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Beneath This Mask
My name is Charlotte Agoston, and I’m a runner. Not the ‘let’s go for a jog and slap a 26.2 sticker on your bumper’ kind of runner; I’m the kind of runner who takes off when her father is staring down the barrel of a guilty verdict that carries a 175-year sentence for perpetrating the largest fraud in the history of the world. That’s right. Bernie Madoff was an amateur compared to Alistair Agoston. Faced with living under a cloud of suspicion and constant questioning by the FBI, I ran. I’m making a new life in New Orleans as Charlie Stone. I traded my future in New York high finance for tattoos, booze, a few friends who don’t ask questions, and one giant mutt named Huckleberry Finn. Everything is simple and uncomplicated until Simon Duchesne—former hotshot Navy fighter pilot, NOLA’s favorite son, city councilman, and rumored congressional hopeful—walks into my life. The flashing cameras he attracts threaten to expose everything I’m hiding, but I can’t seem to stay away. Why are the most dangerous ideas always the most seductive? In trying to get lost, I found myself. And then I found Simon. He loves me, and he doesn’t even know my real name. I’m going to break his heart, but mine will shatter right along with it. This is our story. Will we be strong enough to face the consequences of revealing what’s beneath this mask?
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2014
6261 people are currently reading
16887 people want to read
About the author
Meghan March
75 books16.5k followersMaking the jump from corporate lawyer to romance author was a leap of faith that New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Meghan March will never regret. With over thirty titles published, she has sold millions of books in nearly a dozen languages to fellow romance-lovers around the world. A nomad at heart, she can currently be found in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, living her happily ever after with her real-life alpha hero.. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,900 reviews
July 16, 2015
3.75 - 4 Stars
A new to me author, I liked this a lot.
Simon was yummy with his confident, straight-forwardly sexy ways...although I have to admit I was a lot more drawn to Constantine in this book...
...and yet, I'm not sure how interested I am in his actual book - which is the next installment in the series - being that he's fucked pretty much all of the female characters from this book except for Harriet the token "cool grandma" character.
Apparently it's "Constantine," Abigail Breslin.
Charlie was decent enough...if a bit predictable with her "I'm so edgy because I have tattoos and piercings" way of being.
Also, some of the details regarding Charlie's father's crimes and the FBI's belief in Charlie's culpability seemed a little...hazy and implausible to me...but whatever.
I can't put my finger on what it is that prevents me from rating this higher, but some things are just explainable, ya know?
A new to me author, I liked this a lot.
Simon was yummy with his confident, straight-forwardly sexy ways...although I have to admit I was a lot more drawn to Constantine in this book...
...and yet, I'm not sure how interested I am in his actual book - which is the next installment in the series - being that he's fucked pretty much all of the female characters from this book except for Harriet the token "cool grandma" character.
Apparently it's "Constantine," Abigail Breslin.
Charlie was decent enough...if a bit predictable with her "I'm so edgy because I have tattoos and piercings" way of being.
Also, some of the details regarding Charlie's father's crimes and the FBI's belief in Charlie's culpability seemed a little...hazy and implausible to me...but whatever.
I can't put my finger on what it is that prevents me from rating this higher, but some things are just explainable, ya know?
December 29, 2015
After her father is sent to prison for defrauding investors out of billions of dollars, Charolette flees New York City and the life she's always known, rather than live with the humiliation and shame for her father's actions. She relocates to New Orleans, starts going by the name Charlie, and changes her appearance. She'd hardly recognize the prim and proper socialite that she used to be.
Other than a "friends with benefits" that she has with her boss, Con, she's avoided relationships with men. Being on the run from the FBI, which would like to question her further, and trying to keep her true identity a secret, doesn't exactly lend itself to trusting, open relationships. Her mammoth of a dog, Huck, is the closest thing she has to a steady male presence in her life and she likes it that way.
Simon comes into the tattoo shop where Charlie works one night and she is immediately attracted to him. He's gorgeous, but in an preppie sort of way that screams "bad idea" to Charlie. He's a reminder of her old lifestyle and completely at odds with the new life she's created for herself.
When Simon begins to push Charlie for her name and number, Con steps in to run interference. For a man that has slept with nearly all of the female characters in this book, he sure does pull the jealous boyfriend act a lot. So, after a little flirting, the two part ways.
However, Simon isn't one to be defeated so easily. He continues to pursue Charlie until she agrees to see him. Then, he refuses to have sex with her until she is ready to commit to more than a one night stand.
Little by little, he weasels his way into her heart. All the while, Con is warning Charlie to stay away from Simon. He knows that Charlie is on the run from her past and getting involved with a high-profile guy like Simon, with political ambitions, is the easiest way to blow her cover.
Charlie knows that Con is right, but she can't seem to stay away from Simon. As the two grow closer together, she knows that they cannot last. Her past would ruin his dreams if it came to light and she doesn't want to harm him. Then, she has to face the fact that he doesn't even know who she really is, a fact which Simon frequently reminds her of.
As expected, the truth does eventually come out. When the other shoe finally drops, everything goes to hell in a hand basket quickly. Things change in the blink of an eye and they find themselves fighting against some pretty steep odds.
All in all, it was an "okay" story. I liked the characters well enough and it kept my attention for the most part. However, for me, it lacked that something extra that makes the difference between a story that is alright and one that is great. I liked it, but didn't love it.
Other than a "friends with benefits" that she has with her boss, Con, she's avoided relationships with men. Being on the run from the FBI, which would like to question her further, and trying to keep her true identity a secret, doesn't exactly lend itself to trusting, open relationships. Her mammoth of a dog, Huck, is the closest thing she has to a steady male presence in her life and she likes it that way.
Simon comes into the tattoo shop where Charlie works one night and she is immediately attracted to him. He's gorgeous, but in an preppie sort of way that screams "bad idea" to Charlie. He's a reminder of her old lifestyle and completely at odds with the new life she's created for herself.
When Simon begins to push Charlie for her name and number, Con steps in to run interference. For a man that has slept with nearly all of the female characters in this book, he sure does pull the jealous boyfriend act a lot. So, after a little flirting, the two part ways.
However, Simon isn't one to be defeated so easily. He continues to pursue Charlie until she agrees to see him. Then, he refuses to have sex with her until she is ready to commit to more than a one night stand.
Little by little, he weasels his way into her heart. All the while, Con is warning Charlie to stay away from Simon. He knows that Charlie is on the run from her past and getting involved with a high-profile guy like Simon, with political ambitions, is the easiest way to blow her cover.
Charlie knows that Con is right, but she can't seem to stay away from Simon. As the two grow closer together, she knows that they cannot last. Her past would ruin his dreams if it came to light and she doesn't want to harm him. Then, she has to face the fact that he doesn't even know who she really is, a fact which Simon frequently reminds her of.
As expected, the truth does eventually come out. When the other shoe finally drops, everything goes to hell in a hand basket quickly. Things change in the blink of an eye and they find themselves fighting against some pretty steep odds.
All in all, it was an "okay" story. I liked the characters well enough and it kept my attention for the most part. However, for me, it lacked that something extra that makes the difference between a story that is alright and one that is great. I liked it, but didn't love it.
February 23, 2015
4,5 Enigmatic Stars.
Charlie is running away. Her father is facing jail time for fraud, after stealing millions from innocent people, and he’s probably one of the most hated men in the US. Not wanting to be associated with her family and their actions, she decided to run away.
