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Breathe Again #1

Unbeautifully Loved

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Lexie Todd has held on to three simple words to make it through life’s challenges:

Life. Goes. On.

These words comforted her though circumstances that weren’t always easy, but more importantly, it offered her the promise of something more... someday.

Lexie knows what she needs to do after dealing with years of abuse at the hands of her son’s father. Enlisting the help of her best friend, they go on the run to escape the man who threatens to destroy her life.

They finally find the perfect home in a safe town after months of transience; they decide to stay a while. Suspicious and guarded, always looking over her shoulder, the last thing Lexie wants is to become involved with someone new.

Detective Lukas Gunn is Lexie’s bossy, persistent, and extremely hot neighbor.

After an incident leaves her vulnerable, Lukas discovers that she’s haunted by her past. His goal is to protect her while making Lexie his, but she keeps Lukas at a distance.

When history repeats itself, will Lexie be able to trust those around her to keep her safe? Will Lukas save her from her past in time? Or will the only love she ever knows be unbeautiful?



******************************
**Warning**
This book contains the following and is recommended for ages 18 and up.

-Sexual content.
-Abusive subject matter
-Attempted rape
-Language

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2013

90 people are currently reading
8367 people want to read

About the author

Emma Grayson

13 books693 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
Profile Image for Alexis *Reality Bites*.
757 reviews3,658 followers
May 9, 2013
SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
3.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Romantic Suspense

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Lexie and her young son Finn have been on the run from her abusive ex with the support of her best friend Mollie. Moving from place to place has not been easy for the trio. Their new destination in the small town of Camden seems to be the perfect place to settle in.

Lexie soon finds a job at a local bar(Fishers). Even though Lex knows to have her guard up at all times from being on the run; she is in complete shock when she is attacked after work one night and almost raped. She is save by Lukas Gunn a local cop who just so happens to also be her neighbor. Her HOT AS ALL HELL neighbor! *wiggles eyebrows*

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Lukas immediately takes charge he tells Lexie that he will be taking her to and from work until this rapist is caught. Lexie concedes to his wishes which are more like demands. Lukas wants Lexie and he does not hide it. Survival is her goal. Day to day survival, she is on the run from her abusive ex/baby father. Lexie has no time for love.
Hmmmm, but she is definitely being tempted by her sexy neighbor and it does not go unnoticed by Mollie!

“Hey, I’ve seen the look you give Lukas, and honey, you totally eye fuck him whenever he’s around and believe me, he fucks back and he fucks back hard.” ~Mollie

Lukas is does not take no for an answer. He slowly worms his way in to her good graces and things heat up pretty quickly between the two.

“Fuck me Lukas,” ~Lexie

REAL H O T!

He knows that Lex is hiding something.. Something that she can’t face alone. So when she pushes him away he comes right back like a boomerang.

Thoughts
Truthfully Lexie did a number on me, she had me infuriatingly mad for the majority of the book. I’m talking throw your Kindle across the room mad. She is not how I prefer my heroines to be… Annnd lets jut leave it at that. I think Emma Grayson has some Kristen Ashley inspired aspects in her characters. Lukas had a TOTAL Kristen Ashley vibe especially in his speech. He saw her, he wanted her, he claimed her and then he owned her. “MINE” Total KA alpha male style.

This book is a 3.5 so close to 4 STARS for me! The plot was a bit predictable but surprisingly I look forward to the next book. Kane Archer… Oh, he has my UNDIVIDED ATTENTION.

Dear readers,
One thing really bothered me. I did not fully understand why Lexie’s parents were not around. That story line seemed a little weak for me personally. I also thought a plot line was left WIDE open. Which could have been purposely done this is a series after all.
I fought myself on how to rate this book.. I think this author has potential and I do want to continue with the series. This may surprise many who followed my updates for this on Goodreads. At around 54% I thought I would rate it at 2 stars. Then at around 78% I almost declared it a DNF. I put the book down at 80% And picked it up 2 nights later with a clear head. Once I hit 100% I decided to go with 3.5 almost 4 stars.


My Ratings
Characters- Witty and Sexy although Lexie drove me C R A Z Y
Writing Style- Fair
Plot/Storyline- At times intense and a little predictable
Steam Factor- High/Pretty damn steamy
Overall- I thought it was an okay read, it wasn't bad I just did not love it.

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!

For more reviews got to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
*Copy kindly provided by the author for an honest review*
Profile Image for ★Emilia★.
167 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2013


Where do I begin??.....
Headache GIFS photo: Interwebz Headache modfam2.gif

We meet Lexi, who is on the run with her son and best friend Mollie, trying to escape an abusive ex. After months of being on the run they find the perfect town to settle in. Here she meets Lukas,who happens to be in the right place at the right time when she needs him!!


Sounds like a good book, right? I thought so, too! The book had so much potential but just fell short! It was like watching a Lifetime movie gone completely wrong!

The biggest thing I disliked was the heroine herself! Lexi annoyed the hell out of me! You know when you watch a movie and there's always that dumb character who goes outside knowing there's a killer nearby and you just want to yell, " STAY INSIDE, IDIOT"!! Or the opposite, "don't go inside" or what about when everyone knows who the killer is except the dumb heroine,who's completely clueless, yet, all the warning signs are there and she has everyone warning her.....yes, I know u know what I'm talking about; This best explains Lexi. She's totally clueless, annoying and just about frustrates you throughout the whole book!

