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The Surface Below #1
Dark Secrets
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
What happens when everything you thought you knew was a lie?
That’s exactly what William must face when he meets Becca one night in a local bar. Their connection curious as William feels a familiar draw to her. Sure that he knows her, William digs deeper for information by returning to the Bottom. His curiosity, though, reveals twenty years of lies, secrets and betrayal; all at the hands of his parents.
William is thrust back into the world of vampires, conjurers and wolves when Becca is taken by an old enemy. And as family is reunited and truths revealed, William is faced with a legacy that will change everything he thought he knew about himself, his father and the world he came from.
All that matters, though, is his growing affection for Becca. A bond forged at birth and reignited as they discover who they are and what they are meant for. And as they do, they will awaken the Heir and Heiress within them. Setting into motion their legacy to once again rule the Bottom World.
But first, they must die before they can live.
What happens when everything you thought you knew was a lie?
That’s exactly what William must face when he meets Becca one night in a local bar. Their connection curious as William feels a familiar draw to her. Sure that he knows her, William digs deeper for information by returning to the Bottom. His curiosity, though, reveals twenty years of lies, secrets and betrayal; all at the hands of his parents.
William is thrust back into the world of vampires, conjurers and wolves when Becca is taken by an old enemy. And as family is reunited and truths revealed, William is faced with a legacy that will change everything he thought he knew about himself, his father and the world he came from.
All that matters, though, is his growing affection for Becca. A bond forged at birth and reignited as they discover who they are and what they are meant for. And as they do, they will awaken the Heir and Heiress within them. Setting into motion their legacy to once again rule the Bottom World.
But first, they must die before they can live.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2016
7 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 3, 2016
This is probably going to be quite a short review as I don't want to spoil the book, all I'm going to say is that you NEED to read this!
I loved that their was a lot of back story so I could really connect with the characters and understand them.
I read this book in one sitting as I couldn't put it down, I just had to know what was happening!
I'm so excited for the next instalment! I have a feeling this will be one of my favourite series!
It's very well written, great storyline, interesting characters, everything a book needs!!
5 big stars from me!
#2OCCAB
I loved that their was a lot of back story so I could really connect with the characters and understand them.
I read this book in one sitting as I couldn't put it down, I just had to know what was happening!
I'm so excited for the next instalment! I have a feeling this will be one of my favourite series!
It's very well written, great storyline, interesting characters, everything a book needs!!
5 big stars from me!
#2OCCAB
April 21, 2018
I enjoyed this book and definitely connected with the characters. There was good world building although at times it did get a bit muddled.
This would be a 5star rating and would normally have be diving into the next book - especially due to the cliffhanger ending - but alas the is no other book at this time.
This would be a 5star rating and would normally have be diving into the next book - especially due to the cliffhanger ending - but alas the is no other book at this time.
November 23, 2019
I am fairly exclusively an avid audiobook reader, listening to hundreds of books a year, so I am critical of narrators since I have seen a bad narrator ruin great books. I prefer books with multiple narrators so there is less chance of character voice confusion and voices that are 'easy on the ears'. The narrator in this book did a great job and it was an easy listen.
Next is the story. I am not one to give a lot of specific story details since I feel you should read the story for that. And there are so many vampire books out there, so when I found another one, I was hesitant. But, all that said, I really enjoyed listening to this book and feel that Leah Taylor has done something different enough that I couldn't stop listening, and am excited to continue listening to the series to see how the overall story develops. Dark Secrets is definitely worth the read, or rather, listen.
I received a free review copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Next is the story. I am not one to give a lot of specific story details since I feel you should read the story for that. And there are so many vampire books out there, so when I found another one, I was hesitant. But, all that said, I really enjoyed listening to this book and feel that Leah Taylor has done something different enough that I couldn't stop listening, and am excited to continue listening to the series to see how the overall story develops. Dark Secrets is definitely worth the read, or rather, listen.
I received a free review copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2020
While this may not seem relevant I still wanted to say that I much preferred the first picture to this newest one (the old one being the one still on Goodreads) it gave it so much more mystery which is why I chose the book to review, but the new picture (the one on Audible) while nice just doesn't intrigue me as much as the other one.