Now, a year later, she is living in New Orleans under a fake ID and working at a tattoo parlor, when one night she meets Simon. They immediately hit off, but she knows she can’t have him. Simon is the son of an important politician and he’s about to run for his father’s place and start his own political career. Charlie knows that if he ever find out who she really is, she will ruin his life. Simon knows she’s hiding something, but he wants her anyway and he’s relentless on his pursuit, until she can’t resist him anymore.
But how can you make a relationship survive when the secret past that you’re running away from keeps haunting you, and has the power to destroy everything?
This was my first book by Meghan March, but I can already tell you that it will definitely not be the last. I loved her writing style and the pace of this book, it was fast and slow when it needed to be. Not to mention absolutely engaging, I was hooked from the first page and I cound’t put it down until I finished it. I will definitely keep reading this series, especially if the next one is as good as this one. My only other complaint besides the one about the characters (see below), was the fact that the end was too short for my taste. I wanted a little more of them in the end, especially after all the drama.
If you’re in need for of an incredible romantic story, sweet, steamy and addictive, with a great hero you will definitely fall in love with, this is the book for you.
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Characters Development: I loved, LOVED Simon!! He was sweet, knew what he wanted and he wasn’t afraid to get it. He was slightly alpha and extremely respectful of Charlie. He definitely earned a spot on my “Book Boyfriend’s List”. Charlie was a sweet and very likable heroine, and although I didn’t like it, it was easy to understand her indecision about getting honest with Simon. My main problem with this book and the reason I’m not giving it five stars, it’s because I didn’t like how much time her secret was hidden from him, when he had made pretty clear his position regarding her. I really liked the supporting characters and I’m very curious about Con and Vanessa’s story!
Steam: Some hot moments.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Charlie is running away. Her father is facing jail time for fraud, after stealing millions from innocent people, and he’s probably one of the most hated men in the US. Not wanting to be associated with her family and their actions, she decided to run away.
Now, a year later, she is living in New Orleans under a fake ID and working at a tattoo parlor, when one night she meets Simon. They immediately hit off, but she knows she can’t have him. Simon is the son of an important politician and he’s about to run for his father’s place and start his own political career. Charlie knows that if he ever find out who she really is, she will ruin his life. Simon knows she’s hiding something, but he wants her anyway and he’s relentless on his pursuit, until she can’t resist him anymore.
But how can you make a relationship survive when the secret past that you’re running away from keeps haunting you, and has the power to destroy everything?
This was my first book by Meghan March, but I can already tell you that it will definitely not be the last. I loved her writing style and the pace of this book, it was fast and slow when it needed to be. Not to mention absolutely engaging, I was hooked from the first page and I cound’t put it down until I finished it. I will definitely keep reading this series, especially if the next one is as good as this one. My only other complaint besides the one about the characters (see below), was the fact that the end was too short for my taste. I wanted a little more of them in the end, especially after all the drama.
If you’re in need for of an incredible romantic story, sweet, steamy and addictive, with a great hero you will definitely fall in love with, this is the book for you.
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Characters Development: I loved, LOVED Simon!! He was sweet, knew what he wanted and he wasn’t afraid to get it. He was slightly alpha and extremely respectful of Charlie. He definitely earned a spot on my “Book Boyfriend’s List”. Charlie was a sweet and very likable heroine, and although I didn’t like it, it was easy to understand her indecision about getting honest with Simon. My main problem with this book and the reason I’m not giving it five stars, it’s because I didn’t like how much time her secret was hidden from him, when he had made pretty clear his position regarding her. I really liked the supporting characters and I’m very curious about Con and Vanessa’s story!
Steam: Some hot moments.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
October 2, 2015
3.5 Stars
Charlotte Agoston has found herself smack dab in the middle of a fraud scandal. All thanks goes to her infamous father. Being hounded by press and the FBI about her involvement leads to her fleeing New York City and the public eye.
One year later and Charlotte has dyed her hair, covered her body with tattoos, and goes by Charlie Stone. She’s living in New Orleans and has kept her identity quiet and her walls up until war vet, son of a congressman, Simon Duchesne walks into her shop.
Simon doesn’t want one night with Charlie and he’s determined to win her over and he’s pretty wonderful throughout the whole story.
”I want to know who you are beneath all of this.”
Both characters struggle with their past and Simon is inspired to fix his problems but Charlie takes a bit more time in opening up and trusting him in return.
”Can’t have love without trust, Charlotte.”
When Charlie’s identity comes out will it break these two apart or bring them closer together?
Overall, this was a good read featuring a great dog named Huck. The heroine is feisty, while the hero was a great guy who never gave up.
”No walls. No masks. No secrets. No lies. Just Charlie. My inked, pierced, beautiful Charlie.”
Charlotte Agoston has found herself smack dab in the middle of a fraud scandal. All thanks goes to her infamous father. Being hounded by press and the FBI about her involvement leads to her fleeing New York City and the public eye.
One year later and Charlotte has dyed her hair, covered her body with tattoos, and goes by Charlie Stone. She’s living in New Orleans and has kept her identity quiet and her walls up until war vet, son of a congressman, Simon Duchesne walks into her shop.
Simon doesn’t want one night with Charlie and he’s determined to win her over and he’s pretty wonderful throughout the whole story.
”I want to know who you are beneath all of this.”
Both characters struggle with their past and Simon is inspired to fix his problems but Charlie takes a bit more time in opening up and trusting him in return.
”Can’t have love without trust, Charlotte.”
When Charlie’s identity comes out will it break these two apart or bring them closer together?
Overall, this was a good read featuring a great dog named Huck. The heroine is feisty, while the hero was a great guy who never gave up.
”No walls. No masks. No secrets. No lies. Just Charlie. My inked, pierced, beautiful Charlie.”
September 23, 2025
It all started with this amazing story and it's FREE on Amazon today (9/7/2017)!
February 19, 2015
4 I-WANT-YOU-BENEATH-ME STARS
Charlie and Simon .. ♥
Took me long ENOUGH! Ihate putting books down .. I prefer to read in one sitting. Unfortunately, I couldn't .. nonetheless this novel was enjoyable even after putting down. Although .. it was quite short (SIGH)! Despite it being short .. it worked: the story wasn't rushed and went steady through out which I liked. A good read, nothing negative to say which brings me to why it got the 4? .. it didn't have that "WOW-MINDBLOWN-EXTRAMILE" factor. I'm hoping Beneath This Ink has that and I'll be starting it shortly.
Beneath This Mask Meghan March
- Sleepless, Readmore. Twitter
Charlie and Simon .. ♥
I wanna provide
this loving that you're giving
I ain't frontin' in this love .. ►♫
Took me long ENOUGH! I
►♫ .. I'll be your baby
now promise not to let you go
love you like crazy
Beneath This Mask Meghan March
- Sleepless, Readmore. Twitter
November 28, 2017
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
♫Listened to on Audible 11/27/17♫
I enjoyed this audio but I much preferred the female narrator. For me the male just sounded like he was trying to imitate Batman or something so those parts were a little meh for me. Still great though.
4 'Tatted Up' Stars
Charlie is on the run from the FBI as a person if interest in her father's embezzlement case, and more importantly, form the media who wants her to burn along with her family for her father's sins. For a year she's been hiding out in New Orleans and has finally become comfortable in her own skin. Without society judging her for every little thing she has opened up and allowed herself to become her true self. A tattooed, dog loving, kick ass female.
When Simon show's up at the shop and asks her out, her whole world spins. He's the kind of person that she needs to avoid. Simon isn't just any customer, he's the son of an important politician and always in the limelight. But he makes it hard for Charlie to resist his charms, and even though he knows she's hiding something, he can't resist her either.
