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Shine Design #1
Beautifully Damaged
Peyton Kroft was his forever, until the unthinkable happened. Walking away all those years ago had been the right thing to do, but he's ready to put the past behind him. Moving to San Francisco and hiring his first love, the city's top designer, is a good place to start. Yet it stirs up feelings he thought he'd buried.
Jackson Vance broke her heart. He took half of it with him on his way out of town. Picking up the pieces hadn't been easy, but more than nine years later, Peyton is living her best life. Coming face to face with her first love is not on the agenda. He is beautiful, broken, and everything she's ever wanted.
The past still hovers like a dark cloud. But every dark cloud has a silver-lining.
Jackson Vance broke her heart. He took half of it with him on his way out of town. Picking up the pieces hadn't been easy, but more than nine years later, Peyton is living her best life. Coming face to face with her first love is not on the agenda. He is beautiful, broken, and everything she's ever wanted.
The past still hovers like a dark cloud. But every dark cloud has a silver-lining.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2019
About the author
Laura Pavlov
42 books6,421 followersLaura Pavlov is a USA Today and Amazon top 10 Bestselling author. She writes sweet and sexy small town romance that will make you both laugh and cry. Laura is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome kids who are currently adulting, one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. She's living her own happily ever after in Las Vegas. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
April 20, 2023
3.75 slow burning ⭐
Peyton and Jackson are childhood sweethearts torn apart by guilt and grief. Their story is told in both of their POV's in flashbacks and in the present when Jackson hires Peyton to design his new restaurant. When they see each other again after 9 years it had the potential to be a really sizzling page turner, and I was really excited, and I waited and waited and waited, but it never happened. There were times I loved both characters and times I wanted to ring their necks.
Overall this book was well written and if you like second chance, slow burn romance with a side of protective sweetness than this is the book for you.
*Thanks to the author and Voracious Readers Only for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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Peyton and Jackson are childhood sweethearts torn apart by guilt and grief. Their story is told in both of their POV's in flashbacks and in the present when Jackson hires Peyton to design his new restaurant. When they see each other again after 9 years it had the potential to be a really sizzling page turner, and I was really excited, and I waited and waited and waited, but it never happened. There were times I loved both characters and times I wanted to ring their necks.
Overall this book was well written and if you like second chance, slow burn romance with a side of protective sweetness than this is the book for you.
*Thanks to the author and Voracious Readers Only for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
February 3, 2023
➳ Rate: 4,5/ 5 stars
Beautifully Damaged was my first book by Laura Pavlov but it won't be my last. I adored her writing even though it was written in 3rd pov and I prefer when they are in first, but unlike most 3rd pov books, it didn't bother me.
I fell a little in love with Peyton and Jackson from the very beginning and only fell more with each new chapter. Their story is told in past and present chapters but not that many past chapters, just the right amount to help you understand their demise, what caused it, and how they both felt at the time the tragedy striked.
This book is a beautiful and emotional second-chance romance that will hit you with all the feels. Jackson was an amazing boy who fell in love with a little girl when he was 10. They became best friends first, friends who spent all their time together, who saved each other, and later became so much more. But when they were 18, about to embark on a long-distance relationship during their college years, a tragedy strikes and Jackson runs. He has been broken ever since, never being able to get over what happened, or the guilt he carries and never ever having stopped loving Peyton.
Now, 9 years later, Jackson moves into Peyton's town and hires her to design his restaurant, the restaurant they used to picture and dream about together. He was hoping to rekindle their friendship, work out what happened between them, and finally get the closure they both deserved... what he wasn't expecting was to love her even more and for all the good and bad memories to come back. All the while having to watch her be with another man and fight off the attraction between them so he wouldn't hurt her again and also deal with what happened 9 years ago that left him a shell of who he was.
There is a lot more involving these two and the third wheel that is Peyton's "mayor" boyfriend. You can expect some drama and unexpected events, a whole lot of angst and emotion mixed in with a whole lot of lust, longing, and sexual tension. Jackson will probably steal your heart along the way and you'll root for the broken teenager he was to finally let go of his guilt and accept the love and happiness he deserves next to the love of his life. I loved the secondary characters, Peyton's bffs, Jackson's, and even the ones who were no longer alive. So many characters and moments brought on so many emotions into the story and really made it more beautiful and inspiring. And of course, there are a couple of characters you will hate and will enjoy watching them get what they deserve.
It's not all angst and heartache though, there are a lot of funny moments between Jackson and Peyton that will have you laughing and with a constant smile on your face, and let's not forget the swoony ones too. Jackson is pretty damn special and the love he has for Peyton is unquestionable, no matter how hard he tries to hide it and even when he doesn't hide it but fights it anyway. Jackson thinks Peyton deserves better than him but boy does he deserve all the love in the world and especially the love only Peyton can give him. These two are perfect together and it's so heartwarming to finally see them together again after so long, Their friendship still stands strong, like no minute separated them, and their love is even stronger, forever unbreakable.
