Title: Beneath These Chains
Author: Meghan March
Series: Beneath
Release Date: June 16th 2015
Synopsis
I was raised on the streets, so I know things are rarely as
simple as they appear—especially this rich girl showing up at my pawnshop
demanding a job.
She’s the most tempting thing I’ve ever seen, and I’ll be
damned if I can make her leave.
Shit just got complicated … but when it comes to her—I want
complicated.
We’re both fighting our own demons, and our only chance at a
future is to let go of the past.
But will we be strong enough to break free from beneath
these chains?
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Excerpt
Chapter 1
Lord
I fucking hated people who stole from me. Which was ironic,
considering the only thing that had kept me from starving as a kid had been
picking pockets and snatching purses. I dropped my elbows to the desk and
rubbed a hand over my buzzed head.
“Goddamn, karma’s a bitch.”
“She the bitch you fucked last night, bro?” The leather of
my office couch creaked as Mathieu sank his tall, lanky frame into it.
“How many times do I have to tell you not to call women
‘bitches,’ boy?”
My words were met with a long sigh from Mathieu. Ever since
he’d walked into Chains and tried to grab a guitar and run back out the
door—only to be tackled to the ground by yours truly—he’d been a fixture in my
life. To be fair, his choices had been to work off the price of what he’d attempted
to steal, or go directly to the nearest cop shop. The entire situation had been
such a blast from the past, I’d caught myself smiling when I should’ve been
glaring and scaring the piss out of the kid. But apparently I’d done an okay
job of it because he’d decided starting a rap sheet at seventeen wasn’t a good
plan. Thank fuck. Almost two years later, the kid was my right hand.
And now that Chains was mine, someone was stealing from
me—but not just someone. An employee. Someone I should’ve been able to trust.
The cameras I had installed on her day off had already paid for themselves.
I rolled my head from side to side, cracking my neck. I
hated firing people. It never got easier. And this time? This time it was going
to be even worse … because there would be tears. And quite possibly claws.
Pushing up from the chair, I strode to the door without
looking at Mathieu. Over my shoulder, I tossed, “You might want to stay here;
Brianna’s ass is about to get canned.”
“For real?” His words followed me out, but I didn’t bother
to reply.
Every time I stepped foot onto the shop floor, a feeling of
pride surged through me—pride that I’d helped build this business into one that
was not only honest, but profitable. At least, it was profitable when one of my
employees wasn’t skimming off the till and messing with my bank deposits.
Finger twirling in her long, dark extensions and gum
snapping between her teeth, Brianna flipped the pages of a magazine with a
giant black Sharpie in one hand, circling shit. Probably shit she wanted to buy
with the money she’d been stealing from me. The store was empty, which made
what I was about to do a little easier.
“Bree, need a few minutes.”
Her head popped up, lips pursing as she took me in. “You can
have all the time you need, boss.” Her gaudy fake eyelashes batted at me in
what I assumed was supposed to be a sexy move. I stowed the urge to tell her to
save it for someone whose dick got hard at the sight of her … but since I was
about to fire her, why add insult to injury? The woman had been unsuccessfully
trying to add her notch to my bedpost since I’d hired her. Bringing her on had
been a mistake, and I’d known it from the minute she’d walked in the door, but
a friend had called in a favor.
“Boss? You had something to say?” she prompted.
I watched her, not speaking.
She stopped the hair twirling and capped the Sharpie,
resituating herself on the stool and folding her hands in her lap.
“Lord?”
“You’re done.”
Bree’s dark eyes flew wide. “Done? You mean done for the
day?”
“Done. For good. Get your shit and get out.”
Bree lost the innocent pose as she crossed her arms and
stared me down. “Not until you tell me why.”
In two long strides, I closed the distance between the
register and me and pressed my hands to the counter.
“I gave you a job. Gave you a paycheck you didn’t have to
suck a dick to get. But that wasn’t enough for you. You had to have more, and
instead of coming to me and asking for a raise, you decided to make it happen
yourself.”
The color faded from her face, leaving her mocha-colored
skin sallow. “Wh-what?”
“Get your shit.”
“I swear, I didn’t—”
“Don’t fucking lie to me. I can show you the tape if you
want to see what I saw.”
Her lower lip started to wobble. It wasn’t going to work.