This was my first book by Meghan March and I absolutely loved it. I really like the writing style and the story had a nice flow to it that kept my attention to entire book. There was information about the secondary characters and other events happening but not in a way that took my attention away from the actual story and couple.
Simon and Charlie were great together and I loved the fact that they both came from the same kind of world where everything had to be "proper" but both left in their own way. Simon wanted nothing to do with his father's political career and left to be in the military, and Charlie ran from scandal which led to her finding her own path. I actually thought Simon's mom was pretty cool and wanted more of her in the story. She accepted Charlie after only meeting her for a minute and didn't judge based on Charlie's tattoo's like I was expecting.
I did want more of an ending and didn't think that the book would end that fast. It just felt a little rushed to me, especially after there was some drama going on. Overall, I enjoyed this book was exactly what I needed after reading so many meh books and I think it finally got me out of my little slump. Con interested me so much so I'm moving on to his book. Wish me luck!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
♫Listened to on Audible 11/27/17♫
I enjoyed this audio but I much preferred the female narrator. For me the male just sounded like he was trying to imitate Batman or something so those parts were a little meh for me. Still great though.
4 'Tatted Up' Stars
Charlie is on the run from the FBI as a person if interest in her father's embezzlement case, and more importantly, form the media who wants her to burn along with her family for her father's sins. For a year she's been hiding out in New Orleans and has finally become comfortable in her own skin. Without society judging her for every little thing she has opened up and allowed herself to become her true self. A tattooed, dog loving, kick ass female.
When Simon show's up at the shop and asks her out, her whole world spins. He's the kind of person that she needs to avoid. Simon isn't just any customer, he's the son of an important politician and always in the limelight. But he makes it hard for Charlie to resist his charms, and even though he knows she's hiding something, he can't resist her either.
This was my first book by Meghan March and I absolutely loved it. I really like the writing style and the story had a nice flow to it that kept my attention to entire book. There was information about the secondary characters and other events happening but not in a way that took my attention away from the actual story and couple.
Simon and Charlie were great together and I loved the fact that they both came from the same kind of world where everything had to be "proper" but both left in their own way. Simon wanted nothing to do with his father's political career and left to be in the military, and Charlie ran from scandal which led to her finding her own path. I actually thought Simon's mom was pretty cool and wanted more of her in the story. She accepted Charlie after only meeting her for a minute and didn't judge based on Charlie's tattoo's like I was expecting.
I did want more of an ending and didn't think that the book would end that fast. It just felt a little rushed to me, especially after there was some drama going on. Overall, I enjoyed this book was exactly what I needed after reading so many meh books and I think it finally got me out of my little slump. Con interested me so much so I'm moving on to his book. Wish me luck!
September 26, 2015
4.5 **Unmasked** Stars
In Beneath this Mask we seeCharlotte Agoston daughter of Alistair Agoston, being involved in one of the biggest fraud scandals cause of her family. Her father stole billions of dollars from innocent people. So she decides to run away, leave her rich life and name behind and become Charlie Stone .
A year passes by.
Charlie works at a tattoo parlor and tries to stay under the radar.
But that doesn't work out as a tall, muscular, "every-woman's-type-of-guy" comes and sweeps her off her feet.
Simon Duchesne .
He's exactly the guy that she needs to stay away from but she can't help but want and desire him.
Simon is an ex-military, son of a congressman and he's just starting his own political career.
After Charlie learns who he is she wants to run from him but decides to have a taste, to get him out of her system and forget that he even existed.
But Simon wont let her get away so easy. He wants her and he's gonna chase her.
Simon and Charlie both struggle with ghosts from their pasts. Simon starts to open up and trust her. But for Charlie it isn't so easy.
Before they know it they're falling in love.
He makes her to want to try and stay with him and face the truth.
He knew from the start that this woman was going to change his life.
But if the truth comes out will they get closer or will everything fall apart?
Will Simon still love the girl beneath the mask?
I loved this. The book was so well written and the story kept me until the end. The characters were interesting, especially Con, Charlie's, tough as nails boss in the Tattoo parlor.
~If you want to read a N/A with a feisty, tattooed heroine and a protective, swoon worthy hero, I would recommend this one for you.
And now off to the sequel. Con fucking Leahy's book. #excited
**Arc provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.**
In Beneath this Mask we see
A year passes by.
Charlie works at a tattoo parlor and tries to stay under the radar.
But that doesn't work out as a tall, muscular, "every-woman's-type-of-guy" comes and sweeps her off her feet.
Simon Duchesne .
He's exactly the guy that she needs to stay away from but she can't help but want and desire him.
Simon is an ex-military, son of a congressman and he's just starting his own political career.
After Charlie learns who he is she wants to run from him but decides to have a taste, to get him out of her system and forget that he even existed.
But Simon wont let her get away so easy. He wants her and he's gonna chase her.
"The tattoos had become more than a camouflage
to hide the girl I'd once been,
they were a declaration that
I was never going back.
I could never again fit into the life
I'd previously led."
Simon and Charlie both struggle with ghosts from their pasts. Simon starts to open up and trust her. But for Charlie it isn't so easy.
Before they know it they're falling in love.
He makes her to want to try and stay with him and face the truth.
He knew from the start that this woman was going to change his life.
But if the truth comes out will they get closer or will everything fall apart?
Will Simon still love the girl beneath the mask?
---------------------------------
I loved this. The book was so well written and the story kept me until the end. The characters were interesting, especially Con, Charlie's, tough as nails boss in the Tattoo parlor.
~If you want to read a N/A with a feisty, tattooed heroine and a protective, swoon worthy hero, I would recommend this one for you.
---------------------------------
And now off to the sequel. Con fucking Leahy's book. #excited
**Arc provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.**
September 25, 2015
This was the first book in this series written by Meghan March. This is also my first time reading anything from this author, and I'm officially hooked! I did have a bit of trouble getting into the story right at the beginning; but once I became engrossed in the characters--I was hooked. I fell in love with Simon, who is a hero that is such a sweetheart; but he is no push over. I often can't stand a hero that is wishy washy; but Simon isn't that. He is a teddy bear, but he has that alpha male trait that us women love so much! Simon comes from a family that is into politics and of course, his father expects him to follow in his political footsteps and become just like him. Unfortunately, Simon is very indecisive when it comes to his future...up until he comes across a mysterious, sexy lady who he must get to know.
Charlie is our heroine and is on the run from her old life in New York. She holds many secrets, and no one in New Orlean's knows even her real name. She has begun a new life and has acquired a job in a tattoo parlor, where she lays pretty low. She has very few friends, and needs to live under the radar. When Simon and her cross paths, their lives will never be the same again. Will the secrets eventually catch up with Charlie...If Simon finds out who she truly is and what she is running from; will he still want anything to do with her?? Who is Charlie "Beneath her Mask?"
Not only is this a romantic read with some hot sex thrown in; but there is a bit of a mystery interwoven into the story line as well. I found this read to be very enjoyable, and I fell in love wi th Simon. It has been awhile since I have felt any kind of warm fuzzies when it came to the heroes that I read about; but Simon fixed my drought and he will be forever etched in my mind. I can't wait for the next installment of this series, and I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for a sweet enjoyable read, with a little bit of angst; but not over kill. It really was a great story and there are secondary characters that are introduced who we will be seeing in future books!! I can't wait to continue, and Meghan March has earned a new fan!!!
