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Emily McIntire
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Beneath the Stands (Sugarlake Series Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Emily McIntire (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 4,154 ratings

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily McIntire comes an angsty, best friend's brother, second chance romance.

Elliot Carson left Sugarlake and has never looked back. Revered as the next big thing in basketball, Eli’s a star until an injury ends his career, sending him spiraling with no direction.

But he won’t go home.

He can’t.

Instead, he accepts a coaching gig at Florida Coast University, determined to leave his past behind. But fate has other plans when Becca, his sister’s best friend, shows up as a student and, even worse, becomes the new team manager.

Rebecca Sanger is the preacher’s daughter and the town's disappointment. When she ignores her family’s demands to come home, she’s cut off and needs a job so she can stay enrolled at FCU. She thought she had everything figured out, until Eli Carson—the person she hates more than anything in the world—ends up being her new boss.

Forced together, Becca and Eli’s hatred turns to heat, and they start an affair. But disaster quickly strikes, ripping them apart.

Years pass, and Becca’s back home, under her parent’s thumb, and living a mundane life. When Eli shows up out of the blue with a fiancée in tow, Becca is tasked with planning their wedding.

There’s only one problem.

Becca still loves Eli.

And he hates her.

For the second time in their lives, they’re forced together, and they’ll find out just how thin the line is between hate... and a love that lasts a lifetime.

*****

*Beneath the Stands is the second interconnected standalone in the Sugarlake series. It can be read alone, but it's recommended to start with Beneath the Stars for a full reading experience. Beneath the Stands contains mature content. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Full list of TW can be found on author's website.*

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  1. Book 2 of 4
    Sugarlake Series
  2. Print length
    338 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    December 1, 2020
  6. File size
    1.6 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. “Because it doesn’t matter if she’s the woman I deserve, when you’re the only one I see.”
    Highlighted by 670 Kindle readers
  2. And maybe that’s the difference between success and failure—whether you acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them, or choose to bury yourself in the debris of their destruction.
    Highlighted by 658 Kindle readers
  3. The beat of my lonely heart strengthens, battering against my chest, urging me to lay it at her feet, hoping she picks it up and keeps it forever.
    Highlighted by 626 Kindle readers
  4. “You can’t always have the thing you want most. Sometimes, no matter how bad you want it... it’s just not meant to be.”
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A longtime songwriter and an avid reader, Emily McIntire has always had a passion for the written word, and when she's not writing you can find her waiting on her long-lost Hogwarts letter, chasing her crazy toddler, or lost between the pages of a good book.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08GKCC1LR
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amazon Digital Services
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 1, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 338 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1734999426
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Sugarlake Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 4,154 ratings

About the author

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Emily McIntire

Emily McIntire

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Emily McIntire is a #1 New York Times, and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author whose stories serve steam, slow burns, and seriously questionable morals. Her books have been translated in over a dozen languages, and span across several sub-genres within romance.

She's been featured on outlets such as Good Morning Chicago, and in Cosmopolitan.

A stage IV breast cancer thriver, you can find Emily enjoying free time with her family, getting lost in a good book, or redecorating her house depending on her mood.

Instagram: @itsemilymcintire

Facebook Group: The McInCult

Tiktok: @authoremilymcintire

X: @authoremilym

Never After Series:

- Hooked

- Scarred

- Wretched

- Twisted

- Crossed

- TBA

Sugarlake Series:

- Beneath the Stars

- Beneath the Stands

- Beneath the Hood

- Beneath the Surface

Standalone:

- Be Still My Heart

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4,154 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book engaging, with one noting it's the best read in order, and they appreciate its emotional depth, with one describing it as a gripping exploration of grief. The romance receives positive feedback, with one review highlighting the inside view of a healthy relationship forming, and customers praise the character development, with one noting the chemistry between characters is electric. The writing style is excellent, and customers describe the book as beautiful and spicy, with one review highlighting the author's skill in illustrating family dynamics.

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ReadabilityEmotional contentRomanceCharacter developmentWriting styleBeautySteaminessInsight
46 customers mention "Readability"45 positive1 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, with one mentioning it made them think deeply about the story.