I’d given her the benefit of the doubt, hoped I was wrong or it was just a
one-time thing. But she’d gotten too bold.
“But I need this—”
I cut her off. She
wasn’t even going to deny it. Not that she could. We both knew she’d done it,
and I wasn’t in the mood to listen to her beg or justify her actions. Even
though she didn’t know it, I’d already given her a second chance. And all that
had done was cost me even more than I could afford to lose. “I needed someone
to work the shop—someone who wasn’t going to fuck me over and steal from me.
You weren’t capable of that, so you’re out. Now get your shit.”
“But—”
“Save your breath, Bree. I ain’t listening unless you’re
here to tell me you’ve got all the money you’ve taken, and you’re putting it
right back where it belongs.”
Her face twisted into an angry glare even as the tears
started falling. “You … you don’t understand.”
“No, I really don’t understand.” I crossed my arms and
waited her out. When she realized the water works weren’t changing my decision,
she spun off the stool, grabbed her giant purple purse from behind the counter,
and stalked toward the door.
“You get all self-righteous with me about a little cash
while you basically steal from people? Giving ‘em twenty dollars for their
shit? Like you’re one to judge.”
A little cash? She’d skimmed enough to buy a nice used car,
and I’d been too trusting to even realize it until the numbers hadn’t added up
in a big way.
She slowed near the guitars at the front of the store and
malicious glee lit her eyes.
She wouldn’t.
Oh, but she did.
Bree grabbed a guitar and swung it toward the rack as the
chimes above the front door jangled. Wood crashed against wood, and two female
screeches erupted.
Shit … if she injured a customer…
I charged Bree and ripped the guitar from her hands before
she could swing again. A swirl of red hair caught my attention as the other
woman dodged out of the strike zone.
Bree struggled against my hold, and I wondered if I was
going to end up with a face full of the acrylic claws tearing at my arms. “Let
go of me, you asshole!”
“Whoa, boss. Getting
the door for ya.” Mathieu bolted across the shop and yanked the door open
again. I hustled Bree out and set her free on the sidewalk.
She spun to face Mathieu and me. “You’re gonna regret this,”
she hissed. “I swear, you will.”
A soft laugh came from the open door. “From what I’ve seen,
I highly doubt it.”
Bree opened her mouth to spew something else, but I shut her
down. “Get gone. I don’t ever wanna see you near my shop again.”
Bree’s flinty eyes narrowed as she shouldered her purse.
“Fuck you, Lord. You think you’re better than me? Not a chance. You’re just
thievin’ street scum. Fuck you.”
“And now she’s getting repetitious,” the husky female voice
commented from behind me.
Lip curling in disgust, Bree turned and marched toward the
corner, never looking back.
“Her exit could totally use some work, but all-in-all, that
was one hell of a welcome.”
I turned to survey the woman standing in the doorway of
Chains. Even without a photographic memory, I didn’t think I’d ever forget this
particular pose: one arm braced on the doorframe and the other propped on her
hip, a green dress hugging curves that had my entire body sitting up and taking
notice. Matched with her long, curling red hair, she was a goddamn knockout.
What the hell is she doing here?
“You lost, sweet thing?”
She stepped onto the sidewalk and tore the HELP WANTED sign
off the bottom corner of the front window. Holding it between two fingers, she
smiled. “Nope. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’m your newest employee.”
Teasers
Author Bio
Meghan March is the author of contemporary and erotic
romance novels.
Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and
tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect
manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic
about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include
slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing
corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong,
sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s
ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.
Beneath series
Beneath This Mask #1
He loves me, and he doesn’t even know my real name.
The limelight that follows him could expose everything I’m hiding. But even knowing the risks, I can’t force myself to stay away.
I’m going to break his heart, but mine will shatter right along with it.
Will we lose it all when I reveal what’s beneath this mask?
The limelight that follows him could expose everything I’m hiding. But even knowing the risks, I can’t force myself to stay away.
I’m going to break his heart, but mine will shatter right along with it.
Will we lose it all when I reveal what’s beneath this mask?
Beneath This Ink #2
I’ve always known she was too good for me, but that never stopped me from wanting her.
And then I finally had her for one night.
A night I don’t remember.
I figured I’d blown my shot.