Charlie is our heroine and is on the run from her old life in New York. She holds many secrets, and no one in New Orlean's knows even her real name. She has begun a new life and has acquired a job in a tattoo parlor, where she lays pretty low. She has very few friends, and needs to live under the radar. When Simon and her cross paths, their lives will never be the same again. Will the secrets eventually catch up with Charlie...If Simon finds out who she truly is and what she is running from; will he still want anything to do with her?? Who is Charlie "Beneath her Mask?"
Not only is this a romantic read with some hot sex thrown in; but there is a bit of a mystery interwoven into the story line as well. I found this read to be very enjoyable, and I fell in love wi th Simon. It has been awhile since I have felt any kind of warm fuzzies when it came to the heroes that I read about; but Simon fixed my drought and he will be forever etched in my mind. I can't wait for the next installment of this series, and I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for a sweet enjoyable read, with a little bit of angst; but not over kill. It really was a great story and there are secondary characters that are introduced who we will be seeing in future books!! I can't wait to continue, and Meghan March has earned a new fan!!!
December 22, 2017
I am happy to have discovered this series because it started with a promising one.
Book 1 – Beneath This Mask was something between 4 – 4,5 stars for me.
I am excited about the other books in the row 😊
The Plot & Characters:
Charlie (Charlotte) is living a low-profile life, trying to be under the radar. She has changed her hair color and hid her previous sophisticated look beneath tattoos all over now.
The tattoos had become more than camouflage to hide the girl I’d once been; they were a declaration that I was never going back.
I’d permanently marked myself to ensure that I could never again fit into the life I’d previously led. The life I’d run from rather than face every day as my father’s daughter.
The irony of it was, even though I had assumed a false identity, I was finally discovering the real me.
Charlie has two jobs and she is living with her mutt Huck, who is very protective of her 😊
Con is her boss at the tattoo parlor where she works. He is also her friend and her casual f*ck buddy. There is no serious relationship between them and Con has other women, as well.
One day, a man comes to the tattoo parlor where she works and Charlie’s whole world is changed!
Simon is totally smitten with her and he wants to take her out, get to know her etc. Although Charlie also feels an instant attraction to him, she shies away from dating him, thinking she should stay away from a person who is a Councilman and the son of a congressman but at the same time she starts to question the life she is half-living.
However, Simon is persistent and he doesn't accept her offer of a casual one-night. He wants something serious, something long-term because he feels that, when he gets one taste of her, he will be addicted to her.
Charlie slowly gives in to the temptation because her need for him outweighs her hesitations.
“He was the kind of man you waited your whole life to meet, even though you had no idea you were waiting.”
Simon is an awesome hero – one all readers will love to the moon and back.
A faultless, gorgeous man with an amazing heart, a hot as hell body, a handsome face and a good character! What more does one need :)?
Although Charlie looks like a bad ass girl with her tattoos and piercings, she is in fact not a bad girl.
Some reviews say this is a love story between a bad girl and a good boy but Charlie is not a bad girl. Unfortunately, her family was bad and she is now trying to run away from the repercussions of her father’s sins.
The feelings and the chemistry between Charlie and Simon is good and their story is both emotional and hot. I loved them together.
Charlie has a lot of secrets and serious trust issues. Their relationship is full of problems to solve and lots of complications to deal with:
- Family issues
- Attackers
- Press
- FBI
- Illness
All of the above cause major problems they have to overcome, but don’t worry, they have their HEA.
Writing:
It is written in dual point of view and it is written well. It makes you feel. The writing flows and it is captivating.
Safety:
The book is safe to go as there is no cheating. However, Charlie’s boss and previous f*ck buddy Con is now her close friend and he is always around her, being protective of her.
Simon tries hard to get used to the idea of him being close to Charlie. Some readers (like me) are warned about the possibility of feeling the same hard feelings about this situation, as well.
When Simon becomes sure about Charlie’s love, he lets go. When he did, I let go, too 😊
Book 1 – Beneath This Mask was something between 4 – 4,5 stars for me.
I am excited about the other books in the row 😊
The Plot & Characters:
Charlie (Charlotte) is living a low-profile life, trying to be under the radar. She has changed her hair color and hid her previous sophisticated look beneath tattoos all over now.
The tattoos had become more than camouflage to hide the girl I’d once been; they were a declaration that I was never going back.
I’d permanently marked myself to ensure that I could never again fit into the life I’d previously led. The life I’d run from rather than face every day as my father’s daughter.
The irony of it was, even though I had assumed a false identity, I was finally discovering the real me.
Charlie has two jobs and she is living with her mutt Huck, who is very protective of her 😊
Con is her boss at the tattoo parlor where she works. He is also her friend and her casual f*ck buddy. There is no serious relationship between them and Con has other women, as well.
One day, a man comes to the tattoo parlor where she works and Charlie’s whole world is changed!
Simon is totally smitten with her and he wants to take her out, get to know her etc. Although Charlie also feels an instant attraction to him, she shies away from dating him, thinking she should stay away from a person who is a Councilman and the son of a congressman but at the same time she starts to question the life she is half-living.
However, Simon is persistent and he doesn't accept her offer of a casual one-night. He wants something serious, something long-term because he feels that, when he gets one taste of her, he will be addicted to her.
Charlie slowly gives in to the temptation because her need for him outweighs her hesitations.
“He was the kind of man you waited your whole life to meet, even though you had no idea you were waiting.”
Simon is an awesome hero – one all readers will love to the moon and back.
A faultless, gorgeous man with an amazing heart, a hot as hell body, a handsome face and a good character! What more does one need :)?
Although Charlie looks like a bad ass girl with her tattoos and piercings, she is in fact not a bad girl.
Some reviews say this is a love story between a bad girl and a good boy but Charlie is not a bad girl. Unfortunately, her family was bad and she is now trying to run away from the repercussions of her father’s sins.
The feelings and the chemistry between Charlie and Simon is good and their story is both emotional and hot. I loved them together.
Charlie has a lot of secrets and serious trust issues. Their relationship is full of problems to solve and lots of complications to deal with:
- Family issues
- Attackers
- Press
- FBI
- Illness
All of the above cause major problems they have to overcome, but don’t worry, they have their HEA.
Writing:
It is written in dual point of view and it is written well. It makes you feel. The writing flows and it is captivating.
Safety:
The book is safe to go as there is no cheating. However, Charlie’s boss and previous f*ck buddy Con is now her close friend and he is always around her, being protective of her.
Simon tries hard to get used to the idea of him being close to Charlie. Some readers (like me) are warned about the possibility of feeling the same hard feelings about this situation, as well.
When Simon becomes sure about Charlie’s love, he lets go. When he did, I let go, too 😊
November 14, 2021
Intense drama!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓☺️
The heroine: Charlotte Agoston (a.k.a. Charlie) - she grew up as one of New York’s high society until her father was arrested for stealing billions of dollars from investor’s and Charlotte became notorious for being related to him. People wondered if she was culpable at all for what her father did, at the very least she felt awful for living the high life on the backs of other people, however unknowingly. So she ran away and made a new life for herself as Charlie in New Orleans.
The Hero(es): Simon Duchesne - One of the elite in New Orleans society. Simon is a former Navy pilot and is following his father’s footsteps and running for his father’s seat in Congress. He meets Charlie and is immediately attracted to her and wants more than a one night stand with her.
