Beneath These Scars Series: Beneath #4 Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance Author: Meghan March Release Date: September 22, 2015
I’m the guy you love to hate.
In every story in my life, I seem to end up playing the villain—and I’ve got the scars to prove it.
That role works fine for me, because I’m sure as hell not anyone’s hero.
I run my life and my empire with an iron fist—until she knocks my tightly controlled world off its axis.
She’s nobody’s damsel in distress, but I can’t help but want to save her anyway.
I guess we’re about to find out if there’s a hero buried … beneath these scars.
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Chapter 1
Lucas
SWEAT DRIPPED INTO MY EYES as I bounced on the balls of my feet. Someone had to be calling out how much time was left in this round soon. My pride was on the line, and there was no way I would hand it over to Con Leahy. He’d already gotten the girl, and I wasn’t about to let him humiliate me in the ring in this piece-of-shit New Orleans gym too. My muscles burned, but that was nothing compared to the heat of victory—or the sting of defeat.
What had started out as a boxing lesson had quickly transformed into an all-out brawl for dominance and respect. Only you would pay a million dollars to get your ass kicked, Titan. The voice in my head mocked me as I bobbed and weaved. But I hadn’t paid a million to get my ass kicked. I’d done it because that night at the charity auction I’d been drunk, pissed off, and determined to prove a point—he might’ve gotten the girl, but I was still the one with the power. I got a sick sense of satisfaction that every time Con bought something for his gym and these kids, he had to think of me.
I swung with another right hook. The blow connected with Con’s jaw and snapped his head to the side. Yeah. That’s right. But my mental cheer came a moment too soon, and pain exploded in my left side. Shit, that’s going to hurt tomorrow. I stumbled back but threw myself forward again, shooting out my fist with an uppercut that knocked Con back a step. This was how it had gone for the last several minutes—trading punches and circling each other. There was no love lost in this ring, that was for damn sure, and I was ready for this to be over. I would walk out of here with every bit of the respect I was owed. Fuck anyone who thought otherwise. Con moved toward me and the circling started again. The cheers and chants from the crowd surrounding the ring in the old warehouse gym seemed to grow every time I glanced beyond the ropes.
A flash of blond hair caught my eye as I stepped left and Con shifted to the right. Vanessa. She threw her head back and laughed at something said by her redheaded friend, Elle. I turned my attention back to the man in front of me, but my focus wandered again when a huskier, sexier laugh echoed through the room. My eyes strayed from Con for a second too long as I tried to track down the source of the laughter. Pain burst through my jaw, catching me by surprise, and I stumbled back into the ropes. Using their momentum, I shoved off to the side, my pride stinging from my momentary lapse in concentration. Embarrassed and now thoroughly pissed off, I surged forward and attacked. One punch. That was all I landed before the bell rang, signaling the end of the round and my very expensive “lesson.” I pushed off Con, and my knee might have slipped as I stepped back . . . and caught him directly in the balls. It was probably an accident. I huffed out a chuckle, but Con didn’t share my humor.
“Goddamn it!” he roared. “Are you fucking serious?” It was like stabbing a bull with a matador’s sword, but I was ready for him. I jumped out of the way as Con charged, and shifted into a defensive stance when he swung.
“Should’ve expected a cheap shot from you, motherfucker.” Unrestrained anger flashed over his face as every shred of coaching mentality fled, along with that smug superiority he’d been giving me. Good. You aren’t better than me, Leahy. I could buy and sell you a hundred times over. He might’ve gotten the girl, but I wasn’t going to let him get away with her clean. I wanted blood.
“Should’ve expected you to strut around this ring like a fucking cock of the walk,” I shot back. Con feinted and swung again, but I’d been studying his movements. I bobbed and weaved, and got the hell out of the way. I threw my own punch as soon as I had a clean shot. It landed just below Con’s left eye, splitting the skin over his cheekbone and sending blood spattering everywhere. The taste of victory was sweet.
“First blood,” I said under my breath. Apparently my words weren’t quiet enough because Con’s head snapped up and he glared at me with disgust, as if I needed to be put down like a rabid animal. “This ain’t a fuckin’ duel, you piece of shit.”
“It sure isn’t a friendly competition either.”
“Paid a million to get that cheap shot in, didn’t you?” My lips twisted into a mocking smile.
“I sure didn’t pay a million to have you show me up.” Con dropped his hands and shook his head. “Just when I thought you weren’t a complete fucking asshole.”
“You were wrong,” I replied, turning for the ropes. Con’s fists lifted and before I could react, one connected with my cheekbone. The instantaneous gush of blood told me I’d have a scar to match his, but it didn’t matter. One more scar wouldn’t hurt my banged-up face. I roared as I charged, but I didn’t get the chance to retaliate. Shouts filled the room, and beefy arms wrapped around my body, holding me back.
“You’re not half bad when you’re not being a shady rich prick,” Lord’s voice said in my ear. I lunged toward Con, but Lord’s grip only tightened.
