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Beyond Surrender #1

Beyond the Masks

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Looking for your next HOT Audiobook? Beyond the Masks is LIVE!

Can betrayal and obsession lead to love?

Shane Vaughn has it all. Well, almost. Fame, success, and money can only get her so far. After surviving a devastating heartbreak at the hands of the all-consuming Jacob Andrews, she's demanding no-strings, uncomplicated liaisons from now on.

Where could she find a simple distraction from Jacob? The exclusive pleasure club, The Resort.

The masked Dom with the blue-eyed gaze could work. He was hypnotizing and mysterious, rendering her powerless. A seductively simple decision.

Unless the masked Dom is Gavin Mayne. A pompous, arrogant, and commanding man. A talent director determined to take Shane's job. But how can he control an Alpha woman? Force her submission and have her kneeling at his feet.

That is until Jacob Andrews demands a second chance. He couldn’t let Shane go, especially into the arms of another man. She was the love of his life but will she forgive him for what he’s done?

A dangerous combination of betrayal and obsession will surface. But when secrets are revealed, who will be the last man standing?

Audible Audio

First published January 29, 2018

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About the author

Nicky F. Grant

8 books121 followers
Nicky's emotionally rich, vibrant stories take place in cities, thrumming with energy. There, her heroines come up against personal and professional challenges, and are pushed to break new ground and become better versions of themselves. Nicky gives her characters just the right amount of conflict to create a satisfying push and pull, one that keeps her readers up late at night, wanting to know what happens next.

Nicky imbues each of her stories with love, lust and passion, which she believes are among the strongest emotions we can experience. By immersing her readers into worlds of power and erotic passion, she invites them to explore their own unspoken desires. Her hope is that her stories embolden her readers to realize their fullest potential — be it in the boardroom, the bedroom, or anywhere in between.

Nicky makes her home in Pittsburgh, PA with her ever-growing collection of music and books.

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5 stars
64 (49%)
4 stars
46 (35%)
3 stars
14 (10%)
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5 (3%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Robin Hill.
Author 3 books291 followers
January 14, 2019
Had I not started this on a plane, right before a weeklong vacation, right before I had to come home to a full weekend’s worth of plans, I probably would have finished it in one sitting. As it was, I stayed up half the night because I couldn’t put it down.

I loved reading both hero’s POVs—and I especially loved knowing more than the heroine at any given time. That made for some serious heartache and angst. Both Gavin and Jacob are assholes to some extent, but they both have good in them and it just took a while for Shane (and me) to see it. In one hero’s case, Shane never “sees it”—and last night at 2am, that fact gutted me.

description

Shane says herself, “I know how to pick ‘em.” Yes, she does. And in the end, I think she picked well. Both men, while terribly flawed, are redeemed (IMO), and considering what they each put her through, this is a fantastic feat.

When the story begins, Jacob is seeking Shane’s forgiveness and longing for a reconciliation—making him the obvious choice.

"Please, Shane. Be with me."

Gavin is…not—making him impossible to love. I was sure I wouldn’t fall for him, but I did. Hard. Bravo to Ms. Grant for proving me wrong.

"Could you love someone like me, Shane?"

This is a true love triangle. I haven’t felt this torn between two heroes since Taylor Jenkins Reid's One True Loves. But all in all, I’m happy with the way things work out in the end.

"Find yourself, Lovely. She’s in there. Even when it seemed like I wasn't looking, I saw you. And I do love you. I always will."

description

Beyond the Masks is an erotic romance, and while super steamy, it reads like a contemporary romance—which makes it perfect for me. I am 100% invested in these characters and cannot wait for the next installment. Killer debut!
Profile Image for Grey.
442 reviews47 followers
April 6, 2018
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book for an honest review. I tried to keep myself as spoiler-free as possible, because I don't like to go into a story...especially one that I am reviewing...with any preconceived ideas in my head. For the most part I kept away from the really spoilery (I just made that a word if it wasn't already a real one) posts. So, keeping that in mind, I don't want to ruin anyone else's experience either!

I will tell you that this is an erotic romance with a bit of a darker undertone. It has some BDSM elements... and features a bit of a geometric shape relationship... hint hint... LOL! Not trying to spoil anything, but I'm sure you can read through my not-so-veiled innuendo there. Oh and speaking of veiled... how about masks, gah, the cover of this book is STUNNING! I love it!

In this debut novel, the author gives us multiple points of view from each of the main characters; which is interesting, because I found myself not always liking the character that I was reading's POV at that particular moment...I always find that is always an intriguing tack to take on. Well done on that front!