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
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Beautifully Damaged was my first book by Laura Pavlov but it won't be my last. I adored her writing even though it was written in 3rd pov and I prefer when they are in first, but unlike most 3rd pov books, it didn't bother me.
I fell a little in love with Peyton and Jackson from the very beginning and only fell more with each new chapter. Their story is told in past and present chapters but not that many past chapters, just the right amount to help you understand their demise, what caused it, and how they both felt at the time the tragedy striked.
This book is a beautiful and emotional second-chance romance that will hit you with all the feels. Jackson was an amazing boy who fell in love with a little girl when he was 10. They became best friends first, friends who spent all their time together, who saved each other, and later became so much more. But when they were 18, about to embark on a long-distance relationship during their college years, a tragedy strikes and Jackson runs. He has been broken ever since, never being able to get over what happened, or the guilt he carries and never ever having stopped loving Peyton.
Now, 9 years later, Jackson moves into Peyton's town and hires her to design his restaurant, the restaurant they used to picture and dream about together. He was hoping to rekindle their friendship, work out what happened between them, and finally get the closure they both deserved... what he wasn't expecting was to love her even more and for all the good and bad memories to come back. All the while having to watch her be with another man and fight off the attraction between them so he wouldn't hurt her again and also deal with what happened 9 years ago that left him a shell of who he was.
There is a lot more involving these two and the third wheel that is Peyton's "mayor" boyfriend. You can expect some drama and unexpected events, a whole lot of angst and emotion mixed in with a whole lot of lust, longing, and sexual tension. Jackson will probably steal your heart along the way and you'll root for the broken teenager he was to finally let go of his guilt and accept the love and happiness he deserves next to the love of his life. I loved the secondary characters, Peyton's bffs, Jackson's, and even the ones who were no longer alive. So many characters and moments brought on so many emotions into the story and really made it more beautiful and inspiring. And of course, there are a couple of characters you will hate and will enjoy watching them get what they deserve.
It's not all angst and heartache though, there are a lot of funny moments between Jackson and Peyton that will have you laughing and with a constant smile on your face, and let's not forget the swoony ones too. Jackson is pretty damn special and the love he has for Peyton is unquestionable, no matter how hard he tries to hide it and even when he doesn't hide it but fights it anyway. Jackson thinks Peyton deserves better than him but boy does he deserve all the love in the world and especially the love only Peyton can give him. These two are perfect together and it's so heartwarming to finally see them together again after so long, Their friendship still stands strong, like no minute separated them, and their love is even stronger, forever unbreakable.
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ NOW LIVE!!!!!! Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
September 6, 2019
This book has a wrong title. The title suggest a angst, full of drama. Dark twistes plot perhaps.. but thos book is actually sweet, lukewarm, bit boring and very very predictable story. Yes second chance romance is not somethibg new. But this book needs more plot. And better editing.
The character development is there. But barely to save the story. I do like the background of thos story os on san fransisco. Not very detail, but its enough to make me remembering my time there.
Overal, despite all of that is lacking in this book, i like the book ok.
3 stars
The character development is there. But barely to save the story. I do like the background of thos story os on san fransisco. Not very detail, but its enough to make me remembering my time there.
Overal, despite all of that is lacking in this book, i like the book ok.
3 stars
July 25, 2019
3 “Hey, Peanut” stars
This is my first book by Laura Pavlov, a second chance romance between childhood sweethearts that is sweet and dramatic with a bit of angst.
Peyton is an interior designer with a booming career, great friends, and a lacklustre lovelife. She is in a relationship, but it’s more out of habit than anything else, and the added pressure of her boyfriend running for mayor makes things complicated. But her career is where it’s at, and she’s just been given a great new opportunity, only to discover that she will be working with her first love and the man that shattered her heart.
Jackson and Peyton met when they were children, fell in love and were destined for a life together until tragedy tore them apart. Now, nine years later, Jackson has tracked Peyton down in San Francisco where he is opening the restaurant they dreamed about when they were teenagers. He wants her to design it for him, and he wants to apologise for hurting her all those years ago, healing the gap between them in the hopes that it will provide the closure that they both need. But he didn’t expect his feelings for her to come roaring back, stronger than ever.
We get to see their history through flashbacks throughout the book, which I loved, and from the moment these two are reunited it’s clear that their love for each other is still very much alive. They have such a strong connection, and I love that they don’t hide from their past, from what they felt and what they went through, and what they are feeling now. They just try to make sense of it and find a way to deal with it, and I really appreciated the honesty between them.
While Peyton sorts through the mess of her actual relationship there is lots of banter, innocent flirting and sweet, fun moments as they enjoy being back in each other’s lives, in whatever capacity. And when she is finally in a position to act on her feelings, the romance is on.
