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Masters of the Shadowlands #12
Beneath the Scars
Josie doesn’t need any help raising her son.
Pregnant at sixteen, Josie learned the hard way about men and their empty promises. She picked herself up and is raising her eleven-year-old son. By herself. And that’s the way she intends it to stay. Unfortunately, her impressionable boy becomes fascinated by the scruffy, intimidating biker who lives next door.
The scars on Holt’s face are only the most visible of his wounds.Out of the hospital after being attacked in his own damn house, Holt is coming to terms with the fact that his scars frighten people. Like his now-ex-girlfriend who ran after one look at him. Like his redheaded neighbor who hauled her boy away as if Holt was a serial killer. Fine. He’ll give the pretty bartender all the space she wants.
The Shadowlands will bring them together…When Josie starts bartending in the exclusive, private club, she discovers her neighbor is a member. And a Master--a skilled powerful Dom who can make her fantasies come true. Slowly, the firefighter breaks down the walls around her heart, teaching her how to trust. How to love...
But when her son’s choices lead to disaster, can their relationship survive?458 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2018
774 people are currently reading
1815 people want to read
About the author
Cherise Sinclair
67 books8,336 followersA New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she’s renowned for writing heart-wrenching romances with laugh-out-loud dialogue, alpha males, and absolutely sizzling sex.
I met my dearheart when vacationing in the Caribbean. Now I won’t say it was love at first sight. Actually since he stood over me, enjoying the view down my swimsuit top, I might have been a tad peeved—as well as attracted. But although we were together less than two days and lived on opposite sides of the country, love can’t be corralled by time or space.
We’ve now been married for many, many years. (And he still looks down my swimsuit tops.)
Nowadays, I live in the west with this obnoxious, beloved husband and a seventy-pound lap-puppy. I’m a gardener, and I love nurturing small plants until they’re big and healthy and productive…and ripping defenseless weeds out by the roots when I’m angry. I enjoy thunderstorms, collecting eggs from the chickens, and visiting the local brewery for the darkest, maltiest beer on tap. My favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch next to the master of my heart, watching the fire, reading, and…well…if you’re reading my books, you obviously know what else happens in front of fires.
I met my dearheart when vacationing in the Caribbean. Now I won’t say it was love at first sight. Actually since he stood over me, enjoying the view down my swimsuit top, I might have been a tad peeved—as well as attracted. But although we were together less than two days and lived on opposite sides of the country, love can’t be corralled by time or space.
We’ve now been married for many, many years. (And he still looks down my swimsuit tops.)
Nowadays, I live in the west with this obnoxious, beloved husband and a seventy-pound lap-puppy. I’m a gardener, and I love nurturing small plants until they’re big and healthy and productive…and ripping defenseless weeds out by the roots when I’m angry. I enjoy thunderstorms, collecting eggs from the chickens, and visiting the local brewery for the darkest, maltiest beer on tap. My favorite way to spend an evening is curled up on a couch next to the master of my heart, watching the fire, reading, and…well…if you’re reading my books, you obviously know what else happens in front of fires.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
May 20, 2018
4 STARS
All of the feels and hot as sin BDSM romance combine for another incredible addition to the Masters of the Shadowlands series. I will never tire of these books or Cherise Sinclair's words. She has this ability to create a BDSM romance that evokes as much emotion as it does chemistry, and characters that are impossible to forget. Beneath the Scars was no exception.
Holt. *Dreamy sigh*
This man. I swear. How can a man be equally soft, sweet and protective while being intense, dominant and sexy? I don't know, but Holt was all of those things and more. This is a man that wants a woman of his own. He doesn't run from relationships. Unfortunately he just doesn't have the best luck with the women he's dated lately. His most recent girlfriend left him in the hospital after seeing the gruesome scars he was left with after his near fatal attack by a crazy stalker in the events that began in Mischief and the Masters. Now he's back home, recuperating and itching to get back to his job as a firefighter and EMT. Are you swooning yet? Because GAH! But I digress.
Josie has trust issues when it comes to men. She learned her lesson after the deceit of a man she thought cared for her left her a single mother at a young age. Now all she cares about is taking care of her son and making ends meet. But when a new job offer that she can't turn away lands her as a new bartender at the Shadowlands club, the neighbor that she grossly misjudged at first meeting begins to turn her world on its axis.
Josie took a bit for me to warm up to, if I'm being perfectly honest. She's quick to jump to the worst possible conclusions when it comes to Holt due to her history, and at times I wanted to shake her. But at the same time, I also understood her and sympathized with her. Cherise always does such an amazing job with her character development, that I have yet to meet one that I didn't love.
But ultimately, what made this book for me was Holt. The man was everything. EVERYTHING. He had all the patience in the world when it came to Josie and he wasn't afraid to wait her out. He was sweet, understanding, and an ultimate Dom. He was sweet and patient when it came to introducing the finicky Josie to the lifestyle. I adored him.
I also loved the way that he took care of Josie's son and their interactions. I loved that Cherise gave the reader a peek inside the young boy's head. It wasn't just about Josie and Holt, but about Josie and her son and Holt. And I loved that we got to see all of that develop.
Beneath the Scars was an emotional, deeply satisfying, and sexy romance. It was everything I've come to crave from the talented Cherise Sinclair and I already find myself craving more in this series.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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The three C’s—he had them in abundance: competent, confident, and caring. She’d never been so…attracted…to anyone before.
All of the feels and hot as sin BDSM romance combine for another incredible addition to the Masters of the Shadowlands series. I will never tire of these books or Cherise Sinclair's words. She has this ability to create a BDSM romance that evokes as much emotion as it does chemistry, and characters that are impossible to forget. Beneath the Scars was no exception.