But now she’s walked back into my life, and this time, I have the upper hand. I want my second chance.
Will she be able to see the man beneath this ink?
And then I finally had her for one night.
A night I don’t remember.
I figured I’d blown my shot.
But now she’s walked back into my life, and this time, I have the upper hand. I want my second chance.
Will she be able to see the man beneath this ink?
Reviews
Iza
This book... This story... This gorgeous beast of a man that has the
awesome name of Lord Robichaux... He not only easily dethroned quite a
few of my BBFs, but he also ruined me for those that would come, from
now on. Not to mention, because of the big book hangover he gave me,
nothing would do after reading his story for the first time so, what's a
girl to do, if not reread it immediately after? I'm telling you, he
wouldn't leave my mind; he wouldn't let me make friends with other BBfs.
Oh Lord.
I don't even know where to begin! I love Meghan's style; I loved her previous books and characters - waving at Con - but this one blew me away! And I really needed that because I was in a major funk, where nothing would do. Well, she just did it.
"She was the kind of woman a man was meant to savor, not rush through."
Wham! I fell for him, once again after reading that. See, Lord had a nasty past. We've known bits and pieces from his little brother, Con, from Con's book. But I was dying to know it from Lord. And I have. But oh, my heart broke and I wanted to pull him to my bosom and never let go!
Of course that, since Con's a possessive and alpha mofo, Lord's the same too.
"I just marked you as mine."
"He might not be a knight on a white horse, but I'd take the tatted-up bad boy in a muscle car over that cliche any day of the week."
Hear, hear! Oh, I LOVE Elle! She's funny and crazy and I'd totally turn gay for her, if she were real! She's gorgeous, she's smart and she's one strong woman. I loved how, even though she has had a rough past and the present isn't so bright either, she still won't let anyone tell her what and how to do it. Major girl-crush!
But let's get back to Lord and just how perfect he is. How he KNOWS how to treat a woman and make her feel like she's the entire world to him; his one and only.
"You shouldn't be going to your knees for me, woman. You shouldn't be going to your knees for any man."
Ever since I could remember reading romance novels, I've only encountered one other hero to say this to the heroine. That earned him major points, and this just makes Lord ridiculously perfect! I mean really, Meghan? Stop! I can't take it anymore!
"That's right. All I want to hear from you are things like more, right fucking there, and holy shit, I'm coming again. Everything else can wait until I've had my taste of you."
All right, so I guess I can take more.
Ruined, I'm telling you. 5+++ stars, and really, I needed to start rereading another fave of mine to get over Lord but... One doesn't get over Lord. Ever.
***I was given a copy in exchange of my honest review. Thank you***
I don't even know where to begin! I love Meghan's style; I loved her previous books and characters - waving at Con - but this one blew me away! And I really needed that because I was in a major funk, where nothing would do. Well, she just did it.
"She was the kind of woman a man was meant to savor, not rush through."
Wham! I fell for him, once again after reading that. See, Lord had a nasty past. We've known bits and pieces from his little brother, Con, from Con's book. But I was dying to know it from Lord. And I have. But oh, my heart broke and I wanted to pull him to my bosom and never let go!
Of course that, since Con's a possessive and alpha mofo, Lord's the same too.
"I just marked you as mine."
"He might not be a knight on a white horse, but I'd take the tatted-up bad boy in a muscle car over that cliche any day of the week."
Hear, hear! Oh, I LOVE Elle! She's funny and crazy and I'd totally turn gay for her, if she were real! She's gorgeous, she's smart and she's one strong woman. I loved how, even though she has had a rough past and the present isn't so bright either, she still won't let anyone tell her what and how to do it. Major girl-crush!
But let's get back to Lord and just how perfect he is. How he KNOWS how to treat a woman and make her feel like she's the entire world to him; his one and only.
"You shouldn't be going to your knees for me, woman. You shouldn't be going to your knees for any man."
Ever since I could remember reading romance novels, I've only encountered one other hero to say this to the heroine. That earned him major points, and this just makes Lord ridiculously perfect! I mean really, Meghan? Stop! I can't take it anymore!
"That's right. All I want to hear from you are things like more, right fucking there, and holy shit, I'm coming again. Everything else can wait until I've had my taste of you."
All right, so I guess I can take more.