Sweet and sexy (though the sex scenes are fairly tame), there’s a whole lot of emotion between these two, and as they work through the issues resulting from all that happened in the past, they find themselves swept up in a romantic whirlwind.
But they have more to deal with than they know, and it’s not an easy road for them as they find their way forward. There is some angst and heartache, and a whole lot of soul-searching before they can get their happy ending.
As a dramatic second-chance-romance book, this book is supposed to be all about the emotion. And while the characters were certainly feeling all the feels, I wasn’t as invested as I wanted to be. Of course I wanted them together, and I was happy that they found their way back to each other, but I didn’t feel it. And as a romance reader, I’m all about the feels. I only finished this book last night and I’m already struggling to recall the details with clarity, or my feelings about it. I enjoyed it while I read it, it’s one of those books that didn’t really stand out for me.
Still a good read though, and a solid 3 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by Laura Pavlov, a second chance romance between childhood sweethearts that is sweet and dramatic with a bit of angst.
Peyton is an interior designer with a booming career, great friends, and a lacklustre lovelife. She is in a relationship, but it’s more out of habit than anything else, and the added pressure of her boyfriend running for mayor makes things complicated. But her career is where it’s at, and she’s just been given a great new opportunity, only to discover that she will be working with her first love and the man that shattered her heart.
Jackson and Peyton met when they were children, fell in love and were destined for a life together until tragedy tore them apart. Now, nine years later, Jackson has tracked Peyton down in San Francisco where he is opening the restaurant they dreamed about when they were teenagers. He wants her to design it for him, and he wants to apologise for hurting her all those years ago, healing the gap between them in the hopes that it will provide the closure that they both need. But he didn’t expect his feelings for her to come roaring back, stronger than ever.
We get to see their history through flashbacks throughout the book, which I loved, and from the moment these two are reunited it’s clear that their love for each other is still very much alive. They have such a strong connection, and I love that they don’t hide from their past, from what they felt and what they went through, and what they are feeling now. They just try to make sense of it and find a way to deal with it, and I really appreciated the honesty between them.
“I believe everyone has one true match. I just happened to meet mine at the wrong time. You were it for me. Nothing in the world could have kept me from you. I would have bet my life on it. Then the fucking unimaginable happened.”
While Peyton sorts through the mess of her actual relationship there is lots of banter, innocent flirting and sweet, fun moments as they enjoy being back in each other’s lives, in whatever capacity. And when she is finally in a position to act on her feelings, the romance is on.
The realization that she still loved him was impossible to deny. Too obvious to convince herself otherwise. Probably never stopped. He was the love of her life. Then and now.
Sweet and sexy (though the sex scenes are fairly tame), there’s a whole lot of emotion between these two, and as they work through the issues resulting from all that happened in the past, they find themselves swept up in a romantic whirlwind.
“I love you in a way I’ve never loved anyone else. It’s always been you. “
But they have more to deal with than they know, and it’s not an easy road for them as they find their way forward. There is some angst and heartache, and a whole lot of soul-searching before they can get their happy ending.
As a dramatic second-chance-romance book, this book is supposed to be all about the emotion. And while the characters were certainly feeling all the feels, I wasn’t as invested as I wanted to be. Of course I wanted them together, and I was happy that they found their way back to each other, but I didn’t feel it. And as a romance reader, I’m all about the feels. I only finished this book last night and I’m already struggling to recall the details with clarity, or my feelings about it. I enjoyed it while I read it, it’s one of those books that didn’t really stand out for me.
Still a good read though, and a solid 3 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2019
***ARC Provided by the Author***
2.5 Stars
This is a sweet romance, and I don't have an issue with that. BUT, one of the challenges with a sweet, fade to black romance is that you need to make sure the connection between the characters is strong and developed.
Yes, the hot sex in romance books is fun. But, I think people also forget that sexy times also move the story forward. They bring the connection of characters to the readers through the physical intimacy of the characters. If this isn't in the book to move the story forward, something needs to be in it's place to replace it.
Peyton and Jackson had the history and a connection that goes back 17 years...but, in the now? They didn't really have all that much keeping them together. They had a past that needed to be resolved, but a future that didn't really feel very interconnected. And, for this story to work, I needed to feel more connection with them in the present, in the "now" of the story.
I found the flashbacks to be more interesting to the story than the parts of it that took place in the present. I believed their attraction in the past, and their heartbreak...but, I didn't really connect with it in the present. I needed more emotional connection, more of the belief that neither of them wanted to be with the other.
I also thought the end felt really abrupt...although more, I think, because I didn't really feel their attraction so I wasn't totally willing to believe that they were that invested in ending up together.
I am not able to recommend this title.
2.5 Stars
This is a sweet romance, and I don't have an issue with that. BUT, one of the challenges with a sweet, fade to black romance is that you need to make sure the connection between the characters is strong and developed.