I also have to give mad props on the sexy times... um, yeah... I thought that my kindle was going to go up in flames, because this book was a scorcher! Take all necessary precautions to stay safe while reading ;)

3.5 stars. I will round up for the purpose of the Goodreads and Amazon rating system...because for whatever reason they don't let us assign half star ratings.
Profile Image for Jen.
8 reviews
February 28, 2018
Seriously HOT!! This one kept me up way into the night making me forget I had work in the morning. I enjoyed the characters and she writes a great love triangle. Can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Nay.
619 reviews105 followers
August 14, 2019
Beyond the Masks ranks up there among the most well-written debut novels I've read. There's no way I ever would have guessed this is Nicky Grant's first book!

I loved all the characters (even when I hated them) and I thought the story line was captivating and different--I zoomed through it! Just a couple of details gave me pause, but it's in my nature to be extra critical and, besides, this is fantasy--who wants a predictable book? It's super sexy (like flaming hot!) and has a meaningful, emotional plot that kept my mind going back and forth right along with the h (it takes great writing to make me forget that I should dislike a character).

I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait to find out where the series goes from here!
Profile Image for Lisa Aiello.
995 reviews22 followers
October 23, 2018
Holy moly that was some hot stuff! Nicky Grant sure can write well, and she sure can write some amazing smuttiness!! As for the story behind the smut...well, it took me some time to get into it, but by the end I was definitely rooting for a certain someone. I found Gavin to be quite the a-hole, but his back story turned out to be rather heartbreaking, and the mess he got himself into also gutted me. There is just no way he was going to be able to make up for what happened, and that's what really did me in. Jacob I loved. He was just the right amount of alpha jerk. And Shane is a strong female, but I wanted to absolutely punch her in the face a few times and yell at her to get her head out of her arse!! All in all, I really enjoyed this, and I'm moving on to the second book now!!
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews844 followers
April 23, 2018


3.5 stars

This book was well written, with believable characters and a lot of views behind the scenes of the music world.

Shane Vaughn is at the top of her profession as a music producer, but her world isn't stable. Not only is she still attracted to her ex, Jacob Andrews, head of a rival company, but her talent director, Gavin Mayne, is after her job. Gavin is not only working with Jacob to sign acts Shane is pursuing, he plans to take her down through her need for submission. Can Shane handle the betrayal coming her way and retain her position as head of her company? Will she chose her job or a personal relationship?

I really didn't like either of the male leads. I found their motives suspect, their actions despicable, and although to some extent they redeemed themselves at the end, I just wasn't comfortable with either of them. Shane came across as someone too naive to have become head of a company in a cutthroat business.

This is a new to me author, and I would give her another chance. Her writing is clear, her focus on details excellent and even though I didn't like the characters, they are totally people you feel you could meet.

Profile Image for Heather.
Author 3 books172 followers
March 1, 2018
This story centers around Shane, and can I just say how happy I am to have a strong, successful woman at the center of this oh so hot and steamy BDSM novel! Shane is dealing with two untrustworthy men that we get to know through their POV’s, and I found myself slowly hoping for one to be the man deserving of Shane-then the other-and back again! Who would give Shane her HEA?!?! Although this story was HOT, I found myself loving the angst just as much.
Profile Image for diann bryan.
489 reviews
April 1, 2020
Wow! This story has a triangle of twisted characters to be sure! Who should Shane trust? That was my question the majority of this book. Both men totally ruined what could be. In the end....Shane has to figure out what she wants and to trust herself! Loved the characters and the strong willed Shane! Nicky wrote herself a Awesome debut! I can’t wait to read the sequel!
Profile Image for Michele.
1,455 reviews
October 31, 2018
4 1/2 "Lovely" stars

While reading this book, I found myself forgetting that this was Nicky Grant's debut novel. It's amazing. It has all the ingredients for a yummy book...hot BDSM scenes, love triangle, angst, heartbreak, soul-searching and a few twists and turns along the way.

I really connected with the characters. So, I found myself struggling right along with Shane as she tries to decide between Gavin and Jacob and is continually second guessing herself. There were qualities they each possessed which made them "right" for her. How could she possibly choose?

"Find yourself, Lovely. She’s in there. Even when it seemed like I wasn't looking, I saw you. And I do love you. I always will." Beyond the Masks by Nicky F. Grant



Profile Image for Nicky Grant.
Author 8 books121 followers
Read
April 6, 2020
Looking for your next HOT Audiobook? Beyond the Masks is coming and I want your ears to hear it!