Holt. *Dreamy sigh*
This man. I swear. How can a man be equally soft, sweet and protective while being intense, dominant and sexy? I don't know, but Holt was all of those things and more. This is a man that wants a woman of his own. He doesn't run from relationships. Unfortunately he just doesn't have the best luck with the women he's dated lately. His most recent girlfriend left him in the hospital after seeing the gruesome scars he was left with after his near fatal attack by a crazy stalker in the events that began in Mischief and the Masters. Now he's back home, recuperating and itching to get back to his job as a firefighter and EMT. Are you swooning yet? Because GAH! But I digress.
Josie has trust issues when it comes to men. She learned her lesson after the deceit of a man she thought cared for her left her a single mother at a young age. Now all she cares about is taking care of her son and making ends meet. But when a new job offer that she can't turn away lands her as a new bartender at the Shadowlands club, the neighbor that she grossly misjudged at first meeting begins to turn her world on its axis.
Josie took a bit for me to warm up to, if I'm being perfectly honest. She's quick to jump to the worst possible conclusions when it comes to Holt due to her history, and at times I wanted to shake her. But at the same time, I also understood her and sympathized with her. Cherise always does such an amazing job with her character development, that I have yet to meet one that I didn't love.
But ultimately, what made this book for me was Holt. The man was everything. EVERYTHING. He had all the patience in the world when it came to Josie and he wasn't afraid to wait her out. He was sweet, understanding, and an ultimate Dom. He was sweet and patient when it came to introducing the finicky Josie to the lifestyle. I adored him.
I also loved the way that he took care of Josie's son and their interactions. I loved that Cherise gave the reader a peek inside the young boy's head. It wasn't just about Josie and Holt, but about Josie and her son and Holt. And I loved that we got to see all of that develop.
Beneath the Scars was an emotional, deeply satisfying, and sexy romance. It was everything I've come to crave from the talented Cherise Sinclair and I already find myself craving more in this series.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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May 25, 2018
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I loved getting back to the Shadowlands with Cherise Sinclair. This is one of my favorite series and I always get sucked right into the world that is created on these pages. Holt and Josie were both amazing, though I did have some issues with Josie in the beginning when she seemed a little too judgmental. It made me scared that I wouldn't like her at all in the book and it would ruin the reading experience for me. But a few chapters in I came to understand her character more and the previous scenes that had me thinking she was nothing more than a snob made a lot of sense, and after that I didn't have any issues with her.
I would say the BDSM was actually pretty light in this book and it wasn't as heavily involved with the club as most of this series it. But I liked that we got to see these characters out of that scene and got to know them on a deeper level. Overall, definitely a recommended read and I think if you're new the series you wouldn't have a problem jumping into it with this book.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I loved getting back to the Shadowlands with Cherise Sinclair. This is one of my favorite series and I always get sucked right into the world that is created on these pages. Holt and Josie were both amazing, though I did have some issues with Josie in the beginning when she seemed a little too judgmental. It made me scared that I wouldn't like her at all in the book and it would ruin the reading experience for me. But a few chapters in I came to understand her character more and the previous scenes that had me thinking she was nothing more than a snob made a lot of sense, and after that I didn't have any issues with her.
I would say the BDSM was actually pretty light in this book and it wasn't as heavily involved with the club as most of this series it. But I liked that we got to see these characters out of that scene and got to know them on a deeper level. Overall, definitely a recommended read and I think if you're new the series you wouldn't have a problem jumping into it with this book.
May 8, 2018
4.5 STARS
When I need all the feels of a romance and the spice, Cherise Sinclair is my go to choice. Her "Masters Of The Shadowlands" series is the perfect mix of sweet romance and BDSM kinks and the perfect gateway for romance readers curious about BDSM erotica. (Book 1 is actually #FREE on AMZ ☞ Club Shadowlands
Josie, the heroine, is a writer moonlighting as a bartender and a single mom.
The hero, Holt, is a firefighte/EMT and gets Josie's instant dislike because of his current "rough looks". (Though she admits he's smoking hot) She wants nothing to do with him, least of all her kid taking interest in the neighbor's bike!
But when Josie loses her night job, a certain meddling Master is going to make her an offer she's too curious about and can't very well refuse.
Walking through a BDSM club from Josie neophyte's eye is as refreshing and interesting as it's exciting! She's given time to observe and reassess preconceived ideas she had about the lifestyle.
And she's learning soon enough she was highly mistaken about her neighbor, not only a Shadowlands member, but a Master!
"Beneath The Scars" also deals with the everyday struggles of single-motherhood and the dynamic between Josie, her son and Holt is both endearing and poignant. I'm 95% in and could put the book down. I'm 5% away from a sweet coming HEA, diving back in now!
I received an Advanced review copy.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
When I need all the feels of a romance and the spice, Cherise Sinclair is my go to choice. Her "Masters Of The Shadowlands" series is the perfect mix of sweet romance and BDSM kinks and the perfect gateway for romance readers curious about BDSM erotica. (Book 1 is actually #FREE on AMZ ☞ Club Shadowlands
Josie, the heroine, is a writer moonlighting as a bartender and a single mom.
The hero, Holt, is a firefighte/EMT and gets Josie's instant dislike because of his current "rough looks". (Though she admits he's smoking hot) She wants nothing to do with him, least of all her kid taking interest in the neighbor's bike!
But when Josie loses her night job, a certain meddling Master is going to make her an offer she's too curious about and can't very well refuse.
Walking through a BDSM club from Josie neophyte's eye is as refreshing and interesting as it's exciting! She's given time to observe and reassess preconceived ideas she had about the lifestyle.
And she's learning soon enough she was highly mistaken about her neighbor, not only a Shadowlands member, but a Master!