The Story: Charlie Stone worked hard to change her life and become as different from Charlotte Agoston as she possibly could. She works in a Tattoo shop and is slowly covering her body with tattoo’s as a way of rebelling against her former self and making sure she could never go back to her old life. Simon is exactly the type of guy she doesn’t need to become involved with if she wants to stay invisible.
I very much enjoyed the narration on this one. It was dual POV & dual narration which was done by Andi Arndt and Holter Graham. Andi Arndt has done narration for quite a few romance audiobooks and has a great voice that sounds intelligent yet young. Holter Graham had an awesome southern gentleman voice which matched Simon perfectly.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎
Character development: 😳🤬😏🤓☺️
The heroine: Charlotte Agoston (a.k.a. Charlie) - she grew up as one of New York’s high society until her father was arrested for stealing billions of dollars from investor’s and Charlotte became notorious for being related to him. People wondered if she was culpable at all for what her father did, at the very least she felt awful for living the high life on the backs of other people, however unknowingly. So she ran away and made a new life for herself as Charlie in New Orleans.
The Hero(es): Simon Duchesne - One of the elite in New Orleans society. Simon is a former Navy pilot and is following his father’s footsteps and running for his father’s seat in Congress. He meets Charlie and is immediately attracted to her and wants more than a one night stand with her.
The Story: Charlie Stone worked hard to change her life and become as different from Charlotte Agoston as she possibly could. She works in a Tattoo shop and is slowly covering her body with tattoo’s as a way of rebelling against her former self and making sure she could never go back to her old life. Simon is exactly the type of guy she doesn’t need to become involved with if she wants to stay invisible.
I very much enjoyed the narration on this one. It was dual POV & dual narration which was done by Andi Arndt and Holter Graham. Andi Arndt has done narration for quite a few romance audiobooks and has a great voice that sounds intelligent yet young. Holter Graham had an awesome southern gentleman voice which matched Simon perfectly.
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October 21, 2015
Later edit: I just found out that this novel is FREE for a limited period so if you want to give it a shot now's the time ;)
Get your FREE copy from Amazon HERE!
____________________________________________
I discovered Meghan March this summer and everything I've read by her so far I've loved :D
Charlie found out that her perfect life isn't so perfect and now that everyone knows her name and face (and that her father went to jail for the rest of his life) her only option is to move away, change her life and everything else about her. So she goes from rich prices to tattooed babe.
Because she's hiding from the world the last person on earth she wanted to start a relationship is Simon, a man that comes from a political family and whose future seem to be on the same path as his fathers...so that means publicity and paparazzi.
So what's more important?
Her or his political career?
Him or her life as she knows it?
Their relationship or being safe?
Get your FREE copy from Amazon HERE!
____________________________________________
I discovered Meghan March this summer and everything I've read by her so far I've loved :D
Charlie found out that her perfect life isn't so perfect and now that everyone knows her name and face (and that her father went to jail for the rest of his life) her only option is to move away, change her life and everything else about her. So she goes from rich prices to tattooed babe.
Because she's hiding from the world the last person on earth she wanted to start a relationship is Simon, a man that comes from a political family and whose future seem to be on the same path as his fathers...so that means publicity and paparazzi.
So what's more important?
Her or his political career?
Him or her life as she knows it?
Their relationship or being safe?
Want to read
January 6, 2016
FREE on Amazon US today (10/24/2015)
Book 1 in duet. Complete set.
BLURB:
He loves me, and he doesn’t even know my real name.
The limelight that follows him could expose everything I’m hiding. But even knowing the risks, I can’t force myself to stay away.
I’m going to break his heart, but mine will shatter right along with it.
Will we lose it all when I reveal what’s beneath this mask?
http://www.amazon.com/Beneath-This-Ma...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 490 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
March 10, 2019
4.5 Perfect Setting Stars
I find the setting for a story can make or break a book sometimes. I have always been fascinated by New Orleans and Meghan March took me there in this book. I'd love to see a wedding parade in person, what a great way to start a life together!
When Charlotte's dad gets locked away for major fraud and embezzlement her world as she knew it was shattered. Believing she has something the FBI wants and that may land her in trouble, she runs.
Charlotte ends up in New Orleans and spends a year transforming herself into Charlie, a tattooed multi coloured haired grunge chick. I liked Charlies spunk, sass and independence. She works in a tattoo studio, which helped her with all the art she was covering herself with. I liked all the side characters in this one, they were all so real.
Simon is a New Orleans native who comes from money, who seems to be still trying to figure out what he wants out of life. He is super hot and that accent would get any girls panties wet.
As I have now learnt Meghan can write HOT and very well!! This book is no exception, Simon and Charlie are intense!!
I listened to the audio of this book and I think the accents really bought it to life, I highly recommend this one!
I find the setting for a story can make or break a book sometimes. I have always been fascinated by New Orleans and Meghan March took me there in this book. I'd love to see a wedding parade in person, what a great way to start a life together!
When Charlotte's dad gets locked away for major fraud and embezzlement her world as she knew it was shattered. Believing she has something the FBI wants and that may land her in trouble, she runs.
Charlotte ends up in New Orleans and spends a year transforming herself into Charlie, a tattooed multi coloured haired grunge chick. I liked Charlies spunk, sass and independence. She works in a tattoo studio, which helped her with all the art she was covering herself with. I liked all the side characters in this one, they were all so real.
Simon is a New Orleans native who comes from money, who seems to be still trying to figure out what he wants out of life. He is super hot and that accent would get any girls panties wet.
As I have now learnt Meghan can write HOT and very well!! This book is no exception, Simon and Charlie are intense!!
I listened to the audio of this book and I think the accents really bought it to life, I highly recommend this one!
October 3, 2014
☆ I received an ARC of this book from in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆
Beneath the Mask was innovative, captivating, and ultra sexy!!
I had the pleasure of meeting author Meghan March through her first book, Flash Bang, after she had offered me a chance to review her book, and I instantly became hooked on her work!!
Now, a couple months later, Beneath the Mask not only solidifies my fandom for her, but, is also a step up in her writing and author craftsmanship!!
In here, we have a woman looking for a fresh start after the sins of her father cause her to be a target for public scorn, mockery, suspicion, and ultimate hate.
Eager to erase this stain, Charlotte changes her name, moves to a different location, changes her appearance, and reinvents herself to start a new life.
Charlotte Agoston,
daughter of Alistair Agoston, the biggest king player in fraud history is no more... Charlie Stone, tatted worker at Voodoo Ink is born.
"The tattoos had become more than a camouflage to hide the girl I'd once been; they were a declaration that I was never going back..I could never again fit into the life I'd previously led."
So now enter Simon. Simon Duchesne is a former navy pilot, the son of a politician, and an aspiring public servant himself.
One chance meeting forever changes both of their worlds, and Charlie and Simon find themselves unable to walk away and falling for each other…
Only....the more closer the two get, the closer Simon comes to unveiling the mask and uncovering the truth about Charlie.
What will become of these two? Will Simon see beyond Charlie’s fixed façade and see the real her beneath the false name, lies, and secrets?
As for Charlie, is what started as a way to escape and redefine herself, turn into a countdown of her undoing?
And with all the cards stacked against Simon and Charlie, will Charlie’s dark past be the cause for double heartbreak? Or, the thread that brings them together?
Read and you will find out! A storm's about to be unmasked in: Beneath This Mask!!
#Great job Meghan and I can’t wait for more from this series!! I am already dying for Con’s story up next!! Yipee!! ♥ ♥
Beneath the Mask was innovative, captivating, and ultra sexy!!
