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Before A Beautiful Struggle, Katrina and David's friendship was a bond that couldn't be broken.

Starting with that fated moment when David carried Katrina to the emergency room, we travel back through David's memories as he waits to hear that his best friend and the one woman he truly cares for is going to survive...

“I can’t lose her. You don’t understand how important she is to me,” I ramble. I guess I’m in shock because all I can think about is the sight of all that blood over Katrina’s beautiful face. “She’s my world. I can’t lose her.”

This is book one in the novella series 'The Beauty in Between' the companion series to Lilliana Anderson's best selling 'A Beautiful' series.

200 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2013

58 people are currently reading
1825 people want to read

About the author

Lilliana Anderson

78 books1,176 followers
Bestselling Author of the Beautiful Series, Drawn and 47 Things, Lilliana has always loved to read and write, considering it the best form of escapism that the world has to offer.
Australian born and bred, she writes New Adult Romance revolving around her authentically Aussie characters with all the quirks you’d expect from those born Down Under.
Lilliana feels that the world should see Australia for more than just it's outback and tries to show characters in a city and suburban setting.
When she isn't writing, she wears the hat of 'wife and mother' to her husband and four children.
Before Lilliana turned to writing, she worked in a variety of industries and studied humanities and communications before transferring to commerce/law at university.
Originally from Sydney's Western suburbs, she currently lives a fairly quiet life in suburban Melbourne.

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281 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for April.
262 reviews7 followers
September 5, 2013
*********** If you haven't read Beautiful Struggle, please do so before reading this book or this review!!!!!**********

*********************** I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an HONEST review********************************

I suggest you read the Beautiful Struggle first then this book. First of let me start by saying that before I read this book, I was not a fan of David. I liked him as a best friend to Katrina aka Trina but not as a boyfriend. In Beautiful Struggle, Trina has a relationship with Elliot for most part of the book. David is there as her 'needy' best friend and then later they realize their feelings for each other and Trina and David start a relationship. Throughout Beautiful Struggle, I was head over heels in love with Elliot. I was team ELLIOT, his own personal cheerleader ........... until I read this book.

Too Close gives you a glimpse of David and Trina's friendship and how they became best friends. It discusses events that happen prior to Beautiful Struggle. It is also told in David's POV. Even though I wasn't a fan of David and Trina being together, I was interested in how they became best friends and then lovers. I can finally see the strong bond that they now share. From the beginning David has always been a good protective friend to Trina. He always put her first and always had her back. He took up for her when guys tried to spread rumors about her and fought for her. Shockingly there were times that I wished David would stop running to her rescue. David had a tendency to stop what he was doing and or screwing to come to Trina's rescue. They went from hanging out with the popular crowd in high school to just being by themselves. Just like in Beautiful Struggle, David was a man-whore and he kind of is in this book but he isnt as bad as Trina portrays him to be. He was just trying to fill that void from not being with or being able to have her. David is a very sweet person and I am in awe with the relationship that he has with his mother. He could talk to her about anything and everything. I loved it all!!! (There is nothing wrong with being a momma's boy as long as the mother isnt over-bearing.)

The boyfriend scene with Trina and Chris torn me up and reading it from David's POV was even worse than I could have imagined. Poor David and Trina.... now wonder they are connected at the hip. Reading this book now makes me want to go back and re-read Beautiful Struggle since I now have a better understanding of who David is and his connection to Trina.

If you liked/loved the Beautiful Series then you will adored this book just as much. Heck, if you were team Elliot like I was, you may find yourself switching sides after reading about David.

Profile Image for Sab.
299 reviews94 followers
July 18, 2013
This review is also posted on Sab The Book Eater

Lilliana Anderson did it again. I wasn't a big fan of David in A Beautiful Struggle because I was so enamored with Elliot. After reading this though I was completely blown away. I didn't think it was possible to read a prequel (after reading the first book) and care for a character I previously didn't feel much for. I guess it's simply Anderson's ability to create unforgettable characters.

In Too Close readers are treated to a flashback of Katrina and David's friendship from primary school up to law school. I enjoyed the story a lot because of the pacing. Considering it's a novella, there was never a moment in the story that felt rushed or prolonged. More than that, I loved that it was written in David's point of view. I feel like I never got the chance to really get to know David in A Beautiful Struggle and that's why I wasn't really rooting for him and Katrina. It was like I was supposed to like him because he's the bestfriend who's been waiting in the wings so he's the obvious choice. But here, I finally understood David and his reasons for waiting so long to let Katrina know how he felt. I loved reading about his home life, his lifestyle and how Katrina fit into all of it. Reading about the two of them growing together was like actually growing up with them. By the time I finished reading, I had this urge to read A Beautiful Struggle again and see how my fresh view of David and Katrina would affect my reading experience for the second time around. I will definitely read it soon. Soon is relative. (Thanks a lot, TBR pile)

When I said Lilliana Anderson did it again, I mean, she made me fall in love with her characters and their story once more. She writes these seemingly ordinary characters but once you dive into their stories, you would stay there and ask for more. And that's probably why the Beautiful series keeps growing - fans keep asking for more. Her stories are that addicting! There is really something about her writing and I couldn't get enough of it! It was a short book but I got everything I wanted out of it. Pure satisfaction in 200 pages. That's magic right there. ;)

P.S.
NOW I NEED THE OTHER NOVELLAS.

(eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. This review is based solely on my opinion)
Profile Image for Rachel R. (My Book Empire).
78 reviews191 followers
September 27, 2013
4.5 out of 5 stars

When I first read A Beautiful Struggle, I didn’t know which team I was on. Elliot was this very mysterious guy and David was the very adorable best friend. Then after reading A Beautiful Forever, I was pretty sure that I’m on Team Elliot but now that I’ve read Too Close, I honestly don’t know what to do anymore. Anderson’s way of narrating David’s story captivated me and it convinced me that he really is the right guy for Katrina.

Going into David’s mind was a fantastic journey that I’m glad I went through. I knew more about their childhood (which I wished for in A Beautiful Struggle) and I was completely in love with the progress of their relationship. There were a few shocking moments in the book that left me wanting for more and I can really say that Anderson did not disappoint.

I’m very pleased that I was able to witness what David went through in his childhood, what made him what he is today and what drove him to do some things that I did not quite understand back then. Like any other guys out there, David was also scared about relationships and commitments, because of certain things that happened in his past. I especially loved knowing about David’s weaknesses because showing this vulnerable side of him only made me love him more.

Reading David’s POV also made me understand how much he loves and respects Trina. Even when she was together with other guys, he gave them the space that they needed. He also knows how to wait for the right time. Seeing them grow together in this story is really something that A Beautiful Struggle fans shouldn’t miss. So, kudos to Lilliana Anderson for making her readers fall in love with David all over again.

*I received an ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, however, did not influence my review in any way.*
Profile Image for Beth.
3,102 reviews301 followers
August 1, 2013
Too Close is the wonderful back story of Katrina and David’s friendship. We follow the characters for childhood on, giving us an in depth perspective of years of relationship building.

Wow, what a powerful story packed into a shorter novel. Lilliana Anderson pulls your emotional strings as you grow up beside the characters. Brilliant back story, heart clenching emotions, strong characters and an unbreakable friendship…you won’t want to miss Too Close.

I received this copy of The Beauty in Between from Book Monster Promotions in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Valerie.
172 reviews60 followers
September 2, 2013
This had me going from the very beginning of the story.. and David who was hard to understand and like became a character that you adored.

With the struggles of dealing with past childhood issues, feelings for someone that can't be expressed because of darn bad timing or just being an idiot to showing the sides of true vulnerability. The story was captivating and the POV points were on tract. Needless to say I'm hooked.
Profile Image for Angel.
22 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2013
I liked David in a Beautiful Struggle, but I also really liked Elliot and like Katrina I felt torn between the 2 of them, but I was leaning a little more towards Elliot. Now that I have David's story, Katrina's struggle is much more clear to me. This novella is so compelling that I read it in one night! I cannot wait to read the other novellas and books in this series!
Profile Image for Colleen.
694 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2018
This book is a prequel to Beautiful Struggle and since I have the box set, I read this first. I think it sets up the story nicely. We are introduced to David and Katrina and are shown how special their relationship is.
Looking forward to seeing how things pan out in the series.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,257 reviews206 followers
August 20, 2013
TOO CLOSE is a prequel novella to Lilliana Anderson’s Beautiful series told from David’s POV. The reader is taken on a journey that begins when David and Katrina first met, through their years together in elementary and high school, and David’s growing love for the young woman he has always wanted to call his own. His need to protect Trina at all costs forces a wall between the friends who are too close and often mistaken for a couple.

The reader discovers that David believes himself unworthy of a loving relationship and the only woman he has ever loved sees something different. His father was and is a major disappointment and harsh words from a parent have left emotional scars on David’s ego. Although he considers himself non-relationship material, he has been in a life long relationship with his best friend Katrina and the woman that he loves-only David and Katrina are too stubborn to admit that what each other wants and needs-is to be in a relationship with the other.

The story follows David and Trina’s relationships with other people; their ups and downs; their sorrow and heartbreak. But all along, David knows that the only woman for him is Trina but telling her is more difficult than he ever thought. In the end, it may be too late, when Trina’s life and safety hang in the balance and she begins to push everyone away including David.

Too Close is a short story that covers a few of the high and low points in David and Trina’s early relationship and allows the reader to get inside the mind of a man who loves the one woman of whom he believes he is unworthy.

The writing is simple and because most of the ‘drama’ in their early relationship occurs during their high school years, the story reads like a young adult novel with all the hallmarks of jealousy, angst, mistaken beliefs and broken hearts. And like many stories from the New Adult genre, there is always a history between the couple that must be acknowledged before any chance at future happiness can be addressed.

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Michelle Bowman  / We Love Kink .com.
468 reviews23 followers
September 11, 2013
This is a prologue to A Beautiful Struggle. I haven't read that one yet, but after reading this I'm moving it to the top of my TBR pile.