"Beneath The Scars" also deals with the everyday struggles of single-motherhood and the dynamic between Josie, her son and Holt is both endearing and poignant. I'm 95% in and could put the book down. I'm 5% away from a sweet coming HEA, diving back in now!
❝“I'm going to learn what you like, what you don't like... and then mix everything up until that busy little mind of yours shuts down.”
The words sounded like a threat—and yet melted every bone in her body.
He saw that too.❞
I received an Advanced review copy.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
May 17, 2018
When Cherise Sinclair sets out to rock your world, the entire planet shakes. Beneath the Scars is Holt's story and has been anticipated by fans of the Shadowlands for some time. The book exceeds expectations by a huge magnitude.
Holt is amazing: loyal, loving, strong, and alpha, but at the same time, gentle and patient when needed. Even though the woman he falls in love with doesn't believe in romance, he's willing to wait for her to realize it really does exist. And he's willing to take on her pre-teenage son as well as Josie's issues. Every woman should have a Holt in their lives.
Josie isn't bad either. In order to support herself and her son, Carson, she tends bar and writes in her spare time. She is the consumate listener and works hard to right worngs. Right after she moved in next door to Holt, she finds herself job hunting. She ends up tending bar at the Shadowlands, where she comes even more to Holt's attention as she explores BDSM with him. But can Holt convince the wary young woman that there really is love in the world while avoiding the danger closing in on them from an unlikely source?
One of the best parts of the book is catching up on characters from previous books. Master Z and Jessica, Dan and Kari, Nolan and Beth, Cullen and Andrea, Marcus and Gabi, Sally, Vance and Galen, Raoul and Kim, Sam and Linda, Mistress Anne and Ben, Jake and Raine, and Zuri, Max and Alastair all make appearances-as do several of their children. We learn more about Ghost, who helps Ben man the door of the Shadowlands. Master Z, Marcus and Gabi play a key role in taking down some bad guys.
As always, Cherise draws the reader straight into her world, peopled with characters you want to call friends. The sex scenes, which mostly involve BDSM, will sear your e-reader and the plot twists and turns, keeping the reader turning the pages to find out what's next. She is a master storyteller and I'm always delighted to visit the Shadowlands.
April 9, 2024
When i heard Cherise had a new story in the Shadowlands series,i immediately pre-ordered and counted down the days until it landed in my library.
I needed to know who was going to give Holt what he só deserved after that vicious attack,after being abandoned by his so-called girlfriend....a sweet,soft and caring subbie.
After meeting Josie and her son Carson,i found i hoped they found what they deserved as well....a caring,strong man.
One that could be the fatherfigure Carson longs for.
One that could be the man to take Josie’s walls down.
The ones she’d built after being abandoned by Carson’s father....
And what a beautiful story it was. Thank you,Cherise! I love the new addition to the Shadowlands family!
I needed to know who was going to give Holt what he só deserved after that vicious attack,after being abandoned by his so-called girlfriend....a sweet,soft and caring subbie.
After meeting Josie and her son Carson,i found i hoped they found what they deserved as well....a caring,strong man.
One that could be the fatherfigure Carson longs for.
One that could be the man to take Josie’s walls down.
The ones she’d built after being abandoned by Carson’s father....
And what a beautiful story it was. Thank you,Cherise! I love the new addition to the Shadowlands family!
September 27, 2018
Και κάπως έτσι είμαι όταν διαβάζω κάποιο βιβλίο από τη Masters of the Shadowlands series...
Μόνο η Cherise Sinclair ξέρει να γράφει τόσο hot and steamy βιβλία, με πάρα πολύ καλή πλοκή και πολύ ενδιαφέροντες χαρακτήρες! Τα βιβλία της είναι guilty pleasure για μένα!
Προειδοποίηση: Εξαιρετικά hot σκηνές με έναν sexy as hell άντρα!
Μόνο η Cherise Sinclair ξέρει να γράφει τόσο hot and steamy βιβλία, με πάρα πολύ καλή πλοκή και πολύ ενδιαφέροντες χαρακτήρες! Τα βιβλία της είναι guilty pleasure για μένα!
Προειδοποίηση: Εξαιρετικά hot σκηνές με έναν sexy as hell άντρα!
November 2, 2020
Después del final del libro anterior, tenía muchas ganas de conocer la historia del protagonista masculino, Holt.
May 23, 2018
I was really excited about reading this book. If you’re a fan of the Masters of the Shadowlands, then you know that she has built a great group of characters in this series. That being said, I would highly suggest reading the series in order. ALL the characters in the series so far are in this book and they do have considerable page time. I fear that if you aren’t familiar with them that you’ll really feel lost or not feel the connection enough, so I strongly urge you to read in order if you’re not caught up on this series.
Now that that is out of the way, I just want to say that I really enjoyed this book. From the very first page, I felt a deep connection with both the hero and heroine. Sinclair always creates great characters and I love how she really takes her time with developing them in each book. That is why when they make walk-on appearances throughout the series, it’s always thrilling for the reader.
The connection between Josie and Holt is very strong. The romance builds slowly, creating that trust that is so crucial to every relationship. That is explored greatly in this book and it was lovely to see it unfold in a believable manner.
Also, there are some neat updates with the past characters in the series that I was very happy to see so yes, it is definitely worth it to get into the series. Cherise Sinclair is the only BDSM author that I can count on to deliver an engrossing story.
May 6, 2018
“Brace yourself, pet.”