I had the pleasure of meeting author Meghan March through her first book, Flash Bang, after she had offered me a chance to review her book, and I instantly became hooked on her work!!
Now, a couple months later, Beneath the Mask not only solidifies my fandom for her, but, is also a step up in her writing and author craftsmanship!!
In here, we have a woman looking for a fresh start after the sins of her father cause her to be a target for public scorn, mockery, suspicion, and ultimate hate.
Eager to erase this stain, Charlotte changes her name, moves to a different location, changes her appearance, and reinvents herself to start a new life.
"The tattoos had become more than a camouflage to hide the girl I'd once been; they were a declaration that I was never going back..I could never again fit into the life I'd previously led."
So now enter Simon. Simon Duchesne is a former navy pilot, the son of a politician, and an aspiring public servant himself.
One chance meeting forever changes both of their worlds, and Charlie and Simon find themselves unable to walk away and falling for each other…
Only....the more closer the two get, the closer Simon comes to unveiling the mask and uncovering the truth about Charlie.
What will become of these two? Will Simon see beyond Charlie’s fixed façade and see the real her beneath the false name, lies, and secrets?
As for Charlie, is what started as a way to escape and redefine herself, turn into a countdown of her undoing?
And with all the cards stacked against Simon and Charlie, will Charlie’s dark past be the cause for double heartbreak? Or, the thread that brings them together?
Read and you will find out! A storm's about to be unmasked in: Beneath This Mask!!
#Great job Meghan and I can’t wait for more from this series!! I am already dying for Con’s story up next!! Yipee!! ♥ ♥
March 31, 2015
Title: Beneath This Mask (Beneath #1)
Series: Standalone serie
Author: Meghan March
Rating: 4 stars
POV: Dual
HEA:
Heat/Steam 2/5
Triggers?
Cliffhanger: . No.
Intolerable Heroine .No.
Über Douchebagery .No.
Taboo Subject Matter .No.
Cheating:
Love Triangle
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! Charlie had every quality I absolutely love in a heroine and don't even get me started on Simon. Swoon!
If you follow my reviews you know I'm always complaining about something but I can honestly say I didn't dislike a single thing about this book. Charlie is my perfect heroine. Strong, sexy, confident,and doesn't take shit from anybody. And Simon, ugh I love a hero that chases after the heroine and doesn't go whoring around the moment things get difficult. He was perfect.
When I first read the blurb I was nervous that it was going to be this long drawn out story with the heroine going back and forth with whether or not she should give into her feelings about the hero. Thankfully that was never the case. Charlie doesn't allow the mistakes her father made and the fact that she has to lay low affect her relationship with Simon. She was hesitant at first but once she realizes how much she likes him she doesn't fight the inevitable.
The book had relatively low drama/angst and there weren't tons of misunderstandings that led to long drawn out fights. There were a few times when I thought the author was going to throw in a major setback but luckily that was not the case. I loved how they were able to address their issues without jumping to conclusions...and acting on them. Simon was just so sweet and I loved everything about him.
My only complaint would be that I wish the epilogue was longer. I'd love to have read more about them together! Hopefully Con will be a good boy in his book..and could Yves possibly be getting her own book too?
March 20, 2017
I had been wanting to read this series for a while, so far so good I'm liking it.
December 23, 2021
3 1/2 stars. I wasn’t in love with this book. You see I started Meghans books backwards. Decided to go to the beginning. It was pretty amazing to see how much her storylines have improved since 2014.
I will continue the series because I love this author too much not to. But seriously did this couple like not have the sense to pick up a phone and idk, call each other? A little annoyed with it how complicated they made it.
I will continue the series because I love this author too much not to. But seriously did this couple like not have the sense to pick up a phone and idk, call each other? A little annoyed with it how complicated they made it.
October 22, 2015
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I should have listened to my friends earlier because I enjoyed this one so much I read it in one sitting! Less than 5 hours and I was done.
I'm already reading book 2 and can see myself binging with book 3 in tow.
Looking forward to read more from this author.
I should have listened to my friends earlier because I enjoyed this one so much I read it in one sitting! Less than 5 hours and I was done.
I'm already reading book 2 and can see myself binging with book 3 in tow.
Looking forward to read more from this author.
September 29, 2023
You were a bad experience arghhhh 😒😭
September 9, 2014
I'm coming to love Meghan March's books.... Beneath This Mask is extremely well written, with engaging characters, and hot, HOT romance!!! :)
February 10, 2017
So I’ve noticed that I need to write a review for books otherwise I become unhappy. Sad, I know.
I was really sure about this series to begin with BUT the series is amazing and this book is as well. So after reading that I automatically bought the book. I have to admit though that the blurb didn’t really sound promising and don’t give anything away. But that is what makes you want to read it.
Opening line:
‘I stepped off the witness stand feeling like I’d been skinned and gutted, my insides laid out for public viewing’
‘I was done.
With them.
With this life.
With all of it.’
One year later in New Orleans.
Charlotte Agoston leaves her old life behind where no one knows her and she can be Charlie Stone. Over the past year she has changed everything about her appearances but that still can’t change the inside or her past. With her tattooed sleeves and funky colored hair. Charlie works at the tattoo parlor Voodoo and a vintage clothes shop Dirty Dog.
One night at Voodoo, a drunk soon to be married man wants to tattoo his to be wife’s name ‘Mandy’ on his arse. Voodoo’s motto 1.) Get a tattoo 2.) Then get trashed.
Simon Duchesne also is the guy every mother dreams about for their daughter. He is a councilman being in public belongs to his job but Charlie wants to stay under the radar. Due to the reasons of what happened in New York.
Although Charlie is attracted to Simon she fights it nearly all the way. Charlie was a great heroine and I didn’t find her annoying. Win for me. Simon is perfect and everything he does for Charlie. Best book boyfriend ever. They had chemistry and banter. They were real and raw.
“Don’t break my heart Charlie. If I break yours mine will shatter within the process.”
For once I would like the heroine to spill before the public finds out before the Hero. I guess it adds drama to the story it wasn’t unnecessary drama so that is alright. Ms. March makes you want to move to New Orleans without batting an eyelash. She also pairs the most unlikely people together but it works. Throughout the book the characters develop and we see that they are more similar than they think.
The ending was spectacular and the epilogue as well. Sometimes it fits
“I knew you were something special, and I wasn’t going to take the chance that I’d only get a taste. I knew that once I did, I’d be addicted. That I’d have to have more. I needed you to be as off balance as I was.” I kissed the corner of her mouth. “And it worked.”
I was really sure about this series to begin with BUT the series is amazing and this book is as well. So after reading that I automatically bought the book. I have to admit though that the blurb didn’t really sound promising and don’t give anything away. But that is what makes you want to read it.
Opening line:
‘I stepped off the witness stand feeling like I’d been skinned and gutted, my insides laid out for public viewing’
‘I was done.
With them.
With this life.
With all of it.’
One year later in New Orleans.
Charlotte Agoston leaves her old life behind where no one knows her and she can be Charlie Stone. Over the past year she has changed everything about her appearances but that still can’t change the inside or her past. With her tattooed sleeves and funky colored hair. Charlie works at the tattoo parlor Voodoo and a vintage clothes shop Dirty Dog.
One night at Voodoo, a drunk soon to be married man wants to tattoo his to be wife’s name ‘Mandy’ on his arse. Voodoo’s motto 1.) Get a tattoo 2.) Then get trashed.
Simon Duchesne also is the guy every mother dreams about for their daughter. He is a councilman being in public belongs to his job but Charlie wants to stay under the radar. Due to the reasons of what happened in New York.