I have everything I could ever need—except love. But when I fall for two men, they destroy everything I've built.

Can betrayal and obsession lead to love?


ORDER the ROMANCE AUDIOBOOK of Beyond the Masks today:
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Profile Image for Donna B.
198 reviews3 followers
February 28, 2018
I really loved this book! Great storyline and characters. The writing style kept me interested throughout it’s entirety. Awesome debut!
Profile Image for Emma Scott.
Author 34 books8,052 followers
April 2, 2018
Smart, sexy, and with a complexity and depth of characters. Super impressive for a debut.
Profile Image for Ri.
5,090 reviews7 followers
Read
March 10, 2020
I had originally read this via ebook. I am not generally a fan of audio because I read way faster than a narrator can tell me the story. However, I decided to give this a try as I was going to be going out of town unexpectantly where the drive was almost 7 hours. I am glad I did because it made for an enjoyable drive in an otherwise hellacious and ugly drive across Eastern Oregon.

The narration enhanced an already well-crafted story and brought to life all of these characters. It also furthers my deep appreciation for the author. I won't get into the details of the book as I did that in the ebook version. However, If Audiobooks are your cup of tea, then I highly recommend this book. It still boggles my mind that this is a DEBUT book.
Profile Image for Ri.
5,090 reviews7 followers
May 26, 2019
Well Crafted

I have had to do a reread of this book after having just finished the third book not realizing that I had missed book two. Upon doing that, I have decided to redo this review because I do not think I put into words at how well done this book was. This goes beyond the idea that it was a well-done story. This is a DEBUT book which I had not realized when I read this the first time. A DEBUT BOOK. Unless I am writing an academic paper I cannot string two sentences apart without looking/sounding like a village idiot. Yet, this author just wrote a whole story in which the characters came alive on the pages.

My initial go around I found myself liking it more than I had thought I would. I anticipated that it would just be another BDSM book, which rarely feels authentic anymore. The second time reading this I am still in awe. She penned a story with so much heart and the characters had so much going for them. This is not an easy choice and made me Glad that I wasn't Shane nor would I have to choose between Gavin and Jacob as the man that would ultimately win her heart.

The ending left me a little unresolved on my feelings as I felt the one not chosen deserved closure and a possible HEA too. That is the beauty in this author though because she penned these two amazing men, whom while endearing also were jerks at times, to the degree that I, as the reader, fell in love with them both. That speaks volumes. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews163 followers
April 18, 2018
I have to start out by saying that I'm having a hard time getting my head around the fact that this is Nicky F. Grant's debut as her talent is off the charts FANTASTIC that the story came off like she's been on the best seller list for decades! Does that make me dramatic? Maybe but seriously, I had no idea until I pulled up the book to write a review. All I know is that all of my emotions were out in spades throughout, I sat in one position until every last word was devoured, and now I'm craving more. I'm not going into a lot of details because I refuse to steal her thunder with spoiler douchery, because this is a love triangle at it's finest. And it's one that had me enraged like no other, as both men had pulled some very douchey acts that had me wanting to junk punch them, and I was #TEAMSHANE ALL THE WAY. And it didn't help that one of the heroes was very pointedly pulling his douchery on purpose, but Ms. Grant had me changing my mind on him, so the confusion set in as to whom I wanted Shane to pick by the end. And I'm not naming names because again, that may lead to spoilers so #sorrynotsorry. Which provided me with twists that had the f-bombs dropping between the chorus' of colorful metaphors, as the angst levels were high. Finally, the heat factor was off the charts HOT HOT HOT with sexy times that lit the skies up with their FIERY FLAMES! I'm very excited for the next book in this series, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Amber.
54 reviews
February 28, 2018
This is one of the best love triangles I’ve read! There were three main characters and it was written in their POV. Loved that! Shane is trying to get over her ex and ends up at the pleasure club, The Resort. She doesn’t want anything serious and unknowingly ends up with her employee Gavin. He has ill intentions at the beginning but ends up falling for her. Her ex, Jacob, never stopped loving her and wants her back. Both men did her wrong but they try to fix their mistakes. There were twists and turns I didn’t expect! At times I wanted Shane to be with Gavin and others I wanted her to be with Jacob. I really wasn’t sure who she was going to choose until she did! I thought the ending was well written. I can’t wait to read the other mans book!! Overall, a must read if you don’t mind love triangles!

