The Beneath Duet

Beneath: The two book boxset by Shandi Boyes that will have falling in love with Hugo.
Beneath the secrets by Shanti Boyes a heart aching five-star read. It is recommended for over 18s as does contain scenes of a sexual and adult nature, as well as language that may offend some people.
This is the story of Hugo Marshall the man of mystery in the Enigma series, not the Enigma himself, but the man behind the enigma. Hugo has been head of security for Isaac Holt for over five years, during the first four books we have seen him be the man he is now but in this book we go back in time to before Hugo was the man he is today, we get to see the man he was, and what happened to make him the man he is today. It was weird as you knew some of the events that are going to happen so you are waiting for them to happen, but it’s like being in the Wizard of Oz and seeing behind the curtain. Watching Hugo become the man that I have grown to love in the last four books. Having my heart break for him.
Hugo Marshall has always lusted after Ava Westcott, even when she was a nerdy teen who was best friends with his little sister. Hugo hasn’t seen her in six long years since she left town, he has become a man who served his country and seen things no man should ever have to see. When he is given a second chance opportunity with her he takes it with both hands, Ava has become a grown woman and moved on as well just because she had a crush on him in high school doesn’t mean that they would work now does it?
This is a story of second chance love, we watch Hugo and Ava admit to their feelings, but just because you had a high school crush doesn’t mean it is the same when you are grown-ups. Life has a way of getting in the way.
Beneath the Sheets by Shandi Boyes a Huge Huggable five-star read. This is Hugo’s tale and his to tell, it tells us the story of one small decision that lead to huge epic results. One decision means that Hugo may never be the man he is now, he has already been through more than his fair share trouble even before his beloved sister Jorgie and her unborn son Malcom were tragically killed. That tragic event was possibly the straw that broke him. Leading him to the point he made that decision. His decision that led him to not just lose his sister and nephew but his true love Ava as well.
Hugo Joel Marshall is a man of action, and a man of honour, he stepped away five years ago as he thought he was doing what was best, but if he knew the real truth would he have ran? Would he have been man enough? This book answers so many questions, but it also ponders so many more. In Hugo’s own words ‘The past cannot be changed, forgotten, edited or erased. It can only be accepted’. Can Hugo and Ava accept the past and move forward to a new future together? Or will their past be too much for them to get over? Five years of hurt and anger can change a person.
This series has gone from strength to strength, Shandi Boyes has become an author that I drop everything to read as soon as anything by her drops to my kindle

Bobbi Wagner

5,020 reviews65 followers

Beneath: Two Book Boxset by Shandi Boyes is a contemporary romance boxset of two books written by this author from her Beneath series. This is not my first books by this author and I think that her books get better with everyone that I read. Her writing skills are easy flowing and creative. Both of these books pulled me into the story right from the first word. The characters are both connectable and lovable. They took me on an emotional roller coaster ride that I didn't want to get off. This boxset is about finding your long lost high school sweetheart, the love you thought you lost. A man who never thought he would see his love again comes face to face with her again. Are feelings still the same or have they changed over the years? He is tired of running from his past, will secrets finally be exposed?Find out what happens when the past comes crashing into his current life. These characters will make you laugh and cry in parts. They will pull at your heartstrings and make you want more. They will take you on some twists and turns that you won't see coming. I highly recommend this boxset as I know you will want to see what happens when a boy becomes a man and an unforgettable kiss.

Katie

2,260 reviews15 followers

March 20, 2018

Beneath: Two book box set
By Shandi Boyes
5 stars!
Beneath the Secrets is the fifth book in the Enigma series by Shandi Boyes and again is a brilliant read! This book could be read as a standalone but having read and LOVED the first 4 books in this series I would absolutely recommend reading them first! This book has helped ease my horrendous book hangover after I had finished book 4! I loved Hugo in the first four books so I couldn’t wait to read his story and find out what he was all about! I also got another dose of Mr Isaac Holt (still oh so dreamy!) As with all of the other books I was hooked from the very first page until I saw those dreaded words on the last page …. ‘To Be Continued’ especially when my heart had just been ripped out by Hugo and a twist I didn’t see coming!
Hugo’s past has remained quite the mystery throughout this series. There have been hints about what has happened in his past but they have never been fully explored until now! Hugo’s story begins right back before he meets Isaac. We get to witness the lovely relationship he has with his sister Marjorie (Jorgie) and the intense attraction between him and his sister’s best friend Ava. Hugo was everything I expected him to be in this book! He was hot, sexy, an alpha male and very dominating!
I really liked Ava too. I really felt sorry for the way people treated her especially the usual nasty high school girls! Girls who don’t even grow up after high school is over! She had loved Hugo for so long that once he finally seemed to acknowledge her she was very unsure of him and his intentions!
The chemistry between the two is undeniable though and there are some pretty steamy scenes between the two of them!
Although having read the first books I knew what happened to Hugo’s sister it still didn’t prepare me for the ending! I have definitely come to realise with this author now that I am not going to be in for a nice relaxed read – I know I am going to be on the edge of my seat the entire way through and I wouldn’t have it any other way! This is by far the best series that I have read! 5 books in and I still can’t get enough of these characters and I am 100% looking forward to the next part in Hugo’s story!

