| Title | : | Beauty from Pain (Beauty, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 148234873X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781482348736 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 338 |
| Publication | : | First published January 11, 2013 |
| Awards | : | Goodreads Choice Award Romance (2013) |
Jack McLachlan is a winemaking magnate and easily one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors. His success and wealth make him no stranger to the complications of romantic relationships and that’s why he goes to extreme measures to avoid the hassle. He prefers simplicity in the form of a beautiful female companion with no strings attached. He arranges relationships like business deals and they’re always the same. No long term relationships. No real names.
It’s his game and his rules. He’s content to play as usual, but when Laurelyn Prescott enters his life, his strategy must change because this player is like none he's ever encountered. His world is turned on its head after he begins a three month affair with the beautiful American musician. Nothing goes according to plan and as he breaks more and more of his own rules for her, she’s exceptionally close to becoming something he never thought possible. His ultimate game changer.
Not recommended for younger readers due to sexual content and language.
Beauty from Pain (Beauty, #1) Reviews
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JUST FUCK ME NOW.
I need the second book like now now now!!
For publishing houses and authors who leave us hanging on the edge of the cliff waiting for the next book...
>>>>
Let me first of all start by complimenting the cover of this book, which is absolutely brilliantly amazingly hot.
Since Jack Henry McLachlan met Laurelyn Prescott... He broke every rule of the game he made for her.
Its like he was breaking out of his own shell to reach out to her.
[image error] -
This one just about blew me away. It took me by surprise – I loved every second I was with this book and couldn’t put it down. There’s also a major cliffhanger to leave you desperate for book two.
Well, this one came out of nowhere for me!! What an amazing story – it just blew me away. It totally consumed me – I was engrossed from the first word right through to the very end and, yes, there’s a doozy of a cliffhanger to keep you hanging on for the sequel which is not due out until the summer. How can I wait that long?? Why?? I need it now!!
The Blurb sums it up pretty well – Jack McLachlan, Aussie mutli-millionaire vineyard magnate, arranges his short term ‘relationships’ to avoid emotional attachment. He gets his companions to agree up front to his proposition – he promises them a great time in exchange for a time limit and no real names. Laurelyn, an American girl staying in Australia for 3 months, is perfect. Jack is very attracted to her and she’s got her own expiry date – a ticket back to the USA. She fits the bill beautifully and, after a bit of deliberation and some delicious encouragement from Jack, she agrees to his proposition. So, they assume the identities of Lachlan and Paige, agreeing to 3 months together and the time of their lives.
Jack McLachlan – oh, be still my beating heart. I fell hard for this man and I really thought I wouldn’t. I thought he’d be cold, selfish and controlled but he’s not any of that. He’s warm, friendly, loving, caring and very, very sexy. I loved this Aussie and could just hear that delicious accent every time he spoke!! He’s got a big, loving family with a Mum who wants nothing more than to see him happily married with a brood of his own which is exactly why he’s keeping his companions away from her! He’s rich, he’s one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors but he likes to keep his private life very private and he likes to remain in control and set a time limit – no emotional attachment involved.
Laurelyn is a lovely heroine – she’s open, engaging, a little bit guarded and she’s about to be swept off her feet by Jack. She knows this relationship has an expiry date and is determined not to fall for him but, the more time they spend together, the deeper she falls, despite her resolution not to care for him. She’s got a dark and troubled past and has just got out of a bad relationship and Jack offers her everything she could ever hope for but with a time limit.
They shared some really delicious sex scenes and this erotic, not kinky, and what starts out as just fucking slowly turns into lovemaking and the scene when they are obviously making love for the first time is really very special and had my eyes misting a little. But Jack is determined that this companion, like all the others, is temporary, just number thirteen in a long list and that he will move on after she goes home. He’s also falling deeper and deeper and the ache in his chest when he thinks she won’t be there is becoming ever more painful but will he wake up and see what is right in front of him before it’s too late??
Of course, there’s a mother of a cliffhanger that will have you screaming for more! I absolutely loved this and I need the sequel right now!! I really don’t give that fifth star out very often but this is special, a fantastic romance for all of you that love those Fifty Shades style trilogies and it’s only my second 5 star read of 2013 and Jack McLachlan is a new book boyfriend to melt into a puddle for!
5 big shiny stars!!
Our precious time together feels like a candle with wicks burning at both ends. Once the flame meets in the middle, we’re over. I’ll never see him again, or hear his laugh or touch his skin. I’ll never share a bed with him again. Am I prepared for it when that time comes? I don’t think I am, but it doesn’t matter if I’m not. It’s coming, and I’d better figure out how to get ready.
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★★★★★! Beauty From Pain, book 1 of 3. Aussie alpha multimillionaire extraordinaire Jack Henry’s blunt seduction and spellbinding romance of American girl, Laurelyn. A captivating, sexy and suspenseful read!
“When the three months is over, so are we. I'll move on and you will too. Because you won't know my name or any identifying information about me, you'll have no way to contact me. Ever.”
The Beauty Series is the whirlwind romance of Australia’s most eligible bachelor; handsome, controlling, elusive, oh so sexy multi-millionaire Jack Henry McLachlan and his American girl, aspiring country-singer with daddy-issues, Laurelyn Paige Prescott. In their story you will want for nothing; there will be intrigue and villains, sex and seduction. But also personal reflection and growth in the friendship that ensues and the romance that unfolds.
Books in The Beauty Series should be read in order:
Book 1:
Beauty From Pain
Book 2:
Beauty From Surrender
Book 3:
Beauty From Love
Beauty From Pain (book 1) introduces us to Jack Henry aka Lachlan and Laurelyn aka Paige as they embark on a three-month anonymous, no questions asked, strictly sexual affair. Alternating between Jack’s and Laurelyn’s POVs we follow them in their insta-lust and attraction providing for many sizzling sex scenes.
But their agreement and commitment is quickly threatened and put to the test. Both Jack and Laurelyn find themselves compromising and bending as a friendship develops and feelings come into play.
The impending three-month date, marking the ending to their affair serves as a constant reminder making them both careless and desperate. Spending time together makes it more and more difficult to follow through in the rules of the games. Will they be able to sort out their feelings before Laurelyn is scheduled to return home to the US?
“I know in that moment that I'll never be able to tell him no to anything. I want to be the woman to make his fantasies real.”
I was my absolute pleasure and joy to watch the calculated, bossy and non-committal Jack Henry in his fall into “whopped”. As the story unfolds we will learn and better understand his background including past experiences with women. This is his journey of learning to trust, give up control and opening himself up.
Six words to describe Jack Henry: Larger-than-life, assertive, controlling, caring, observant, captivating.
“I know he has something in mind because this man doesn't fly by the seat of his pants. He's done this enough to be calculating, his every move premeditated.”
A combination of young and fresh yet wise beyond her years, Laurelyn is a wonderful heroine and exactly what Jack Henry needs. She will also go through a transformation throughout the series; maturing, working through some of her issues and searching for her footing in life.
Five words to describe Laurelyn: Playful, easygoing, charismatic, wise and talented.
“I think the odds of her killing me with sex are good, but what a way to go. At least I'll die happy.”
Book 1 ends with a cliff-hanger, but no worries just open up book 2,
Beauty From Surrender for the continuation of their saga.
Spellbinding story-telling! An all-consuming romance! Scorching hot sex scenes! Well developed and charismatic characters! I very much enjoyed Jack Henry’s and Laurelyn’s journey. Thanks Ms. Cates!
“Our precious time together feels like a candle with wicks burning at both ends. Once the flame meets in the middle, we're over.”
***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4.5 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 5 stars
Story ending rating: N/A
Book editing rating (5 = no edits spotted): 4.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 5 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
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*****THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS*****
Dont read further if you have a problem with it!
This is a story about a girl name Laurelyn who goes to Australia on vacation with her best friend for 3 months..
On the first night she's there, she gets all dressed up and goes to a bar with her friends...
Standing across the room... There's a man....and his name is Jack McLachlan..
Searching the room for a woman, a companion to be his for the next three months...
That's when he spots her.... The dark haired beauty on stage singing..
From the moment Jack sees the dark haired girl.. He knows he wants her...
He meets her the next night night and they dance.. He invites her out to dinner the next night... His name is a mystery and he would like to keep it that way.
Laurelyn who figures she has nothing to loose, goes for dinner and she gets a proposition...
To spend 3 months with Jack, no strings attached, when the 3 months are over they both go their separate ways never looking back....
The thing about this relationship is that it's very secretive, their don't know anything about each other not even their names...