The Dialogue was at times completely ridiculous and just wasn't believable, IMO!

Another thing that pissed me off was her aggression towards Lukas; there was never a reason for it! He should dedicate the song " Hot n cold" by Katy perry to her bc that's what she was! Maybe she's bi-polar- who knows!

I dont know GIFS photo: i don;t know did you? tumblr_lpa4wrRMeT1qfwypto1_400.gif

I did say maybe...I really don't know!


The sex- Meh, I've had better. oh, I mean I've read better sex scenes before!

What else you ask....well, there were too many characters that just didn't belong in the book. I felt some weren't properly introduced. I at times thought I may have missed something bc i didn't remember a character. For example:

So I'm sure you're wondering why I gave it 2 stars when I could've gave it a 1... Well, I did like Lukas and Mollie . I also liked when Lexi decided to be honest and let Lukas in on what was going on; I found that dialogue believable and honest...Plus, like my friend Manda always says, "You did finish the book, right?" And yes, I did finish it even though at times I felt like throwing my iPad against the wall and DNF'ing the book, but I can't do that, my iPad is too damn expensive! Plus I was too damn curious to see how this mess was going to unfold!

Oh wait, we find out the next book is going to be Kane and Whitney's story. Really?? I like to be a little emotionally invested with the characters to read a spin off book about them! I met Whitney in 2 quick ,super fast scenes. You probably know more about Whitney than me and I read the damn book! And for those who have read the book, who the fuck is Whitney?? No, really, who is she? All I know is that she's a waitress.

I'm really not trying to be mean in my review bc I think the author has potential and WTF do I know, I'm just a stay-at-home mom who likes to read!

One more thing


Profile Image for ~ Becs ~.
672 reviews2,164 followers
May 7, 2013
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We begin with Lexie, her son Finn and her best friend on the run from her extremely violent and drug-addicted boyfriend Dex. (OK had to giggle a bit at Lex & Dex!) They've been running for months, moving from town to town but Mollie insists that they try and settle down and make a life for themselves and they arrive in Camden, determined to make a fresh start.

Despite always being in fear of Dex finding her, Lexie attempts to make a fresh start and gets a job in a local bar Fishers. She once again finds herself at the mercy of a violent man only to be rescued by Lukas Gunn, her extremely hot neighbour who also happens to be a detective. He’s been admiring Lexie from afar ever since she came to town but, now he sees she is in danger, he’s no longer going to keep his distance and gets up close and personal and very, VERY protective.

I did really enjoy this. I struggled in the first third or so to quite understand some of their motivations, especially Lukas as I couldn’t really understand why he was so into Lexie when they’d barely exchanged a word and she was prickly to say the least but it all started to come together and I found myself engrossed. Lukas is a big old protective and possessive alpha, very reminiscent of a Kristen Ashley style hero. He’s got his own demons in his past and has been slow to let people in but he sees something in Lexie’s haunted eyes that bring out all his protective instincts and he can’t let her go.

Lexie – my heart broke for the horrors she has endured and also for the lack of self-worth years of systematic abuse has left her with. She’s a broken woman and it’s gong to take a strong man to heal her. Thankfully, Lukas is that man. He’s all kinds of hot and extremely sexy and very into Lexie.


Dropping his forehead to mine he closed his eyes, took a deep breath as if trying to regain his composure, then opened them only to look into mine. I could feel his heart beating rapidly against my chest. “If Finn and Mollie weren’t upstairs right now babe, I’d be buried so fucking deep inside you right now,” He growled pushing into me more.


Thankfully, he sees the pain in Lexie’s eyes and realises he can’t push things too quickly and gives her the time and space that she needs. He’s convinced she is ‘the one’ and will do anything to convince her that he’s the one for her.


One, I want you but if I have to wait then that’s exactly what I’ll do– I’ll wait. Two, you’re absolutely beautiful and downright sexy, and the thought of you makes me crazy. Three, I’ve only known you for a short amount of time but I already know just how incredibly strong of a women you are, and there’s something between us. You can deny it all you want but I’m going to prove to you its worth going for. And again if I have to wait for you to see that, then I will.”

I swear my heart stopped.


Yours and mine both Lexie.

So, we have a strong pulsating suspense story line, with danger building like a huge crescendo in the background and a strong, sexy contemporary romance that I think Kristen Ashley fans will like. I’m incredibly intrigued by the enigmatic Kane and the teaser at the end for the next book has me hotly anticipating it’s release.

3.5 stars

For more reviews, please visit Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews or visit us on Facebook.
Profile Image for ~Nichole~  Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews.
1,716 reviews626 followers
September 19, 2015
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Okay so where have I been this whole time this book has been out?? Oh my gosh, we at Sizzling Pages are like Alpha HOUND DOGS. We have a nose for books with possessive-don’t - touch- what’s - mine Alphas!!

Lukas Gunn ...so totally perfect!!

This guys from the first encounter just took my heart. He’s strong, sexy, bossy and arrogant. But most of all this guy is PROTECTIVE and he also LOYAL in the most amazing ways.