Beneath the Sheets is the sixth book in the Enigma series by Shandi Boyes and is the conclusion to Hugo’s story. These books should definitely be read in order, especially the last two! It is without doubt now that this author is up there with my all-time favourites! I am so, so glad that I have read her books! She has provided me with so many 5 star reads and I have loved every single word that I have read. It’s not often after this many books in a series that I want more – and I do! I want so much more from these characters! I have totally fallen in love with them! I am as completely captivated by this series as I was after finishing book 1.
I was so excited to read this book and I couldn’t wait to finally hear the end of Hugo’s story! I have loved him throughout the series even when he was a secondary character and I love him even more now! I should have guessed from the authors previous stories not to expect anything plain sailing in this story and I was right – but what an ending! As always there were some great plot twists that I wasn’t expecting and we get to see even deeper into Hugo’s life (and I still got my dose of Isaac!!) The story filled in a lot of gaps and questions that I had about Hugo and the ending is exactly what I wanted for him! Hugo is just an amazing person! He protects like no other and he is loyal to his friends and family. He has made a few mistakes in the past but he deserved to be happy and it was always going to be Ava that did that for him.
I still loved Ava in this story – I can only imagine how some of the things that have happened in the past have affected her and it was clearly that she had and will always love Hugo. He is her person! She was stronger and braver than she thought she was and I really admired her for what she had achieved whist grieving for both her best friend and the love of her life.
I am yet again in another book hangover now Hugo’s story is complete but very excited to read more from this author in the future! I know that anything she writes is going to be amazing and this series is definitely one that I will read over and over again! 5 stars for this read and for the series as a whole! I really cannot recommend them enough!

5-star

Lisa

264 reviews4 followers

Hugo Marshall, the right-hand man to Isaac Holt in the Enigma Series, now has a book of his own. Beneath the Secrets by Shandi Boyes tells us the story of Hugo and the series of events that leads to his employment with Isaac and what turns him into the person he is today. While this can be read as a standalone I think the reader would be doing themselves a disservice if they hadn’t read the Enigma books prior to Beneath the Secrets.
The book begins five years prior to Enigma, Hugo has just returned from his last tour in the military. He is at a loss, his life hasn’t turned out the way he had planned, out of the military, broke and at odds on what to do now. Plus, he is dealing with PTSD from something that happened while he was serving that he refuses to speak to anyone about. He has nothing to lose so when he meets Isaac Holt and is offered a job he decides to think about it.
Ava is the nerdy girl next door, the braces wearing book nerd that was an extended part of the Marshall family in their younger days as well as best friend to Hugo’s little sister Jorgie. Now she is back and all grown up. But, Ava harbors a secret, she has been deeply in love with Hugo since she was fourteen. Through a series of machinations Hugo’s sister has managed to bring them back into each other’s’ lives once again.
Hugo tries to fight his attraction to Ava believing he is not good enough for the woman that she has become. Ava believes that she is over her “school girl crush” of Hugo but fate intervenes and proves that theory wrong over and over and over again. Who says you can’t go home? Hugo and Ava reconnect against their every objection to become a couple. But nothing ever ends up simple for the characters in a Shandi Boyes book!
If you are looking for an emotional roller-coaster of a terrific book this is definitely a must read. Ms. Boyes I think I am going to change your name to Shandi “heart attack” Boyes!! You really know how to keep a person on the edge of their seat while begging for more…This book is everything I had hoped it would be to give insight into what happened to make Hugo the man that he is. I loved him before this but now I understand him. I will be recommending this book to anyone who has read and enjoyed the Enigma Series and the books leading up to Isaac’s story. Thank you, thank you Shandi Boyes for creating this world!
Beneath the Sheets by Shandi Boyes is the sixth book in the Enigma Series and the conclusion to Hugo’s story. I don’t recommend reading this book if you haven’t read the first part of Hugo’s story. To truly enjoy this book I really recommend reading the Enigma Series in order.
Beneath the Sheets starts five years after Beneath the Secrets ended and Hugo is regretting his decision. He is re-thinking his life and where he wants it to go from here. He misses his family, friends and most of all Ava.
Ava has been doing her best to live her life without Hugo in it, but she still holds him close to her heart. She has tried to move on but she is still in the same city, at the same job and she still has the bottle of cologne Hugo left in her bathroom that she still puts on her pillow so that she can still smell him and feel close to him. Ava has done what she needed to do to get through the past five years. When Hugo returns he throws Ava’s entire world off its axis. Ava has been keeping a secret from Hugo though, and it’s a doozy. Will she let Hugo back into her world? Will Hugo win Ava back or will he disappear into the sunset once again?
I couldn’t wait for this part of Hugo’s story and boy was it worth it. While not as action packed as the other books in the Enigma series it brought Hugo’s book to the conclusion he deserved. It’s great to have both books in a box set, definitely beats having to search out the second one. Get ready for a seamless reading experience filled with great characters and an enchanting storyline.