Very sensual book that anyone who enjoys the supernatural romances would enjoy this book. Lots of interesting little details an inner monologues,
Narrator did a good job reading this book even though it was from a male's point of view. She did a good job on the voices of the characters.
I enjoyed listening to this book, I have kidney stones so I have been laid up and not able to move much so been delayed getting some reviews out on books I listened to.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving am honest review.
Very sensual book that anyone who enjoys the supernatural romances would enjoy this book. Lots of interesting little details an inner monologues,
Narrator did a good job reading this book even though it was from a male's point of view. She did a good job on the voices of the characters.
I enjoyed listening to this book, I have kidney stones so I have been laid up and not able to move much so been delayed getting some reviews out on books I listened to.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving am honest review.
November 21, 2019
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an interesting take on vampires in general. The idea of the four races living in The Bottom was intriguing. The vampires, Royal Vampyr, and conjurors are discussed but I wanted more information about the other races.
The romance in the story starts out sweet but heats up toward the end. There is an somewhat explicit rape scene that may be a trigger for some readers. I don't think the reaction of the character to what happened to her was very true to life. The supporting characters hardly acknowledge it and then everyone just moves on. I know a lot is going on but the girl needs some time people! Overall an intriguing book. I recommend only 18 and over read it.
This is an interesting take on vampires in general. The idea of the four races living in The Bottom was intriguing. The vampires, Royal Vampyr, and conjurors are discussed but I wanted more information about the other races.
The romance in the story starts out sweet but heats up toward the end. There is an somewhat explicit rape scene that may be a trigger for some readers. I don't think the reaction of the character to what happened to her was very true to life. The supporting characters hardly acknowledge it and then everyone just moves on. I know a lot is going on but the girl needs some time people! Overall an intriguing book. I recommend only 18 and over read it.
February 17, 2019
Surface Below by Leeah Taylor was a fun engaging read and easily a 4 star book for me. This is a paranormal romance and not a genre I read very often anymore so was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre or is simply looking for a something a little different.
The story had a lot of layers and unfolded quickly but with great detail and many fun twists and turns. The characters were rich with strong engaging personalities. I think what I enjoyed the most was that Mrs. Taylor does a fantastic job of describing her world and characters which really made the story easy visualize and play out in my mind.
The story had a lot of layers and unfolded quickly but with great detail and many fun twists and turns. The characters were rich with strong engaging personalities. I think what I enjoyed the most was that Mrs. Taylor does a fantastic job of describing her world and characters which really made the story easy visualize and play out in my mind.
December 27, 2019
Vampire William Marks wasn’t expecting to meet the woman for him. He is the heir to the Vampyr throne and she is meant to be his queen. Becca has never known anything else but her small town and bar but William walks in and it’s like she’s drawn to him but doesn’t know why. I am not really into vampire books but this one was great
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2020
I listened to this book on audible. Some parts of the book was a little slow for me but all together it was a good book. I had a hard time getting into the narrator because I felt her voice didn’t suit the story and characters but she did a good job reading the story. The story and characters are well written. I will be reading the next book. I recommend listening or reading this book. (I received this audible book as an arc and am leaving a voluntary honest review)
June 28, 2020
This is another great story by Leeah Taylor who is fast becoming one of my favorite authors! The characters are well developed and relatable, the story world is complex and the flow of the writing/reading is smooth and doesn't detract from the plot. I felt the narrator did a good job and again, didn't detract from the story. I highly recommend this book if you're into vampires.
December 20, 2019
I liked William & Becca's story. This was a fun paranormal vampire book with lots of twists & turns. Plus a new author for me. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 30, 2020
Thrilling start to the series. I am hooked. Ends on a cliffhanger, so be warned, like so many good things, you won't be able to stop at just one. I received a free review copy of the audio version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2019
The audio narrator isn't particularly good, which probably affected my opinion
May 23, 2019
Don’t leave me hanging. I got this book free and absolutely loved the story. I can’t wait to find out what happens.
November 14, 2019
I enjoyed this first look into leeahs world she tells a really a great story and I cannt wait to see what happens next!