Lukas and Lex were a couple that I will not forgot anytime soon. While she was afraid to give her heart again , Lukas wasn’t afraid to take what was his.



There were some hot bam bam scenes in this loves story and let me tell you this author has a way with words.



But really what I have to have in my love stories is a couple I can believe in and everything that Lexi needed for her and her little boy Lukas was there to give. But she also filled a piece in his heart that had been broken for so long. Their chemistry just burned up the pages and I can not tell you how much I loved this story. I am diving in to Archer Kane’s book Unbearable Guilt with the advice of my BFF Steph ringing in my ear..Girl you are gonna love this one!!


Profile Image for Christine Wallflower & Dark Romance Junkie .
495 reviews3,667 followers
April 27, 2013
3.5 Stars!

I enjoyed this book, Lexie's past broke my heart. The characters were very well written and I felt a connection with everyone except Lukas, I would've loved to get inside his head, he seemed like such an intense and open person. He never hid his feelings from Lexie, she new he wanted her from the get go even if she didn't want to see it. Lexie came off as a very independent and strong woman, which made sense if you look at her difficult past. She frustrated me though when Lukas would tell her to do something because he was trying to protect her and she would immediately refuse only because she didn't like being told what to do! I mean dammit Lexie he's trying to protect you he's not Dex! Finn was too precious! And Mollie is the most awesome friend a person could ask for. All in all great story, very well developed characters, with some intense loving and a very happy ending! And finally that teaser at the end! Sounds awesome!
Profile Image for *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time.
1,921 reviews3,718 followers
April 29, 2013
4 Lukas Loving Stars!

So...this was a storyline that I have read before. But I will say, this one was done pretty well. With that being said, I did find a few things to be odd and not really make sense but they didn't really take away from the story too much.

We have Lexie, our heroine, who is on the run--with her almost 5 year old son Finn and her best friend Mollie--from her abusive ex-boyfriend Dex. For the last 8 months they have been moving from town-to-town to keep him from finding them.

Their latest stop being Camden, where Mollie has found them a nice house. Mollie has a good feeling about Camden. Things are going to be different here--better--for Lexie, Mollie and Finn.

Lexie gets a job at a local bar....within the first week she is attacked while leaving work and almost raped. She is saved by our hero, Lukas. Lukas reminded me of a Kristen Ashley type hero. He was alpha and dominant....kind of gruff. I loved Lukas. He immediately takes a liking to Lexie. I really liked the connection between Lexie and Lukas....their banter between each other and the sex was HOT. Oh and PS--Lukas just happens to be a detective.

Lexie starts receiving anonymous gifts and warnings. Is she being stalked? Has Dex found her? Is her almost rapist after her? It was at this point that I wanted to punch Lexie.

Lexie....



Um....



How come EVERYONE but you knew who was out to get you?? I mean shit, I think even Finn the 5 year old knew.

Lexie decides it's time to run again but before she can get out of town, Lukas confronts her. Lexie finally opens up about her past and agrees to let Lukas help protect them.

So do you think Lexie listened when Lukas asked her to stay home until they can catch the bad guy??



Poor Lexie never does figure it out, until it's too late.



Fear not...this did have a HEA. The other books in the series will be about other characters. Breathe Again #2 will be about Kane Archer who we meet in Unbeautifully Loved.

Overall, I thought this was enjoyable enough and I will definitely consider reading the other books in the series.



Profile Image for Alpha Possessive Heroes.
482 reviews865 followers
August 18, 2014
“This dress and those shoes are for me, no one else Peaches. This is what you do to me.” He pushed into me again, “So, only for me.” His voice was rough, like he was having a difficult time holding himself back.

Lukas is a one panty dropping hunky alpha male. He's demanding, bossy, gorgeous, caveman, sexy and super alpha. The way he growled... sigh. this man.. I would do anything... and I mean anything just to have him! I'm into possessive heroes and I gotta say, Lukas is in my list!

Mollie (Lexie's best friend) is a type of friend that you would want in your life. This girl moved from city to city to help and support Lexie. She has this sassy thing in her that I so adore. She's just awesome! :)

Honestly, all the characters are well written and very likeable, well except maybe Lexie. (but I'll get to that later!)

Even the villains was so convincing that at some point I started getting the creepy feeling too. lol

Okay, our heroine Lexie had a very difficult past but despite of everything Lexie is a strong woman, stubborn and dumb... I think she's one of the dumbest heroine I've read in awhile. Lexie was hard to like..

1. For a person who's running and hiding from an abusive ex, it boggles my mind that she makes a lot of unbelievable decisions. Lexie get this creepy feeling that she's being watch or getting strange gifts in front of her porch.. but she ignores all of it and kept everything from Lukas... I'm like.. wtf?!

2. When Lukas tell her something, she does the opposite. Lukas tells her not to go out (to protect her)... ohhh! she'll go out. When almost everyone tells her they get a bad vibes about this man... oh she'll say noooo, he's a nice guy blah blah blah!! I was rolling my eyes and just couldn't believe she was doing this and that, it was so frustrating I almost stop reading the book.