Julie

282 reviews

July 23, 2018

Beneath the Secrets
Shandi Boyes
Beneath the Secrets by Shandi Boyes is a five star novel. This is my favorite novel of hers so far. After reading the Enigma series, you will become intrigued by Hugo and his life. Thank you Ms Boyes for allowing us now to have a glimpse into Hugo’s life and giving him his chance as the main character of a novel! Your fans are much appreciative. This book starts back in Hugo’s life before he meets Isaac Holt. When that's moment happened, everything changed for him. Hugo and his sister, Jorgie are very close. They love playing pranks on each other and no matter how old they get, the pranks just escalate. After serving two tours in Afghanistan, Hugo is just living life day by day. He has been helping out his little sister by working on her car while the hubby is on his second tour. Hawke and Jorgie fell instantly in love and no matter what Hugo said, he couldn't keep them away from each other. Hawke was his best friend and now he is his brother in law. He doesn't really know how this happened but he is happy that his sister is happy and finally got out of her rebellious streak. So she wants to set him up with her best friend Ava. Wouldn't that be perfect? But Hugo isn't interested in getting married and settling down. He enjoys his one night stands and complete lack of stability. But after another one of Jorgie’s pranks, Hugo sets eyes on Ava for the first time in six years. He can't believe his eyes, and neither can she since she is seeing all of him! Will the high school crush turn in to something more or will they just continue on the way they have been?

Beneath the Sheets
Shandi Boyes
Beneath the Sheets by Shandi Boyes is the second novel in Hugo’s story and is a five star novel. Please read Beneath the Secrets before you read the rest of this review as there will be some spoilers. Hugo is a big burly guy who works for Isaac Holt. Isaac is a hugely successful businessman. When Isaac starts dating Izzy, he decides to move Hugo from his 9-5 job and put him in charge of her detail. He is very happy about the change because he knows how much Isaac really does trust him now. Then one day, he turns his back for just a second and she gets abducted. Hugo has known this feeling before when his sister was killed in a car accident. He feels responsible for the accident because the mob boss was actually after him. This event changed his life forever and that of his best friend Hawke since he was married to her. After visiting Hawke and trying to keep a low profile in his new life, he realizes he must go back home. He must let the people he knows and loves that he is still alive. He left his life five years ago to try to protect them from the mob boss but now that he is dead, maybe he can build those relationships back up again. That includes his relationship with Ava. He loves her and is desperate to get her back. He knows how much his leaving has hurt her, but he is hopeful she might forgive him. When he gets to his mom’s house on Christmas Day, he realizes that she has moved on. She has moved on to a guy who acts just like her father and tells her exactly what she can and can't do. He knows she isn't happy but also knows he might not be able to change that.

Shannon

849 reviews5 followers

Beneath the Secrets is the first part of Hugo’s story which includes many flash backs to high school and his forever crush on Ava. We first met Hugo in the Enigma series but this box set can be read without reading that series.

Oh Shandi Boyes! What have you done to my heart!?! Beneath the Secrets? Oh no you just created more secrets! Oh and that ending?! I have said this before in my reviews, there are some books that just make you say WTF did I just read…so yeah, right now, Shandi Boyes what the actual…did I just read!?!

Hugo’s story is huge! It starts when he was in high school, crushing on his little sister’s best friend, Ava. But being a player, he kept innocent Ava at arm’s length. Ava was raised by overly strict parents, with a father that bordered on mental abuse. Ava and Hugo’s friendship never falters over the years. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, at least for these two it does. However, lack of true communication, secrets and jealousy keeps them from getting a happily ever after, at least for now.

“I want a man who has no qualms in showing his affection even with a house full of spectators. A man devoted solely and entirely to me. That is what I want and crave. That is what I deserve.”

And then the second part of Hugo’s story is Beneath the Sheets. Shandi Boyes has given us another book boyfriend! We learn that our main character, Hugo, is protective, thoughtful, caring, sexy, strong and so much more. Beneath the Sheets is the conclusion to Beneath the Secrets, which makes this the perfect boxed set. Hugo made some choices in his life and we learn just how devastated he is from the choices he felt he had to make in his past. Those choices, of course, didn’t just devastate him but they devastated those he loved as well. His mother and father, his siblings, and Ava. Ava is the love of his life. And everything he does, he does for her. What he doesn’t know is that his choices, while made with the purest of heart and good intentions, crushed Ava. He also doesn’t know that Ava is waiting and praying for his return. A return that is a long time coming.

“It shouldn’t matter if it is a week or a year, if they are who your heart desires, that’s all that matters.”

I believe all readers of romance novels are looking for the kind of love Hugo has for Ava. Time doesn’t matter. Distance is no object. Nothing will stop Hugo from finding his happily ever after, even if he believes he doesn’t deserve it.

Shandi Boyes has a writing style that makes you want to just keep reading. The characters in her other books have become your friends, your family even. You want to be them. Beneath the Sheets is no different. Every one of her stories have had me turning page after page, non-stop! I loved that Ava wasn’t a weak female. Yes, she loved Hugo with her whole heart, yes she was crushed. Did she roll over and die when he made his choices? No, not quite. She needed to live and Shandi Boyes made sure she did. The male characters are swoon-worthy while the females are determined and strong. We all want someone to love while being loved right back and Ava is no different.