"Lots of twists and turns in this enemies to lovers romance - very interconnected with the other books in the series - best read in order." Read more

"She did it! Love everything about this series!" Read more

"This book was absolutely amazing!! This series is sooo good!!" Read more

"...The spicy adult romance story was a great read." Read more

29 customers mention "Emotional content"25 positive4 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as a very emotional story that is heartbreaking at times, with one customer noting how gripping it is to dive into the main character's grief.

"...This is another one of those books that rips your heart out and glues it back piece by piece...." Read more

"Overall, I really liked it. Pretty realistic story TBH. I felt like the end kinda dragged a little & could’ve probably have been shorter...." Read more

"...Her plots and characters are deep and meaningful. Everything is so well thought out that you can really feel the emotions of the characters...." Read more

"...Overall, I really loved this book. Real-life relatable situations, two flawed characters that you will love and a love story that just hits you in..." Read more

24 customers mention "Romance"21 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a beautiful love story with lots of love, and one customer notes it's a best enemies-to-lovers romance.

"Beneath the Stands is a powerful, beautiful story of love, loss, and forgiveness...." Read more

"...Not only is it a love story with steamy scenes, it is about family and secrets and how we can hurt those that we love the most and vice versa...." Read more

"These indie covers are seriously gorgeous. The spicy adult romance story was a great read." Read more

"Love this book. Love Eli and Becca’s romance story. Eli is Becca’s best friend’s brother. Becca’s is going to college in Florida...." Read more

22 customers mention "Character development"22 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting how they can feel the emotions of the characters, and one customer mentions the chemistry between them is electric.

"...I loved how I could hear Becca’s accent in the pages. I loved the character development of both Eli and Becca...." Read more

"I enjoyed the characters. There was some growth although we didn't get much at the end...." Read more

"...2) I liked the tie in of characters from other books...." Read more

"...Everything is so well thought out that you can really feel the emotions of the characters. She builds relationships with perfect connections." Read more

18 customers mention "Writing style"18 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, noting that the author is excellent at her craft and wonderfully written, with one customer highlighting the well-thought-out details.

"...But it didn’t detract from the story. And it was probably realistic...." Read more

"...Her plots and characters are deep and meaningful. Everything is so well thought out that you can really feel the emotions of the characters...." Read more

"...was forbidden (she was a student), but it was also tender, raw and real. She has issues with her parents and the values they raised her with...." Read more

"...I stayed up all night engrossed in Eli and Becca's story. It was so well written and hot damn was it hot! 💋💋..." Read more

10 customers mention "Beauty"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beautiful, with one mentioning how the author paints a vivid picture.

"Ok listen. Chase and Lee were cute. But the back and forth between these two!? Love. I loved how I could hear Becca’s accent in the pages...." Read more

"These indie covers are seriously gorgeous. The spicy adult romance story was a great read." Read more

"...Becca and Eli is weaved to have its ups and downs but it was absolutely beautiful. Their pain felt real and so did their happiness...." Read more

"...It was emotional and heartbreaking at times and beautiful, romantic and h0t at other times! I absolutely loved this book!" Read more

8 customers mention "Steaminess"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the steaminess of the book, describing it as spicy and smutty.

"...The smut was smutty and SPICY (and I mean good!) but the story was where it was with this one...." Read more

"...doesn’t hurt that every lead character was absolutely delicious as well." Read more

"...The sass, the steam, and the angst had me up all night. I couldn’t put it down! Eli is my new favorite book boyfriend!!..." Read more

"If I’m being honest I like this book better than first one. It’s a lot steamier and a lot more interaction between the main characters...." Read more

7 customers mention "Insight"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insight, with one review highlighting how it illustrates complicated family dynamics, while another notes its in-depth details and perfect character connections.