If you’re looking for a romance that will give you all the tingles and all the feels, look no further! BENEATH THE SCARS, the next novel in Cherise Sinclair’s INCREDIBLE Masters of the Shadowlands series captivated me from the very start! Josie and Holt were so beautiful and so poetic together. Their journey to let go of the past and embrace the present was emotional, sexy, heartbreaking, and just…everything! I loved it to pieces, soaking up each and every word while a myriad of emotions flashed on my face. It’s been a while since I’ve read a Cherise Sinclair romance, and I didn’t know how much I missed her writing until I immersed myself completely into this one. Her words are MAGIC, plain and simple. This story will move you, charm you, it will shatter you and then it will help you pick up the pieces. If you are an avid romance reader, you should definitely pick this up, but if you’re a BDSM romance junkie, you have NO IDEA what you’re in for. This will be like romance crack to you! Prepare to indulge. Prepare to be seduced. Prepare to fall in love.
If you’re looking for a romance that will give you all the tingles and all the feels, look no further! BENEATH THE SCARS, the next novel in Cherise Sinclair’s INCREDIBLE Masters of the Shadowlands series captivated me from the very start! Josie and Holt were so beautiful and so poetic together. Their journey to let go of the past and embrace the present was emotional, sexy, heartbreaking, and just…everything! I loved it to pieces, soaking up each and every word while a myriad of emotions flashed on my face. It’s been a while since I’ve read a Cherise Sinclair romance, and I didn’t know how much I missed her writing until I immersed myself completely into this one. Her words are MAGIC, plain and simple. This story will move you, charm you, it will shatter you and then it will help you pick up the pieces. If you are an avid romance reader, you should definitely pick this up, but if you’re a BDSM romance junkie, you have NO IDEA what you’re in for. This will be like romance crack to you! Prepare to indulge. Prepare to be seduced. Prepare to fall in love.
December 6, 2020
I always enjoy Ms. Sinclair's books. Beneath the Scars was no exception. However I needed a few chapters to get back in the world of the Shadowlands Masters, something that I never experienced before when reaching for one of these books.
As far as I remember Holt was introduced way back in Make Me, Sir. i liked him back then but really grew to love him in the previous book. He's a sweetheart and he deserved his HEA. He got it and it was a sweet story but it just didn't resonate with me the way it usually does.
I loved the cameos from the other characters of the series, especially Ben and Mistress Anne! They're so cute together *looks over her shoulder to make sure that Mistress Anne didn't hear her say she's cute*
Overall it was a great book and a great way to escape reality for a few hours.
As far as I remember Holt was introduced way back in Make Me, Sir. i liked him back then but really grew to love him in the previous book. He's a sweetheart and he deserved his HEA. He got it and it was a sweet story but it just didn't resonate with me the way it usually does.
I loved the cameos from the other characters of the series, especially Ben and Mistress Anne! They're so cute together *looks over her shoulder to make sure that Mistress Anne didn't hear her say she's cute*
Overall it was a great book and a great way to escape reality for a few hours.
May 4, 2018
Another great addition in one of my all time favorite series!! A scar can be left on the skin or on the soul from wounds inflicted. This story takes us on a journey of a man who bares his on the outside and a woman who wears hers on the inside.
Josie Collier is a single mother to an 11 year old boy. Being a teen when she got pregnant and having no family support until years later, Josie stopped believing in romance and love. She now lives next to her Great Aunt and is a writer of YA books and a bartender. She is having a hard time coming to terms with what used to be her sweet little boy who is now an broody 11 year old.
(Alexander) Holt happens to live on the other side of Josie's Great Aunt. Fans of the series will remember that Holt was the stabbing victim of Uzuri's stalker in the last book. He is still recovering from his wounds with one being a large scar down the side of his face. I love how with each book in this series the characters jobs get more interesting. Holt is a Fireman/EMT who also works a second job as a Peds ICU nurse. Along with that of course he one of the Masters at Shadowlands with a sweet disposition and true desire to help others.
Josie's not too fond of Holt when she first meets him due to judging him by his looks and that he owns a motorcycle. But once she starts working at Shadowlands as their new bartender and finds out about how he got his scars and who he really his she immediately apologizes and the two strike up a friendship – even though Master Holt is looking for much more.
There is equal time spent outside of Shadowlands as there is inside. The inside scenes were comical through Josie's eyes as it was all knew to her what goes on in a BDSM club – but her years of bartending and seeing all types of people has her adapting quickly. The outside time was split between Josie and Holt's budding relationship and her son Carson's issues with school, finding out about his father and some other drama along with his having a hard time dealing with his mother being in a relationship. There was a crap-ton of issues the author brought up in this book – all ones I think plenty of women can relate to. I feel like sometimes I've gone through a therapy session after I've finished one of her books (I mean that in a good way)
As this is posted on her website I dont think its a spoiler – the bonus in this book is – Mistress Anne and Ben have their baby... Yeah lets just say Mistress Anne not being in control of her body or the how and when that baby comes very hard for her but is amusing to read.
Its always so sad to come to the end of Cherise's books.. I could read them forever.
Josie Collier is a single mother to an 11 year old boy. Being a teen when she got pregnant and having no family support until years later, Josie stopped believing in romance and love. She now lives next to her Great Aunt and is a writer of YA books and a bartender. She is having a hard time coming to terms with what used to be her sweet little boy who is now an broody 11 year old.
(Alexander) Holt happens to live on the other side of Josie's Great Aunt. Fans of the series will remember that Holt was the stabbing victim of Uzuri's stalker in the last book. He is still recovering from his wounds with one being a large scar down the side of his face. I love how with each book in this series the characters jobs get more interesting. Holt is a Fireman/EMT who also works a second job as a Peds ICU nurse. Along with that of course he one of the Masters at Shadowlands with a sweet disposition and true desire to help others.
Josie's not too fond of Holt when she first meets him due to judging him by his looks and that he owns a motorcycle. But once she starts working at Shadowlands as their new bartender and finds out about how he got his scars and who he really his she immediately apologizes and the two strike up a friendship – even though Master Holt is looking for much more.
