. It’s got all the small-town, second-chance vibes I adore, and I honestly didn’t want it to end.

I loved every second and totally recommend it to anyone who wants a romance with heart, heat, and a whole lot of feels. 💫❤️
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.