"...She builds relationships with perfect connections." Read more

"...Emily does such a great job with illustrating the complicated family dynamics and showing the characters that they aren’t alone." Read more

"...on top of that, we got plot, drama, context, daddy/mommy issues, and healing?..." Read more

"...Eli has his faults but he’s a good person...." Read more

🥵 HOLY SMOKES 🥵
5 out of 5 stars
🥵 HOLY SMOKES 🥵
“Lovin’ someone fully doesn’t mean you aren’t afraid. It just means you do it anyway, even with the fear, because they deserve all your pieces.” I was so excited to read ‘Beneath the Stands’ because of the trope alone. Enemies-to-lovers is hands down my favorite. Well, let me tell you, Emily McIntire killed it with this one. The sass, the steam, and the angst had me up all night. I couldn’t put it down! Eli is my new favorite book boyfriend!! There wasn’t a single thing that I disliked about his character. He had no will power when it came to Becca, and man was it hot!! Aside from that, I loved his back story and his POV. Diving into his grief was gripping, especially after already knowing Lee’s side. There’s always two sides to every story! Becca was saucy and bold when it came to Eli and her friends. I adored her. As much as I hated her parents they were the perfect addition for her character development. I was living for that drama! Her character had so much growth and when she finally rises up you can’t help but smile. Eli and Becca’s chemistry was insane!! Their story was laced with grief and beauty. ‘Beneath the Stands’ is definitely one of the best enemies-to-lovers romance books I’ve read. If this is a trope that you love and you haven’t read it yet, do it! You won’t be disappointed. Now I’m itching to read Jax and Blakely’s story, because age-gap is my second favorite trope. 🤤
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Barkerbookshelf
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another incredible, emotional rollercoaster!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Beneath the Stands is a powerful, beautiful story of love, loss, and forgiveness. This is another one of those books that rips your heart out and glues it back piece by piece. I was so captivated by the story that I listened and read at the same time, unable to focus on anything else until I found out what happened next. I definitely recommend giving this book a read!
    Helpful
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  • Heather
    4.0 out of 5 stars Emotional Rollercoaster
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    What I don’t like :(

    Becca likely likes to be hurt (choked, bruised) during intimate moments, likely because she feels unworthy of joy and love. In a book we can accept this, because we know in his heart of hearts Eli has a love for her, but his and her behavior is not healthy in reality. Please do not go searching out/participating in this kind of “love.”

    I am appalled authors are starting to make this a norm.

    Please Be Careful🙏

    What I do like!!!

    I love that Eli and Becca grow so much (there lives remain pretty stagnant unfortunately), but as people. What I struggled with the 1st book is everyones complete selfishness. No one cared about anyone else! This one the characters really grow out of that 😍, will near the end 😁.

    I also love how Becca realizes how easy it is to fall as a human. She hates her parents for their judgement hypocrisy, and realizes that stuff can easily occur in her too. That is why character is more important than anything we will do.

    Happily Ever After 🤗🤗🤗
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amitie Maldonado
    5.0 out of 5 stars basketball in a small town
    Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Ok listen. Chase and Lee were cute. But the back and forth between these two!? Love. I loved how I could hear Becca’s accent in the pages. I loved the character development of both Eli and Becca. I loved catching up with Chase and Lee as well. Need a part two bc that pie at the end has to have some repercussions right?!
    Helpful
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  • jazzy
    3.0 out of 5 stars Eli and Becca
    Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the characters. There was some growth although we didn't get much at the end. I understand seeing another pov but most of the book was a retelling of the first.
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Hold on for the ride
    Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Lots of twists and turns in this enemies to lovers romance - very interconnected with the other books in the series - best read in order.
    Helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love
    Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    She did it! Love everything about this series!
    Helpful
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  • Nicole
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book was absolutely amazing!! This series is sooo good!!
    Helpful
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  • Jess Mendez
    4.0 out of 5 stars Becca and Eli !
    Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Oh my this was such a world wind love story and learning more about Eli’s personal experiences really brings the whole story into view. Can’t wait to read the next in the series and see what California had to offer jax!
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Leyendo Forever
    3.0 out of 5 stars Some aspects are awesome!
    Reviewed in Mexico on March 23, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Spanish & English Opinion

    3🍭🍭🍭

    ESP ::

    La serie me va gustando. Hay algo que vale la pena mencionar y es la forma en que abordan la parte de aficiones y cómo afectan. Está muy bien manejando, ejemplifican desde muchos puntos cómo se podría vivir una situación así y me parece muy sensato y sensible.