There is equal time spent outside of Shadowlands as there is inside. The inside scenes were comical through Josie's eyes as it was all knew to her what goes on in a BDSM club – but her years of bartending and seeing all types of people has her adapting quickly. The outside time was split between Josie and Holt's budding relationship and her son Carson's issues with school, finding out about his father and some other drama along with his having a hard time dealing with his mother being in a relationship. There was a crap-ton of issues the author brought up in this book – all ones I think plenty of women can relate to. I feel like sometimes I've gone through a therapy session after I've finished one of her books (I mean that in a good way)
As this is posted on her website I dont think its a spoiler – the bonus in this book is – Mistress Anne and Ben have their baby... Yeah lets just say Mistress Anne not being in control of her body or the how and when that baby comes very hard for her but is amusing to read.
Its always so sad to come to the end of Cherise's books.. I could read them forever.
May 27, 2018
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Cherise Sinclair is the 'Master' of this genre. Another 5 ass spanking stars for a Shadowlands book.
Josie is a single mom, pregnant to young and left to fend for herself and her child. Now she budding author and a part time bartender to pay her bills. When she sees one of her new neighbors, the tatted, scarred, big biker, she is immediately on edge.
Holt is recovering for being nearly killed by Uzuri, his friends, stalker. A gnarly scar on his face and stab wounds on his torso, the fireman/paramedic, nurse is healing. Put off by his new neighbors judgment he decides to stay away but they get thrown together by Uzuri and then Master Z. After she is fired from her job Z hires her at the Shadowlands.
When Josie finds out she was wrong in her snap judgment of Holt she is quick to apologize and with her new job she sees him more and more. She also sees things that still new feelings within her. After a huge fail in trying the joys of the Shadowlands with a friend, it is Holt who awakens her sub desires.
When her son, who has grown close to Holt, gets into things that threaten lives all the strides to a HEA are thrown up in flames and things may just be too dire for their HEA in the end.
IF YOU HAVENT READ CHERISE SINCLAIR....I ASK....WHY NOT? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!!!
BEST BDSM WRITER I HAVE READ. Great story lines. Great characters. Great flow.
Cherise Sinclair is the 'Master' of this genre. Another 5 ass spanking stars for a Shadowlands book.
Josie is a single mom, pregnant to young and left to fend for herself and her child. Now she budding author and a part time bartender to pay her bills. When she sees one of her new neighbors, the tatted, scarred, big biker, she is immediately on edge.
Holt is recovering for being nearly killed by Uzuri, his friends, stalker. A gnarly scar on his face and stab wounds on his torso, the fireman/paramedic, nurse is healing. Put off by his new neighbors judgment he decides to stay away but they get thrown together by Uzuri and then Master Z. After she is fired from her job Z hires her at the Shadowlands.
When Josie finds out she was wrong in her snap judgment of Holt she is quick to apologize and with her new job she sees him more and more. She also sees things that still new feelings within her. After a huge fail in trying the joys of the Shadowlands with a friend, it is Holt who awakens her sub desires.
When her son, who has grown close to Holt, gets into things that threaten lives all the strides to a HEA are thrown up in flames and things may just be too dire for their HEA in the end.
IF YOU HAVENT READ CHERISE SINCLAIR....I ASK....WHY NOT? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!!!
BEST BDSM WRITER I HAVE READ. Great story lines. Great characters. Great flow.
May 24, 2018
As usual, Cherise Sinclair does not disappoint. I won't bore anyone with a synopsis, I'm sure there are plenty out already. I really enjoyed the story, I thought the relationship between Holt, Josie and her son was very realistic. The sex and BDSM, as always, was wonderful. I also love the way Sinclair weaves the lives of the rest of the Shadowlands into each new story. She really has created a community. And in my opinion, the next book should be about Ghost, the security guard we first me in Servicing the Target. Although he's only in 2 scenes, that man has serious secrets that need to be explored.
May 31, 2018
4.25 stars. This was a good book. This is Josie and Holt's series. Josie moves in next door to Holt, who is living in Uzari's old house. Holt is recovering from his attack by Uzari's stalker in the previous book. Josie is a single mom of an eleven year old boy, a YA Fantasy author and bartender. She has been a very young single mom on her own for years and hasn't really ever dated. She doesn't really imagine any romantic prospects for herself. Josie sees Holt and misjudges him as a rough biker. But she soon sees he is actually a nice guy. When Josie loses her bartending job, she gets a job at the Shadowlands and her eyes are opened to the world of BDSM. Soon she is getting to know and like Holt, as he introduces her to D/s, and they fall for each other.
I really liked both Holt and Josie. Their romance was a little slow burn and grew from friends to more. Holt could see that Josie would be perfect for him right away, but it took Josie a little longer to see that she deserved happiness and not to just to be a mom. I liked that their relationship was more relaxed and low protocol as far as the BDSM aspect. Also, there was very little angst or pushing away. Most of the drama came from outside forces, like family drama.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, sweet, and sexy read. I really enjoy this series and look forward to more in the future!
I really liked both Holt and Josie. Their romance was a little slow burn and grew from friends to more. Holt could see that Josie would be perfect for him right away, but it took Josie a little longer to see that she deserved happiness and not to just to be a mom. I liked that their relationship was more relaxed and low protocol as far as the BDSM aspect. Also, there was very little angst or pushing away. Most of the drama came from outside forces, like family drama.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, sweet, and sexy read. I really enjoy this series and look forward to more in the future!
February 6, 2019
No puedo negar que Cherise Sinclair es una de mis autoras favoritas en este género, pero en este libro... so sorry Cherise, pero no me terminó de gustar.
Nc si me acostumbre tanto a los Maestro con personalidad arrolladora...