“Get your goddamn hands off me,” I growled at him. Leaning closer to my ear, he lowered his voice.
“When you calm the hell down and realize you’re making an ass of yourself in front of a bunch of kids and women.” I glanced out to the crowd and read disgust on so many faces, including Vanessa’s. Like it mattered what a single goddamn person in this gym thought of me. I could buy and sell them all. Lord was still holding me back when Con came toward us. He yanked his gloves off and wiped at the blood still dripping from the gash on his face.
“You’re also not half bad when you’re paying attention—and when you’re not throwing a knee into my nuts. But I think you’ve overstayed your welcome.” I jerked at the arms trapping me. “Call off your dog, and I’m gone.”
“You ever want another round, it’s gonna cost you two million next time,” Con said. “For another chance to make you bleed? I’d pay even more.” Con nodded to his brother, and Lord let me go. The crowd had already started to disperse. The only person in the building who probably didn’t want to run me down in the parking lot was my COO, and arguably my friend, Ryder Colson. And he was nowhere to be seen. Instead of Colson, I saw a group of women moving toward the door—Vanessa Frost in her white cotton dress, Elle Snyder in her yellow retro number, and two others I didn’t know. One looked familiar with tanned skin the color of honey, her hair in dark waves, and a curvy body displayed by a funky teal dress with hot-pink polka dots. She hooked her hands on her hips, and that husky laugh echoed through the room again. Apparently she was the one who had distracted me in the ring. My eyes didn’t move from her to take in the fourth woman. Colson came up beside me.
“Who knew there’d be so many hot pieces of ass in this shit warehouse?” I turned toward him.
“Give any of them a shot, and you’ll probably find yourself bleeding on the floor.” Ryder shrugged off my comment.
“Go get your shit. I’ll wait.” He was gone before I could tell him he didn’t need to wait around for me. But then again, he was my only ally in a building full of people who undoubtedly would have preferred to see me KO’d on the floor of the ring. Just one more place I’d never be welcome. Good thing I didn’t give a fuck. I’d showed up, gone toe-to-toe with Con, and had taken back a piece of my pride. That was enough. For today. I was already thinking of hiring a trainer as I went for my bag.
…she didn’t have to like me to fuck me; she just had to want me more than she hated me.
I became an instant fan of Meghan March when I first read Beneath These Chains earlier this year. Her writing, her alphas, the super sexy romance, the story, everything about her book just…worked for me. Now while I did feel like I was missing a bit of a backstory here since Lucas was first introduced in Beneath This Ink and I haven’t read that yet, that never once diminished my enjoyment. Meghan does a fantastic job giving readers that backstory so the book can be easily enjoyed as a standalone. 
Lucas. Fucking. Titan. Just that name alone gives me shivers. I mean, the man is as intense as he is hated, and for good reason too. Lucas hasn’t exactly been making friends in his determination for success. He has no problem using people or playing dirty and that’s certainly amassed his share of enemies. But Lucas isn’t a man that cares about that…until he meets the woman that tempts him beyond reason…and turns him down flat.
Yve Santos is determined to stand on her own two feet. She’s no one’s mistress or kept woman. The last thing she needs in her life is an entitled billionaire, even if the asshole is sexier than sin. She wants nothing to do with him, and tells him that often. Unfortunately her words lack conviction when said asshole also turns her own body traitor on her and turns her on with just his broody stare and husky voice alone. 
So basically we have delicious hate lust, an asshole billionaire, and a sassy, smart mouthed heroine that isn’t shy about putting him in his place…and I loved it. 
It was like this book was custom written just for me. Truth be told, nothing revs my engine more than enemies to lovers trope, add in an underlaying of sexual chemistry strong enough to level a building and I’m putty in your hands. I absolutely devoured this book. DEVOURED it, I tells ya!
But it’s also so much more than billionaire meets sassy but down on her luck heroine. There’s a very solid story that weaves flawlessly with the romance to make this one unputdownable read. While it’s clear that Lucas has his secrets, Yve has her own, and they may just be deadly. Can she let Lucas in enough to save her or will they crash and burn with their fiery passion? Guess you’ll have to read to find that out. You didn’t expect me to tell you that, did you? What I can tell you is that these books seem to get better and better for me. I loved everything about it; the characters, the romance, the writing, and the oh sweet baby jebus scorching hot sex. What? I never claimed to be virtuous here and the sex was that hot. All growly and hatey and everything. DELICIOUS. If you haven’t read this series yet, I strongly recommend you do. While you can just as easy read this book as a standalone, I think it’d be best enjoyed read in series order. Besides, if the last 2 heroes I read by Meghan March are anything to go by, Con and Simon are sure to be just as hot. Trust me on this, this is a series you need to read.
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.
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Catch Up on the Beneath Series
Beneath This Mask (Beneath #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?
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Beneath This Ink (Beneath #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?
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Beneath These Chains (Beneath #3) 
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?