Definitely recommend this boxed set!

Mom's Guilty Pleasure

1,096 reviews5 followers

Tracy Antonelli Manderson

Beneath: Two Book Boxset by Shandi Boyes
5 amazing stars

You can’t go wrong with a Shandi Boyes book. I’m in love with this series. She is one of a few authors I know regardless what she releases I won’t be disappointed...

Beneath the Secrets is book one of the set.

I absolutely can not get enough of these characters. We are feeling getting a sneak peak into Hugo. We knew he was a good guy that we were going to love, but he isn’t all hearts are roses.

This book is a second chance at love in a way. Hugo’s childhood friend Ava crosses paths with him after years of disappearing. He is also down on his luck and in the midst of making a major decision after an opportunity was offered to him. Now he has to decide if he's going to embrace it or give it all up for a mistake he seems to be thinking of making.

“You can run with a lie, but you can’t hide from the truth. It will always catch up with you,”

Ava and Hugo still have a connection even after six years have passed. Ava doesn't want Hugo to know how much she still thinks about him. Hugo can't believe how much she's matured since he saw her last and wishes he could fight his attraction. He knows he has nothing to offer her, but is too jealous to watch anyone show her an ounce of attention.

“The tension between us is static, like a storm brewing on the horizon, full of electric energy just waiting to combust...I stare at him while silently pondering will he be that man for me? Will he love me above all others? Will he cherish me as if I am his most valued possession?”

Beneath the Sheets is book two of the set

Shandi Boyes hit another one out of the park! This series just gets better and better with each book. I love learning more about the previous characters and how their stories intertwine. If (I don't know why you'd want to miss any of this series) you don't read the series in order I think you should at least read Beneath the Secrets prior to this book to help explain some of Hugo’s story and the cliffhanger that it picks up from.

Hugo isn't the only one keeping secrets. He is starting to reconsider the choices he made and why. It's been five years since he choose to live a new life and he's starting to wonder if it was worth it. Was it worth missing out on the life he dreams about daily? Was it worth living without those he loves?

“It took courage to walk away like you did. To sacrifice everything to keep your family safe. To keep Ava safe. But a man who can admit he made a mistake would be even more courageous than that.”

This story is filled with so many emotions...regret, forgiveness, love, heartache, hope, fear and passion. There are twist and surprises thrown in with many secrets. You won't regret diving into this series it's one of my favorites. It's worth a reread once Shandi breaks my heart and finishes this series. I know Hunter's story is next so I have at least one more new read to add to my TBR list.

679 reviews5 followers

Beneath: Two Book Box set by Shandi Boyes
5 out of 5 stars
I read these books separately and had to read them again that’s hoe good these books are.
Beneath the Secrets.
I was blown away with Hugo’s and Ava’s heartwarming emotional love story. Even though I haven’t read the first four books in this series yet I highly recommend reading them first. Hugo and Ava are amazing characters that are well written.
We get to see Hugo’s life before he meets Isaac Holt. We also get to see moment he met the man and how everything changed for him.
We get to witness the lovely relationship he has with his sister Jorgie and the way they love playing pranks on each other and no matter how old they get, the pranks just escalate. And the intense attraction between him and his sister’s best friend Ava.
What happens when the only girl you’ve ever lusted comes crashing back into the picture?
Nothing…
The last time he saw Ava, she was no doubt attractive. Although she’s always been a little nerdy, and her head never left the inside of a book during her entire schooling experience, she could garner the attention of any hot-blooded male she feigned an interest in and himself included. Just one flash of her killer smile and he wanted to drop to his knees and kiss her feet. But a lot has changed since Ava left town six years ago with a flood of tears streaming down her face. Circumstances change. People change. He has changed. He is no longer a teenage boy who can’t control his cock around a beautiful girl. He is a grown man. A man that has done two tours in Afghanistan. A man that has no troubles controlling his cock. A man that can still remember the sweet taste of her lips.
Beneath the Sheets.
This is the conclusion to Hugo’s story. These books should definitely be read in order, especially the last two! There are twist and turns with a few surprise‘s and I still love Hugo and Ava.
Five years ago, he made a mistake. If he’d known his hasty decision was going to have the consequences it did, he would have evaluated it with more diligence. He would have taken the time to properly assess the repercussions of his actions. But when his sister and unborn nephew were killed in a horrific accident, any chances of his grief-riddled brain forming a rational decision was lost. He was hurting too much. Losing Jorgie and Malcolm gutted him. Losing Ava the same week, utterly destroyed him.
For the past five years, he has been a ghost, missing, presumed dead, hidden from the people who are seeking his demise. He knew eventually his past would catch up with him. He just never fathomed once it did, it would unravel even more secrets than the ones he has been hiding.

But he is tired of running and fighting fate it’s time to head back
I highly recommend this box set / series…
By
Tracy

Maura

2,185 reviews6 followers

From Beneath The Secrets:

Hugo’s story.

We get to go back to the very beginning and learn about “certain events and people in his life (who) influenced the man he has become today”. We learn how Hugo and Isaac (Mr. Trust Fund or Boss as Hugo calls him) meet and become friends and colleagues. Hugo has served 2 tours in Afghanistan, can dance like Channing Tatum, has muscles galore and generally makes all the girls soon.