To Jack Laurelyn is Paige and to Laurelyn Jack is Lachlan.
They go to his vineyard... Still with no answer to his proposition to Laurelyn... He convinces her to say yes..
"Baby, you've fucked my mind without touching my body."
And she says yes....
Once they start spending time together, Jack notices they she's not like the other girls...
She has no interest in his money, she does different things...
She asks different questions....
Jack finds himself wanting to be around her all the time...
They experience great sex..
He is interested in her.... More than he wants to be..
They go on vacation to New Zealand.
Laurelyn is spoilt by Jack and he is smitten with her...
They spend time together..
After the trip something changes between them... They have a routine like a couple...
When they go to Sydney for the Opera Laurelyn doesn't understand why photographers are taking pictures of them.
Jacks father gets rushed to hospital and he takes Laurelyn with him. This is when she finds out the truth... The truth about who he is... But she's not worried. She doesn't care about the money..
She's more scared because of her feelings for him...
The more time she spends with his family, she knows the game has changed, she's fallen in love with him.
She tells him... While making love.. And he doesn't tell her back.
Jack is too scared to admit this to himself... He feels that he doesn't need this...
His silence tells Laurelyn what she needs to know..
That he doesn't feel the same...
So she leaves and goes back to America without telling him...
He is broken... He knows he loves her...
He is going to get her...
IN THE FREAKEN NEXT BOOK!!!!
GRRRRRRR!!!!!!
TO BE CONTINUED........ -
3.5 stars
I read this in one day, starting while having my morning cuppa - Bushells of course - and Vegemite toast for brekkie. Read it through morning smoko with another cuppa and a lammie. On through lunch while eating my sanger. And finished before dinner, which was a good thing as I wasn't sure I could bog into the chook I'd cooked or the Tim Tams for dessert. I'd had my fill of Aussie tucker for the day...
Laurelyn Prescott, an American singer/musician has come for a three-month stay with her best friend to Australia. Jack McLachlan, is a wealthy Australian businessman and winegrower. Not one for romantic relationships he sees Laurelyn and knows immediately she's the one he wants to make number thirteen on his list of companions.
I did tell myself that I wasn't going to read any more of these FSoG/Bared to You type books. And honestly the only reason I did was because of the setting in Oz and the Australian hero. When almost 99.9% of the books I read are set anywhere but in Australia, one set in Oz and with an Australian hero certainly piques my interest.
Initially the hero comes across as a predatory sleaze, lying-in-wait for his next victim. It's not an attractive introduction. However as the story moves along and we get to know him - especially his family - he improves.
The author, obviously not Australian, tried hard to make Jack's parts sound authentic. But she did tend to overdo the Australian-isms - see first paragraph above - although I doubt anyone but the locals would notice. We don't use the term 'pumps' for high-heeled shoes or 'ass' it's arse. 'Panties' are undies and 'Mom' is Mum - although she did get that one right most of the time. Just those little things - and there were a number of them - that drew me out of the story.
Cliffie Alert!!
Yep, another one. So, be warned.
Bottom line. If you still haven't had your fill of the billionaire businessman à la Christian Grey, Gideon Cross, et al, then this will suit you. One of its strengths is that the setting and hero are different to the usual. Even though for me it started off weakly with too much of the same ole, same ole, it did get better the longer I read and the hero became way more appealing. Pity about his douchie beginning.
Steam: 3.5 -
“Baby, you’ve fucked with my mind without touching my body.”
Pure escapism. An engaging, entertaining multi-millionaire romance.
It wasn’t a very emotional read for me but it did keep me turning the pages straight through the night till the sun came up
I definitely got some Fifty Shades/Blackstone vibes off of this book (it was hot, but just straight vanilla, no kinky fuckery), so if you’re a fan of those, you should check this out for sure.
When Laurelyn goes to Australia for 3 months with her best friend, the last thing she was looking for was a relationship.
Meanwhile, Jack was actively searching for one. But… he wasn’t looking for a conventional relationship. He was looking for the right woman to share his bed for no longer than 3 months. A no-strings attached companionship at the end of which both parties would walk away. The moment he sees Laurelyn, he knew she was it.
But… to complicate matters, he insisted on personal secrecy. No names, no connections, no attachments.“My life is complicated for reasons I won’t discuss. When it comes to dating I need it to be simple and undemanding. Disclosing my identity complicates things, so you wouldn’t know my real name.”
“You’re not joking.”
I can’t read her reaction. I have no idea if she’s on board or freaking out. “When the three months is over, so are we. I’ll move on and you will too. Because you won’t know my name or any identifying information about me, you’ll have no way to contact me. Ever.”
And despite her initial hesitation, Laurelynn agrees and then it really became a question of them being able to get through the 3 months and not stay attached…
I have to say that despite my liking him from the start, Jack’s aloofness and secrecy kept me from fully connecting with him until later in the story. I guess it bothered me a little how detatched he kept trying to be. But the more we found out about him, the more I began to understand his motivations.
The heroine just plain rocked. I connected with her nearly instantly. I loved that she was constantly one upping him, putting little cracks in his facade and not just instantly swooning into his arms.“The three months we spend together would be the best of your life. You’d never be able to top what you’d experience with me.”
She sits back and laughs. “Well at least you’re not egotistical.”
I liked that the story was told in alternating POVs and I especially found that, given how much of a mystery Jack was, getting to see his train of thought was helpful in understanding the motivations behind his demands, actions and choices.
One thing I really loved about Jack was that, temporary relationship or not, he didn’t tolerate stupid things getting in between them. There was one incident in particular which as soon as it happened, I rolled my eyes expecting chapters of stupidity back and forth but was SO pleased that the moment he understood what was happening, he just made a call that cleared everything up quickly and efficiently and put an end to the drama. I was really impressed with him at that point.
This book built slowly but steadily with no slow spots and kept me engaged throughout.
I liked it all along but it wasn’t until the end that I really fell in love with it. Now, this IS romance so we all know going in that at some point, the hero was going to admit that he was smitten with the heroine but I guess what was holding a part of me back until the end was that, despite knowing that he would eventually get to that point, I wasn’t sure I wanted to give my heart over to falling in love a guy who seemed so willing to walk away. That said, I loved how by the end he really truly realized what he was losing and it was at that point that I began to really fall in love.“Don’t leave. I want you to be with me.” … I swallow before I say the words that will change this relationship forever. “You’re the one I need.”
I love that they finally reached the point where the pretense of their relationship being temporary was over and now I’m hoping the focus will be on them building something together.
There is a HUGE cliffhanger (but it was one that we saw coming right from the beginning) and I can’t wait to see what book #2 has in store for Jack and Laurelynn!
4 stars
Beauty From Surrender (Beauty #2) will be released on May 30, 2013.
My casting....
They agreed on three months...but their love knew no boundaries.
Jack McLachlan is a winemaking magnate and easily one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors. His success and wealth make him no stranger to the complications of romantic relationships and that’s why he goes to extreme measures to avoid the hassle. He prefers simplicity in the form of a beautiful female companion with no strings attached. He arranges relationships like business deals and they’re always the same. No long term relationships. No real names.
It’s his game and his rules. He’s content to play as usual, but when Laurelyn Prescott enters his life, his strategy must change because this player is like none he's ever encountered. His world is turned on its head after he begins a three month affair with the beautiful American musician. Nothing goes according to plan and as he breaks more and more of his own rules for her, she’s exceptionally close to becoming something he never thought possible. His ultimate game changer.
Not recommended for younger readers due to sexual content and language.
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I want to celebrate the release of Beauty From Pain and I'm in the mood for a giveaway. Help me spread the word and you could be the lucky winner of a 6 inch Kindle from Amazon Best of Luck! (Raffle will run February 2nd-9th.)
Kindle Giveaway
"They agreed on three months...but their love knew no boundaries."
Beauty From Pain is the 1st novel in my newest Adult Contemporary Series. I absolutely can not wait to share Jack McLachlan and Laurelyn Prescott with you.
It will be published on January 31, 2013 and the cover reveal is December 29, 2012. -
50 shades set in australia but make it boring with kinkless sex
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I am thrilled to have discovered Georgia Cates – wow - I absolutely loved Beauty from Pain and can’t wait to read more of her books.
As a romantic addict, this book had everything I love in a story – beautiful characters that I immediately “bond” with, romance, amazing sex, loss, pain, magnificent locations, fabulous plot and great writing.
Beautiful and talented Laurelyn Prescott is in Australia with her best friend to get over a broken relationship and to sort things out in her life and the last thing she wants is getting involved with anyone.
Jack Henry McLachlan, is rich, sexy and gorgeous and one of Australia’s most eligible playboys, who does not do “love” or “relationships”, preferring to have very short and anonymous liaisons.
When he first sees Laurelyn, he decides that she’s going to be his “next” ONE.
When the two finally get together, after a lot of “sneaky” manipulation on Jack’s part,, he proposes that they have a 3 month relationship with no strings attached. After that period, both will walk away with no regrets.
Though she has some misgivings about it, she finds him totally irresistible and eventually agrees to his proposal.“If I do this, something will go wrong and this man will hurt me. I know it as sure as I’m sitting here next to him feeling how much he makes me want to say yes.”
What Jack soon realizes is that Laurelyn is nothing like the women he has ever been with. She’s open, funny, and sexy and has something that gets under his skin, having you doing things that he has never done with other women.
I loved seeing how Jack & Laurelyn's relationship developed, their banter,“My lasagne has been known to bring me to the knees."
Their emotional connection, their friendship, and sexual tension. The “sex” scenes were incredibly sensual and so sexy and so hot.
"Baby, it doesn’t take food for you to bring me to my knees.”
I adored these two – Jack, faced with feelings and emotions he has never experienced before, suddenly begins to think that he may want more than his original proposal to Laurelyn. He’s such a fabulous guy…how could anyone resist this gorgeous man????“Don’t leave. I want you to be with me.”
And Laurelyn – I loved her….she was someone so special…despite a horrible childhood, a flaky mom, betrayals in her life is still open to the possibilities of life…love, caring, sharing.
“You’ll have your family.”
I swallow before I say the words that will change this relationship forever. “You’re the one I need.”
“But that would mean meeting your family.”
It does, and I’m okay with that if it means she’s by my side. “I don’t care. I need you to be with me.”
She smiles and cradles my face with her hands. “Of course. I’ll come if it’s what you want, but this is going to change everything.”
“I know, but it’s what I want.”
Did I ever think that Jack could resist her and not fall in love???? Never. This was meant to be“She has bewitched me. And I want her. She’s the one.”
….why the hell did you let her go????
“I love her too much to let her leave and I need to tell her right this minute.”
I ‘bawled” my eyes out when I read Laurelyn’s goodbye note!!!!!!!!! “Please don’t go” I shouted ….
There’s such an incredible sense of family and friends in this story. Jack's loving family, his housekeeper, Laurelyn’s mother (I will always think of her when I hear Jolene!!!), Addison, her "wacky" friend.
Great dialogue filled with fabulous one-liners , good humor and so much more.“Liar, liar. My pants are so on fire. And so is the rest of me.”
The settings were really great. Australia wine farms, exciting cities, and small towns. Loved it.
I was a bit apprehensive about the 2 POV’s but I found that I really liked it. You get into both characters thoughts and feelings which is great.
THE QUOTE I LOVED THE MOST“Nothing speaks louder than your heart. Listen to what it's telling you.”
I read this book NON-STOP. I couldn’t put it down. I am so invested in the story and Jack & Laurelyn that I can’t wait for the next “part” of their love story – which it is ….an amazing LOVE STORY.
And….WHAT A STUNNING, AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL COVER!!!! -
4 Love, agreements and so many feelings Stars
They agreed to three months...
But their love knew no boundaries.
When Australia's multimillionaire and most eligible bachelor Jack Henry McLachlan meets young American aspiring singer Laurelyn Prescott he thinks he found his 13th companion. No feelings, no strings attached. It's lust pure and simple. He propositions a 3 month relationship without even exchanging names. He will be Lachlan and she will be Paige and they will enjoy each other, freely and uncomplicated.
“When the three months is over, so are we. I'll move on and you will too. Because you won't know my name or any identifying information about me, you'll have no way to contact me. Ever.”
But what begins easy and carefree, will turn passionate and one of a kind. It will grow into a love that Jack is reluctant to admit and Laurelyn so ready to give. When the time will come for her to return home will Jack fight to keep her where she belongs? With him. And Laurelyn will stay and prove to them both that they are above arrangements and simple sex or this one more blow will shatter her damaged heart?
Sometimes when love is involved the lines between facade and reality blur and you become invested in the other. You care more than you wished and you've ever hoped for. And in the most unexpected place you find the other half of your soul. And you know it when you lose it.
You made my every fantasy come
true and that includes finding the love of my life. Now, it’s my turn to keep my promise.
I love you, Jack Henry, with every fiber of my being. Forever.
Laurelyn
Your American girl.
But I did fall in love with her, and now she’s gone.
I’ve known pain my whole life, but this is a new kind for me. It isn’t born of something wrong or ugly. This pain is conceived out of beauty—my love for Jack Henry McLachlan. I embrace it. I clutch it as tightly as I can with both fists because I never want to forget the love I have for him. Loving him will forever be my Beauty from Pain.
HOW ON EARTH TO EXPLAIN ALL THESE FEELINGS?
Passionate, engaging, exciting, hot and enticing this is A GREAT READ! But my feelings are certainly complicated and I am all heartbroken, furious and in love...
First we have another book about an arrangement. You would think I had enough of contracts by now to begin an exciting (NOT!) career as lawyer, but I am sucker for emotionally damaged heroes with redeeming qualities.
Of course I wanted to bash Jack's head in! He was arrogant and infuriating, hardheaded and just plain stupid. He made me angry and he broke my heart with his inability to trust and he made me swoon because who am I kidding, he is DELICIOUS!
He doesn't realise the treasure that he holds until the bitter end and even then you can't stay mad at him for long. Because he is finally awake and you hope that all will work out.
But they don't... Because it is a book and there is a sequel and you just lay there hugging your Kindle and sobbing and staring at the ceiling and you pray that these two stupid ostriches will pull their heads out oftheir asses... ehmm the SAND and will realise that you can't deny love!
And the way their hearts beat for each other...
Starting the next with my heart full of stars and hope and wishes for a grovel to end all grovels... Yes, Jack darling I am talking to you!
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4.5 Ah-mazing Jacktastic Stars!!!
What would you say if a handsome man in a foreign country wanted to have a no strings attached 3 month relationship with you? You wouldn’t know each others real identities, there would be no pretenses, no exceptions and he promises to make all your fantasies come true? What if he had an Australian accent and looked like this guy?
Jack McLachlan
I sit in the dark corner and can the room like a starved predator searching for prey. I haven’t chosen her yet, but the woman who will share my bed for the next few months is sitting in this room right now.
When I read Jacks first line in this book^ I thought he seemed like a bit of a creeper, let me assure you- he is not! Jack leads a very private life without long term relationships. He is one of the wealthiest eligible bachelors in Australia, and he is not interested in settling down with someone who is interested in publicity or his finances. He is on the prowl for his new ‘flavor of the month’ when he see’s Laurelyn at a local bar performing. He notices her right away and gets information on her.
Laurelyn is on a three month vacation with her best friend Addison. They are staying with Addi’s brother Ben. Laurelyn needs some time away from her life in Nashville, she is a musician so she can easily get away for a while. She notices Jack in the bar, and is surprised to see him at a wine event she goes to the next night.
Jack asks her to dinner, and she accepts. While at dinner, Jack or ‘Lauchlan’ explains his situation to Laurelyn and gives her the proposal. At first, she denies quickly. It just doesn’t feel right to her. But the more she thinks about it...
Whatever the cause, I’m damaged goods. Maybe I should consider this. It’s not like I have a better offer on the table.
And after this advice from her best friend Addison,
“The best way to get over somebody is to get under someone else.”
She accepts.
Lauchlan and Laurelyn get a long well, and have great chemistry. But the question is still out there...
“How can you think its possible to have something this hot without one of us getting burned?”
As their arrangement goes on, the couple spend more time together and learn more about each other. Laurelyn shows Lauchlan her favorite form of exercise (wow) and Lauchlan basically asks Laurelyn to move in, even though the other ‘arrangements’ had never been to his home. Laurelyn sings for Lauchlan- they start to develop more of a relationship than either of them want to admit.
There are still secrets between them. Until one night, when Lauchlan has a family emergency, some things come to light and things change.
The game has changed. The rules are no longer the same, but I don’t have the manual. He does, and I need guidance on where to go from here.
Time is running out for these two to be together. They are both developing feelings they aren’t sure what to do with, and Laurelyn is doing something she never wanted to do. She is falling in love.
Laurelyn has some issues from her past, but she is still able to open up with Jack and tell him things about her self that she’s never told anyone else. She knows their arrangement has an expiration date, but she can’t help falling for him.
Jack Henry McLachlan... He was protective, a bit possessive, and very very sexy!
“I’m going to get you in my bed so I can show you all the ways I can make you come.” Umm.... yes, please and thank you.
He also had a sensitive, sweet, and kind side. He was always doing nice things for Laurelyn, and treated her well.
“You treat me like I’m somebody instead of a nobody.”
“You’re such a special person. You should always be treated like somebody.”
A swoon-worthy man- for sure!
I will talk a bit about the end... there is a cliffhanger- I know, I know, they suck. I have been reading a ton go them lately... but don’t let that stop you from reading this one! I am so excited for the second book, and at the end of this story, you get a sneak peak of book 2, which makes the cliffy ending not so bad!
Beauty from Pain surprised me in the best way! I didn’t have many expectations for this book, but I really loved it! The story was fantastic, the characters were great, and it had some sexy scenes. It was just overall an awesome read!
The pain is conceived out of beauty- my love for Jack Henry McLachlan. I embrace it. I clutch it as tightly as I can with both fists because I never what to forget the love I have for him. Loving him will forever be my Beauty from Pain. -
I sit in the dark corner and scan the room like a starved predator searching for prey. I haven't chosen her yet, but the woman who will share my bed for the next few months is in this room right now.
He has the ability to weaken my knees, and my body is no longer my own to control. It belongs to him, to do with as he wishes. He's my puppeteer.
I had a tough time rating this book, because as much as I liked certain parts of it, some parts of it just down right did not work for me.
We have Jack Henry McLachlan, a multimillionaire that is looking to find a woman to have an "arrangement" with. All he wants is no-strings attached sex for a few months, nothing else. When he sees American beauty, Laurelyn, perform at a club while on her visit to Australia, he's just got to have her.
and if I'm being perfectly honest here?
Now don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed this book. After the 40% mark, I read it straight through to the end in one sitting, staying up to do it. So that's gotta tell you something.
I think that the whole set-up of a multimillionaire meets the poor girl and offers up his "arrangement" to her just irritated me in the beginning. Thankfully there was no contract involved in this one, or I might have had to throw something, like my kindle, at the wall.
It took me a while to warm up to Jack. I think the fact that he didn't even want to exchange real names just came off as a bit creepy to me in the beginning.
I did come to understand why he would do that further into the book, but it was hardly endearing in the beginning.
There was also the fact that during Laurelyn's internal monologue, she referred to her....well....as "slut button" and "pleasureland". I might have had a giggle...or five...from that.
I also had a hard time believing how a girl with Laurelyn's history, would agree to an arrangement like that, but I suppose now I'm just also being nitpicky, so I'll move on to the things that I liked.
Jack Henry, once I moved on past my somewhat iffy first impression of him, was hot. The man is pure sex on a stick.
The sex between him and Laurelyn, though quite frequent, was very hot, and not repetitive. Who can't appreciate an Aussie hottie with a penchant for going down under? Did I also mention he has possessive tendencies?"You're mine. Do you understand?"
"Yes!" I scream partly because it's my answer, but mostly because what he's doing feels so good.
"I want you to say it."
We're sideways on the bed and each thrust shoves me farther across the mattress until my head is hanging off the edge. "I'm...yours...and...no...one...else's."
"No one else touches you here like this."
I'm panting as I lift my hips against him and his fingers. "Only you, Lachlan."
Though Laurelyn enjoys their "relationship", she also doesn't have any delusions on what it really is.I'm on my back and I stare up at the beautiful sheer panels draped over the canopy above us with one thought- this bed was meant for making love, but that isn't what we just did. It never is.
Laurelyn was a character that I really enjoyed. Even given her history of "daddy issues", she was a very endearing and strong character. I loved that she pole danced for exercise. The scene in the gym when she danced for Jack was not one I will ever be forgetting.
"Baby you've fucked my mind without touching my body."
I judge a book by my ability to put it down. The second half of this book left me unable to put it down at all until I finished. That says something.
I was, however, left with a few questions when it ended. I still do not understand Jack's reactions to the possibility of children.
I also wish we were given a little more background into his relationship history, since I was left wondering why one of his ex "arrangements" was the only one that knew his real name. I wish we were given a little more information there. That might have explained some of Audrey's psycho reactions. As it was, I was left feeling like she was just inserted into the story for additional drama.
I'm hoping that the second book might delve into this a little more and give us just a little bit more of Jack's background.
As much as I enjoyed this book, the few issues that I had left me from giving this 5 stars. I'm very stingy with my 5 star ratings, I reserve those for the books that I absolutely LOVED. Now while this was not one of those books for me, I still enjoyed it thoroughly.
There is a cliffhanger at the end, so I would recommend having both books on hand and reading the second right after.
So I will go with something between 3 and 4 stars...3.75 -
4,5 Secretive Stars!
Winemaker Jack and aspirant-singer Laurelyn met when she’s spending a three month vacation in Australia, they have no idea what they’re getting into.
I mean… they do, but they would never predict the outcome of their little “arrangement”.
Jack only do no-strings-attached relationships, where they both know exactly what they’re getting out of it, where neither of them know their real names and in the end they take different paths and never hear of the other again. And so far, that would never had been a problem for him.
But as the time passes and things progress, masks get harder to keep and secrets get harder to keep.
There are some relationships that come with strings no matter how free we want them, and as they find out that sometimes feelings grow even when we want them to remain purely physical and fight against it, they are already too late and too tied up.
But things aren’t always straight and easy and when are secrets, dark pasts and old sins in the way… even the freest relationship can come with a price. And a high one.
This book surprised me in a really good way. It’s fresh and it has some aspects that make it more original than other books of the genre.
I loved both characters and although I’d got annoyed at some points it engaged me from the beginning. I can’t wait for the next book.
Definitely a series to have on watch! ;)
Rating: 4,5 stars
Storyline: A pretty common plot of rich-playboy meets girl and only want no-strings-attached relationship but end up wanting more. But with some twists that make it more original.
Writing Style: Fresh and Engaging. First person. Dual POV.
Character Development: Pretty good. Their connection felt very real and I ended up rooting for them as if I knew them in real life.
Steam: Very good with hot moments. Some pretty sweet either.
HEA: -
4 1/2- 5 stars. I just finished this book and I have these lyrics running through my head:
Once upon time
A few mistakes ago
I was in your sights
You got me alone
You found me
You found me
You found me
I guess you didn't care
And I guess I liked that
And when I fell hard
You took a step back
Without me, without me, without me
And he's long gone
When he's next to me
And I realize the blame is on me
Cause I knew you were trouble when you walked in
So shame on me now
Flew me to places i'd never been
So you put me down oh
I knew you were trouble when you walked in
So shame on me now
Flew me to places i'd never been
Now i'm lying on the cold hard ground
Oh, oh, trouble, trouble, trouble
Oh, oh, trouble, trouble, trouble
No apologies
He'll never see you cry
Pretend he doesn't know
That he's the reason why
You're drowning, you're drowning, you're drowning…
Book 2 where are you?? Sarcasm inserted here:
I had a dream last night…..I'm reading a book that is a stand-alone single book that has that elusive Happily Ever After.
….
Then I wake up.Another Mother-effing @$#%&^%$ cliffhanger!
Sadistic authors. They do so love to torture. My frustration is in direct proportion to how good this book is. Way up there. This is my first read by this author and I can already tell you I will be checking out her other books…yes I know, I am a masochist. Sue me.
This book starts out with Jack McLachlan, (aka Lachlan aka Jack Henry) sitting in a bar on the hunt for his next prey. He is selfish, calculating, and unapologetic about it. His m.o. is finding agreeable women to have a purely sexual relationship for an agreed upon amount of time where they know nothing about each other. Not even their real names. Usually these only last a few weeks but he is ready to find someone to use for 3 months this time. Then they part and never contact each other again. Well, he's about to be in for a rude awakening. And her name is Laurelyn.
Laurelyn is visiting Australia with her best friend for 3 months and escaping from a painful history in order to make some big life choices. She's a talented musician, honest, funny, and beautiful. The whole package. Love her. She meets Jack her first night there and Jack pursues her ruthlessly to agree to his "deal".
The more time they spend together, the more rules Jack wants to break with Laurelyn. She blows him away with her sweetness, vulnerability, honesty, and sexiness. How can he give her up? He's determined to do just that. Stubborn man. We see a metamorphosis from detached and selfish to affectionate, possessive, and battling his feelings with every step. Laurelyn brings him to his knees (literally) and as the end of their three months approaches, they both come to realize that this relationship is so far from what they planned it's in another hemisphere.
This book kept me on edge, smiling, laughing, and cursing. Loved the fact that it was set in Australia. I've read quite a bit of Brit Lit but this was new for me and I loved learning some Aussie slang. ( sanger for brekkie anyone?)
This is a fabulous book and I will definitely be picking up book two this summer. -
I really can't get this picture out of my head, so this is me while reading the book:
I mean, here we have these two people Jack and Laurelyn, who meet and land themselves in an agreement.
After 1,635 books with agreements/arrangements/contracts, I believe you don't need me to explain myself further.
So for 3 months they are practically attached to the hip. They are inseparable, cute, hot off the charts, they eat together, sleep together, go to trips together, confess their emotional loads to each other but then..
THEY AGREED ON 3 MONTHS ONLY.
So of course it's impossible to break it, right?
Everything leads to that inevitable moment, right?
Ok, so I'm going to let you draw your own conclusions on how this situation ends.I slide off the bed to my knees in front of her and wrap my arms around her legs. “I’m so sorry for not treating you the way I should have, Laurelyn.”
You made my every fantasy come
true and that includes finding the love of my life. Now, it’s my turn to keep my promise.
I love you, Jack Henry, with every fiber of my being. Forever.
Laurelyn
Your American girl.
But I did fall in love with her, and now she’s gone.
I’ve known pain my whole life, but this is a new kind for me. It isn’t born of something wrong or ugly. This pain is conceived out of beauty—my love for Jack Henry McLachlan. I embrace it. I clutch it as tightly as I can with both fists because I never want to forget the love I have for him. Loving him will forever be my Beauty from Pain.
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Cheers to Lucky Number 13!
Laurelyn Prescott, an up and coming musician, arrives in Australia with her best friend, Addison to spend the next three months away from her life in Nashville, Tennessee. While out with her roommates, Laurelyn takes a guitar and microphone and wows not only the audience but also...Jack Henry McLachlan.
Jack Henry is a multimillionaire who doesn’t do real names or long term relationships. Seeing the beautiful southern belle and hearing her sing, Jack is hell bent on making her his number 13.
Jack Henry has never let any of the prior 12 woman know his real name, or where he lives and absolutely never lets his family meet them. All of these things happen with Laurelyn.
During the three months the two learn about each other and engage in a seriously hot sexual relationship. All the while the reality of what will happen at the end of the three months looms over them. Laurelyn had awoken a part of Jack that he may not have known existed.
”A part of me wants Laurelyn to leave so I can go back to my life before her, but then there’s another part that wants to beg her to stay forever. As hard as I try, I can’t decide which is stronger.” ~ Jack
A reader is never at a loss as to where the characters hearts and heads are as the story is told in alternating povs.
I found the cliffhanger ending to be predictable but I enjoyed the journey nonetheless.
The pain is conceived out of beauty- my love for Jack Henry McLachlan. I embrace it. I clutch it as tightly as I can with both fists because I never what to forget the love I have for him. Loving him will forever be my Beauty from Pain.” ~ Laurelyn -
♥♥♥ 4.5 Smoking Hot Jack Henry Stars ♥♥♥
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They agreed to three months...
But their love knew no boundaries.
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Laurelyn Prescott needs to get away from Nashville for a while, because things at home are not going well. She decides to accompany her best friend Addison to Austrailia on a three month vacation, where they will stay at Addison's brother, Ben's apartment. Laurelyn isn't looking for anything while she's there, but Addison insists she should try to get together with Ben. Unfortunately, she's just not interested. Things start to change when she meets Jack McLachlan.
Jack McLachlan is a successful wealthy winemaking magnate. He is well-known in Australia, and that is why he likes to lead a very private life. That means long lasting relationships are a big no-no for him. He doesn't want anything complicated. He only does simple, short, anonymous, no strings attatched affairs. And that is exactly what he was in search for when he meets Laurelyn Prescott. He knows he has found the one for what he has in mind.
I started this book and I was completely hooked from the get-go. I didn't want to put this down. I'm not gonna lie. I found Jack McLachlan to be very intriguing.
So, it starts with Laurelyn's arrival to Wagga Wagga, Australia, where she pretty much has to avoid her best friend's brother Ben, as much as possible. Ben doesn't get the hint that she is just not into him. They all go to a bar on her first night there. Laurelyn is a twenty-two year old musician, singer, and songwriter, so, when she sees it's karaoke night, she goes on stage and sings. This is where twenty-nine year old Jack McLachlan sees her. He is captivated by her presence on stage and all he knows is he has to meet her.
The attraction between these two is definitely there, as well as the sexual tension. After he discovers she will be staying in Australia for three months, and then go back home to America after that, he knows that she is indeed perfect. The ending will be clean and he will never risk bumping into her again. Now, all Jack has to do is proposition her.● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
“When the three months is over, so are we. I'll move on and you will too. Because you won't know my name or any identifying information about me, you'll have no way to contact me. Ever."
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"I’m a very wealthy man. The three months we spend together would be the best of your life. You’d never be able to top what you’d experience with me... I'd make your fantasies a reality.”
"Sounds like you need an escort or a prostitute, and I'm neither of those things."
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I loved the fact that she wasn't the typical heroine that falls for the guy and goes off with him blindly. She stood up for herself and thought alot about it before coming to a decision. I was so glad about that. I liked her from then on and was really able to connect with her.
Jack was SO FREAKING HOT! Okay,*deep breath* I needed to let that out. Anyways, he was possessive, sexy and just plain Awesome, oh yeah, and he has an Australian accent *Swoon*. He melted my panties so many times. We were able to see his POV, as well as Laurelyn's. I absolutely loved that! I love getting to see what is going on in the hero's mind, because then I get to understand him better. I very much enjoyed the steaminess he brought to the story and seeing him slowly fall for Laurelyn.● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
She makes me want to break down and tell her everything. It’s strange -- I’ve never wanted to do that before. She makes me want to do lots of new things.
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They both had a lot of things to get over. Laurelyn has things in her past that have deeply affected her. While Jack has trust issues and doesn't let anyone to really know him. I liked that not too much was revealed about either of them. So I was able to get to know them at the same time they learned those things about each other.
Overall, I really liked the story and characters. I am so glad I waited for the second book to be out before reading this one, because the cliffhanger would have killed me. Seriously, what a way to end a book! Now, I can't wait to see what happens! I need it now! So, I'm off to read the next.
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This started off slow for me, I enjoyed the pace and style of the writing, However I did feel somewhat disconnected from the characters for the first part of the book. The description of the story had me thinking I was going to be reading the typical rich controlling man meets insecure small town girl, but refreshingly this was not the case.
Laurelyn is funny, pretty and has an easy going nature that I enjoyed in her character, as a female lead she ticked all my boxes not a whiny insecure trait in sight.
Jack's character takes a little longer to figure out and as male lead characters go it sadly wasn't insta -love for me, that being said as the book developed I found myself really enjoying his character. He was caring, considerate but at times possessive and loving.
Their was a predictability factor about this book that I enjoyed and the chemistry was certainly a bonus.
I love nothing more than unexpected love and romance and this book delivered.
The sub characters I didn't care for too much, but that rarely puts me off a book. A big plus for me was the POV from both leading characters.
The last 30% of this book was what made it for me, and I can't wait to read book two in the series, their are most certainly unanswered questions and I'm sure book two will live up to its predecessor.
The official blurb sums this book up nicely.
Thoroughly enjoyed this read, I connected with the authors style, their was moments of love, romance, unexpected kindness, friendship and hope and secret love.
4 stars. -
I really LOVED this book! With all the books out right now about rich, controlling, sexy men, this one is a true standout in my eyes. The more I’ve thought about it over the last week, the more I can truly say that I freaking LOVED it!
Jack McLachlan is a rich, powerful, well-known businessman and is one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors. He doesn’t do love. He doesn’t do real relationships. Work is his number one priority. So, to keep things simple for him, he enters into intimate arrangements with one woman at a time for a set amount of weeks, no strings attached, no one gets hurt. Instead of weeks this time, he’s looking for months, so his decision about who is more important than ever. The question is who’s the lucky woman? After having no luck at a local Australian bar, a beautiful American musician catches his eye at the last second. Jack is immediately intrigued by Laurelyn Prescott and is determined to make her his, at least for a few months.
“Her voice is raspy and sexy, her eyes closed. She oozes eroticism. She tilts her head and opens her eyes when she begins to sing the chorus. I swear it feels like she’s looking right in my direction, singing to me.”
“She has bewitched me. And I want her. She’s the one.”
As part of Jack’s arrangement, Laurelyn isn’t allowed to know his real name so he has her call him Lachlan. Laurelyn being the strong, stubborn woman that she is decides he doesn’t get to know hers if she can’t know his, so she becomes known as Paige to him. The point of view switches back and forth between Jack and Laurelyn, which I absolutely loved. It worked really well for the story too. It is really helpful throughout the book because we can see Laurelyn’s more vulnerable side that she tries not to show Jack. We also get to see how much Jack truly cares for her.
“If I do this, something will go wrong and this man will hurt me. I know it as sure as I’m sitting here next to him feeling how much he makes me want to say yes.”
The characters are absolutely phenomenal! Laurelyn is my favorite type of heroine. She is down to earth, stubborn, independent, and witty. I felt like she was really smart too, she isn’t trying to play games, but she is definitely aware that her arrangement with Jack isn’t a real relationship. I’m glad there wasn’t a lot of whining in her head and going back and forth about Jack, it would have been easy to go there, but it never did. Georgia Cates was able to build Laurelyn into a really strong character with just enough vulnerability that she is hard not to love. Plus, she was pretty hilarious at times and wasn’t afraid to tease Jack and keep him on his toes. The part where she messes with him about her age was priceless.
Then of course there is Jack. Oh, Jack McLachlan… I really grew to love this guy! At first I liked him okay and was thinking he was just another gorgeous, rich bachelor. I thought I had him pegged as being somewhat cold and controlling, but he surprised me. Although he does have his boundaries, he has true feelings for Laurelyn and I’m not talking about on a romantic level. Just good feelings, he genuinely cares for her and cares what is going on with her. He worries about her and those parts are oh so very swoon-worthy! That was seriously refreshing!
”This man will be hazardous for my heart if I allow it. He’ll use me up if I let him. I know this without a doubt and remind myself of a lesson well learned not so long ago. Never confuse sex for love. Right now, we’re black and white, but I vow that the second it becomes a hazy shade of cold steel gray, I will get out. No question about it.“
…
”Why would you doubt me?”
“Because I don’t know you.”
Wow, that hurt.
“But you’re wrong. Maybe you don’t know my real name, but you know me like no one else does.”
I completely fell for the two of them together. I enjoyed the way they interacted and I freaking loved the Aussie lingo in the book… sanger, brekkie, coldie, chickie babe, sunnies! So much awesome! :) The chemistry between the two is also off the charts hot and it had just the right amount of steaminess! As the story progresses, things happen and events lead to revelations between Jack and Laurelyn. The whole time you are wondering when or even if they will develop loving feelings and how that may change their arrangement. I enjoyed every second of their journey and them figuring it all out.
“I don’t think you know how good you are at this.”
“What am I good at?”
“Whatever this is we’re doing.”
I no longer have any idea what we we’re doing. I only know I like it.
“I think you’re pretty good at this too. Whatever it is.”
The story does end on a bit of a cliffhanger in case you are wondering. Although I was a mess at the end, it wasn’t really because of the cliffhanger. I just felt like I was really getting attached to the characters and I was feeling everything they were. The ending was expected for me, so I was okay with the cliffy. It gives just enough to leave us with some idea of the direction the next book may take. Plus, book #2 – Beauty from Surrender comes out May 30th, that’s not too bad… I’m really excited for it though!
“I’ve known pain my whole life, but this is a new kind for me. It isn’t born of something wrong or ugly. This pain is conceived out of beauty…”
For more reviews go to
Reality Bites! Let's Get Lost!! -
DEVOURED THIS BOOK!
Holy cow, did I just read a book in practically one sitting? Allison does not read a book in one sitting. She doesn't. Until she read Beauty From Pain. I could not get enough of this story! Wow. But thank goodness I waited until a day prior to sequel release. That cliffy.....shame on you!
And the stars of the show-
When Laurelyn decides to take a three month vacation with her friend Addison to Australia, she thought the time away from her budding music career and recent break-up with a married boyfriend would be good for her. She's at open mic night at a club and Jack McLachlan sets eyes on her. He's an uber rich wine mogul and prefers his "relationships" as an agreement. An agreement of a set time, no personal information or attachments and when their time is up....they go their separate ways. He's been burned before. He doesn't need some stalker when things get cold.
So Jack finagles a way to bump into Laurelyn at a vintage dinner. He asks her to dance then subsequently asks her out. At this date he proposes she be his number 13- the woman he will wine, dine, share oodles of time with both in bed and out but nothing personal shall be shared. She is not to know his net worth, his family, friends, or even his name. He promises her the time of her life and when 3 months are up....they go their separate ways. No harm no foul.
Laurelyn can't resist this man. She's staying with Addison's brother who gives her the creeps. Sure, why not let loose and have a great time. It's obvious he's loaded and is ready to rock her world.
What neither of them bank on is their feelings begin to grow. They gradually let each other "in." Laurelyn begins to know Jack (aka Lachlen) better than anyone. They've got no pressure...it's just the two of them. Things just bloom.
But three months quickly arrives and can these two simply walk away from the feelings both of them know they possess?
As I said, loved the book. It had a shit-ton of angsty suspense I thrive on. I immediately swooned over Jack. Laurelyn has been dealt a fair share of crap in her lifetime but she's a pretty solid, tough heroine. Even if her toughness made me want to SHOOT HER in the end. The book had a fair share of steamy scenes in the bedroom but I'm still wondering why it was tagged BDSM. There is NO BDSM in this book. Just a lot of bow chicka wow wow.
Movin' on..... -
Liked it - didn't love it. Was about 30% in and was considering not finishing it - kinda felt like I had been there before - ultra-rich guy, poorer girl. But I persevered and it did improve. Will I read the next one - probably but won't be waiting with bated breath for it to come out. I HATE when I can't give a book more than 4/5 start cos I know these authors put so much work into the books. I sometimes think I will not review the book then again I say to myself I am doing others a disservice by not giving my true opinion of it. Maybe the problem is that some of these books are getting such rave reviews and 5+ stars that the expectations are going to be too high. Has happened with a few other books I read also. I read the Kindle version but there does not seem to be an option to choose that edition, not that it makes any difference I'm sure. No work today, so off to start another one. Looks like rain, so won't feel guilty staying in and doing that.
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God, how I love, love, love this book!!!
I must admit, I put off reading it for a bit, figuring it was just another sexy millionaire story, but this little book smacked me across the face with its awesomeness, and I could not get enough!
First off… meet Jack…
I pictured the gorgeous Matt Bomer the entire way through the book, only to discover that that is exactly who the author pictured for him as well, so that just reinforces his utter and absolute sexiness!
OK, so our heroine is Laurelyn, an American on holiday in Australia for three months with her outrageously hilarious best friend, Addison. She is 22, beautiful and incredibly smart and sassy and I loved her instantly. She is an aspiring singer/songwriter and is taking a break from her life back at home, leaving behind a hard life and a bastard ex-boyfriend.
Jack Henry McLaughlin (God, even his name is hot!), is a multi-millionaire wine magnate. He spies her in a bar on her first night in town and decides that he has to have her.
"She has bewitched me. And I want her. She's the one."
Fiercely protective of his privacy, he only indulges in anonymous, short-term, no-strings, no-fuss relationships, and he manoeuvres a way to meet Laurelyn where he puts forward a proposal that they ‘date’ for the three months of her stay in Australia. They would not learn each other’s names or personal histories, but they would be together in a relationship of sorts, and at the end of the three months they go their separate ways and never see each other again. It doesn’t take too much convincing for Laurelyn to say yes.
His mouth is so close to mine, I feel his warm breath on my lips. “Right now, all I’m thinking about is how I’m going to get you in my bed so I can show you all the ways I can make you come.”
Umm … yes, please and thank you.
The relationship works brilliantly for them both. They spend time together, they have fun together, and everything is laid out up front - they dive straight into it with no fear of rejection or expectation. They are both completely honest about everything from the very beginning, so there is no game playing, and no stupid. They accept each other as they are, and are respectful, affectionate, and hot as all hell. Damn, my kindle was steaming at the chemistry between these two, sensational!
Throughout the story, it is obvious that apart from the mind-blowing sex, Jack and Laurelyn genuinely care for each other, and I loved watching the easy, flirty affection between them develop into more as they both start feelings thing for the other that they never intended. And despite the end looming on their time together, there is no way they can fight what is happening between them.
“I’m sorry for all the secrecy, for making you feel like you weren’t important enough to know the real me. But I’m most sorry because I have fucked you – I don’t know how many times – and never made love to you.”
…
We’ve shared countless kisses. They were almost always heated and demanding, but this one is entirely different. It tells me things he can’t or won’t say because it goes against everything he intends for our relationship.
I absolutely adore these characters. Laurelyn is refreshingly self-assured with a wicked sense of humour, and brings a sense of fun and playfulness to Jack’s life. Jack is, obviously, sex on a stick, but he’s not an all-out dominant, controlling Alpha. He is confident and possessive, but he is also funny, incredibly caring and protective of Laurelyn, and goes out of his way to make her feel special, never degrading her and, as he promises her in the beginning, he shows her the time of her life. Laurelyn comes as a complete shock to him, and I loved watching her sneak her way into his life and his heart without either of them really realising it. It was a sensational dynamic.
And if, individually, they are fantastic, together they are just magic! The banter between them is brilliant, and I loved every little moment that they shared together. And even though the attraction was strong from the very beginning, the pacing of the significant little shifts occurring during their time together was perfect, and very realistic, leading to them slowly and inevitably falling for each other.
“Don’t leave. I want you to be with me.”
“You’ll have your family.”
I swallow before I say the words that will change this relationship forever. “You’re the one I need.”
I was so impressed that Cates was able to give us such an intense and emotional story without the characters resorting to stupid behaviour and unecessary angst that is so common in a lot of books. Jack and Laurelyn both have nastiness in their pasts, and while it played a part in the story, at no stage did it overcome either of them, or cause issues for them. They dealt with everything up front and openly, and it made it all just that much more enjoyable.
With fantastic writing, the story moves at a great pace and is told in dual POV, alternating at each chapter, so we get to see where both Jack and Laurelyn’s heads are at the whole way through, and it’s AWESOME! I was captivated from the very first page and I laughed, squeed, and swooned my way through the whole book… God, did I swoon! And that ending (yep, another cliffy!) has left me desperate for more!
An instant favourite, I absolutely loved it - 5 shining stars. -
Oh when will I learn to pay attention to what my Goodreads friends are so excited about?
I could've had the glorious experience of reading this absorbing, emotional trilogy over a year ago, but did I listen? Well, to be fair to myself, I did put it on my "to-buy" shelf...but then I forgot about it. *sigh*
After being totally enthralled with Emma Chase's
Tangled and
Twisted, I was having a hard time letting the stories go in my mind, and I was having a difficult time getting interested in anything else that I had on hand. So I started to go through my "to-buy" shelves, seeing if anything with high reader ratings appealed to me. And then I came across this series, reread some of the reviews, and figured this was just the kind of book that could help me get over
Twisted. And oh boy, did it ever!
There's over 2,300! reviews of this book, so I doubt I'll say anything that hasn't already been said. But Oh-my- God did I love this book! I didn't even care that it ended on a cliff-hanger (since I had the other 2 books in the series ready to go). After I recovered from bawling my eyes out (over that letter!) I plunged into book 2 (
Beauty from Surrender).
So briefly, the plot: Laurelyn Prescott-- 23, beautiful brunette, fresh out of college, from Nashville, aspiring country singer/songwriter, daughter of a self-absorbed mother and never to be acknowledged love-child of a famous country superstar father. Laurelyn has just had a bad break up () and is traveling to Australia with her best friend to spend the summer at her best friend's brother's apartment. Laurelyn hopes the time away from Nashville will help her get her head on straight and over the disastrous breakup. She has no plans to get romantically involved with anyone while in Australia (despite her friend's hope that she falls for her attractive brother) and wants to just concentrate on her music.
Laurelyn...
Enter Jack McLachlan--30, millionaire most eligible bachelor, known for his string of conquests, his sexy good looks, and his vineyards.
Jack Henry...
Jack's ready to pick out his next "companion", but this time he's looking for something that lasts a little longer than his typical 3 weeks. If he finds the right woman, perhaps he can go as long as 3 months? He sees Laurelyn singing in a small club in Wagga Wagga (where he's spending the summer, tending to one of his vineyards) and knows he has to have her. Now, if only he can convince her to agree to his unusual propsition--no names exchanged, no personal info revealed, just good times and great sex and no contact or hard feelings when it's over. What woman wouldn't agree to that?:)
Jack's fancy sportscar...
The vineyards...
I won't go beyond that with the plot except to say that Laurelyn eventually agrees, but then makes the mistake of giving her heart to Jack (or Lachlan, as he's told her) and is met with devastating heartbreak. Oh, I bawled my eyes out over the letter she wrote to him...*sniff*
I loved these characters!!! I loved the setting, the plot, and the development of the characters. Jack Henry, despite your flaws, I loved you. Luvved you. Laurelyn, I felt your pain, and was rooting for you. Your songs killed me. I loved the supporting characters (especially Jack's family). I couldn't understand Jack's insistence on not ever having a real relationship that included marriage and family (the reason why isn't revealed until the second book) so that was sort of an unanswered question...but any questions I had were answered in the second book, so it all worked out. I would advise anyone interested in this book to have the next two handy, because you're going to want to jump right into them to find out what happens. There's plenty of highs and lows along the way in the series, disagreements, disappointments, and lots and lots of making up and plenty of hot, emotional sex that will leave you swooning...yeah.:)
I can't recommend this series highly enough. I'm still not over it and haven't read anything in a week. That and the fact that it made me cry makes it a keeper in my book. 5 big stars -
LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS BOOK !!!! ♥♥
Jack Henry and Laurelyn
[image error] -
This first book felt like 4 stars to me but the second book turns out to be a disappointment and I was able to give it 2,5 stars only.
This first book ends in a cliffhanger and their HEA comes at the end of second book but it could easily have been one book because the follow-up is certainly a dragging one.
My review for Book 1 & 2 is here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I will definitely not be reading Book 3, which as the writer says at the end of Book 2, is an extra -i.e. a bonus book for the lovers of this couple and I believe I have had enough already...
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5 STARS!!!
First off, I have to say this was my first read from Ms. Georgia Cates and it did not disappoint one bit. I loved everything about this book from start to finish it was an overall fantastic read.
Here’s my casting on Jack & Laurelyn
(The book didn’t mention him having any yummyyy scruffy facial hair however I picture my Aussie with lol) :)))
“They agreed on three months...but their love knew no boundaries.”
It’s was just so hard not to love Jack Henry McLachlan, Laurelyn never had a chance.
Overall Jack & Laurelyn honestly made a killahh couple with loads of hot, steamy, feverish scenes. ;) Can’t wait to find out more about Laurelyn and how she’s probably going to be a mega star like Jack predicted.
BTW. Can I just mention how terrible of a mother Laurelyn’s sounds. Poor girl.
Must all things come to an end? :(
Why must the author do this to us?
“You made my every fantasy come true... Now, it’s my turn to keep my promise”
“A part of me wants Laurelyn to leave so I can go back to my life before her, but then there’s another part that wants to beg her to stay forever. As hard as I try, I can’t decide which is stronger.”
Why is it always at the last minute the guy realizes what he has?
“Jack, you don’t always know the true worth of a women’s love until it becomes a memory”
Get it together, Jack Henry.
What the hell!!! Yet another book leaving us with a major cliffhanger. Not cool.
Side Note:
Here’s a link on a YouTube video of someone pole dancing that’s beyond sexy, beautiful, and sensual.
+ Plus the song is mentioned in Beauty From Pain
Massive Attack - “Angel” - Great band btw ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcw5jn...
Also Googled “Rainbow Marchenko” pose and this is what came up...
All I have to say is HOLY SHIT! ha
Makes me want to start taking pole dancing classes.
Can’t wait for Beauty From Surrender to come out!!!
I won’t be alright until I know what happens. Ugh.
If you haven’t yet read Beauty From Pain you should definitely get on it. :))) -
So, I finished this book when I was working away and therefore, went straight onto book two. So I'm writing this review whilst I am halfway through the second book, which is something I try to avoid doing.
Firstly, I'm really really loving this series. When I first started Beauty from Pain I wasn't sure it was going to be for me. But then, I've been through a real run of books that haven't floated my boat, so I was beginning to wonder if I was needing some time away from my beloved Kindle.
However, Beauty from Pain pulled me out of my slump!The pain is conceived out of beauty - my love for Jack Henry McLachlan. I embrace it. I clutch it as tightly as I can with both fists because I never want to forget the love I have for him. Loving him will forever be my Beauty from Pain.
Knowing I had to get up for work at 4am, I couldn't force myself to put Jack Henry and Laurelyn down until I'd finished the book at 2am! Cue a very sleepy, very clumsy, very grouchy Smitten. Oops!
I loved the will they/won't they throughout this book... will they reveal their real identity, will they admit to falling in love, will he ask her to stay... Aaargh! Scrummy!"You don't always know the true worth of a woman's love until it becomes a memory."
Jack Henry, and the sex scenes, are haaawt! We all love a sexy multi-millionaire... and now we have a sexy secret multi-millionaire, with a filthy mouth and an Australian accent!"Right now, all I'm thinking about is how I'm going to get you in my bed so I can show you all the ways I can make you come."
Laurelyn takes a trip to Australia, with best friend Addison, for the Christmas holidays, to escape a previous relationship-gone-bad. Despite wanting nothing less than to meet a man, she can't help the lure she feels when she bumps into charming, handsome, Aussie 'suit', Jack Henry McLachlan.
But Jack needs a certain type of relationship. One where identity is kept secret, real names are withheld and contact is forbidden once their three months is up. Of course, Laurelyn agrees and their strange affair begins."Listen to me, Laurelyn. The best way to get over somebody is to get under someone else."
Laurelyn is a great female lead. She has a playful, real character and isn't afraid to speak her mind. I can't stand miscommunications in books, and I was pleased that these characters seemed able to talk things through, despite the need for secrecy in their relationship."How can you think it's possible to have something this hot without one of us getting burned?"
This book does end in a cliffhanger. I'm really glad that I waited until Beauty from Surrender was released, to read these books as I know this cliffhanger would have irritated me if I hadn't. But now that both books are available, I'd definitely recommend this series, so far!
Beauty from Pain Statistics
Steam Rating (out of 5): ♥♥♥♥♥
Ending: Cliffhanger
Series: ✓
Reading Order:
Book #1 - Beauty from Pain
Book #2 - Beauty from Surrender
Can this be read as a standalone? No
Themes:
Rich hero
Secret affair
Warning. This book includes...
Graphic sexual content
Writing: Good
UK AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beauty-From-P...
US AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.com/Beauty-From-Pai...
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Why the cliffhanger?! Why, why, why, why, why?
Jack Henry McLachlan, I could just punch you in the face!
Ooo, wait I know the answer!
*calm down now, Destini*
All that out now, I can say that this was a great, entertaining read. The writing was great, Jack was just scrumptious, and there was a kick ass heroine.
Jack:
Laurelyn:
After getting her heart torn out, Laurelyn Prescott decides she needs a change of scenery. As in, the other side of the world. So, for three months Laurelyn and her friend, Addison, will be staying in Australia.
Jack McLachlan is good-looking, rich, and one of the most eligible bachelors. But he isn’t looking for a relationship. At least, not one that'll last more than three months.
Laurelyn and Jack start their affair complete with aliases, a three month expiration date, and a no contact rule once it’s finished.
However, they never planned on falling in love.
“You might as well be the devil.”
“Baby, you’re the one holding the apple.
First things first, Laurelyn:
By far, one of my favorite heroines. I don’t have a single complaint. She was smart, sassy, and completely real.
With these types of stories, I’m always afraid that once they start to have feelings and the time comes that they have to leave, they’ll make a pathetic scene or pretend that this was new information.
Laurelyn was not like that at all. She always knew why she was there. She didn’t conveniently forget or try to look for something that wasn’t there. She held on to her dignity.
I didn’t love you the day I met you, or even a month later. But somewhere between hello and the goodbye I’m unable to bear, I fell desperately in love with you.
Jack just stole my heart.
I was a little unsure one whether or not I was going to like him because, frankly, he was a boring in the beginning. Now, I’m naming our children. He was totally swoon-worthy.Except when he was being the world’s biggest moron.
Beauty From Pain is told in alternating POV’s which was fantastic because you were able to see where their head’s where at. It also helped me become closer and build a connection with both of them.
Even though their relationship (if you could call it that) was pretty much a lie, it felt so real. They were so good together. Jack was guarded and reserved in the beginning, but with Laurelyn’s help, he opened up.
Now, on to book two where, hopefully, Jack has gotten his head out of his ass because right now, this face:
is not amused.
I’ve known pain my whole life, but this is a new kind for me. It isn’t born of something wrong or ugly. This pain is conceived out of beauty– my love for Jack Henry McLachlan.
-
Five Stars
I’m on the ledge, about to fall. Or jump. I’m not sure which, and then I hear his possessive words through gritted teeth and it sends me over the edge. “No one else touches you. Only me. Do you understand?”
FUCK. That was so unbelievably good. Wow. Just wow.
I wanted to read this for a long time, but I knew this was going to end in a cliffhanger, so I waited for the sequel to come out. So when it finally did, I no longer had any excuses not to; I dove right in. I cannot believe how good this was. I haven’t read an actual five-star read in such a long time; this totally relieved that ache. It had everything I craved in a book: A strong Alpha male Hero (who by the way has a sexy Australian accent --- which made me create a new shelf I love Aussies LOL!), sizzling sex and just a touch of angst.
“I can’t wait to have a naughty with you. You know it’s only a matter of time, and when I do, I’m going to make you come so hard.”
Jack McLachlan is looking for his next conquest, one that will share his bed for the next few months. His past conquests have only lasted three to four weeks at best, but this time, he wants it a little more prolonged. He doesn’t do relationships. He’s a very rich man and the women he use to date wanted more from him. He’s learned his lesson: Be upfront, no telling of real names, no falling in love, just sex, lots of sex, and afterwards, make a clean break. Simple.
When he spots Laurelyn, he immediately knew his search was over. When he finds out she’s only in Australia for a few months, he knew it was meant to be.
“No. I can’t love a lie and that’s all we were.”
When Laurelyn landed in Australia to visit her best friend’s brother, she did not expect to meet a man like Jack. She immediately dismisses Jack’s initial proposal, but couldn’t help but be curious. She decides to live and dive into this arrangement with Jack. She doesn’t know anything about this man, not even his name. What she does find out is that Jack is willing to make all her fantasies come true. She knows she’s living in a fantasy and that it comes with an expiration date, but sooner or later the balloon is going to burst on the fantasy and real feelings start to emerge from both her and Jack.
I love her too much to let her leave and I need to tell her right this minute.
Laurelyn is unlike any of his past companions. He doesn’t know what to do. He wants more time with this southern belle, but his constant state of denial keeps him from really opening up to her. All Laurelyn wanted was some sort of reassurance of his feelings, but will it come too late? As I read this, a ticking clock was always in the background. I was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering how these two will pull this off.
I loved everything about this story and I’m happy that book two is immediately available to me because that ending was simply unacceptable. OMG! I need a resolution NOW! Loved this story!
-----
Me, prior to having the sequel out LOL:
UGH! Once again, I was all set to read this, then BAM! Found out it ends in a cliffhanger. CURSE YOU, CLIFFHANGERS!! -
Yet another book in the long line of crap that I’ve been reading lately. Gawd, this book was just plain boring and lame…boring, annoying characters, boring dialogue, lame plot and yes-even boring sex.
Laurelyn our heroine? Well, she’s just the most talented character I’ve ever met. She can do it all! She sings, plays the piano and guitar, was a gymnast AND is a badass pole dancer! Oh, but she’s not a stripper-oh no, she pole dances just for exercise and she’s soooo good at it. Hurl…. She is also a professional cryer! Yep, another heroine whose in tears for half the book. Hell she even cries for “half an hour”. I’m not kidding-I quoted that from the book.
Then we have Jack, our hero, who somehow managed to pull off being both creepy and bland. This guy gave me the heebie jeebies at the same time he made me want to go take a nap.
So, I want to know why this is labeled as erotica!? Yes, there’s sex and it’s explicit and there’s a lot of it, but there’s nothing about it that I would label erotica. Maybe my definition of erotica is different than everyone else’s but I was expecting some kink or taboo or SOMETHING beyond the norm. Instead, it’s the exact same thing over and over and over and I was yawning by the second time. I’m not sure how explicit sex can manage to be boring, but this author pulled it off.
With all that said, here’s the real kicker….I’ll probably read the second one. I know, I know, what the hell is wrong with me?? Well, it does end in a bit of a cliffhanger and damnit, I want to know what happens! Don’t ask me how the author is going to fill a whole second book just to wrap this up, but I’m sure there will be enough snoozefest filler and there I’ll be at the end of May reading the stupid thing. I should just check myself into a padded cell now….