Yes, the hot sex in romance books is fun. But, I think people also forget that sexy times also move the story forward. They bring the connection of characters to the readers through the physical intimacy of the characters. If this isn't in the book to move the story forward, something needs to be in it's place to replace it.
Peyton and Jackson had the history and a connection that goes back 17 years...but, in the now? They didn't really have all that much keeping them together. They had a past that needed to be resolved, but a future that didn't really feel very interconnected. And, for this story to work, I needed to feel more connection with them in the present, in the "now" of the story.
I found the flashbacks to be more interesting to the story than the parts of it that took place in the present. I believed their attraction in the past, and their heartbreak...but, I didn't really connect with it in the present. I needed more emotional connection, more of the belief that neither of them wanted to be with the other.
I also thought the end felt really abrupt...although more, I think, because I didn't really feel their attraction so I wasn't totally willing to believe that they were that invested in ending up together.
I am not able to recommend this title.
July 23, 2019
This is the first book I've read of Laura Pavlov and there is only one word for 'Beautifully damaged' that is AMAZING. As the pages were turning on my device I was feeling like I am watching a movie. It's like everything is happening right in front of my eyes. The way Laura Pavlov has described each emotion, every incident is like really really good.
The story is about the long lost lovers Peyton and Jackson. Where Peyton is already in a relationship with the guy who is standing in the elections for mayor and Jackson is recently shifted to the state to open a restaurant. He wants Peyton to design the interiors for the same as she is the best in her work.
As the interactions happened between them they remembered their past. They learnt how they have missed each other. How they were best friends and the lovers before the tragedy happened and they soon realize that they are still in love after nine years. But each of them had their fears to handle.
The development of characters in this story is quite intriguing. There is a lot of sense of humour in this book. The regular banter between the Peyton and the Jackon keeps you entertain. I love the characters of Peyton's two friends Elle and Dani. Their roles are the best.
This story is all about how second chances in love changes the life of a person. The portrait of character is so strong that you feel those characters. If you are a romantic person ;-) and read contemporary romance this book is just perfect for you.
ARC was generously provided for an honest opinion.
The story is about the long lost lovers Peyton and Jackson. Where Peyton is already in a relationship with the guy who is standing in the elections for mayor and Jackson is recently shifted to the state to open a restaurant. He wants Peyton to design the interiors for the same as she is the best in her work.
As the interactions happened between them they remembered their past. They learnt how they have missed each other. How they were best friends and the lovers before the tragedy happened and they soon realize that they are still in love after nine years. But each of them had their fears to handle.
The development of characters in this story is quite intriguing. There is a lot of sense of humour in this book. The regular banter between the Peyton and the Jackon keeps you entertain. I love the characters of Peyton's two friends Elle and Dani. Their roles are the best.
This story is all about how second chances in love changes the life of a person. The portrait of character is so strong that you feel those characters. If you are a romantic person ;-) and read contemporary romance this book is just perfect for you.
ARC was generously provided for an honest opinion.
July 26, 2019
Peyton and Jackson's second chance at love was quite emotional, fulfilling and it will make you feel so hopeful for these two childhood best friends to finding their way back to each other again. Jackson suffered an absolute loss in his teen years, which set him up to spiral into guilt, depression and allowing himself to distance himself from his love, Peyton. Years go by and Peyton has somewhat moved on, ahead in her game, thinking the past is staying in the past, until Jackson shows up and totally throws a wrench in her life. Now the battle is how much they still love each other and how they are going to fight to be together, but Jackson, has so many doubts about himself.
I enjoyed this story. There was alot of emotions, they have so much to overcome to finally be together. This is Laura's debut and I think she did a fantastic job. I had a slight issue with the POV it was written in. It took a little while to get used to, like I said, slight issue, because I really enjoy 1st POV, but once I got into it was easy to cruise through.
I enjoyed this story. There was alot of emotions, they have so much to overcome to finally be together. This is Laura's debut and I think she did a fantastic job. I had a slight issue with the POV it was written in. It took a little while to get used to, like I said, slight issue, because I really enjoy 1st POV, but once I got into it was easy to cruise through.
September 13, 2019
A steady love flame blazes once again.
This was my first read from this author and it was 4.5 stars of goodness! As the story begins it’s a whole beautiful picture of seeing Jackson and his Peanut reconnect on a friendship level and glimpses into their past history. But further down the line it becomes obvious their love can’t be denied no matter other relationships and all of Jackson’s defense mechanisms that he uses in stopping their inevitable connection. Added to all of this was the tragedy that tore them apart in the first place and as it all comes to light I was able to see why Jackson was acting the way he was. And trust me I did want to shake him at times lol but thankfully he manages to win me over like he did with his Peanut. Recommended for all slow burn second chance romance lovers!