Holt era excesivamente sereno para mi gusto jajaja
Aunque no se puede negar que era interesante cómo respetaba el ritmo de Josie, tenía en cuenta su desconfianza y temores.
Me agradó Carson... pobre niño!!! Su "donador de esperma"... me dio ganas de darle una patada en las bolas! Y pensar que hay niños que de verdad pasan eso.
Y... por supuesto que fui feliz como una lombriz volviendo a leer de mis maestros y sumi favoritos..!! Sin importar que no me enganchará del todo los personajes... fangirleo como loca cuando aparece Z, Marcus, Sam, Jake, Gabi, Jessica, Andrea, Cullen jajajaja
Nc si me acostumbre tanto a los Maestro con personalidad arrolladora...
Holt era excesivamente sereno para mi gusto jajaja
Aunque no se puede negar que era interesante cómo respetaba el ritmo de Josie, tenía en cuenta su desconfianza y temores.
Me agradó Carson... pobre niño!!! Su "donador de esperma"... me dio ganas de darle una patada en las bolas! Y pensar que hay niños que de verdad pasan eso.
Y... por supuesto que fui feliz como una lombriz volviendo a leer de mis maestros y sumi favoritos..!! Sin importar que no me enganchará del todo los personajes... fangirleo como loca cuando aparece Z, Marcus, Sam, Jake, Gabi, Jessica, Andrea, Cullen jajajaja
July 1, 2018
Want a full length story with heart and amazing characters; don't miss out on any of Sinclair's assortment in this series.
December 8, 2018
For a moment there I thought there was a Masters of the Shadowlands book I hadn't read and I reached for my inexistent pearls.
Silly me, I just read it in my time away from Goodreads this year and hadn't logged it. Disaster averted.
Silly me, I just read it in my time away from Goodreads this year and hadn't logged it. Disaster averted.
July 3, 2018
Huh. Meh.
These are the words that first come to mind when I think of this book. As I finished the last page, I just felt…whatever. I've definitely read better books from this series, and I've definitely read worse books from this series. The best, to me, are "Breaking Free" and "Make Me, Sir". The characters just jumped off the pages and the sex was H-O-T!! the worst, to me, are “Mischief and the Masters” and “Dark Citadel” (I cannot for the love of me remember this story. It was THAT boring, people).
With "Beneath the Scars", I really enjoyed the beginning, the chase between Holt and Josie. I've always wanted to read Holt's story, especially after his attack from the previous book (which was just terrible, by the way). When Holt introduces Josie to true BDSM, I was definitely fanning myself. The reactions and emotions were spot on and vivid.
Afterwards, however, they dulled down. There actually wasn't as much BDSM in this book as the rest of the series. I felt let down by "Mischief and the Masters", Uzuri's story, because it sounded so much like Beth's story, "Breaking Free". I thought Ms. Sinclair was finding her originality again with this book, but after a while, it felt so amateurish. The CONSTANT use of ellipses was pissing me the fuck off. Shesh, I felt like I was reading "Forever" by Judy Blume again, and if you've read that, then you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, just skim a few pages of "Forever" and you'll want to strangle the author. Have anyone heard of a damn comma or period!? You don’t need constant ellipses for a pause for god’s sake.
Josie was fun and spunky. She has a great heart, knows how to listen, and has been hurt in the past. She deserved happiness, especially after what she dealt with from her baby daddy. Holt was amazing, but seemed a wee too perfect. A Gary Stu. He didn't have any flaws other than the physical ones, and those don't even fucking count. No self-consciousness, no dark burdens from the past. Nothin'.
Carson, Josie's 12 year old son, was a fucking pest. Like, I love kids, but Carson did not act his age and he was just so annoying. I get pre-teens are dramatic and stuff, but this little brat thought and acted like he was 6. He was a plot-device, honestly. His POVs were not needed and I felt like Ms. Sinclair hadn't met a 12 year old boy before.
The writing was also sloppy, which surprised me because it’s usually great. The descriptions of places and people were bland and forgettable. I seriously don't know half of what the settings looked like. And the dialogue was just cheesy and cliche. Amateurish.
I'll still read this series. I'll still auto-buy them. But I'm gonna lower my standards by quite a bit from now on concerning the Shadowlands.
Shame.
These are the words that first come to mind when I think of this book. As I finished the last page, I just felt…whatever. I've definitely read better books from this series, and I've definitely read worse books from this series. The best, to me, are "Breaking Free" and "Make Me, Sir". The characters just jumped off the pages and the sex was H-O-T!! the worst, to me, are “Mischief and the Masters” and “Dark Citadel” (I cannot for the love of me remember this story. It was THAT boring, people).
With "Beneath the Scars", I really enjoyed the beginning, the chase between Holt and Josie. I've always wanted to read Holt's story, especially after his attack from the previous book (which was just terrible, by the way). When Holt introduces Josie to true BDSM, I was definitely fanning myself. The reactions and emotions were spot on and vivid.
Afterwards, however, they dulled down. There actually wasn't as much BDSM in this book as the rest of the series. I felt let down by "Mischief and the Masters", Uzuri's story, because it sounded so much like Beth's story, "Breaking Free". I thought Ms. Sinclair was finding her originality again with this book, but after a while, it felt so amateurish. The CONSTANT use of ellipses was pissing me the fuck off. Shesh, I felt like I was reading "Forever" by Judy Blume again, and if you've read that, then you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, just skim a few pages of "Forever" and you'll want to strangle the author. Have anyone heard of a damn comma or period!? You don’t need constant ellipses for a pause for god’s sake.
Josie was fun and spunky. She has a great heart, knows how to listen, and has been hurt in the past. She deserved happiness, especially after what she dealt with from her baby daddy. Holt was amazing, but seemed a wee too perfect. A Gary Stu. He didn't have any flaws other than the physical ones, and those don't even fucking count. No self-consciousness, no dark burdens from the past. Nothin'.