Ava has loved him since she was a kid. She is his sister’s best friend and he has never noticed her in the way she desires. Until he does. The story of their relationship sent me in a frenzy of emotions, from joy to sadness to anger to everything in between.

This story is very complex and I don’t want to give anything away so I’m going to share a few quotes:

“Unless you look past the surface, you’ll never find the diamond hidden beneath the rubble”

“Your like Clark Kent. You keep your superhero identity hidden by outsiders”

“You don’t say Goodbye – You say, I’ll see you later”

Ok Hugo, your story is half way through so for now I’m going to say I’ll see you later!!!

Beneath the Sheets review:

“The past cannot be changed, forgotten, edited, or erased. It can only be accepted”. This story is Part 2 of Hugo’s past. We know that Hugo is like “Clark Kent who keeps his superhero identity inside” and now we have a deeper understanding of how true that is.

“…family isn’t the people related to you by blood. It is the people you chose to be a part of your life that makes them family.” Beneath the Sheets is ALL about family of choice AND family of blood. We learn how Hugo and Isaac are bonded and we get to see Hugo’s point of view on a few of the things that happened between Izzy and Isaac and why he did it.

As with all of the books in the Enigma Series there are twists and turns that are unexpected. The story is moving merrily along when suddenly the brakes get hit and you skid into a side street that takes you to a different town square. Shandi Boyes ALWAYS brings us back to the main road again. It’s what I enjoy about reading her stories. The main thread is always the core to the story.

In addition to Hugo’s story concluding, we also get a deeper understanding of “Blondie”. If you have been curious about how Brandon fits into everything, this is going to answer some of your questions.

Beneath the Sheets allows the series to come full circle and gives me, the reader, closure on the entire Enigma series. Well done Shandi Boyes.

Mayra Leon

70 reviews

February 16, 2022

Definitely worth a read and I love Hugo’s story more

Beneath the Secrets was a sweet story. I loved reading about the vulnerable part or Hugo and read about that innocent love from a childhood love that grows into something more. I hate to say but I related to Eva and I think a lot of readers would as well, regarding that awkward innocence when you are trying to work up the nerve to change your relationship with your crush. I loved getting to understand who Hugo was before Isaac and before he became who he was. I got to read about his family and Jorgie. I finally got to see who she was and I understand why she was so important to Hugo and everyone around her. I loved how the Author wrote from both perspectives and alternated chapters randomly. Lots of different views and it broke my heart getting closer to the end when I realized when he was getting ready to disappear with Isaac. I was shaking my head the last chapters because even though I knew how it had to end because without that happening he would not have been there for Isaac or Izzy in the Enigma series, but in my heart I still wanted to yell at Hugo not to do it.

Beneath the Sheets starts around Chapter one of Enigma, the Final Chapter and what Hugo did behind the scenes during the last book. I loved how vulnerable the author made Hugo and how he had to confront his demons in order to get his family back. Reading about his development as a character who was avoiding his past to avoid his pain because he felt he was unworthy, to realizing that he is about to lose it all if he didn’t step up and face it was great to read. The spicy level on this series was a little more tame that the rest of the stories but I also felt it was more loving. It wasn’t, “I’m gonna have unrealistic spicy scenes of lots and lots of spice” it was more realistic in my mind. Don’t get me wrong, there is something about being able to read about the unrealistic spicy scenes but deep down you know its not really likely. The Spice scenes in this one were a good mix of believable/I wish it was so. Overall it was a good book but not, to buy worthy.

Angelina Frazzini

560 reviews7 followers

Beneath by Shandi Boyes is a two book box set that contains the books Beneath the Secrets and Beneath the Sheets.

These books are not the first books I’ve read by this author but just as before, I fell in love with these characters and the story. While these books can definitely be read as standalones, they tie in to the Enigma series and will help you better understand the story.

Beneath the Secrets
Hugo Marshall is back from his last tour in Afghanistan and the last person he expected to see was Ava. Ava has always been an extended part of the Marshall family due to her friendship with Hugo’s younger sister but she’s also the nerdy, nose in a book girl that Hugo lusted after. That’s all changed now. Everything is different. Hugo isn’t the same and Ava isn’t the same girl that left town. What Hugo doesn’t know is that Ava left town with a secret. Does time really change your feelings? Do circumstances after your interests? Is Hugo using time and age as a way to push Ava out of mind?

Book one will take you through Ava and Hugo getting reacquainted. Books one should be read before reading book two!

Beneath the Sheets
This is book two in Hugo’s story and you won’t want to put it down once you start! Hugo has left home to protect the ones he loves even though he knows the pain it’s caused. Especially for Ava. He’s been hiding not only himself, but his secrets as well. Running and hiding get tiring though and Hugo realizes it’s time to go home and face the consequences. Losing Ava forever, didn’t seem like one he would have to face. Hugo is desperately in love with Ava but he may have lost his chance. Once Hugo’s secrets are exposed, will he be able to get his life back?

These books were fabulous and definitely kept me on the edge of my seat! Five stars!!

