Random Reads is a segment created by Books A-Brewin' to tackle my TBR list in light of the mandatory quarantines going on due to the Coronavirus. I have created a list of all review requested books I have accumulated (there are A LOT) and, using a random generator, I have it select the book I read and review. Today's Random Read is...
Beneath the Surface by M.A. Stacie
Series: Reluctance #1
Publication date: August 29th, 2013
Pages: 209
Synopsis (according to Goodreads):
Kyran Reese is a man in control. Driven when it comes to work, focused when it comes to play. From his office to the chalk circle of Metro's bare-knuckle boxing ring, his only thought is to win. That thirst heightens when Dale Porter enters his life. His brother's assistant should be off-limits, but her witty comments and sarcastic comebacks have him desperate to get her between the sheets. After receiving an unexpected left hook, Kyran gets exactly what he wants, though he makes the rules very clear.
When Dale agrees to Kyran's relationship stipulation of no labels, she's sucked into a whirlwind of lust, money, and underground boxing. The agreement to keep their lust away from the office is discarded when rules are molded to suit their ever-increasing attraction. Dale fights her growing affection, trying to hide it even when the world around them spirals out of control. All too soon she realizes she can't hide her true feelings any longer.
Kyran begins to wonder if he's finally met his match, and with his family falling apart before his eyes, he turns to the two things he knows will keep him sane: boxing and Dale. Those crutches can't last forever, and when Kyran finds it harder to function he is left with a decision he never thought he'd have to make.
Could playing to win mean playing for keeps?
Available at:
Review:
Random Reads has spoken again and chose my next read from my insanely long list. I have had this book on my list for years. I am honestly going to admit to what most book bloggers should never admit to and say... I put off reading this one because I wasn't a huge fan of the cover. I know. SHAME. But, the randomizer has decided that I need to ignore my prejudices and try it out. So... here we go.
Kyran is made to be in control. From his job as a CFO of his father's company to his secret obsession with unsanctioned boxing matches in a darkened club, he always needs to be the one calling the shots. He controls the level of pain he inflicts and the level of pain he suffers with well placed punches and setting boundaries around his heart when it comes to women. His explosive anger and sharp tongue makes him feared by most of his employees. All except for one. And her willingness to go toe-to-toe with him and his simmering temper intrigued Kyran more than he wants to admit. And the billionaire boxer with a huge chip on his shoulder starts to struggle to keep his walls up and his heart safe. Can he surrender control and set his heart free once more?
Dale wasn't even meant to be around Kyran. She was assigned to be the assistant to his brother, Taylor. But when Taylor disappears as has become is norm, Kyran must step in to train Dale on her first day at the company. That first meeting confuses Dale's morals and scruples about not engaging in interoffice romance. She is drawn to the beast of a man like a moth to a flame and no amount of distancing and distraction can curb her desire for him. But his rules are starting to become harder and harder for Dale to follow when she starts to feel more than sexual attraction for her boss. Is she destined to break all the rules and if she does, does she risk losing everything?
Kyran reminded me a lot of the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. He was growly, short-tempered, snapped at people with no real thought to how it would affect them, and generally just felt like the world was against him. Brooding men with bad attitudes are typically pretty sexy in my book but when they start throwing around the "this is all your fault" excuse over and over again for their actions it reminds me of a petulant child. This is how Kyran started out for me. Eventually I got to see him grow and change through his interactions with Dale. This was the most drastic change in a character I've seen in a while. He went from thorns and thunder to petals and parades while still maintaining his alpha male persona. It was well done by the author. Just this side of sweetness without a toothache as a price.
Dale was so sassy and feisty. I loved her. She knew what she wanted and would settle for nothing else. Even if that meant her own suffering. She would not make allowances for Kyran's issues. She was one tough chick. But then again, a delicate flower would not have worked with Kyran's character at all. A lot of authors try this drastic coupling choice and it never works out. Stacie formed Dale and Kyran beautifully to fit the overall story.
In conclusion, NEVER judge a book by it's cover. It could mean the you lose out on a great reading experience like I almost did.