This was my first read from this author and it was 4.5 stars of goodness! As the story begins it’s a whole beautiful picture of seeing Jackson and his Peanut reconnect on a friendship level and glimpses into their past history. But further down the line it becomes obvious their love can’t be denied no matter other relationships and all of Jackson’s defense mechanisms that he uses in stopping their inevitable connection. Added to all of this was the tragedy that tore them apart in the first place and as it all comes to light I was able to see why Jackson was acting the way he was. And trust me I did want to shake him at times lol but thankfully he manages to win me over like he did with his Peanut. Recommended for all slow burn second chance romance lovers!
January 11, 2020
One of the best books I have read in ages!
From the get go Jackson Vance and his relationship with his childhood love, his Peanut gripped me. I cried, I laughed, i felt empathy and pain.
I felt myself rallying for Peyton and Jackson's romance their second chance at love.
Peytons friends are all fiercely loyal and keep a close eye, yet they took are excited for what is to come for their friend.
A wonderful read i could not put it down. 5 stars!!
From the get go Jackson Vance and his relationship with his childhood love, his Peanut gripped me. I cried, I laughed, i felt empathy and pain.
I felt myself rallying for Peyton and Jackson's romance their second chance at love.
Peytons friends are all fiercely loyal and keep a close eye, yet they took are excited for what is to come for their friend.
A wonderful read i could not put it down. 5 stars!!
January 28, 2021
Beautifully Damaged is a delightful romance, capturing your attention from the first page. Laura Pavlov has created characters who you can relate to easily, and with each page turn you crave to know just a little bit more as you are kept intrigued with a thread of mystery that reveals crumbs throughout the story, and keeps you waiting till near the end to understand fully. The story is beautifully written - you feel immersed in the story and feel like you are a part of it, celebrating and feeling frustrated with the characters as the story develops. The ending was perfect, I just loved it, I can’t wait for the next in the series to be released. Many thanks to Laura Pavlov and Voracious Readers for the complimentary copy of this book.
August 30, 2019
Normally I am not a fan of stories told in 3rd person POV ... but I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I love it when a guy doesn’t think he’s good enough for the girl — that gets me every time. So I loved Jackson. This book had me laughing one minute & hit me in the feels the next. Lots of angst and long-lasting love throughout time. Great writing from this author! Can’t wait to read more from her.
August 7, 2019
Beautifully Damaged Review
"She and Jackson were different. From the first day they met as kids— they’d fit. When they were older, he’d become the other half of her soul. It’d just always felt right."
Jackson and Peyton were best friends, then lovers, until tragedy struck and tore them apart. Almost a decade later Jackson is back, and Peyton is caught completely off guard. Can the damage be undone? From the moment Peyton realizes that her new client is her long lost love, Jackson Vance, the chemistry is palpable. He has requested Peyton as the interior designer of his new restaurant, and we can't help but wonder about his motives. I could not put this one down! It has everything: loveable characters, a little mystery, humor, and so much passion. Jackson is my new favorite book boyfriend. You just can't help but love him. And nothing beats a female lead who is so real that you would actually want to be friends with a fictional character. I definitely recommend this one to anyone who likes a love story with deep characters who have to overcome obstacles to be together. Amazing plot! It's five stars, MUST READ!
*Received ARC for honest review
"She and Jackson were different. From the first day they met as kids— they’d fit. When they were older, he’d become the other half of her soul. It’d just always felt right."
Jackson and Peyton were best friends, then lovers, until tragedy struck and tore them apart. Almost a decade later Jackson is back, and Peyton is caught completely off guard. Can the damage be undone? From the moment Peyton realizes that her new client is her long lost love, Jackson Vance, the chemistry is palpable. He has requested Peyton as the interior designer of his new restaurant, and we can't help but wonder about his motives. I could not put this one down! It has everything: loveable characters, a little mystery, humor, and so much passion. Jackson is my new favorite book boyfriend. You just can't help but love him. And nothing beats a female lead who is so real that you would actually want to be friends with a fictional character. I definitely recommend this one to anyone who likes a love story with deep characters who have to overcome obstacles to be together. Amazing plot! It's five stars, MUST READ!
*Received ARC for honest review
September 5, 2019
This was cute, fun read that didn't actually capture me but managed to keep a smile on my face throughout the book. Considering the field in which our protagonist worked in, the story actually pulled me in more. Although there isn't that much unique or original story in the plot, the story manages to captivate you till the end somehow.
July 22, 2019
So there it was my first Laura Pavlov book – its title ? “Beautifully Damaged”
While I am not the biggest fan of the pov it was written in and also the “now-and-then” storyline – it worked for this plot. I liked the depth of the character development and the reader could really feel the history of the leads. It was more with the present where I struggled as the book started with dropping the reader right in the middle of it. But with me it is always a hit and miss when it comes to second chance stories.