Debi

1,135 reviews6 followers

Beneath: Two Book Boxset by Shandi Boyes

5 Stars

I don't even know where to begin with these books, it seems Im feeling about the same every time I finish one of this authors books or series. She is a master of words, i wish I could spend a day inside her mind, although I'm sure that would scare the heck out of me! I have no idea how she does it but every single book she has me banging my head on my desk, or wanting to throw my kindle, or has me wiping my tears and my nose on whatever I can grab close to me. Brilliant doesn't even come close to describing her talent.

Hugo and Ava’s story had me feeling all kinds of emotional. I loved them both and I thought it was awesome how they came to see each other again after many years, thanks to his sister Jorgie, who also happened to be Ava’s best friend. I especially loved how Hugo came upon Isaac since Isaac is like one of my favorite book characters of all time now and how all of that played out. The end of book 1 gutted me, but that's nothing new with this author LOL

I'm not going to go into any details about what happened in this story, I will say there is a lot going on...and I could not read them fast enough, do yourself a favor and carve out time when you pick these up because you are going to be lost to the real world for the amount of time it takes you to read them.

Im almost to the point where I can say I've read all of Shandi Boyes books, and can promise that I will have every one of them on my shelf. It seems I've read a lot of them out of order and I truly can't wait to just take a weekend and read from Book one to the very last one

Brilliant Storyteller!!

Ashleigh

516 reviews23 followers

Beneath the Secrets by Shani Boyes is presented in a box set for the first time, and I couldn't have loved this series more. Following the story of Hugo Marshall, who we first meet in the Enigma Series, gets the spotlight thrown on him for once and we get to see his backstory and how he came to work for Isaac, and how he came to be the man that he is today. Starting at more than five years prior to the Enigma series, we see Hugo coming home from his last tour in the military and how his life is just not what he was expected. Turned completely upside down he can't talk about the things that he saw or what he did but when Isaac asks him to work for him the job sounds appealing. But when Hugo runs into Ava, the quintessential girl next door, he is reminded with what he lost before going to war. Ava has always loved Hugo and seeing him hurting and lost is killing her. Just how far is Ava willing to go to prove to Hugo that she is everything that he needs? When the darkness that is consuming him comes after Ava just what is Hugo willing to do to save the girl that has waited for him to come home? I could not get enough of this box set, and was so happy that it was presented this way so you got to read it all at once. I have read several of Boyes books in the past, loving each one for the strong male leads and fierce females counterparts that she creates. Her storylines just pull you in from the first page, and I was stuck on the edge of my seat wanting to know how Hugo and Ava were going to end up. If you are looking for a great story about two people who didn't see the other coming, than this is the box set for you!

2018

Jana

881 reviews

March 16, 2018

Beneath: Two Book Boxset by Shandi Boyes is a beautiful gift to all of her readers – you get both books in one go and do not need to come up for air when drowning in this smashing contemporary romance. I have read quite a few books by Shandi Boyes and though you can read these two books as standalones, they are actually in some ways part of the bigger series (Enigma). I am sure once you finish these two, you will feel compelled to go looking for more!
Beneath is the story of Hugo and Ava. They are meant for each other but of course nothing is that simple when it comes to life! It is a story about love, family; friendships that go beyond the mundane, sacrifice, guilt … you just name it! Hugo is battling demons and at times they win, Ava has her own baggage that brings along its own challenges … nothing is straight forward here! There are 5 YEARS between the first and second book!!! After these five years Hugo returns to face the music, to try to make amends and pray that Ava’s heart is big enough to give him another chance …
I cried and I laughed and mostly I cried … The story will take you hostage, play with your emotions and at times you are not sure where is up and where is down, it is such a rollercoaster, such emotions … and it is not just women who feel here, it is also those strong alpha males! I could not put the story down … Do yourself a favor and read it! You will not regret it!

Angela

8,582 reviews123 followers

March 16, 2018

5 Stars

Beneath is a two book boxed set by Shandi Boyes. It contains Hugo Marshall's story, divided over two parts- ‘Beneath the Sheets’ and ‘Beneath the Secrets’ (Books #5 & #6 in the Enigma Series). If you are familiar with the Enigma series, then you would know Hugo, and just like me you would probably be extremely intrigued by him. We meet Hugo in the first instalments of Enigma, as he is Isaac Holt's right hand man- but it is obvious that there is sooooo much more to Hugo than is ever revealed in the first four books. We get tantalizing snippets here and there, but they just wet the appetite for more. Well, in this boxed set we finally get the answers we’ve been looking for, and in true Shandi Boyes fashion, she takes us on a journey that we won’t soon forget.
I really loved Hugo in the first four books, but after reading this boxed set, I can say I loved him even more. He is such a complex, yet endearing character that has had some incredible heartache in his life. His experiences are heart clenching. Then add Ava to the mix and this story really takes flight. I love them both individually- but together OMG!!! Ms. Boyes really knows how to write a story that will captivate all your emotions. She is one of my all time favourite authors and I have loved EVERYTHING she has written. I can’t recommend her and her stories enough- and I can’t wait for more.