*I received an advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own! :)
Profile Image for Taintedrose76 Christina.
168 reviews16 followers
February 28, 2018
First off let me start by saying the cover is beautifully done classy and elegant to match the d/s story line.

second this is a story of a CEO female as the main character she has lost her true self in pain and heartbreak after her dom let her down after her fathers passing.
She finds herself in a quiet interesting triangle between a past and a.present. I also am jealous of her bestie friendship with her gay best friend he brings humor to the story.
in the end she finds freedom from a horrible breach if trust but it ends up being her salvation and she finds her true love in the process.
this is my first book by this author and I am not disappointed she Definatley wrote a good d/s story.
Profile Image for Fantasy Land Romance Reader.
2,824 reviews70 followers
April 21, 2018
I am not a big reader of love triangle stories but I do love BDSM stories. This is Nicky F. Grant's debut story and I have to say it is pretty good.

This story has a love triangle, steamy sex, deep emotional impact, and a great ending. You get into all the characters due to POV from them all. Which is always nice. I enjoyed this story and was happy to read it for my review.
Profile Image for Chantelle Bouffanie.
1,177 reviews11 followers
April 14, 2020
Hot! I've volunteered to review this for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading/listening to Nicky F Grant books. This is the first book in A Beyond Surrender series. I had the audio version of this story. This is Shane, Jacob, and Gavin. Shane is at the top of her profession as a music producer. While Jacob, who is the head at Shane's rival company. Gavin works fro Shane as a talent director, he wants her job. This story has angst and heartbreak which all had me intrigued and captivated throughout. Who will Shane choice to be with Jacob or Gavin? You will have to get this to find out. I found that Noah Michael Levine did a good job with each of the characters voices. I can't wait to read/listen to Nicky's next books. Keep up the amazing work!
Profile Image for Nicky Grant.
Author 8 books121 followers
August 15, 2019
A successful female CEO, a merciless masked Dom, and the fall of an empire. Every story has a hero and Shane didn’t know which man was hers.

Shane Vaughn has it all. Well, almost. Fame, success, and money can only get her so far. After surviving a devastating heartbreak at the hands of the all-consuming Jacob Andrews, she's demanding no-strings, uncomplicated liaisons from now on.

Where could she find a simple distraction from Jacob? The exclusive pleasure club, The Resort.

The masked Dom with the blue-eyed gaze could work. He was hypnotizing and mysterious, rendering her powerless. A seductively simple decision.

Unless the masked Dom is Gavin Mayne. A pompous, arrogant, and demanding man. A talent director determined to take Shane's job. But how can he control an Alpha woman? Force her submission and have her kneeling at his feet.

Obsession, sex, and blackmail. A dangerous combination of betrayal and sabotage.

When secrets surface, will her empire fall? And which man will save her heart from destruction
Profile Image for Jessica Dzuba.
2 reviews
February 27, 2018
Hot and steamy!! But also so much more! There’s a major love triangle in this book and there are twists and turns you’re not expecting. I loved the female centered main character. She is strong and fierce but also vulnerable and relatable. I went back and forth over who I wanted Shane to end up with. I don’t want to give anything away but I was happy with the ending! Although, I’m curious to see what happens to the characters in the next book!! Anxiously awaiting the next installment!! Go do something good for yourself and grab a copy of this book. You won’t be sorry!!
Profile Image for Jeannine Smith.
73 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2019
Wow!

Breathtakingly beautiful. Troubled and suspenseful. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Will definitely read more from her! She kept you wondering what was going to happen until the very end.
Profile Image for Melissa Schaub.
1,581 reviews
March 17, 2019
3.5 Stars

This book is a lot deeper than I anticipated but I really ended up enjoying it. I will say that it started out a little slow but stick with it. I think what made it harder is that it is written mostly in third person and it made it a little harder to “feel”.

I liked Shane, I thought she was a extremely strong but naive character. She definitely didn’t have a good sense of character when it came to the men in her life but I think she ultimately made the right decision. She works in the cut throat music industry and it seems everyone is out to get her including the two men she chooses to trust...

Jacob is her ex and the biggest rival she has in the business world. He regrets so much of their past but keeps making decisions to push her further away.

Gavin wants Shane’s job and stoops very low to make it possible. Until she makes him want more.

Betrayal runs deep and feelings are flying all over in this book.

I am new to this author but I am already starting on the next book to see what happens next. I think it is a book worth reading!
Profile Image for Zilpha Owens.
936 reviews9 followers
October 6, 2018
Great Debut

Well-written with developed characters you could love or hate depending on the situation, Beyond the Masks is the first book in Beyond Surrender series. Even though I’ve never really been a fan of triangles (they just make me too anxious) this one just pulled me in with an interesting storyline and quick pace.