I as a reader would have never guessed the circumstances that ripped them apparat when they were younger. So the plot is surprising and never boring in any way. And for me it was quite late within the plot when reasons are finally revealed. But again that is only me because for the storyline it still worded out. For me it would have been nice if I could have felt more while reading the plot but the mixture between second chance and now-and-then would not allow me to get closer to the characters.
I always tend to wonder why these second chances appear at certain points in the life of the characters and the author here gave good and solid reasons so it felt good to be present and see it happening. Their journey was accompanied by solid secondary characters that added to the story and made it even more heartbreaking.
Still never mind my whining as it is really on a high level because the plot is a really good one and the characters are the kind of people that you want to read. The ones that deserve the second chances and their HEA. The question is if the author will grant that wish, well you will have to read the story to find out
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July 22, 2019
4,5 Stars
This book is heavy on the angst let me tell you that!! From the beginning of this book, I could feel the heavy feeling settling in my body, and it just took roots and never let go before the epilog. This is a book I think a lot of you will like it because it has a lot of the popular tropes in it.
Second chance romance
Friends to lovers
highschool lovers
Slow burn
A long period of this book, Peyton is actually with another man, and there is nothing other than heavy emotions between Peyton and Jackson. My patient was being tested in this time because I just wanted them to jump into each other's arms and drown in each other but sadly that didn't happen.
Jackson is a great guy who lives with a lot of guilt and bullshit from his past. I was crazy about him from the start because all he truly wanted to do was make Peyton happy and make sure she had the best in the world. So even though at times he made me mad and everybody in the book and my thought what he did was stupid and told him it was stupid (Yes I talk with my book characters sometimes don't judge) repeatedly he just kept on being an idiot. But well, that is how men are, and I just kept being patient with him and had hope. In the end, he was so worth it even though he put me through times where I struggled with not shedding a tear or two.
Peyton is an amazing woman, but let me tell you she does not have great taste in men. How she kept the blind eye to everything around her I don't know but other than that she was such a strong independent woman who rocked at her job. She has built her self a great life with the best girlfriends and a fantastic family, but when Jackson comes back into her life, it gets turned upside down. How do you accept that the love of your life who broke your heart and left you only wants to be friends?
But if you are looking for a slow burn, second chance romance with lots of angst this is your book for sure!
Blog:https://thebookqueendk.wordpress.com/...
This book is heavy on the angst let me tell you that!! From the beginning of this book, I could feel the heavy feeling settling in my body, and it just took roots and never let go before the epilog. This is a book I think a lot of you will like it because it has a lot of the popular tropes in it.
Second chance romance
Friends to lovers
highschool lovers
Slow burn
A long period of this book, Peyton is actually with another man, and there is nothing other than heavy emotions between Peyton and Jackson. My patient was being tested in this time because I just wanted them to jump into each other's arms and drown in each other but sadly that didn't happen.
Jackson is a great guy who lives with a lot of guilt and bullshit from his past. I was crazy about him from the start because all he truly wanted to do was make Peyton happy and make sure she had the best in the world. So even though at times he made me mad and everybody in the book and my thought what he did was stupid and told him it was stupid (Yes I talk with my book characters sometimes don't judge) repeatedly he just kept on being an idiot. But well, that is how men are, and I just kept being patient with him and had hope. In the end, he was so worth it even though he put me through times where I struggled with not shedding a tear or two.
Peyton is an amazing woman, but let me tell you she does not have great taste in men. How she kept the blind eye to everything around her I don't know but other than that she was such a strong independent woman who rocked at her job. She has built her self a great life with the best girlfriends and a fantastic family, but when Jackson comes back into her life, it gets turned upside down. How do you accept that the love of your life who broke your heart and left you only wants to be friends?
But if you are looking for a slow burn, second chance romance with lots of angst this is your book for sure!
Blog:https://thebookqueendk.wordpress.com/...
July 24, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by Laura Pavlov and I truly enjoyed it. Slow burns are my faves and this one was really good. There was that right amount of angst that keeps you reading and wanting more.
“The one woman he wanted more than he’d thought possible would be the one woman he couldn’t have.”
Jackson Vance is what I like to call a tortured soul. He has that player reputation, but only because he’s been through so much and has closed off his heart. He wants to make amends with the girl he left behind so many years ago, but it turns out to be harder than he thought because he realizes that, after all these years, he’s never fallen out of love with her.
“This man had been such a large part of her life for so many years. He’d taken a piece of her heart with him when he left.”
Peyton Kroft is such a cutie. I really enjoyed her character. She was a sweetheart who always puts everyone else and their feelings before hers. This was both a good and bad thing for her. Jackson broke her heart years ago and now that he’s returned she’s unsure of her feelings, but wants to let him in once more.
Jackson and Peyton’s story walks us through the obstacles that broke their love years ago. I loved how the story gives us flashbacks of their relationship way back when and even when they first met as children. Written in third person POV, the slow burn leads us through their second chance at love and the obstacles they must overcome to finally realize that where they belong is with each other.