February 26, 2020
This book was very good. I loved the plot and the characters. It's a very intriguing listen. I can't wait to see what's next for this series.
May 12, 2020
This was overall a great story. The only thing that put me off was how Becca was portrayed as such a weak character.
June 19, 2020
This is sooo not the cover of the book I read, but that's neither here nor there. This is such a good read, that I couldn't put the book down! Need to know what happens and where it all leads up to! Great story, amazing characters and a journey to the bottom! 😉 On to the next!
#HappyReading ❤
#HappyReading ❤
January 9, 2017
Very entertaining, interesting, engaging and enjoyable. Bottom line it's a really good paranormal story. Creative and full of twists. It pulls you in immediately and never lets go. It is a little confusing at first until you get all the characters strait. Worth your time? Yes, definitely.
Great cast of characters. Interesting and creative world. This was just a really good story. Will definitely be continuing with the series. Be warned this installment does end in a cliffhanger.
Lori J Moran does a good job with the narration. Pleasant voice. Smooth even pace. Some really good character voices. Her male character voices could use some work. Overall I enjoyed her narration. There is just something slightly off with the narration. Not quite sure what it is. Almost as though she has something in her mouth and this affects the clear pronunciation at times.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
Great cast of characters. Interesting and creative world. This was just a really good story. Will definitely be continuing with the series. Be warned this installment does end in a cliffhanger.
Lori J Moran does a good job with the narration. Pleasant voice. Smooth even pace. Some really good character voices. Her male character voices could use some work. Overall I enjoyed her narration. There is just something slightly off with the narration. Not quite sure what it is. Almost as though she has something in her mouth and this affects the clear pronunciation at times.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
September 26, 2016
If you are looking for a decent paranormal romance, you might want to read this book. This is one of my favorite genres and my expectations were high. Mysterious world of vampires, conjurers and wolves. Love story that reveals dark family secret that was hidden for almost twenty years.
The author creates tension with in-depth descriptions of characters and their back stories. I first liked this feature but after a while I noticed that this was extremely distracting. It was hard to follow the main storyline with all the details given in back stories.
Paranormal features of the story were nothing we have not seen or read before. The contrast between good and evil, between humans and paranormal creatures is created with The Surface and The Bottom. Two worlds that have nothing in common, that should be separated but they clearly are not. This is a repeating pattern seen in numerous teenage paranormal romantic novels and TV series. I know that is hard to invent a new unique mystical feature but some of them were so similar that I started to mix the plot from this novel with other vampire novels (e.g. Hybrid Blood ).
On the other hand, the love story between William and Becca was a breeze of fresh air. Very original and intriguing love story. I could not put the book down until I found out what was connecting the two main characters. A spark between them triggered a series of events that permanently changed their lives. They slowly discovered who they really are and what is their destiny. True love revealed a thread of lies in William’s life and old family sins finally came to light. This is a great start to a book series and I will read the next installment when it comes out. If you love vampire fiction that keeps you hooked with a great love story this is a book for you.
The author creates tension with in-depth descriptions of characters and their back stories. I first liked this feature but after a while I noticed that this was extremely distracting. It was hard to follow the main storyline with all the details given in back stories.
Paranormal features of the story were nothing we have not seen or read before. The contrast between good and evil, between humans and paranormal creatures is created with The Surface and The Bottom. Two worlds that have nothing in common, that should be separated but they clearly are not. This is a repeating pattern seen in numerous teenage paranormal romantic novels and TV series. I know that is hard to invent a new unique mystical feature but some of them were so similar that I started to mix the plot from this novel with other vampire novels (e.g. Hybrid Blood ).
On the other hand, the love story between William and Becca was a breeze of fresh air. Very original and intriguing love story. I could not put the book down until I found out what was connecting the two main characters. A spark between them triggered a series of events that permanently changed their lives. They slowly discovered who they really are and what is their destiny. True love revealed a thread of lies in William’s life and old family sins finally came to light. This is a great start to a book series and I will read the next installment when it comes out. If you love vampire fiction that keeps you hooked with a great love story this is a book for you.