The highly anticipated conclusion to an addicting series is here and boy did it end with a bang. Pun most definitely intended. You know what I love? When a series is perfectly wrapped up with a great conclusion without being cheesy and that’s exactly what I loved about the third and final volume of A Desperate Man. We first met Evan in 
Evan and Reagan have been through quite a lot through the series, all of it leading up to the huge bomb of a reveal that these devious authors dropped on us at the end of volume two. And Volume three picks up right where that left off; in the aftermath of Reagan’s…lie…and leaving both of them to deal with the ever growing passion that continues to brew between them, even if it may be slightly clouded by snark and barbs every now and then.
But it never loses the spark either 😉
It happens. For people like us, baby. It happens, eventually. Just as long as we hold on.
What an incredibly bittersweet book this was for me to read. I first discovered this amazing series back in 2012 when I read 
You know how I was sure I had a 5 star read on my hands? I didn’t skim even one page. Not. A. One. Not any of the descriptions of the clothes, the furniture, the rooms, the clouds in the sky, nothing. I was enthralled in the characters and their romance from beginning to end and absolutely devoured every page.
No one, and I mean no one gives male POV quite like Emma Chase. The woman is the queen of male POVs and nothing beats her. While Drew from 
Don’t get me wrong, both Chelsea and Jake are far from perfect and I wanted to shake them for their stupidity more than a few times. But at the same time it just worked. I adored these two together. It wasn’t instant and I loved the burn of their sexual chemistry until they finally ignited together.
I’m spent. Emotionally exhausted. Fucked the fuck up. This book….I can’t even. Every single time I end up finishing a book by T.M. Frazier I find myself wanting to live in her head for just a little bit just to personally witness the fuckery that must take place there on a daily basis. The woman is an evil fucking genius is what she is and her writing never ceases to grab me right by the throat from the very beginning and keep me glued to the pages right till the end. I didn’t think it was possible, but I liked Tyrant even more than I liked 
Pup is still dealing with her memory loss while flashbacks continue to trickle feed into her mind bit by bit. She doesn’t remember much, but there’s one thing she knows; no matter what her past, King undoubtebly holds her heart and her future.
King is still dealing with the fallout from the events that took place at the end of book one. Knowing the danger he still faces, he also knows that he’ll do everything to protect the ones he loves, even if it means taking a bullet.
Then again, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What’s better than a second chance romance? A second chance romance with an Aurora Rose Alpha. *swoon* There’s a reason she’s my go-to author for pure guilty pleasure read, and this book was the perfect fix. At just under 200 pages, it’s on the shorter side, and easily read in one sitting (which I did since I couldn’t put it down). Surprisingly in those short pages Aurora managed to give the readers a true heartfelt romance. It made me cry, it made me swoon, it made me pant. It was that perfect weekend afternoon read that will leave a smile on your face.
Fifteen years ago Lea and Austin were high school sweethearts that were planning on spending the rest of their lives together. But then the tragic death of her father leaves Lea shattered and she runs; from her life, from her town, and from Austin. Now she’s recently divorced and back to her childhood town to take care of her dying mother, but coming to terms with her past isn’t quite so easy when the boy that stole her heart those years ago is now the man that still makes it pound.
To say that Austin isn’t happy to see Lea again is definitely an understatement. When she left, she took what was left of his heart along with her. He’s bitter, angry, and the fact that she still draws him in like she did all those years ago doesn’t make it easier.
Gritty, captivating, unpredictable and completely and utterly unputdownable. Ricochet will suck you into the dark vortex of depravity and vengeance.
No one and I mean no one can write an erotic rockstar romance quite like Olivia Cunning. This book served as the perfect reminder of why I fell in love with her writing and characters in the first place when I first discovered her Sinners series years ago. But this book? This gloriously sexy and make you laugh out loud like a loon book? This is easily my favorite book by this author to date. Coming in at over 500 pages, I never wanted it to end. Yes, it’s long, but never once did it drag, never once did I want to skim, and never once was I bored. Never. I can safely tell you that Insider was very much worth the 2 year wait because it was just that good.
So what did I love about it? Everything. But I suppose I can give you a list since I’m generous like that.
The chemistry between them is instant and absolutely sizzling. And soon Toni begins to get the lesson of a lifetime in more ways than one…
I loved how naive and clueless Toni was about most things and Logan’s ways of teaching her. I just loved these two together. They never failed to spice things up but with a signature humor to it all that made this book absolutely unputdownable.
I also loved that no matter how much sex this book had (and it had quite a bit), it was ALWAYS sizzling hot and I never got tired of it. Olivia Cunning is probably one of the very few authors I know that can actually pull off this much sex in a book without it taking away from the story. It just fit. I didn’t skim one scene in over 500 pages. And it never failed to make me uncomfortable aroused with how hot it all was.
The humor is really what took this book from a solid 4 stars straight to a glorious 5 stars for me. It was quirky, self depreciating, and so much fun. Logan is like a teenager with ADD most times, but it just worked. I just loved him to pieces.
