Series: The Beneath Series
Author: Tori Madison
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Design: Renee Ericson, RE Creatives
Re-release Date: September 25, 2017
#1 BENEATH IT ALL
Cover Design: Renee Ericson, RE Creatives
Re-release Date: September 25, 2017
#1 BENEATH IT ALL
You. Have. Breast. Cancer.
I wasn’t prepared to hear those words. Neither was my loving husband, family or friends. And none of us were prepared for what life had in store after they were spoken.
I should have seen the signs all around me. I should have paid attention to the people who supposedly loved me, the people who I'd always trusted. But I was blind to what was going on. The effects on my flourishing career, passionate marriage and carefree lifestyle would be insurmountable.
It was time to take control of my life and the overwhelming chaos. Time to make the choices that were right for me. Right for my future. The future I hadn’t planned on.
My life didn’t stop when I heard those four little words…it was only just beginning.
I wasn’t prepared to hear those words. Neither was my loving husband, family or friends. And none of us were prepared for what life had in store after they were spoken.
I should have seen the signs all around me. I should have paid attention to the people who supposedly loved me, the people who I'd always trusted. But I was blind to what was going on. The effects on my flourishing career, passionate marriage and carefree lifestyle would be insurmountable.
It was time to take control of my life and the overwhelming chaos. Time to make the choices that were right for me. Right for my future. The future I hadn’t planned on.
My life didn’t stop when I heard those four little words…it was only just beginning.
*Originally released on September 24, 2014
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#2 BENEATH YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL
Four words continue
to haunt me . . .
You. Have. Breast. Cancer.
I associate them with the upheaval of my life to this point. The last few months have been a test of my strength . . . mentally, emotionally, and physically. Cancer is a monster. It preys on your mind and it consumes you, consistently reminding you of how your life used to be. Life before cancer. I was a successful business woman, running my own design firm, and was happily married to my college sweetheart. My life seemed perfect. Until it suddenly came crashing down all around me.
You. Have. Breast. Cancer.
I associate them with the upheaval of my life to this point. The last few months have been a test of my strength . . . mentally, emotionally, and physically. Cancer is a monster. It preys on your mind and it consumes you, consistently reminding you of how your life used to be. Life before cancer. I was a successful business woman, running my own design firm, and was happily married to my college sweetheart. My life seemed perfect. Until it suddenly came crashing down all around me.
So, here I am, in
the midst of treatment, incinerating the remnants of my shattered marriage and
attempting to piece the rest of my life back together. With three amazing
friends pushing me forward, the ‘post-chemo’ finish line is coming into view.
And then . . .
there’s him. The man I never anticipated. The one who breathes hope and meaning
back into my life. A man who kisses my scars and shows me that I’m beautiful. I
never expected him. Hell, I never expected cancer. I’m finally ready to write
my future, a future I never planned on, but one that is better than I could’ve
ever imagined.
*Includes new bonus short story
*Originally released on February 24, 2015
My Reviews:
Beneath It All
Not your typical review
This review is not going to be a regurgitation of the story, plot summary, character analysis. This is a review of why I think you should read this and not shy away. I am going to be honest. This book appeared on my “Recommended for You”. I read the book summary: “You. Have. Breast. Cancer.” Oh heck no – not going to read. I want my romance with steam, sexy, seductive, angsty females, alpha males. I do not want to deal with real life. I’ve been there; done breast cancer. Nope. Not. Going. There. The novel will handle the subject trite or cliched. Or worse, have the characters do things that I fought and hated. No. Nope. Not interested.
Then a friend gifted me a copy and asked me to give it a try.
I am so glad I did. It’s well worth the time.
Let’s cover the basic reviewer’s questions. Were the characters credible? Yes, all characters main and minor were completely authentic and believable. Did the main characters run into problems? Breast Cancer- given. A plot twist that is not worn or thrown in for a wow. A wholly realistic journey. Who was your favorite character? Why? Hell, I have to pick one. We all have a little bit in us or around us of Victoria, Bobbie Jo, Jen and Dana. Enough said. Could you relate to any of the characters in the story? Unfortunately, too easily. Was it hard to think about again? Yes. Was I glad I did? Yes. Because Victoria was such an amazing, strong character I fell in love with. If I could change something, what would it be? Okay, can’t say without giving away the story. But yes, some of the stuff in Victoria’s journey, not particularly happy that had to happen. But, I know that stuff does.
Who do I recommend this to? Everyone who likes anything in this genre. It’s loving, it’s heart breaking, it’s steamy, it’s great girl power, and it’s just a beautiful ride.
Beneath, You're Beautiful
A beautiful ending to the series
Did you read Beneath It All? Stop. Turn around and one-click that. Then come back to read the reviews.
Because “Hello?”
If you read my review for book one, I was hesitant. However, I jumped into book two without indecision. Now, Ms. Madison takes on the rest of Victoria’s journey. New chapters are written with Bobbi Jo, Jen, Dana and Blake. Oh Blake (fans self). New characters are introduced such as Margaret and Jillian. Although Jillian is a minor character, she has a powerful, lasting impression on the reader to the very end of the novel. There are two defined stories in this book: one of Victoria and Blake’s love and the other Best Friends you can’t live without. Both plot journeys are interwoven yet separate in ways. I just thank god for Dana because at one point I wasn’t sure how I was going to jump into my Kindle to shake some sense into Victoria. Blake and Victoria’s love story was so believable; love is never , ever easy. Best Friends story was so thrilling to have four seemingly strong women show you their weak sides.
I know some readers like one book and you’re done. However, I agree with the author. There was no way to tell all of Victoria’s journey in one book and do the character justice. Oh, and the epilogue – I love Karma.
You cannot read the first one without the second. It a complete full circle experience. A joy to read. It’ll break your heart, put it back together and you’ll be stronger for it.
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Author Bio
Happily married and the mother of identical twins, Tori
Madison is active in the world of philanthropy and finds joy in making a
difference in lives of others. She is an avid reader, lover of life and a
breast cancer survivor. Currently residing with her family in her home state of
Minnesota, she can often be found at Caribou Coffee or at the dance studio with
her teenage daughters.
Writing a book was never on her radar. After a challenge
from an author friend to write 2,500 words a story came to life and a new
opportunity to make a difference was born. Her debut novel, Beneath It All,
released on September 24, 2014. The sequel, Beneath, You’re Beautiful, released
on February 24, 2015.
Tori is currently working on a spin-off series after taking
some time away from writing for family reasons. Look for updates on her
upcoming series on social media.
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