I'm all into heroines making dumb decisions, but really.. Lexie is beyond dumb... I think Dex's beating for years did something to her brain that made her permanently stupid. lol

Anyway, despite my rant for the heroine.. I highly recommend this book! I give this more than 5 star because of Lukas! *smirk*

I just want to add that the sex scenes.. was oooh so hot!! I want my own Lukas damn it!

This is my first book from this author and I gotta say I'm very impressed! I thought I already figured out everything in the story, but nooo! I didn't expect that (don't want to give any spoilers! lol) It was so unpredictable I was on the edge the entire time!

This is a very well written book that will keep you all night. Trust me.. I only had 3 hours of sleep lol

Now I can't wait for the next book, my gosh it's going to be Kane's story!!! OMGGGGGEEEEE!
Profile Image for Vikki ~ *squee* lite ~.
497 reviews182 followers
May 12, 2013
2.5 stars.

It kind went like this...

Sad past. (Yawn). Lots of hot guys. (Who's the hero supposed to be again?) Victimized again. (This chick has some serious bad luck ). Hot motorcycle riding hero. (Oh, and loins are all aquiver). Insta-love (that never ever gets deeper). Lots and lots of poor decision makings by our never-learns-from-past-mistakes heroine. (Should I be concerned about a stalker?) Hot sex (this earns two stars). One interesting twist (in an otherwise predicable mystery). And, a oh my god, she really didn't learn anything ending

Small rant...

Profile Image for Dilek VT.
1,548 reviews1,679 followers
March 6, 2018
This book was a waste of time and a huge disappointment for me.



Neither the writing nor the characters appealed to me. It was boring, annoying, predictable and soulless.

I couldn't get into the story and I couldn't relate to the characters at all. I didn't feel a thing about the "said-chemistry" between the characters. People kept saying how powerful the chemistry is between the characters but I never felt it. You can't make me feel it just with the comments of the people around... Really? Was I supposed to say, "Oh, all their friends feel the chemistry, so let me believe in it and feel it myself, as well"? Come on, that "chemistry thing" was like a joke to me.

The book really got on my nerves so proceed at your own risk because it will all be a rant!

First of all, we have a dumb heroine who is TSTL and her best friend is no wiser than her, despite her good intentions.

Lexie, her 5-year-old son and her best friend are running away from Lexie's abusive husband. And they are not doing a great job of it.

After moving from one town to another, they finally decide to settle somewhere. There, she meets our hero, Lukas, who falls for her immediately.

Instead of Lexie staying at home and looking after her kid, her friend stays home and looks after her kid while Lexie starts to work at a bar where she gets the bad vibes and all. She works at night shifts and gets out of work at creepy hours of the night.

Families of both girls are rich, by the way, and there could be better options than what they are doing in this town, if you ask me.

The town they settle in turns out to be really a wrong place for them because first there is an attempt of rape to our heroine then there is more...

The heroine Lexie is the kind of frustrating girl who goes and does the opposite of the things people warn her about. Everyone else sees the danger and who the threat is but her!

She stupidly invites the evil into her life despite everyone's warning. Only after it is too late, she sees that they were right.

Huh, am I expected to feel sorry for her because she didn't listen to anyone with a bit of a common sense?

Am I supposed to feel sorry for a woman who hid the creepy stalker's doings from the police, from the man who loves her and who happens to be a detective?


She had it all coming. She could have avoided it all. But no, she had to go and act like a stupid stubborn teenager and put both her life and her son's life in danger along with the lives of other people around them!

Do you wanna read about her stupidities?
I didn't.

That's why, after seeing how dumb she is and how the story would probably evolve, I couldn't stomach to read the whole thing and I just skimmed & scanned to see if I was right about my predictions. And I was...

This is when, towards the end of the book, she realizes how stupid she really is!

I was trying to come to grips with this whole situation. Lukas was right. Fuck, everyone had been right. They all warned me and what did I do? I ignored them and invited him into our lives.

I will definitely not continue this series.
Profile Image for Britney.
279 reviews145 followers
April 29, 2013
4.5 Stars!

"This dress and those shoes are for me, no one else Peaches. This is what you do to me.” He pushed into me again, “So, only for me.”

Lukas is one hot, demanding, take charge, persistent, gorgeous, caveman, panty melting alpha! I LOVED him!!! He was sweet and never gave up in his quest to not only have Lexi but her body, mind, soul and most of all, her heart. He wanted it all from her and he was determined not to stop until he had it all!

Their chemistry was sizzling!

“Wanna kiss you Lexie,” he paused his eyes roaming over my face, “but the look I’m seeing on your face and with the night you’ve just had, I won’t, I’ll wait. ‘Cause when I kiss you, I want you to be thinking of nothing other than what I’m doing to you and when I’m done, it will be all you can think of.”

Lexi did not make things easy on Lukas…at all. She was on the run from her past and had every reason to give up on men and love. She had very low self esteem because of the physical, mental and emotional abuse she had suffered at the hands of her ex/baby-daddy. She was broken and unable to see what Lukas and others saw in her. However, she was also a spitfire and gave some sass. She made the poor boy work, but oh how he did! And the speeches he kept giving her along the way melted my heart. I loved how he was the ‘take charge alpha’ but also the ‘sweet and patient man’. He was the perfect mixture of the two!