Carson, Josie's 12 year old son, was a fucking pest. Like, I love kids, but Carson did not act his age and he was just so annoying. I get pre-teens are dramatic and stuff, but this little brat thought and acted like he was 6. He was a plot-device, honestly. His POVs were not needed and I felt like Ms. Sinclair hadn't met a 12 year old boy before.
The writing was also sloppy, which surprised me because it’s usually great. The descriptions of places and people were bland and forgettable. I seriously don't know half of what the settings looked like. And the dialogue was just cheesy and cliche. Amateurish.
I'll still read this series. I'll still auto-buy them. But I'm gonna lower my standards by quite a bit from now on concerning the Shadowlands.
Shame.
May 22, 2018
I adore how real the couples are in Ms Sinclair's novels. In this one, single mom Josie meets scarred Holt (attacked in the previous book). How Ms Sinclair takes a single mom with a pubescent boy (and *all* those emotions and issues) into the scary place of opening up to dating and a relationship is truly a beauty to read.
Josie has some major trust issues due to her past experiences with what should have been trustworthy male figures in her life. She's raising a son by herself with a great-aunt to provide the only family mother and son have. Enter the neighbor - Holt.
Josie learns about her submissive side as well as opening herself up to a relationship and being able to trust a man to be there when she needs him. It was an emotionally fraught journey, especially since Josie's son Carson had to take an emotional journey as well. Growing up is hard and we get to see how Holt, Josie, and Carson all interact during this initial relationship period.
Thank you, Ms. Sinclair, for showing us so many sides to the single mom dilemma.
Josie has some major trust issues due to her past experiences with what should have been trustworthy male figures in her life. She's raising a son by herself with a great-aunt to provide the only family mother and son have. Enter the neighbor - Holt.
Josie learns about her submissive side as well as opening herself up to a relationship and being able to trust a man to be there when she needs him. It was an emotionally fraught journey, especially since Josie's son Carson had to take an emotional journey as well. Growing up is hard and we get to see how Holt, Josie, and Carson all interact during this initial relationship period.
Thank you, Ms. Sinclair, for showing us so many sides to the single mom dilemma.
September 8, 2022
Reread 2022
Great
4 stars ⭐️
Great addition to the series. It was great seeing Holt get his woman. I enjoyed that the miscommunication was not used as a long plot device. Once Josie found out what happened to Holt she went straight away and apologised.
I liked Josie and Holt together. I kind of understood Josie’s issues and I liked how Holt worked around them. He knew when he’d made a mistake and went about fixing it, but Josie was also honest enough with herself to know she had over reacted but wasn’t sure how to fix it.
I also enjoyed the side plots of Josie’s boy Carson and how they all became a family.
Great
4 stars ⭐️
Great addition to the series. It was great seeing Holt get his woman. I enjoyed that the miscommunication was not used as a long plot device. Once Josie found out what happened to Holt she went straight away and apologised.
I liked Josie and Holt together. I kind of understood Josie’s issues and I liked how Holt worked around them. He knew when he’d made a mistake and went about fixing it, but Josie was also honest enough with herself to know she had over reacted but wasn’t sure how to fix it.
I also enjoyed the side plots of Josie’s boy Carson and how they all became a family.
May 27, 2018
I keep buying these books and I keep reading them so I only have myself to blame, but the writing is really not good. it's cheesy and the dialogue (both internal and external) is unrealistic. this was Holt's book and I did like him and I liked Josie but I found myself just wanting to get through the (totally predictable) book and cringing at some of the worst lines. oh well. maybe the relatively high price of the books will eventually make me decide they aren't really worth it the next time around.
May 27, 2018
Same old same old; just the names have been changed.
May 22, 2018
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I was really excited about reading this book. If you’re a fan of the Masters of the Shadowlands, then you know that she has built a great group of characters in this series. That being said, I would highly suggest reading the series in order. ALL the characters in the series so far are in this book and they do have considerable page time. I fear that if you aren’t familiar with them that you’ll really feel lost or not feel the connection enough, so I strongly urge you to read in order if you’re not caught up on this series.
Now that that is out of the way, I just want to say that I really enjoyed this book. From the very first page, I felt a deep connection with both the hero and heroine. Sinclair always creates great characters and I love how she really takes her time with developing them in each book. That is why when they make walk-on appearances throughout the series, it’s always thrilling for the reader.
The connection between Josie and Holt is very strong. The romance builds slowly, creating that trust that is so crucial to every relationship. That is explored greatly in this book and it was lovely to see it unfold in a believable manner.
Also, there are some neat updates with the past characters in the series that I was very happy to see so yes, it is definitely worth it to get into the series. Cherise Sinclair is the only BDSM author that I can count on to deliver an engrossing story.
*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
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February 18, 2019DNF at 35%. Ridiculous and awful. Why? We have an MC with limited sexual experience. Pregnant at 16, raises her child alone, who is now 11 years old. She admits she doesn’t even date. Ever. Men are not to be trusted.
What does she do? Why, she gets a job as a bartender at Shadowlands, a BDSM club. 🙄 Okay, I’ll go along.
She meets her hunky Thor neighbor who just happens to be a Master. 🙄 They don’t go out on a date, have limited conversations, kiss, make-out, hell, even hold hands! 🙄 Nope. Not her. What she does do, at 35% in, is agree to a scene, naked, up on the St. Andrews Cross. In the club.
Yeah, okay.
What does she do? Why, she gets a job as a bartender at Shadowlands, a BDSM club. 🙄 Okay, I’ll go along.