Although Charlie is attracted to Simon she fights it nearly all the way. Charlie was a great heroine and I didn’t find her annoying. Win for me. Simon is perfect and everything he does for Charlie. Best book boyfriend ever. They had chemistry and banter. They were real and raw.
“Don’t break my heart Charlie. If I break yours mine will shatter within the process.”
For once I would like the heroine to spill before the public finds out before the Hero. I guess it adds drama to the story it wasn’t unnecessary drama so that is alright. Ms. March makes you want to move to New Orleans without batting an eyelash. She also pairs the most unlikely people together but it works. Throughout the book the characters develop and we see that they are more similar than they think.
The ending was spectacular and the epilogue as well. Sometimes it fits
“I knew you were something special, and I wasn’t going to take the chance that I’d only get a taste. I knew that once I did, I’d be addicted. That I’d have to have more. I needed you to be as off balance as I was.” I kissed the corner of her mouth. “And it worked.”
January 27, 2018
Okay, I finally finished this book, and I must say it was a struggle because our heroine absolutely got on my last damn nerves with her stubbornness and stupidity... Geesh! How thick can one person be?
Okay I'm getting ahead of myself here.. First, I want it on the record that I love Maghan March. I love her writing skills and her storytelling and if her intentions were to convey that the heroine was to be irritating and annoying then damnit she won me over again. If not, I still will give her a job well done because she made me feel some type of emotions reading this book.
It is unfortunate that I didn't fall in love with these characters or the secondary characters for that matter but I do like her writing but this series just didn't tickle my fancy at all... Oh well you win some and you lose some... Such as life!
Anyway because I did like our hero Simon I will give this review my special sauce to best describe this book with a few songs.
From our hero; Simon's POV: 🎶 Our Love (Don't Throw Away)🎶 by Andy Gibb
From our heroine; Charlie's POV: 🎶 Warning Sign 🎶 by Coldplay
Overall rating:
3*~ An Okay Read.
Okay I'm getting ahead of myself here.. First, I want it on the record that I love Maghan March. I love her writing skills and her storytelling and if her intentions were to convey that the heroine was to be irritating and annoying then damnit she won me over again. If not, I still will give her a job well done because she made me feel some type of emotions reading this book.
It is unfortunate that I didn't fall in love with these characters or the secondary characters for that matter but I do like her writing but this series just didn't tickle my fancy at all... Oh well you win some and you lose some... Such as life!
Anyway because I did like our hero Simon I will give this review my special sauce to best describe this book with a few songs.
From our hero; Simon's POV: 🎶 Our Love (Don't Throw Away)🎶 by Andy Gibb
From our heroine; Charlie's POV: 🎶 Warning Sign 🎶 by Coldplay
Overall rating:
3*~ An Okay Read.
September 10, 2017
**FREE**
Things I liked:
-The good-boy/bad-girl aspect, too often it's the other way around
-Con and Charlie's relationship
Things I didn't like:
-Their connection felt more like lust than love, I'm still not really sure what it is they loved about each other
-How Simon reacted at the party
Overall I just didn't connect with it like I would have wanted, but it was still a good story and the writing was well done. I'd recommend giving it a shot.
Things I liked:
-The good-boy/bad-girl aspect, too often it's the other way around
-Con and Charlie's relationship
Things I didn't like:
-Their connection felt more like lust than love, I'm still not really sure what it is they loved about each other
-How Simon reacted at the party
Overall I just didn't connect with it like I would have wanted, but it was still a good story and the writing was well done. I'd recommend giving it a shot.
October 21, 2014
Overall rating: 4.5 stars!!!!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love Triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
HEA:
My review:
This book had EVERYTHING I love in a romance novel! It's the story of a girl, Charlie, hiding from her past and a boy, Simon, who sees who she is "beneath her mask" and wants him nonetheless. Exactly how she is.
Simon is the kind of hero you love to read about. He is a sweetheart, loyal, faithful and totally alpha male. Charlie is the kind of heroine you love to read about as well! She is beautiful, spunky and comfortable in her own skin. I loved that the drama of this story was all external. As far as relationship angst - it was very low. Once Simon sees Charlie for the first time, he knows he has to have her and will stop at nothing to get her. Seeing another woman or being with another woman, NEVER crosses his mind throughout this whole story. For those of you who are wondering, there isn't a lot of back and forth with this couple. Rest assure, no matter what, Simon wasn't going to let her go.
My only compliant and the reason for 4.5 and not 5 stars is because I WANTED MORE! Now, I am hoping to get more of this couple in Con's book. I really liked his character in this story, but he is a manwhore and that could most definitely go against one of my own book triggers, so I'll have to see if I'll be able to read his story or not - *fingers crossed*
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love Triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
HEA:
My review:
This book had EVERYTHING I love in a romance novel! It's the story of a girl, Charlie, hiding from her past and a boy, Simon, who sees who she is "beneath her mask" and wants him nonetheless. Exactly how she is.
Simon is the kind of hero you love to read about. He is a sweetheart, loyal, faithful and totally alpha male. Charlie is the kind of heroine you love to read about as well! She is beautiful, spunky and comfortable in her own skin. I loved that the drama of this story was all external. As far as relationship angst - it was very low. Once Simon sees Charlie for the first time, he knows he has to have her and will stop at nothing to get her. Seeing another woman or being with another woman, NEVER crosses his mind throughout this whole story. For those of you who are wondering, there isn't a lot of back and forth with this couple. Rest assure, no matter what, Simon wasn't going to let her go.
My only compliant and the reason for 4.5 and not 5 stars is because I WANTED MORE! Now, I am hoping to get more of this couple in Con's book. I really liked his character in this story, but he is a manwhore and that could most definitely go against one of my own book triggers, so I'll have to see if I'll be able to read his story or not - *fingers crossed*
January 3, 2018
This was a good book that could have easily been a lot better. Charlotte is an interesting character, as a good girl turned tattooed independent woman, but Simon is a little too good to be believable. I liked the dynamics of their relationship, but their declarations of love for one another came way too soon with no real basis as they had only gone on one real date at that point I think? The fall out of the revelation of Charlotte's identity was a bit anticlimactic.
As an aside, the audiobook narrators were pretty good!
As an aside, the audiobook narrators were pretty good!
March 21, 2017
4.5 Stars
I liked it a lot, maybe even loved it. It was so enlightening, I learned a little bit and loved her tattoo's. This is a really hard review, because what more can I say than I really enjoyed it. But I just love Meghan March her writing style!
There was an itsie bitsie little thingy that irritated me and that was when she see's Huck again she doesn't really say hello to him? You know what I mean, when you see your dog/baby again after a long time you give him a big hug before anything else.. Maybe I'm just more doggie person than people person ;)
I liked it a lot, maybe even loved it. It was so enlightening, I learned a little bit and loved her tattoo's. This is a really hard review, because what more can I say than I really enjoyed it. But I just love Meghan March her writing style!
There was an itsie bitsie little thingy that irritated me and that was when she see's Huck again she doesn't really say hello to him? You know what I mean, when you see your dog/baby again after a long time you give him a big hug before anything else.. Maybe I'm just more doggie person than people person ;)
February 28, 2016
Sexy romance(with a bit of suspense) between former debutante, now dirty-talking tattoo artist h and all round good guy H. I ended up liking the h a lot, she was original, wasn't a victim and was good to the H. The H seemed too good to be true at times, like a knight-saviour or something - more of a caricature than a real person. 3.5 stars.