“Lex, tonight, as well as every night since I laid eyes on you just goes to show a few things. One, I want you but if I have to wait then that’s exactly what I’ll do- I’ll wait. Two, you’re absolutely beautiful and downright sexy, and the thought of you makes me crazy. Three, I’ve only known you for a short amount of time but I already know just how incredibly strong of a woman you are, and there’s something between us. You can deny it all you want but I’m going to prove to you its worth going for. And again if I have to wait for you to see that, then I will.”

I absolutely LOVED Mollie!!! She is the kind of BFF everyone wants- loyal to the core, loving, sweet, hilarious, protective and super sassy!! I'd love to see her get a book

This book had mystery, suspense, hot alpha, stubborn heroine and really enjoyable supporting characters! There was some predictability- but it was more of you knew something was coming and possibly by who, but not the what, when and how. It was definitely worth the read! Wonderful Debut novel from Emma Grayson! I plan to read the next in the series as well. I recommend this one to all my friends. Go read it, you will fall completely in love with Lukas ;)
Profile Image for Diana.
67 reviews8 followers
April 27, 2013
Really wanted to like this book more than I did. This is my favorite plot when reading and I had heard good things about it and the author. I found as the book got to the meat of the story, I found it very unlikely that the h would do so many stupid things. She was very wishy-washy in her thinking. One minute she berated herself for not listening to others about the ex and then she turned around and stood her ground against others for telling her to be careful with a certain stranger. He gave them bad vibes, but she didn't listen to them. She had been on the run for 8 months trying to stay ahead of the ex, and all of a sudden strange things are happening in her house, flowers with strange notes, and the gifts that appeared didn't give her a glue that something was wrong. She kept it to herself until she had to say something about them. The same with her bf, all of a sudden she is trusting a stranger with all the information about them being on the run. I didn't feel any sympathy for the h and her situation. That is what left me with a not so good feeling after finishing the book. The author did not make me feel what I thought should have been more emotion for what the h went through. The H was good, but there was no build up to his character. We were told who he was by the secondary characters. There was no background on him except a few paragraphs here and there. His conversations with the h made me think I was reading a KA book, with the H's few word sentences that were telling, not asking. There was no build up to their romance. I found the romance to be highly unbelievable. The love/lust at first sight from the back of his bike, considering she was on the run, did not do it for me as well. Something was just off with the book. The early incident with her didn't get resolved. Maybe in the next book.

I will give the next book a read and see if the book is a little 'tighter' in its execution of the plot and romance.
Profile Image for Keely.
68 reviews5 followers
April 29, 2013
This book had a lot of promise, but ended up missing the mark quite a bit. There was the mystery, but it was written too obviously. There was sex, but it was written without romance. There was the attempt to show the growth of a character through previous trauma, but the way it was written, made it hard to connect with said character.



Then we have the editing and writing mechanics. I've seen worse . . . but that isn't necessarily a compliment. Plural vs. possessive! Grammar! Spelling! (At one part, when the character started to cry, the author says how "the damn broke.") It would be okay if it was few and far between--I'm fine with some errors here and there--but it was multiple errors on every single page.



I normally don't write negative reviews on here--in fact, I hate doing so. But I think I'm upset with this specific book because, for one, I was excited to read it. And two, the author does show some promise in her writing. She just really needs to find a freelance editor to help with errors, and to think through the plot a bit more. Stop trying to throw all the drama in one right after another. It doesn't necessarily make it exciting. It makes it that much more unrealistic.
Profile Image for BleuBelle.
666 reviews184 followers
February 14, 2019
Re-read after 5 years. Yeah, shouldn't have done that. From 4 stars to 1 star. DNF, it was too annoying.

Didn't like the BFF. Always "babe" that, and "babe" this. And how they talked to each other. So understanding and in winding and long sentences.
Didn't make sense that the mom (heroine) would work in a (shady) bar, with shady characters (one creepy guy was the boss) while the BFF and "auntie" was back at home looking for the child. Why not other way around?
BFF's greatest pleasure (while running from an abusive man for more than 8 months) was to ask heroine about all the hot men out there. And when Heroine tried to tell her that one "hot" guy gave her the creeps, she tells the Heroine it is just so because the Heroine isn't used to guys looking at her. OMG!

The introduction to the Hero left me cold. He's supposed to be a detective and saves heroine from being raped. She's pretty banged up and scared and is crying. But the Hero just packs her in his car, drives her home, tells her how he would like to kiss her and leaves her all alone. Without calling the police, or talking to her roommate or looking after her injuries. He didn't even ask her if she was all right!! The morning after he gaped at her in her panties and T-shirt like a creep.

What a mess. I just don't have the nerve and patience anymore that I've had 5 years ago.
Profile Image for Emily.
5,866 reviews546 followers
December 7, 2013
Lexie Todd never understood the desire to love until she met her boyfriend Dex, he showered her with attention only to break her later. To Lexie love is tainted when it comes to men, she loves her son but the abuse she suffered is not an occurrence she wants to relive again.

And then she meets him, a man on a bike who peaks her interest. Interest enough to watch him, but not enough to pursue anything with him. However, she has never met a man like Detective Lukas Gunn.

Lukas knows the instant he sees Lexie, she is his one. He is well aware she is closely guarding her secrets and he is willing to let them unfold when she is ready. However, there is a rapist in town who targeted Lexie not to mention someone from her past is intent on getting her attention.