    El libro pasado planteó a los personajes y la historia de Eli y Becca me intrigaba mucho. Su romance me gustó y el crecimiento de sus personajes también. Me pareció un poco largo, es decir, podíamos saltar varias cosas redundantes.

    Eli me gustó un poco más en actitud que Becca. Ella me parece que se quejaba de todo y a todo echaba culpa pero no asumía su responsabilidad. De todos modos, me agrada que crece y evoluciona después.

    La historia de Jax me urge. Me encanta lo que se va planteando.

    ENG ::

    This series has been cool. Something that I find really great is the sensible and classy way the addiction topic is managed. Different perspectives, different positions but the way it’s handled on the books is really nice and helpful.

    The first book introduced us to the characters and I was dying to read Eli and Becca’s story. Their backgrounds were complex and they learned and grew up from there. I liked Eli’s way of handling his topics. I felt Becca was always complaining and leaving responsibility to the others instead of owning her part. She ends up evolving (Thank God). And also, there were parts that felt a little bit redundant.

    Now we need to wait for Jax’s story and so far, I’m loving what’s happening!
    Report
  • Amber Lloyd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect
    Reviewed in Canada on February 28, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Give me everything Emily McIntire!
    Report
  • L. Starla
    5.0 out of 5 stars This Sizzling hot sports romance is a beautiful forbidden love story.
    Reviewed in Australia on February 23, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The second instalment in the Sugarlake series tells Rebecca and Eli’s story. These characters cross paths years after leaving their hometown when Eli’s basketball career takes a turn for the worst. Unable to play pro due to injury, he becomes the new coach at Becca’s university. Not only that, but he becomes her new boss. From enemies to secret lovers, this couple cannot resist the strong attraction pulling them together, but they are both risking a lot to be together: dating a student puts Eli’s job is on the line and Becca feels guilty for seeing her best friend’s brother and lying about it. Yet none of the challenges are more difficult to overcome than their own demons.
    If you enjoyed Beneath the Stars, you’ll love this book, but it can also be read standalone. This story is immersive and entertaining, the characters are flawed, but relatable, and the romance is steamy with plenty of tension.

    Review by L. Starla
    Customer image
    L. Starla
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    This Sizzling hot sports romance is a beautiful forbidden love story.

    Reviewed in Australia on February 23, 2021
    The second instalment in the Sugarlake series tells Rebecca and Eli’s story. These characters cross paths years after leaving their hometown when Eli’s basketball career takes a turn for the worst. Unable to play pro due to injury, he becomes the new coach at Becca’s university. Not only that, but he becomes her new boss. From enemies to secret lovers, this couple cannot resist the strong attraction pulling them together, but they are both risking a lot to be together: dating a student puts Eli’s job is on the line and Becca feels guilty for seeing her best friend’s brother and lying about it. Yet none of the challenges are more difficult to overcome than their own demons.
    If you enjoyed Beneath the Stars, you’ll love this book, but it can also be read standalone. This story is immersive and entertaining, the characters are flawed, but relatable, and the romance is steamy with plenty of tension.

    Review by L. Starla
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  • Mrs HH
    4.0 out of 5 stars An emotional rollercoaster
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 20, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I love Emily's writing and the characters really have come alive for me, halfway through the plot twists and the characters made stupid mistakes that I just couldn't forgive them for and this is why marked it 4 not 5 star. Its easily a 5 star I just couldn't forgive the characters for their stubborness. Emily really knows how to put her characters threw emotional turmoil and it's great how this book slots into the story of book one. I think I need a breather before book 3 as my heart can't take it. Fantastic series!
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  • Alice
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    Reviewed in Australia on December 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This started so strong and then it lagged a bit but the last 60 pages were magic so I’m going to remain obsessed with Emily’s writing. It was a lovely story and some of the quotes were tear worthy.
    Report

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