“You are my first love. My only love. My forever love. It’s always been you.”
If you enjoy slow burns and tortured male leads, I recommend picking this one up.
*A huge thanks to Laura Pavlov and Give Me Books PR for providing me with an eARC for review. All thoughts are my own.*
“The one woman he wanted more than he’d thought possible would be the one woman he couldn’t have.”
Jackson Vance is what I like to call a tortured soul. He has that player reputation, but only because he’s been through so much and has closed off his heart. He wants to make amends with the girl he left behind so many years ago, but it turns out to be harder than he thought because he realizes that, after all these years, he’s never fallen out of love with her.
“This man had been such a large part of her life for so many years. He’d taken a piece of her heart with him when he left.”
Peyton Kroft is such a cutie. I really enjoyed her character. She was a sweetheart who always puts everyone else and their feelings before hers. This was both a good and bad thing for her. Jackson broke her heart years ago and now that he’s returned she’s unsure of her feelings, but wants to let him in once more.
Jackson and Peyton’s story walks us through the obstacles that broke their love years ago. I loved how the story gives us flashbacks of their relationship way back when and even when they first met as children. Written in third person POV, the slow burn leads us through their second chance at love and the obstacles they must overcome to finally realize that where they belong is with each other.
“You are my first love. My only love. My forever love. It’s always been you.”
If you enjoy slow burns and tortured male leads, I recommend picking this one up.
*A huge thanks to Laura Pavlov and Give Me Books PR for providing me with an eARC for review. All thoughts are my own.*
September 1, 2020
This book is book one in this series Shine Design Series and this book is a real second chance romance book for these two.
They both knew each other as kids a long time ago and something happened that torn them apart. Now years later and all those feeling that they had buried all back again, the problem is these two were always meant to be, no matter what.
Peyton is a beautiful woman who works as a designer and has has her heart broken by Jackson when they were at college. She loves her job and seeing Jackson has her great all in a flutter.
Jackson has always loved her, his peanut, and has never stopped, seeing her now after all these years cements it for him and when he hires her to help him design his place its hard being around her, especially as she is with a man already.
This book was a great read. Its told from past and present so we can understand the story and this book will have all your emotions all over the place. I really like how this author writes and after reading some of her books already I couldn't wait to start another. I love how she writes her characters and how her story flows, you can really connect with them. They have awesome chemistry and a great connection and I was really rooting for them both to find there own HEA. This book has love, drama, sweet romance, banter and loved seeing how there journey played out. I normally prefer books written from 1st point of view but even though this book isn't I still enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading the second book in this series.
They both knew each other as kids a long time ago and something happened that torn them apart. Now years later and all those feeling that they had buried all back again, the problem is these two were always meant to be, no matter what.
Peyton is a beautiful woman who works as a designer and has has her heart broken by Jackson when they were at college. She loves her job and seeing Jackson has her great all in a flutter.
Jackson has always loved her, his peanut, and has never stopped, seeing her now after all these years cements it for him and when he hires her to help him design his place its hard being around her, especially as she is with a man already.
This book was a great read. Its told from past and present so we can understand the story and this book will have all your emotions all over the place. I really like how this author writes and after reading some of her books already I couldn't wait to start another. I love how she writes her characters and how her story flows, you can really connect with them. They have awesome chemistry and a great connection and I was really rooting for them both to find there own HEA. This book has love, drama, sweet romance, banter and loved seeing how there journey played out. I normally prefer books written from 1st point of view but even though this book isn't I still enjoyed reading it. I look forward to reading the second book in this series.
July 20, 2019
Peyton has a tragic past that she has tried to move on from but she honestly doesn't know if she can ever forget the painful loss, or the man at the center of it. One point and time Jackson was her everything, then tragedy struck and he left her when she needed him the most. But now he is back... and wants a second chance, a chance to fix what he broke a long time ago.
But that may be a little easier said then done... there is someone standing in his a way, someone who wants his girl.
Beautifully Damaged is a second chance story that brings you into the lives of two people that have been given a second chance to right the wrongs of the past. This isn't going to be an easy venture for them, there are many obstacles standing in their way, things that may push them farther apart, test the bounds of their relationship... but also things that might unite them too. As these two get reacquainted with one another it's easy to see that they still have serious chemistry lingering after all these years, but Peyton's heart and future belong to someone else. Or do they?
Watching these two face their demons, mend their hearts, and find their way back to one another, was tough on the feels at times, but wound up being so good for my heart. I really enjoyed this first time read it had suspenseful moments, loads of emotion to get the feels going, and some steamy moments to stir up a blush or two! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
But that may be a little easier said then done... there is someone standing in his a way, someone who wants his girl.