I loved this one, some of it was heartbreaking but boy did Lukas ooze raw masculinity. Not sure why I didn't pick up sooner, but kicking myself. Loved it.
Profile Image for Karla Mae (Reads and Thoughts).
713 reviews147 followers
May 27, 2013
Being on the run for the past eight months is not easy for Lexie and her best friend Mollie especially when they carry with them an innocent little boy who thinks that them moving to different places is just a simple adventure. But the truth is they’re running away from her abusive ex.

All she wanted was a solid life without them moving and constantly looking over their shoulders. Lexie is definitely not deceiving herself because she knows that her ex - Dex will eventually come and find them.

---

I've read my fair share of Romantic-Suspense stories; Unbeautifully Loved covers these two sides - romance and suspense in a very good and catchy way. The mystery of who might be the villain on the story is what keeps me from reading it aside from the romance and that little cutie boy Finn.

Lexie met Dex in a young age of 20 while he's 3 years older than her. As any other relationship, they started good with all those sweet dates and stuffs until Dex suddenly changed. With Lexie being naïve during that time, I think that Dex sees her as an easy target to completely control over while Lexie on the other hand tolerates him for she knows that she love him and maybe in his own stupid way he do love her back.

Lexie is haunted yet beautifully damaged. She's not perfect either. But she's not the kind of character that really did stand out. She's plainly okay maybe because she has those not so good moments that make me sneer or raise my eyebrows. Her lack of confidence with herself and her decision making is one of the crossroads to her relationship with Lukas. Dex did a number on her by constantly reminding her that she's pathetic and no one else would love her and that self loathing and with her being not enough for Lukas seems to goes on and on and on the story. Another thing - how could girl protagonists always want to act so heroic by throwing their selves on dangerous situations? Maybe I'm just not brave enough to do what they do but I'm rational enough to know what is dangerous or not.

Mollie is the kind of best friend that we girls want to have and need. She's supportive, trustworthy, sees us through all our bullshit and just there for us along the way. She left the life that she has just to help her friend Lexie runaway from her abusive ex. Who does that nowadays? She's a rare kind of person making me love her more throughout the story.

Lukas Gunn - the hot sexy son of a gun cop. ;) Sexy, possessive and protective - not exactly Lexie wanted but exactly what she needed. Do I need more to elaborate on this guy? Lol.

As I've said, the mysterious part is what really sells me to this book. Who could be the big ploy making mastermind of all the things that are happening to Lexie? Is it her ex Dex? The masked man who tried to rape her on the parking lot of the bar? Or is it the new guy Erik?

But after knowing the answer to that question, I was surprised. See, I was leered away from the thinking that I have as I'm reading. I had my suspicions but it still comes a surprise yet I find funny in a way.



Unbeautifully Loved wraps up beautifully. I thought the story of Lukas and Lexie would be cut short since this is a series but luckily the next installment would be about new set of characters. So, if you’re into romance and suspense and mystery, be sure to pick this one up.
Profile Image for Jeannette.
382 reviews37 followers
May 22, 2013
I like books where characters have to overcome their personal demons/issues so this one seemed like a pretty good choice. Not really. While Lexie was smart enough to finally leave her abusive boyfriend she seems to turn dumb when they end up in Camden. She ignores her gut feelings of being watched, refuses the help of police/new guy even after being saved from an attack, she keeps the fact that someone is sending her creepy gifts to herself and when she finally fesses up to police/new guy she ignores his genuine concern and goes back to her house on her own when she KNOWS her ex is on his way, people are still stalking her AND she knows they have been in her house! You kind of lose your empathy when you are muttering 'you are a freakin' idiot' under your breath.
Profile Image for Emilie.
193 reviews25 followers
November 15, 2015
My god I've never seen a MC so stupid: "There is a stalker after me...I'm scared to death *sob*...Lukas doesn't want me to leave the house but I'm gonna leave the house anyway....Oh no bad guy found me, I shouldn't have left the house *sob again*........" IDIOT!!!!!

So the stars are clearly not for her but for hot sexy Lukas who is the perfect boyfriend. I don't know why he fell in love with her but he was enough for me to keep reading.

Profile Image for Jessy (Jessy's Book Club).
281 reviews108 followers
May 8, 2013
As posted on http://jessysbookclub.wordpress.com/

Lexie is on the run from an abusive ex. She, her bestfriend Molly, and her son Finn move to Camden and they all feel as though they could finally make it their home. Lexie is not deceiving herself however, she knows that Dex, her ex, will always find them and prepares herself for the eventuality.

The town is also home to Lukas Gunn… a super sexy son of a gun :)At first glance Lexie can feel that he’s different, but again doesn’t allow herself to hope. Lukas is not only super sexy, he’s also possessive and protective. Exactly what Lexie needs. As Lexie settles in the town- job, friends… she gives in to the charm that is Lukas…

I’ve never in my life been kissed the way Lukas was kissing me, I’d never felt what he made me feel and I never, ever wanted it to end; ever. Fuck, I’m in trouble.

I’d be in trouble too, Lukas was hot and sweet…

“Lex, tonight, as well as every night since I laid eyes on you just goes to show a few things. One, I want you but if I have to wait then that’s exactly what I’ll do-I’ll wait. Two you’re absolutely beautiful and downright sexy, and the thought of you makes me crazy. Three, I’ve only known you for a short amount of time but I already know just how incredibly strong of a woman you are, and there’s something between us. You can deny it all you want but I’m going to prove to you it’s worth going for.”

Nice as it is to live and hope in Camden, bad things lurk. And whoever is behind it is after lexie. So as much as this was a beautiful love story, we also had suspense thrown in; trying to figure out all the weird goings-on.

I will say that as a lover of romantic suspense (and as you know by now, I grew up reading Nancy Drew Mysteries and was later addicted to Veronica Mars), the suspense wasn’t as suspenseful as I’d have liked. I was upset at Lexie for just throwing herself into dangerous situations unnecessarily…

The romance bit of it however, was really sweet. Lukas and Lexie are hot together. He talks dirty and acts dirtier and is as possessive and loveable as I like them. So yes, he was my favorite character; next to Finn and Molly…

It all wraps up beautifully and I want to know more about the sexy Kane who’s the subject of Book 2

3.5 stars.

Finally I’d like to thank the author for providing this copy for my review.
Profile Image for Anja ~ Once Upon a Page ⚜️ Books and Tequila.
123 reviews10 followers
April 28, 2013
Right off the bat, I frigging loved this book! It had me captivated from page one and I had trouble putting it down. And I hate to say it but I hated my family a bit for distracting me, and well the fact that I needed sleep and such earthly distractions.

Lexie's story was heartbreaking, yet also beautiful. Emma Grayson managed to represent a victim of abuse and their frame of mind brilliantly and very believable. It's not easy to pull this off in a believable manner, and Grayson managed this with what felt like ease. Lexie's story sucked me in from the beginning and I never felt left out but was moved through the book right alongside the characters. Which is one of the things that make this an excellent read. I further loved to see the female protagonist growing, with some help, but mostly alone, and find herself and take control.

And Lukas, well, I have trouble finding words, I love him so damn much! haha He is your typical, and beloved, alpha male with a prominent protective streak. He's also very charismatic, charming, caring and well HOT!!!

"The image of you right now is so far burned into my head, it makes my dick twitch. I’m coming back Lex.” His deep voice hit me, making me shiver. “Another day isn't passing without me having you."

"Those hours you were gone Peaches, felt like a lifetime to me. I never felt so fucking useless in my whole life... No matter how many times I told myself you’d come home safe, I couldn't help but think I was never going to see you again; that I had lost the love of my life."

Also, the story line was awesome! The the prologue left me wondering throughout the book who the hell kidnapped Lexie. And even though it sometimes was hinted at during the story, it was not made obvious and I could never be sure. Which is what I loved about it. I was guessing as to what will happen and I changed my mind on that about once every chapter. This made me eager to finish the book to find out and is another reason I was not able to put it down. Can't wait for the sequel! Awesome work!

You’re my home Lukas; being with you just feel’s complete. It feels right and there’s nowhere else I’d rather us be then right here with you.h
Profile Image for Nicole.
370 reviews65 followers
May 5, 2013
Unbeautifully Loved is Emma Grayson’s debut novel? I can't get my head around how she... her first... Props to Emma Grayson! This book was near perfect. It stole my attention from the very first sentence and held it right to the last sentence. It was: Captivating. Heart-pounding. Chilling. Moving. Beautiful.

I haven’t read a great deal of romantic suspense novels before, but I can just tell that this is a standout for the genre. The plot will glue you to the edge of your seat, causing your heart to alternately pound, stutter and stop, with a love story that will make you alternately cackle, cry and melt (and fan yourself furiously). There were lots of little twists and even better, little details that seem unimportant at the start but become BIG clues. I loved that we got a few chapters from the creep too. These were chilling and disgusting and I just wanted to yell “look out behind you, Lexie!” or some similar cliche so many times.

There is just something about Lexie as a character, whether it’s way she’s constructed or portrayed, that just reels you in. She has suffered such horrific things, things that made me want to close your eyes and think happy thoughts. The worst part is that Grayson deposits you in her shoes with no escape. I, along with Lexie, was reliving the memories of her abuse at her ex’s hands, and living the current nightmare that stalks her. It was startlingly realistic and all the more horrifying and unputdownable for that reason.

I want to KICK THE EVER LOVING SHIT out of Dex. The way he broke Lexie, not just with his fists and boots but with his words? For 5 years? What a piece of shit human being.