Safe romance.
Safe romance.
next-na-steamy-goodness
July 6, 2016Recommended by ♥♥Sonya ♥♥ ~ GR isn't letting me tag you, sorry!
October 27, 2022
2.5 Stars
This seems like one of those “it’s me not you,” moments because while the writing was good and the storyline was interesting, there was a lot that I didn’t care for. I would like to preface by saying the first 30% of the book, I really liked! It was interesting, we had a FMC who was sexual and not an innocent virgin, and I liked the back and forth between Charlie and Simon. Then, I made the mistake of learning that book two is about Con which made every interaction between him and Charlie worse, and then more and more little things bugged me as I moved on.
Firstly, the relationship Charlie had with Con wasn’t my favourite. For one, he’s supposed to be completely hung up on this other woman but Charlie is “special” and they have a lot of affectionate moments even after Charlie and Simon start seeing each other. Then, when Simon sees her leaving Con’s place in the morning in his shirt, looking affectionately at each other, touching and kissing, he confronts Charlie about it only for her to tell him to get over it. I love when the women has previous sexual experience and owns it but I think there should be a level of respect for your current partner when it comes to a guy you used to hook up with. Like maybe take into account how your boyfriend would feel about you sleeping in the same bed as another man and not just snap and tell him to get over it when he brings it up? Just a thought.
That leads me to Charlie. She was annoying to me. She seemed to be trying too hard to be a badass and her whole personality was a little unlikeable. Like I said before, she’s goes too far with embracing her previous sexual experiences saying she can do whatever she wants and has her walls up at even a hint of a conversation about it. She also made the dumbest mistakes and made the whole thing that much more frustrating. Like walking home drunk and alone at night from a bar. And why would she ever think making a deal with the FBI without a lawyer present was a good idea?
Now the issue I had that took this from a three star to a two star read for me was Simon. This is where I’m definitely in the minority and it’s completely a me thing but he just annoyed me. He was so dramatic and whiny to me. Constantly complaining about always having to chase her. But if he just gave it a second, he would realize about half the times she was actually going to come after him. Also these two don’t have a single mature conversation throughout the entire book. Their big fight at the end was about how she was lying to him the whole time but he already knew that. He knew she was keeping things from him and multiple times mentions how he knew they needed to have a conversation about her secrets but he didn’t want to because he was afraid of losing her. They did have brief “words” (not even a conversation) acknowledging they both know she’s keeping things from him but that’s it. So for him to make that a big issue when he was the one that never brought it up was odd to me. It was also a little hypocritical as he told his parent about Charlie not being about to make it to dinner when he never even told her. Also his “everything else slips his mind when he’s around her” excuse was frustrating and hypocritical because he literally goes to an event with another women then comes back to Charlie and sleeps with her. Sir, you too have been omitting the truth. There’s no way it didn’t cross your mind to tell her when you were rushing to change out of your suit to go sleep with her.
Lastly, I didn’t like any of the last 100 pages. He blows up at her for something he knew she was already doing, completely ditched her to deal with her life exploding on her own, she leaves, he gets her a lawyer (which is apparently a big romantic gesture), she’s stuck in jail, he barely tries to see her, doesn’t even try to get a message to her through the lawyer, doesn’t bother with her for weeks, then sends her a plane ticket thinking that’ll solve everything. Yes, I know there were reasons for him not going to her and not being able to reach her but we didn’t get to see any of him even trying which made it fall flat for me. Then the author tried to convince us that Charlie knew all along he was still there for her and still loves her by sending a measly lawyer her way. I may be a little over dramatic here but it was just the last thing that piled onto the many things I didn’t like about the book.
That being said, objectively, it’s a decent book. It was fairly well written, and the story was interesting enough as I’ve stated before, but it just had many small things that I personally do not enjoy reading about. So objectively, 3.5 stars, personally, 2 star, rounded to a final 2.5 star rating.
This seems like one of those “it’s me not you,” moments because while the writing was good and the storyline was interesting, there was a lot that I didn’t care for. I would like to preface by saying the first 30% of the book, I really liked! It was interesting, we had a FMC who was sexual and not an innocent virgin, and I liked the back and forth between Charlie and Simon. Then, I made the mistake of learning that book two is about Con which made every interaction between him and Charlie worse, and then more and more little things bugged me as I moved on.
Firstly, the relationship Charlie had with Con wasn’t my favourite. For one, he’s supposed to be completely hung up on this other woman but Charlie is “special” and they have a lot of affectionate moments even after Charlie and Simon start seeing each other. Then, when Simon sees her leaving Con’s place in the morning in his shirt, looking affectionately at each other, touching and kissing, he confronts Charlie about it only for her to tell him to get over it. I love when the women has previous sexual experience and owns it but I think there should be a level of respect for your current partner when it comes to a guy you used to hook up with. Like maybe take into account how your boyfriend would feel about you sleeping in the same bed as another man and not just snap and tell him to get over it when he brings it up? Just a thought.
That leads me to Charlie. She was annoying to me. She seemed to be trying too hard to be a badass and her whole personality was a little unlikeable. Like I said before, she’s goes too far with embracing her previous sexual experiences saying she can do whatever she wants and has her walls up at even a hint of a conversation about it. She also made the dumbest mistakes and made the whole thing that much more frustrating. Like walking home drunk and alone at night from a bar. And why would she ever think making a deal with the FBI without a lawyer present was a good idea?
Now the issue I had that took this from a three star to a two star read for me was Simon. This is where I’m definitely in the minority and it’s completely a me thing but he just annoyed me. He was so dramatic and whiny to me. Constantly complaining about always having to chase her. But if he just gave it a second, he would realize about half the times she was actually going to come after him. Also these two don’t have a single mature conversation throughout the entire book. Their big fight at the end was about how she was lying to him the whole time but he already knew that. He knew she was keeping things from him and multiple times mentions how he knew they needed to have a conversation about her secrets but he didn’t want to because he was afraid of losing her. They did have brief “words” (not even a conversation) acknowledging they both know she’s keeping things from him but that’s it. So for him to make that a big issue when he was the one that never brought it up was odd to me. It was also a little hypocritical as he told his parent about Charlie not being about to make it to dinner when he never even told her. Also his “everything else slips his mind when he’s around her” excuse was frustrating and hypocritical because he literally goes to an event with another women then comes back to Charlie and sleeps with her. Sir, you too have been omitting the truth. There’s no way it didn’t cross your mind to tell her when you were rushing to change out of your suit to go sleep with her.
Lastly, I didn’t like any of the last 100 pages. He blows up at her for something he knew she was already doing, completely ditched her to deal with her life exploding on her own, she leaves, he gets her a lawyer (which is apparently a big romantic gesture), she’s stuck in jail, he barely tries to see her, doesn’t even try to get a message to her through the lawyer, doesn’t bother with her for weeks, then sends her a plane ticket thinking that’ll solve everything. Yes, I know there were reasons for him not going to her and not being able to reach her but we didn’t get to see any of him even trying which made it fall flat for me. Then the author tried to convince us that Charlie knew all along he was still there for her and still loves her by sending a measly lawyer her way. I may be a little over dramatic here but it was just the last thing that piled onto the many things I didn’t like about the book.
That being said, objectively, it’s a decent book. It was fairly well written, and the story was interesting enough as I’ve stated before, but it just had many small things that I personally do not enjoy reading about. So objectively, 3.5 stars, personally, 2 star, rounded to a final 2.5 star rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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