This is a story about the beginning friendship of Katrina and David, that started way back when they were in primrary school (grade school, i'm guessing). Ms. Anderson paints a wonderful picture about the friendship of our two main characters. Poor David suffered so much when he was young and it really shaped the kind of person he grew to be. Katrina as she got older was unsucessful trying to find love, when I could tell how much she wanted to be with David. Through, relationships, school-scandals and abuse we watch them lean on each other and push each other away.

One of my favorite scenes was when they crashed the formal and threw the eggs, finally getting their own little piece of revenge.

This story touched my heart and was so sweet and saddening at times. I can't wait to read the next one.

Reviewed by Rachel
**free copy provided for honest review**
For more reviews visit welovekink (dot)com
Profile Image for Nadine.
207 reviews28 followers
August 27, 2013
Wow! This one gripped me from the start. David walks into the hospital carrying a bleeding Katrina in his arms. The story then takes us backward through his POV and shows us their relationship from the beginning.

Katrina has been is best friend since they were kids. She is the best thing that has ever happened to him. Sadly, living with a miserable father and growing up to see how unhappy his parents were affects him. He doesn’t think he’s relationship material. By the time he’s ready to face what he truly feels for Katrina and make a move, it’s too late. Or is it?

I fell in love with these characters. While reading I kept shouting in my head for David to just go for it. When I saw several opportunities for him just slipping away, my heart ached. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see if these two can finally get on the same page and get together.
Profile Image for Emma Edwards.
225 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this story I've also read a beautiful struggle if your planning to read the series I'd probably suggest reading struggle after this!

This story is of a friendship built up from childhood and continued into adulthood. A friendship that turned into much stronger feelings for both parties involved however it never being the right time for them to be together. David loves Trina, as does she, but when does it go from friends to more? How can you know when that love is no longer platonic?

David has a problem with commitment for a few reasons and because of this he denies his true feelings over and over. Trina isn't a slutty kind of girl and so when she gets with a guy she wants it all, if David can't give her that then surely someone would! David needs to move on and let her go! Will he realise she is what he wants and always has been? will it be too late?

Profile Image for Celsey Seivert.
134 reviews11 followers
July 30, 2013
I received this book for an honest review...

I read A Beautiful Struggle first and always wondered what Katrina and David, well now i have my answers!! I absolutely love this whole series!!! You learn why David is always on the defense and why it is such a struggle for him to let go. You will see their friendship for what it really is and all the ups and downs. I really hope you enjoy this book as much as i did! To the author Lilliana Love you girl!!! I love the way you write even though you are in Australia you always make sure that people "in the states" can understand your lingo LOL you rock!!
Profile Image for A. Gorman.
Author 39 books108 followers
September 16, 2013
I haven't read any of Ms. Anderson's books before, but I will after this one!

This is a story about the beginning friendship of Katrina and David from the Beautiful Struggle. This is their before story... "Katrina and David's friendship was a bond that couldn't be broken."

They had been friends since grade school. This is from David's point of view. I seriously just want to hug David. Oh my goodness. Poor guy living with what he did. And still was able to show so much love for Katrina then.

I can't wait to read Beautiful Struggle!!
Profile Image for Ebony.
672 reviews24 followers
August 23, 2013
This is a very good book. The love story between Trina and Dave is pure. Their love story begins as two children and grows from there. This story is very well written and so true to life. (It could be about anyone.) I cannot wait to read the rest of the series and find out what happens with Dave and Trina :-)
904 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2013
I have read all of the other books in the Beautiful series and was really unsure if I wanted to read this, but I am really glad I did. It was pretty clear that David had more than friends feelings before but OMG knowing he fought them for as long as he did has really added to the struggles we read about before.
14 reviews
December 4, 2013
I loved thisbook I wish I would have read it first but I read beautiful struggle first now that I have read this book I understand I little better about david and Katrina relationship he needs to quit being so stubborn and tell her he loves her but I also understand that he dont wont to ruin the friendship loved it
Profile Image for Lisa.
677 reviews20 followers
August 1, 2013
Well, Lilliana Anderson does it again in 'Too Close.' I absolutely loved this in David's POV. I just want climb back into this book and stay there a little while longer so that I can swoon over David some more. Oh and to punch Christopher and David's Father in the face! Just saying.
Profile Image for Patty .
817 reviews374 followers
September 17, 2018
This was so cute, I love David!!!
I haven't decided yet if i'll read Commitment: The Beauty in Between (Beautiful #2.25). If Katerina breaks David's heart i'll be so upset!!!! I guess at some point i'll cave and read to see what happens...
Profile Image for Melissa.
81 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2013
I absolutely loved David's POV in this novella.
Profile Image for Cindy Myers.
312 reviews33 followers
September 23, 2013
I thought this book was really really good. I loved reading about David and Katrina when they were growing up. David was so awesome in this book. Totally love this series.
Profile Image for Diana Paperno.
232 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2013
Loved David's POV. Gave better insight into their relationship and Trina's choice now makes sense! Loving the writers style! Cant wait for Elliot's story!
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,016 reviews51 followers
November 13, 2013
Sweet story. Read it before BS -- it will all make sense.
Profile Image for Brittany.
491 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2013
It was a great introduction to the series I'm glad I stumbled across it makes me want to finish the series now :))
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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