And finally, I want to do unspeakable things to Lukas Gunn because he is flipping hot. I know a lot of readers may have a problem with possessive, bossy, caveman types like Lukas Gunn but when it’s Lukas Gunn it stems from pure love and devotion, I can forgive it. I could forgive a whole of things if he called me Peaches too..
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
April 26, 2013
Mollie is the type of friend you'd most definitely would want to have on your side and Lexie is sure as hell lucky she has her, "never in my life have I had someone to look out for me the way you do. Not even my own parents, hell they kicked me to the curb when I got pregnant with Finn and I haven't seen or spoke to them since he was born. But you, you were there every step of the way, you Mollie Evans are more than my best friend, you're mine and Finn's family and I should have trusted you right off..." Oh my word, "his chest was rock solid right down to his stomach where his hips were narrowed..." That ladies and gentlemen is our first sign of Lukas. Right off the bat we notice how protective Lukas is, "don't. Don't pile that s*** on yourself. One it's not your fault that effin pick (missing a letter but amazon frowns upon this word) did what he did, believe me when I say I'll find him and he'll pay. And two, after what happened earlier Danny should have never left before you. End of Story." I'm also sensing a little 'alpha' male in Lukas, "Lexis," he said through gritted teeth. "Why the eff are you out here alone?" he snapped the last word, his face only inches away from mine. "I've been looking for you inside." I mean he's really bossy as well, "me, you in a sexy little dress, dinner Monday night at my place; I'm cooking." Oh Lukas I love you but seriously, "I'm a cop and the man in your bed." that's a little to 'alpha' buddy. Lukas is up there with all my other 'alpha' males and I can't wait for the next bookie in the seires!
Profile Image for Gemma.
42 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2013
I loved it!!

Wish it could have been a little longer, that way it could have developed the story a little more. We could have delved into Luscas character a little more, although seriously what a hot alpha male!

I wish our main girl Lexi didn't fall for him or have feelings/notice him so quickly, would have gone a little better with her being "broken" but neither of those two things deter from my 5 start rating, just me nit picking.

Wish this wasn't her first book, so I could have a total Emma Grayson night of book orgies rather than having to wait for the next one in the series.

I hate it when people do this compare one writer to another, but she for sure has a Kristen Ashley feel, not in a copy kind of way, just felt the whole looking after you alpha man thing was quite like her mains.

Considering this is her first book, I can only expect good things from here on out.

Highly recommend this chickie and can't wait to hear all about Kane!!
Profile Image for Jeanie Stiles.
44 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2013
If I can say one thing about this book, it would be ... REFUND. I so wish I could get one. I wasted a day reading this; it took me longer because it was so boring. This is the first book in the series and there was a lot of sloppy set ups for the books to come. What happens when we get big set ups? We get big unanswered questions at the end of the book. Besides that there was the alpha sexy male, the deranged male, the mysterious male, the stalker male, the old do-gooder male and the sleazy male. All vying for one seriously stupid female. They were so shallow they were like cartoon characters. The heroine and her best friend were the ultimate dumbasses. Spoiler. After being on the run for 8 months and hiding out in different cities, you would think that between the two of these girls, they could have learned to lock the door or not talk to strangers. DUMB, DUMB, DUMB.
Profile Image for Tracy.
525 reviews
May 6, 2013
Emma, I am so glad you wrote this book. I was great, awesome, the characters and story line. Its like you looked into my life and was writing about me, I may not have gone though everything in this book but its close. People could tell me thing that were not right, but being young and thoughts of being in love I didn't listen. But I did get a beautiful daughter out of it. I typed (it) because it was not a relationship or love. I did marry a police officer and he loves our daughter as his, and never treated her any diffident from our son. So thank you for writing this book. i love it even though I did cry. I cant wait for the second book with Kane and Ammie! Thanks again. Keep writing you are awesome!!!
Profile Image for Lauren.
135 reviews
May 25, 2013
WOW. Okay this is just a month of great books. I LOVED this book. It reminded me exactly of Kristen Ashley. Seriously, if you like Kristen Ashley you will love this book. It is literally filled with alpha males and extremely strong heroins. It had a beautiful small town back story, tons of hot sex scenes, emotional trauma, etc. Emma Grayson is an amazing author, one to look out for. I cannot wait for the next book in the series! I know this series is going to be amazing. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who likes romance, a strong storyline, action, alpha males, and/or Kristen Ashley. AKA basically all my GR friends! So get reading...
Profile Image for Michelle Turner.
336 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2013
WOW what a fricking fantastic well written book !! I will review this in depth tomorrow but my gowd if u love the combination of crime thriller/ romance, hot alpha, a story that will grip you to your very core, keep you hooked and guessing to near end this will definitely be one for you. Scrap that, ITS A MUST READ i promise you will not be disappointed!!
What a fantastic start to a series, i cant wait to read Kane's story!!
Hats off to a very talented author, you absolutely ROCK <3
Profile Image for Felecia Hickman- amaya.
266 reviews15 followers
May 13, 2013
Emma Grayson you have written a beautiful love story. It was amazing Lexie and Lukas's story is filled with Love, Passion, Trauma and healing . So happy with the ending . I was on edge the entire story I was up till 4am reading when I had to be up at 630 I couldn't stop reading I needed what was next. I love books that draw out all my emotions .

Looking forward to Kane even though your sneak peak left me in tears
Profile Image for Louise Ramsey.
693 reviews26 followers
May 16, 2013
Well that left a lot of unanswered questions!

Looks like the next book is for other characters but yet the main mystery in this book was left wide open.

And for that reason its a 3 from me as it felt like the author just forgot to close that storyline!
Profile Image for CasPerfitz~SLiTsReaD.
649 reviews40 followers
April 26, 2013
I like this book, it's different in a way, bit of surprise towards the end... there were times I kept thinking Lex would do something stupid and yeah she did, just like in movies. I was wondering what Dex was thinking in his last moment...
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