Bravo, and thank you, Ms. Boyes!

Rebecca

161 reviews

March 30, 2018

Beneath the Secrets by Shandi Boyes gives us the story many of us begged for. This story follows Hugo and the series of events that leads him to being Isaacs right hand. This can be read as a standalone, however if you haven’t read the enigma series you may want to just so you know who everyone is. Hugo has just gotten home from his his military tour. Hugo has clear signs and symptoms of ptsd, he’s unsure what to do with his life, his life hasn’t turned out the way he had expected. Hugo comes home feeling as if he has nothing to lose so when he meets Isaac and gets a job offer he decides to consider the options laid out in front of him. The story also Introduces
Ava who is the usual nerdy girl next door, Ava is best friend to Hugo’s little sister Jorgie. Now she is back and very grown up. Hugo doesn’t know it but Ava has been in love with Hugo since she was a teenager.

Beneath the Sheets by Shandi Boyes is the sixth book in the Enigma Series and the conclusion to Hugo’s story. Beneath the Sheets starts five years after Beneath the Secrets ended and Hugo is regretting his decision. He is re-thinking his life and where he wants it to be. Ava has been doing her best to live her life without Hugo in it. Ava has done what she needed to do to get through the past five years. When Hugo returns it throws Ava completely off and it means telling him about something she didn’t expect to have to. What will become of Hugo and Ava? Read and find out!

Karyn Taylor

741 reviews2 followers

✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿ V E E ✿⋆·˚❀˚·⋆✿

The Beneath boxset contains the 2 novels Beneath The Secrets and Beneath The Sheets. These are books 5 & 6 in the Enigma series (books 1-4 are Isaac Holt’s story).
With the Beneath boxset, Shandi Boyes has given us another 5 star read and she is rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors.
Having read Isaac’s story I had already fallen in love with the character of Hugo and couldn’t wait to read his story and get to know this amazing man better. Boyes did not disappoint. I fell even more in love with this amazing character when I got to see inside his head.
I love how this book takes us back to the very beginning of how Hugo met Isaac and became his right hand man.
Ava is the best friend of Hugo’s sister Jorgie and from an early age there has always been a spark between Ava and Hugo. Ava and Hugo’s story will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. You will laugh along with them and you will most definitely cry along with them too. Having read Isaac’s story I already knew of the tragic event that hits Hugo and Ava but I still wasn’t prepared for how it hit me when it happened.
Ava and Hugo are two amazing characters who are perfect for each other and deserve to be together but with so much heartbreak and danger in their lives will they ever get their Happily Ever After?

323 reviews

January 21, 2025

Okay book two or rather couple two of the series. I would like to say I truly enjoyed and appreciate reading and understanding the background as to why Hugo became the person he is.

I mean did we already know what his story was, yes partly but fully reading it and understanding what his hardships were before even before his sister’s passing helps us understand hugo in a much deeper level.

Now Ava do I understand and know why she had to go back to Marvin yes I do. I just wish there would have been more of a conflict maybe with her feelings. Yes she loved Hugo and wasn’t ever going to love someone like she loved him but it would have been nice to see her not suffering as much as she was.

I will say you can totally read through my highlights and all but Joel was something I was not something I saw coming. I really did enjoy reading about Hugo be a father and, for that reason I will forgive that we didn’t get to see Ava be introduced to the family hugo has created around him.

This book was the second chance romance I was promised from the first book. Would have I enjoyed to see more groveling from Hugo yes but I also think he has been through enough that I just loved getting to see him get his happy ending.

Tracy Wilkin

1,208 reviews15 followers

Beneath is a two book box set and part of the Enigma series by sensational author Shandi Boyes. This series would certainly be among my very favourite. These were stories I immersed myself in and was totally enamoured by the characters and their story. This friends to lovers addition to the Enigma series was a sensual read with excitement and drama aplenty. Hugo and Ava were a constant joy and delight to get to know. Their journey was joy, sadness, reflection, rediscovery, all rolled into one thrilling and satisfying box set. Beneath the Secrets is book 5 in the Enigma series and Beneath the Sheets is book 6.

I cannot express what enjoyment I get whenever i read anything by Shandi Boyes. I am guaranteed a cracking story filled with angst, energy and passion. I can easily escape into the story with the characters and always am left with a stunning contentment. I believe when you are on a good thing, stick to it. I am stuck on these characters and this series. Books by this author are always readily received and thoroughly enjoyed. Future releases cannot come quickly enough. 5 stars.

Lyndsey

1,085 reviews4 followers

March 16, 2018

Beneath: Two Book Box set by Shandi Boyes
5 stars

Holy moly, shes done it again. I fell in love with Hugo in the Enigma series and knew he had a heck of a story behind those eyes but nothing prepared me for this!

Beneath the Secrets is book 1 and is Hugos story of how he meets Isaac, his new boss. While fighting his attraction to his sisters nest friend for years, after a prank, there's no denying the spark on both sides. Ava is finally able to hide her crush on Hugo, until he's around. As they try to make something between them, the rug gets pulled out when an accident takes a hit at them both.
When Hugo takes matters in his own hands, he disappears after a quick goodbye.