Beautifully Damaged is a second chance story that brings you into the lives of two people that have been given a second chance to right the wrongs of the past. This isn't going to be an easy venture for them, there are many obstacles standing in their way, things that may push them farther apart, test the bounds of their relationship... but also things that might unite them too. As these two get reacquainted with one another it's easy to see that they still have serious chemistry lingering after all these years, but Peyton's heart and future belong to someone else. Or do they?
Watching these two face their demons, mend their hearts, and find their way back to one another, was tough on the feels at times, but wound up being so good for my heart. I really enjoyed this first time read it had suspenseful moments, loads of emotion to get the feels going, and some steamy moments to stir up a blush or two! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
September 6, 2020
This is a truly beautiful second chance romance book. Laura’s writing completely draws you in and makes you ‘feel’ the story and characters. Peyton aka Peanut/Pea is an interior designer hired to work on a new restaurant which happened to be owned by her first love Jackson. They had been best friends and lovers until Jackson’s sisters death, when he retreated and pushed Peyton away. Nine years had passed and although he still loved her, he knew he couldn’t go back to her even though his feelings were so strong. He held so much guilt for his sisters death he felt he didn’t deserve happiness. Laura built the story so well and I was totally invested in it from beginning to end and even shed a tear. The emotion of the words written pulled on my heartstrings. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great heartwarming story.
July 23, 2019
I have been following @laurapavlovauthor on Instagram for a while, so I have been waiting for this book! It did NOT disappoint! Jackson is one of my favorite characters (ever) and his interaction with Peyton and internal struggle is captivating. I literally could not put this book down. Lost many hours of sleep because I kept telling myself “just one more chapter”...several chapters later. I’m so excited I found this series and this author!!! I can’t wait for the next book in the series! I have found myself a new author I love!!!
June 28, 2019
This is a wonderful love story which often pulls at your heart strings. There is deep love and turmoil and everything that pulls you in and you never want to stop reading. When you are reading the emotion of Peyton and Jackson's love being torn apart leaves you as the reader feeling empty and all that follows is a wild roller coaster of emotions. I love the bond of friendship with her 2 friends Elle and Dani and hope that they also have a story. Great Read I Highly recommend this book.
August 2, 2019
I really liked Beautiful Damaged it was one of those stories that you just connect to even though this is told in 3rd person pov which is hard for me to feel a connection to . it would be the first book that I have read by the author and I am looking forwarded to reading by her in the future . Along with likening the characters they frustrated the hell out of me at time with the way they handle certain situations .
February 6, 2021
I received a free copy from Voracious Readers Only for the promise of an honest review.
This was a different but sweet story. The back story was enticing and definitely helped with the character development.
There were a quite a few grammar errors (not something g I’m overly fussed about, but there were words missing in sentences frequently) which annoyed me.
Would recommend and will be reading the next book in the series.
This was a different but sweet story. The back story was enticing and definitely helped with the character development.
There were a quite a few grammar errors (not something g I’m overly fussed about, but there were words missing in sentences frequently) which annoyed me.
Would recommend and will be reading the next book in the series.
October 9, 2021
Peyton and Jackson's story is one that shows true loves stays no matter how many years have past. Tragedy strike and separates them leaving heartbreak and pain in place of love. With twists and turns and danger you can't help but be drawn into the story. I liked how relatable the characters are and getting to see them become better versions of themselves with each other's help. Will definitely be reading more by the author
September 11, 2020
I have to give the book 5 stars purely because it made me cry. It made me cry at the hair dresser and made me cry curls up in the couch. There were a few errors in the book, but because it was an arc copy I usually expect to see errors!! But I loved every minute of this book. Laura Pavlov is a great story teller. I can’t wait to read more of her books!!!
September 13, 2020
Another great read from Laura Pavlov! She is a new-to-me author, only my second book of hers gifted to me by veriousreadersonly.com I really enjoyed this story of childhood friends to lovers and happily ever after BUT not without angst, drama and alittle suspense. A well told story that has you believing in second chances. Keep those great stories coming Laura Pavlov!
December 24, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only and by the second or third page I knew this was going to be an incredible book. Full of drama and angst, it was everything I love reading about with an incredible ending I was all too happy to have!
September 8, 2023
DNF 39% - didn’t care for the authors writing style at all. I don’t know how to describe it other than to say it came off very basic and how the characters spoke to each other was just not working for me.
October 31, 2020
While a copy of this book was provided by the author, all opinions are my own.
While the format of this story was a little predictable, I loved the interaction between the characters. I really enjoyed how the relationship between Jackson and Peyton was explored and I can’t wait to keep reading books by Laura :)
While the format of this story was a little predictable, I loved the interaction between the characters. I really enjoyed how the relationship between Jackson and Peyton was explored and I can’t wait to keep reading books by Laura :)
October 10, 2020
December 2019 Kindle
This was my first book by this author! Such a sweet read!
This was my first book by this author! Such a sweet read!
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