Reviews

Beautiful Broken Mess by Kimberly Lauren

lesleyharrison's review against another edition

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3.0

I won a copy of this book from a goodreads giveaway. I didn't like it as much as the first book in the series, but I still liked it. I thought the author did such a great job of portraying Audrey as such a crazy b!tch in the first book, and it was hard for me to believe that the group just automatically embraced her. It was like she and Emerson were instant BFFs. However, I could definitely sense that the author was emphasizing that people shouldn't judge other people without knowing both sides of the story. Maybe the writing could have flowed a little better, but overall, this was a good story. If you liked Beautiful Broken Rules and the new adult romance, you will enjoy the story of Jaxon's twin, Jace and his back story with Audrey.

loribelle3's review against another edition

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4.0

Having read book 1 in the series, I wasn't a fan of Audrey's. After hearing her side of the story, I changed my mind and started rooting for her. While I like the endings of books to be wrapped up, this ending almost seemed rushed and I though she was too quick to forgive Jace. Drawbacks....seriously, that many beautiful, messed up people coming together to make a family? Not realistic, but fantasy to read! Overall I give the book a solid 4 stars because it was engaging, made me change my opinion of a character, and I didn't want to put it down until I finished their story.

arielletrue's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5

authorkmg's review against another edition

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4.0

from pagetrotters.blogspot.com

Ok so when I heard that this was Jace's book I was so flippin excited. I loved him in BBR. Maybe a teensy bit more than Jax. I know, I know. I'm nuts, but it's the truth. He just did it for me in that book. I likes me the nerds. I knew he had layers, I knew he was hiding stuff. Did I guess the history he would have with his heroine? Uh...no.

And let's get to our heroine, shall we? Ooooh Audrey. I have to be honest. I was soooo on the fence about wanting to read this. I was PISSED that the book boyfriend of my dreams was going to be set up with this man stealing harpy from BBR, but then I thought to myself, "Why would KL do this? Think, Kelsie, think!" I came to the conclusion that Audrey must not be this giant slut monster I had built her up to be. So then I became intrigued and when I got the opportunity to claim an ARC I pounced like a jungle cat. Now, Emerson is my girl. She's still my fav, but Audrey? She's one tough chick. I don't do spoilers here at PT (sorry chickies!), but what I will tell you is that she's had it tough. She's so strong and amazing! I love her and my opinion did a 180 almost immediately. Her childhood is awful and she's barely hanging on.

Then she meets Jace and it's awesome...for all of five seconds. Let's just say sometimes having a twin isn't what it's all cracked up to be. There's a lot of drama/angst in this one, but I have to say it never drowned the storyline. I still think that Kimberly Lauren is one of the few authors that actual can write these types of female leads and not have them come off at sniveling, spineless, pains in the rear. Same with the menfolk. They are so smexy and drool-worthy, but more dimensional than that. She gives her characters depth, is what I'm trying to say in a more articulate way lol. I also LOVE that we have dual POV. Y'all know I love my male POVs!!

So! Do I recommend? Uh yes!!! Do you need to read Beautiful Broken Rules to understand what the HECK is going on in Beautiful Broken Mess? It's not necessary, but why wouldn't you want to? In all honesty, it will just give you some back story to who the characters are and some insight to some situations. No cliffhangers too! Peeps this is a win all around! What are you waiting for?!

Happy Reading!!

jamiejanae_6's review

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hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5


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smitch29's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this book. In this story, Audrey and Jace met back when they were seniors and high school, but never really got a chance until present day in the book, which is four years later at college. We see just how much has gone wrong in Audrey's life and how circumstances were never really in her favor. All that changes when she graduates high school and moves to California. She meets her best friend Lane and works hard to bring good into her life. Coincidentally, Jace leaves Texas and finds his way to California as well. As him and Audrey reconnect, Jace learns just how much he didn't know about her four years previously. Their reconnection reveals how neither one of them were quite ready for the relationship and commitment they are working to now.
I really enjoyed the way this story played out. I've read many second-chance romance novels, and this one was just different enough that it was really intriguing. I also really enjoyed the supporting characters. We met most of them in the first novel, and this book did a great job of expanding on their stories too, not just having them be stagnant roles. We also met a new supporting character, Lane. I really enjoyed reading about him and I hope he gets a novel as well.

acampbell110's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

Emotional and sweet.

kspear22's review against another edition

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5.0

Jace wins!

chelseammg's review against another edition

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4.0

Mis-steps, Mis-communications and missed opportunities. That’s the story of Jace and Audrey. Their start is beautiful, their middle is heartbreaking, and you need to read the book to find out how their story ends.

I have to say, I am AMAZED at how Kimberly Lauren took a character I could.not.stand in book one and made me just want to hold her hand and save her in book two. It just blew me away. I mean, I hated Audrey! I though she was a total witch. I wanted her GONE. In the first chapter of Beautiful Broken Mess all those thoughts went out the window. I saw the pain, the absolute horror she went through and I felt nothing but empathy for her. She is a lovely character.

Jace…now Jace is wonderful. I adore him. He was trying to walk the line between being a loyal brother and following his heart. He is trying to be so many things to so many people. All along the way you see his struggles, his imperfections and his absolute adoration of Audrey.

The back and forth of the character view points made me squee with joy. I LOVE reading what each person is thinking/feeling!

And to top it all off we got to me Lane. Serious swoon. I can.not.wait to read Lane’s story! He is just…awe. I love him!!

Ok, so now I am telling you that need to read this book. It’s sweet, heartbreaking, and lovely all at the same time. Go get it!

sincerelywhitney's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0