August 14, 2016
I rate this 3.5/5
This review is featured on my blog: Writerly Bookish Stuff
Secret realms on earth that are hidden from humans. Vampires, conjurers, and wolves cohabiting without our knowledge. The three Marks brothers and the three Lorde sisters are reunited to fulfil a legacy that will see a new Heir and Heiress of the 'Bottom' world, but there are those who wish to thwart the legacy for their own gain.
There are many stereotypical tropes of a paranormal romance novel, but I'm not saying this is a bad thing. I read paranormal romance for such tropes. I know what I'm getting: easy read, insta-love, action, and a team of supportive sub-characters. Oh, and not forgetting a hunky guy whom I can keep as a fictional boyfriend for the length of the book.
The narrative was fast paced, and sometimes this led to me feeling a little overwhelmed with information to process, but it held my interest. Once I understood the new family dynamics in relation to the old ones, I was on a roll.
If you like paranormal romance, steamy scenes, new realms, and can handle a few distressing moments, then this is the book for you.
This review is featured on my blog: Writerly Bookish Stuff
Secret realms on earth that are hidden from humans. Vampires, conjurers, and wolves cohabiting without our knowledge. The three Marks brothers and the three Lorde sisters are reunited to fulfil a legacy that will see a new Heir and Heiress of the 'Bottom' world, but there are those who wish to thwart the legacy for their own gain.
There are many stereotypical tropes of a paranormal romance novel, but I'm not saying this is a bad thing. I read paranormal romance for such tropes. I know what I'm getting: easy read, insta-love, action, and a team of supportive sub-characters. Oh, and not forgetting a hunky guy whom I can keep as a fictional boyfriend for the length of the book.
The narrative was fast paced, and sometimes this led to me feeling a little overwhelmed with information to process, but it held my interest. Once I understood the new family dynamics in relation to the old ones, I was on a roll.
If you like paranormal romance, steamy scenes, new realms, and can handle a few distressing moments, then this is the book for you.
September 3, 2016
really great start!
i am really taken with this first book! found it hard to put down most of the time! i look forward to the next installment and hope to give it a 5 star rating.... i could have almost given this a five star but the backstory took up too much of the storyline and the older characters that knew what they were up against just didn't do anything to better prepare for what the heirs needed. they seemed weaker than i would have expected from vampyr royalty! soooo that being said i will read the next installment as soon as its out and update my review. but it is definitely worth a read and the possibilities are potentially delicious and hardcore paranormal!
i am really taken with this first book! found it hard to put down most of the time! i look forward to the next installment and hope to give it a 5 star rating.... i could have almost given this a five star but the backstory took up too much of the storyline and the older characters that knew what they were up against just didn't do anything to better prepare for what the heirs needed. they seemed weaker than i would have expected from vampyr royalty! soooo that being said i will read the next installment as soon as its out and update my review. but it is definitely worth a read and the possibilities are potentially delicious and hardcore paranormal!
December 13, 2016
This audiobook was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
When William and Becca meet they unravel 20 year old secrets. Secrets that protect them and their families until the rightful Heir and Heiress awaken. This book is perfect for all paranormal lovers, I give it 4 stars. Loved the backstory, gave the book more depth. Made the story more understandable. I am impatiently waiting for the next book. I recommend this to all, especially those who like books with things that go bump in the night.
When William and Becca meet they unravel 20 year old secrets. Secrets that protect them and their families until the rightful Heir and Heiress awaken. This book is perfect for all paranormal lovers, I give it 4 stars. Loved the backstory, gave the book more depth. Made the story more understandable. I am impatiently waiting for the next book. I recommend this to all, especially those who like books with things that go bump in the night.
September 24, 2020
This was definitely worth my time. I love paranormal/fantasy stories and this one was filled with all that and more. Looking forward to the next book in this series. I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
September 4, 2020
I received this book free and I am voluntarily doing a review. I loved the storyline and how the author brought the characters together. Paranormal romances are my favorite and the author do e great with these two mates.Audible is amazing and the narrator brought the whole story to life.
December 22, 2019
At first I found the book difficult to get into however, once I finally got into the book it was brilliant! The story of William and Becca is lovely and it's a very refreshing love story.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews