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 … 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.
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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 worked 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
BOOK REVIEW
I enjoyed this book but there was just something missing or I just couldn’t love it enough for more.
I did enjoy the story and glad they came back together. I think it might be that it just took some time to get there and I felt a bit too much push and pull.
I looking forward to reading about other characters and interested in where they end up.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
A Second Chance At Love
This is Peyton and Jackson’s story and it’s a second chance romance. The title is a little misleading in my opinion but it was a good read. The story in told in the 3rd POV and in the past which gets a little confusing at times. Peyton is a top designer in a so-so relationship with a guy who is running for Mayor of San Francisco. Jackson her childhood best friend and love interest is opening a restaurant and hires her to do the design work. We catch up with their past via flashbacks. As things are unveiled we see the tragedy in their past and what caused him to break up with her and in turn break her heart. The book was very emotional and as it progressed it’s evident that their love never died, just smoldered and needs rekindling. A good book with interesting characters and an engaging story line that will grab your heart and take it on a spin. I read an arc via Voracious Readers and voluntarily chose to write a review.
You want to talk about a book that packs a punch! Peyton and Jackson tugged at my heart on every page! From their sweet meeting as kids, to the event that tore them apart, I loved everything about them! I wanted to wrap Jackson up in a hug, I hurt for him so much! The chemistry between these two sizzled from the first page, and their growth throughout the story is so natural! I was rooting for these two the entire time!! I would recommend this story to anyone!
I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of Beautifully Damaged (1st book of the Shine Design Series) by Laura Pavlov when I signed up for an ARC of Beautifully Flawed which is the 2nd book in the series. This is my honest review in exchange for the free copies.
/5
I love Laura’s stories because I can easily get submerged in them and want to know more about all the characters. What’s nice about the books I’ve read so far is that they’re in a series so you get to hear more about all these characters who are apart of a friend or family group so you really get to dive in and feel apart of it. The wonderful thing too though is that they can easily be stand-alone books as well if you don’t want to read a whole series and only one or two of the stories stick out to you. I personally love to go all in on the series.
Beautifully Damaged tells us the story of Peyton and Jackson who you’ll fall in love with. There’s is a second-chance romance which is always bittersweet for me because I always hate thinking about their time apart and it’s hard not to think of it as time wasted but in reality it was what was needed at the time so there could be growth as individuals before really being able to give it there all. Tragedy is what drives them apart, amends is what draws them together but their chemistry and love is what wins in the end.
I wrote this review after already reading the 2nd book in the series and I can’t wait to continue on with the Shine Design Series. These ladies and their men are so much fun but there’s also such great friendships, passion (both in their love lives but also their careers) and amazing scenery.
This is the 1st in a new series and is Jackson and Peyton’s story. These two were best friends from childhood, and after tragedy strikes Jackson leaves town and a broken-hearted Peyton and shattered relationship behind. Now years later Jackson is back in town and hires Peyton as the interior designed for his new restaurant, and the plan is to rekindle their friendship and get closure for past events to be able to move forward with life. Peyton is stunned when she sees her first love, and the chemistry between them is palpable. This is a beautifully written emotional roller coaster which is filled with drama, angst, twists, heartbreak, lust, undeniable love, and is a humorous read. I was intrigued and hooked throughout and look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all readers.
This is my second book by Laura Pavlov and I wasn’t disappointed!!! I get a little bit of everything in this book! Humor, a touch of suspense and definitely the feels!! This book is written in third person which for me makes it a touch harder for me to get wrapped up in the story. Which is totally a me flaw and not anything that the author did. With that being said I did read this book pretty much in one sitting. I also really appreciated that there was no long drawn out drama. I would definitely recommend this book!
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.
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.
Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. Once I started I could not put the book down from start to finish you just could not get enough with twists and turns hot and steamy like a rollercoaster ride of emotions that makes you want more with the chemistry and romance.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I chose this book based on the blurb. Two parts caught my attention: “The past still hovers like a dark cloud. But every dark cloud has a silver-lining.” To me, this said that while the characters may have issues, there will still be a happy ending. “Peyton Kroft was his forever, until the unthinkable happened.” With the term “unthinkable” death unfortunately came to my mind. When I saw that Peyton was mentioned more than once in the blurb, I figured that Jackson must have hurt her somehow and I was intrigued enough to want to find out more.