Beneath the Sheets

This is the second book and my goodness if the first book didn't hurt, this one patched me back together after rubbing some salt in oof wounds. Secrets are revealed, and feelings are finally confronted.
Can the future hold more than the past?

I don't know how she does this, but every story is better than the last, and sucks you in from the first word. Keep writing, ill keep reading!

Rebecca

80 reviews5 followers

Beneath: Tow Book Boxset is the first book I have read by this author Shandi Boyes.
These books have it all from friendship to romance where they are more or less family, happiness, jealousy, passion, angst, heartache, and tragedy but most importantly love. It will have you laughing, smiling, feeling frustrated that the characters can't quite figure out there undeniable electric connection, and the continuous back and forth. We may get a lot of back-and-forth with these characters but through it all you can tell they can not only feel the connection, they are no longer unable to deny it. This is a brilliant friend to lover story with the added extra’s. But will the secrets keep these two characters from finding their happily ever after?
I could not put these books down I needed to keep reading to see where these characters were taking me. I can guarantee you I will be going and reading the rest of her work. If you haven't read anything from this author I believe you should but don't take my word for it have a look for your self. Happy Reading

Nicole

385 reviews1 follower

Beneath: Two Book Boxset
By Shandi Boyes
5/5 Stars

Beneath: Two Book Boxset by Shandi Boyes contains two books. Book One, Beneath the Secrets and Book two, Beneath the Sheets. Both books follow Hugo and Ava. I kinda fell for Hugo in the Enigma series. But oh my, these books. They’ll make you swoon over a fictional character. We all want a love like this!!
Book 1, Beneath The Secrets-we discover that Hugo and Ava secretly have a crush for on one another, unbeknownst to the other person. But what will they do about it? Now, that is the question.
Book 2, Beneath the Sheets-Secrets are revealed. Will it be enough to hurt Ava and Hugo once and for all? Or will they be able to patch things up and move forward to the future ?
This isn’t my first time reading Shandi’s books. But seriously, I don’t know how she does it! Each book is always better than the last! I’ll definitely keep reading , so keep on writing Shandi.. I’m a forever fan now!

Jenni

6,449 reviews79 followers

March 23, 2018

Beneath the Secrets by Shandi Boyes
Will Hugo’s mistake cost him everything? Will he finally wake up and see what is right in front of him? Will he walk away from the only good thing left in his life? Will Ava be able to forgive the mistakes? Will the two ever have a future together?

This story is bit of an emotional roller coaster ride. At times you will be laughing out loud and the next you will be sobbing. I am now off to read the next installment. Enjoy!!

Beneath the Sheets by Shandi Boyes
This story has it all including friendship and romance, happiness and passion, secrets and lies, heartache and frustration but amongst all that there is love. You will find yourself laughing, yet sad and frustrated with the choices of the characters. At times you want to knock some sense into them but as the story goes, you can’t fight fate.

Marilyn

450 reviews5 followers

March 28, 2018

Beneath Boxset by Shandi Boyes includes the books Beneath the Secrets and Beneath the sheets. It is also books 5 and 6 of the Enigma series. I do not think you need to read the previous books. It is a complete standalone boxset. We see the story of Hugo and Ava. This definitely has the pull push feeling throughout the book. Hugo and Ava have to go through tragedy to see if they can come together. This book will absolutely gut you, you will ugly cry but it will also put you back together. My heart aches for a character. The writing by this author is so good that you get lost in the book. Time flies without you realizing it. You will want to keep reading until the end. Once you reach the end you want more. This is such a great story. I give it 5 stars. Definitely recommend.

Lu Munroe

10 reviews

December 19, 2021

Great Plot, extremely poor copy editing.

As much as I have enjoyed reading quite a few of this author's books because she has great plots, I gag at how poorly her books are edited shown frequently in the improper use of words, misspellings and grammatically incorrect sentence construction.

The series on Isacc and Isabelle as well as that of Hugo and Ava are my favorites. But I think I'm going to take a break from Shandie Boyes for a while to give a stomach a chance to recover from all the editing snafus. Clearly, the author does not have extensive knowledge of grammatical construction and shame on the copy editors for failing to support her great plots.

Maria

2,488 reviews23 followers

December 19, 2024

Sweetest Pancakes

Hugo's story with Ava was very good. We get to understand him with his story. In the beginning of the story reading about his relationship with all of his siblings was fun, but at the same time it was difficult to read because since after reading the first four books in Enigma, I knew what was going to come with one of them. So much happened from the last time he saw Ava to his five years with Isaac. A great story. I am looking forward to Hunter's story and am wondering if Hawke will get his HEA.

LZW

700 reviews

March 30, 2018

This set features Beneath the Secrets & Beneath the Sheets. Both stories are about Hugo and his journey of love with Ava. As with Shandi Boyes other books, there are lots of shocks/surprises/twists. Her writing takes you to the ledge, then pushes you off lol! His story is a roller coaster of emotion which will have you shouting & cursing at your kindle;) Engages from start of book 1 to the end of book 2, couldn’t put it down! Great banter btw Hugo & Ava, and a love story for the ages!

Heather Lovelace

1,405 reviews10 followers