Shane Vaughn is a strong, independent woman businesswoman who has this need to fix everyone and seems to put their needs before her own.

Gavin Mayne has a serious chip on his shoulder and secrets - I don’t like him from the start.

Jacob Andrews is a self-centered prick. He picked his career over love and now is suffering the consequences.

Hot, sexy scenes that include elements of BDSM, great supporting cast and a little bit of the music scene help make this more than just an erotic romance. I look forward to the next book in the series, Beyond the Truth.
Profile Image for Kayla Busch.
342 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2019
I love when I can get lost in a book for hours and that is exactly what happened with this story. Shane is one heck of an interesting character! I love her passion and drive for her job and I really feel for all the struggles she has faced in her love life. Shane, Gavin and Jacob are all strong-willed characters who will stop at nothing to get what they want. I loved the suspense and intrigue of the book and not knowing what would happen next! I loved The Resort, where you are free to explore your fantasies and yet have complete anonymity because of the masks. It really adds to the mystery and intrigue of the club. However, my favourite part of the book was the intricate triangle surrounding Shane, Gavin and Jacob. They are all connected to one another in different ways and as their stories unfold you are left with shocking and anguish filled moments that will leave you with one heck of an ending!
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,439 reviews82 followers
April 14, 2020
Hot! I've volunteered to review this for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading/listening to Nicky F Grant books. This is the first book in A Beyond Surrender series. I had the audio version of this story. This is Shane, Jacob, and Gavin. Shane is at the top of her profession as a music producer. While Jacob, who is the head at Shane's rival company. Gavin works fro Shane as a talent director, he wants her job. This story has angst and heartbreak which all had me intrigued and captivated throughout. Who will Shane choice to be with Jacob or Gavin? You will have to get this to find out. I found that Noah Michael Levine did a good job with each of the characters voices. I can't wait to read/listen to Nicky's next books. Keep up the amazing work!

REVIEW BY CHANTELLE
Profile Image for Ari  Laksmi.
58 reviews9 followers
February 13, 2019
Thank you Ms. Nicky for sending me this ebook. Indeed, its kinky, its different and I found it refreshing.
So what's the different? I recognized quickly that it's the way of the author using words.
Then another different, how come I felt sympathy toward Gavin, the bad character turning good? On that point when Shane and Gavin become an item, I stopped my self from reading.... who's winning Shane in the end??
It's just not fair that there's 2 very very very hot handsome successful sexual men for 1 woman in 1 story. How I want to be Shane!
The kinky is bearable, nothing hardcore D/s. There's a club vibe, but that was it, just a vibe.
After all, it's a love story between 2 lovers that grew apart because life happen.
For me, it's a good read, good alternative of story to the romance and erotica genre.

Hmmmmm.... I'll check the 2nd installment - read somewhere it's Gavin's story. :)
Profile Image for April Moran.
Author 12 books264 followers
February 20, 2018
Yes- I stayed up to 2:30 am to finish this book. No- I could not put it down. I was mesmerized by Nicky Grant’s writing and the story. Was I surprised by the ending??? Yes!!!! I’m still not over it lol. And was it hot??? Good gravy- I had a few hot flashes (ok...more than a few!) that were definitely caused by this book. The depth of the characters, the back and forth, and of course, their heartache, all kept me riveted. I received as an arc, but I would have bought it anyway...it’s that awesome!
Profile Image for Clare Harrison.
1,074 reviews14 followers
February 26, 2018
this is the first book I have read by Nicky and I'm so glad I gave it a try.. one word springs to mind and that's wowsers!

I loved the story being told from different characters point of views. I always feel you get a richer more detailed story that way.

Shane is the main character in this and the two men in her world.  I felt that she was an easy character to be attracted to and want to know more about and loved the reletionship changes with Jacob and Gavin.

I don't want to post any spoilers and Im struggling to write more without putting my foot in it ...but know this you will be as excited for book two as I am once you read it!!

so therefor in conclusion snap this up and join me in the enjoyment of the darkside!
Profile Image for Cathy.
925 reviews5 followers
March 8, 2018
This was an interesting spin on a love triangle, both male leads were Alpha verging on a-hole but luckily had redeeming qualities that made it easy to see why our heroine, the CEO of a music label would be attracted to both.

sometime Shane came across as weak and unable to make a decision without the approval of either Jacob or Gavin, and her outfits were all selected by her male best friend, but by the end of the story she finally comes into her own, taking control of her own destiny.

I wont say which gentleman, if either, Shane chooses but along the way she has some very hot, steamy scenes which will keep you interested!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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