Ruined, I'm telling you. 5+++ stars, and really, I needed to start rereading another fave of mine to get over Lord but... One doesn't get over Lord. Ever.
***I was given a copy in exchange of my honest review. Thank you***
Shanda
*ARC given to Diva Discussions book Blog in exchange for an honest review*
I love this series, and even though this wasn’t my favorite in the series it was a great read. I love Meghan March’s writing style; she gives us great heroes and heroines, and a great mystery with each book.
If you have read book two you will remember this is where Lord and Elle were introduced. Lord is Con’s older brother and Elle is Vanessa’s bff. Elle is on the hunt for an item that was lost to her, so she decides the best way to find it is to work for Lord at his Pawn Shop. She won’t take no for an answer and bullies her way into the job. Lord doesn’t want her to work for him because it isn’t safe, and he is attracted to her. Of course Lord doesn’t stand a chance so he decides to let her work for him. In his mind he can keep her safe and take a chance at making her his. Elle isn’t interested in anything other than a one night stand and Lord wants more. It doesn’t take long for her to see the error in her ways and she can’t resist the temptation.
Elle and Lord had off the charts chemistry. I enjoyed the funny banter between them and Elle was hilarious. I loved the stuff she said to Lord but I really enjoyed her inner dialogue too. I think she is my favorite heroine in this series so far.
Instead of a scarlet letter, I had an invisible tattoo that said: I scream your name when I masturbate. Knowing Lord, he’d probably be totally cool with that. Elle
I was surprised that Lord wasn’t darker than he was; I was expecting more brood from him. He had several funny moments too and I loved that about him.
“Uh oh, you’ve got the bug now. Next thing you know, you’ll have thug life tatted on your knuckles— in pink.” I reached up and shoved at his shoulder. “Only if you get true love on yours in purple.”
As with all Ms. March’s books they are filled with lots of sexy time, and strong characters. Add to that we had a gangster that has his sights set on Elle, causing Lord’s protective instincts to shoot through the roof. There is a mystery to solve due several murders happening, and signs are pointing towards Lord. I was surprised discovering who the bad guy was but I do love a good mystery.
As with all books in this series you can read as a standalone. Characters from the other books do show up at times, but not enough to throw the story off or cause confusion.
*ARC given to Diva Discussions book Blog in exchange for an honest review*
I love this series, and even though this wasn’t my favorite in the series it was a great read. I love Meghan March’s writing style; she gives us great heroes and heroines, and a great mystery with each book.
If you have read book two you will remember this is where Lord and Elle were introduced. Lord is Con’s older brother and Elle is Vanessa’s bff. Elle is on the hunt for an item that was lost to her, so she decides the best way to find it is to work for Lord at his Pawn Shop. She won’t take no for an answer and bullies her way into the job. Lord doesn’t want her to work for him because it isn’t safe, and he is attracted to her. Of course Lord doesn’t stand a chance so he decides to let her work for him. In his mind he can keep her safe and take a chance at making her his. Elle isn’t interested in anything other than a one night stand and Lord wants more. It doesn’t take long for her to see the error in her ways and she can’t resist the temptation.
Elle and Lord had off the charts chemistry. I enjoyed the funny banter between them and Elle was hilarious. I loved the stuff she said to Lord but I really enjoyed her inner dialogue too. I think she is my favorite heroine in this series so far.
Instead of a scarlet letter, I had an invisible tattoo that said: I scream your name when I masturbate. Knowing Lord, he’d probably be totally cool with that. Elle
I was surprised that Lord wasn’t darker than he was; I was expecting more brood from him. He had several funny moments too and I loved that about him.
“Uh oh, you’ve got the bug now. Next thing you know, you’ll have thug life tatted on your knuckles— in pink.” I reached up and shoved at his shoulder. “Only if you get true love on yours in purple.”
As with all Ms. March’s books they are filled with lots of sexy time, and strong characters. Add to that we had a gangster that has his sights set on Elle, causing Lord’s protective instincts to shoot through the roof. There is a mystery to solve due several murders happening, and signs are pointing towards Lord. I was surprised discovering who the bad guy was but I do love a good mystery.
As with all books in this series you can read as a standalone. Characters from the other books do show up at times, but not enough to throw the story off or cause confusion.
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