Jackson Vance is definitely “book boyfriend” material. Aside from the cute way he decided on Peyton’s nickname, he behaved like her champion/protector. He pulls an attacker off of Peyton. Broody describes Jackson very well and I couldn’t help but fall in love with him a bit myself.
“And even through today’s darkness—there was light. There was Jackson. Always Jackson.” This is one reason why I love broody male characters to begin with. Even knowing his past and issues, Peyton is able to see the good in Jackson.
Usually in the other second chance romance stories I read, when the couple got together that was the end of the book. This one had a twist that I enjoyed. A really good story!
Book one in the Shine Design series a well written story by an Author I have not read before.This is Peyton Kroft, and Jackson Vance’s second chance, the story takes you from the present to the past and then back to the present. I enjoyed reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The good storyline and well rounded characters grabbed my attention from the very first page and kept my interest throughout the entire book! I look forward to reading more from this author!
I really enjoyed this book but there were times I so wanted to beat Jackson up. I wished Peyton had made him grovel more.
I have to go and be honest here:I didn’t like this book.
I hate when that happens.
This story is second-chance romance and,in general,the plot wasn’t bad.My biggest problem was the writing and the characters.
Peyton and Jackson met when they were kids.They both had problematic mothers and that’s the thing that drew them together.Some time in their teenage years they fell in love,but they were separated by one big tragedy that ruined Jackson’s life.Years later Peyton,now amazing interior designer,is hired by Jackson to work on his new restaurant.He hired her because he knows that she is the best and because he want’s to apologize for leaving her.
These two were very confusing.They acknowledge their past,sat upon being friends and ignored the unsaid things between them.Peyton is in this relationship that is completely strange and unnecessary in her life,she doesn’t even like the guy.And Jackson,well he is just sleeping around and thinking about Peyton,but when he is in front of her,he will just ignore his feelings.
While their romance was sweet and likable,there was nothing in this book that made me believe these two belonged together.No displayed emotions(except in the last few scenes and the scenes that happened in the past),no sweet or sexy time,just nothing.It’s written in 3rd person POV and I felt like reading very boring cooking book.
The scenes that take place “now” had very little to no emotion between characters.These two had some issues that needed to be resolved and when they did that it felt like the book ended.There was nothing between the anymore.I was truly disappointed.
Maybe this is “it’s-me-and-not-the-book”problem.Do try it you want.
This is my first Laura Pavlov’s book, and won’t be my last. This is the first book in the Shine Design Series, and a great second chance to love. I love the cover. Peyton and Jackson’s story is so beautifully written! Jackson is handsome, but broken. Peyton is a strong woman. This story is emotional, heartbreaking and heartwarming afterward. I love the Epilogue. The supporting characters are also great. Now, I can’t wait for the next book in the Series. I enjoyed my reading. I received a free review copy of this book and I have voluntarily left this review.
Jackson and Peyton had history. They were childhood friends that later turned into more and then it went terribly wrong. Fast forward 9 years and he returns for closure but doesn’t expect all those old feelings to return. When Jackson returns she’s currently in a relationship and only wanted closure but the heart wants what the heart wants. If didn’t started as a reconnection it started as a business venture and things just started again. Yes Peyton was in a relationship BUT not what you’re thinking. Her boyfriend wasn’t the one and he had a hidden agenda. Jackson was protective of her but still had his flaws. Peyton was no ones doormat and stood her ground towards everyone. They were a great match and they both had great friends. Peyton had an amazing dad and sister and her nephew was the most adorable.
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 feel 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, workout 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 emotion into the stroy 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 specially the love only Peyton can give him. These two are perfect together and it’s so heartwarming to see them finally together again after so long, Their friendship still stands strong, like no minute separated them and their love even stronger, forever unbreakable.
Such a heart warming, emotional read that I couldn’t put down once I started. It takes a difficult situation and walks you through all the stages of grief someone can go through. The author portrayed this story so well, I’m pretty sure these people are my friends now. There were tears, laughter, cursing and every emotion in between when I was reading this book.
This author definitely has a way with words. She sucked me in from the first word – until i got to the last page. It is full of emotion and laughter that will stay with you long after you finish this book. This should be a one-click purchase TODAY!!
Jackson and Peyton have been best friends since they were young. As best friends, they were close. When tragedy strikes, he runs. When he shows back up, history has a tendency to repeat itself. Their journey is one of overcoming your past and going after what is right in front of you.
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.