She meets her hunky Thor neighbor who just happens to be a Master. 🙄 They don’t go out on a date, have limited conversations, kiss, make-out, hell, even hold hands! 🙄 Nope. Not her. What she does do, at 35% in, is agree to a scene, naked, up on the St. Andrews Cross. In the club.
Yeah, okay.
September 11, 2023
I was very nervous about this one. I didn't care for the last couple of books. I've been really close to quitting this series, but seriously, I'm so far into this series, it's painful to even think about leaving. But I'm so glad I didn't.
I did not like Josie at first. Talk about a judgemental person. Whish is so odd based on her background. Her redeeming grace was that once she realized she misjudged someone, she immediately apologized and moved forward. Holt, I loved, which seems to be the case with most all of the Masters. I loved how he continued to fight for Josie and to help her work through her issues.
So here's the thing...I hate the miscommunication trope and this book was riddled with it...ugh. Thankfully the issues didn't last long, but still. Getting Carson's POV was nice as well because we got to see what was going through his pre-teen mind.
I wanted more with them at the end. I felt like we spent so much time trying to get through some of Josie's issue that an opportunity was missed to give more details at the end. Overall, it was good though and has redeemed my views a little with this series.
I did not like Josie at first. Talk about a judgemental person. Whish is so odd based on her background. Her redeeming grace was that once she realized she misjudged someone, she immediately apologized and moved forward. Holt, I loved, which seems to be the case with most all of the Masters. I loved how he continued to fight for Josie and to help her work through her issues.
So here's the thing...I hate the miscommunication trope and this book was riddled with it...ugh. Thankfully the issues didn't last long, but still. Getting Carson's POV was nice as well because we got to see what was going through his pre-teen mind.
I wanted more with them at the end. I felt like we spent so much time trying to get through some of Josie's issue that an opportunity was missed to give more details at the end. Overall, it was good though and has redeemed my views a little with this series.
May 28, 2018
Took me a little to get past the h being a little bitchy in the beginning but then I got pulled in and enjoyed the book. I liked Holt, I think he may be one of my favorite shadowlands guys. I had a love/not fond of feeling for Josie. Carson’s part was written very age appropriate, which is great, because I’m finding that authors have a tough time with that.
I enjoyed seeing all the other couples pop up.
Looking forward to Ghosts story.
I enjoyed seeing all the other couples pop up.
Looking forward to Ghosts story.
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May 17, 2025toto nebolo veľmi dobré
May 24, 2018
So much more than just a BDSM story!!
Beneath the Scars is the latest Shacowlands novel, and takes place almost immediately after events in the previous book, Mischief and the Masters. Holt is still recovering from injuries he suffered when he was attacked. Fortunately, he has a friendly neighbor - a single mom with a pre-teen son. Unfortunately, she hates him on sight, dismissing him as nothing more than a violent biker. Fortunately, she is hired as a new bartender at the Shadowlands, where Holt is a member. Unfortunately, thanks to events in her past, she doesn't do relationships, or romance, and especially not love! Fortunately, Holt is persuasive, Josie is smart, and together they are perfect!
This story has it all - plenty of hot kinky sex of course, but also so many good feels! I laughed out loud a few times and teared up more than once. Holt and Josie are characters it's easy to root for, and I found myself cheering at their super-righteous HEA! Cheers!!
Beneath the Scars is the latest Shacowlands novel, and takes place almost immediately after events in the previous book, Mischief and the Masters. Holt is still recovering from injuries he suffered when he was attacked. Fortunately, he has a friendly neighbor - a single mom with a pre-teen son. Unfortunately, she hates him on sight, dismissing him as nothing more than a violent biker. Fortunately, she is hired as a new bartender at the Shadowlands, where Holt is a member. Unfortunately, thanks to events in her past, she doesn't do relationships, or romance, and especially not love! Fortunately, Holt is persuasive, Josie is smart, and together they are perfect!
This story has it all - plenty of hot kinky sex of course, but also so many good feels! I laughed out loud a few times and teared up more than once. Holt and Josie are characters it's easy to root for, and I found myself cheering at their super-righteous HEA! Cheers!!
May 31, 2018
Cherise Sinclair always begins her foreword with the statement that "... the romance is compressed into a very, very short time period". Bear that in mind when in the beginning Josie is fired from her bartending job at an upscale location and accepts a job as a bartender at the Shadowlands, although she has little sexual experience and would be considered very vanilla and shy.
But once these conditions have been set, the romance between Josie and Holt is very well written. Josie is a single mom, a struggling author, honest to a fault, always trying to help others and recently moved. She finds herself next door to Holt, who comes across as a dangerous biker, but turns out to be a well-respected master at the Shadowlands. I enjoyed reading their changing perceptions of one another and the gentle domination that Holt extends to Josie. One of her best in the series.
But once these conditions have been set, the romance between Josie and Holt is very well written. Josie is a single mom, a struggling author, honest to a fault, always trying to help others and recently moved. She finds herself next door to Holt, who comes across as a dangerous biker, but turns out to be a well-respected master at the Shadowlands. I enjoyed reading their changing perceptions of one another and the gentle domination that Holt extends to Josie. One of her best in the series.
October 6, 2018
Realmente disfruto mucho los libros de esta autora. No solo por el erotismo kinky sino también por el desarrollo de los personajes que son super genuinos. Holt, Josie y su historia me encantaron.
Disfruté mucho leer otros puntos de vista, como el de Carson, y ver que paso con otros personajes como las escenas del postparto de Anne.
Me gusta la comunidad de personajes. Realmente me gustaría poder ser una Shadowskitten
Disfruté mucho leer otros puntos de vista, como el de Carson, y ver que paso con otros personajes como las escenas del postparto de Anne.
Me gusta la comunidad de personajes. Realmente me gustaría poder ser una Shadowskitten
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