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Beneath Beautiful
When a handsome stranger approaches Cassie Tavington in Paris's beautiful Père Lachaise cemetery, she has no idea who he is. It doesn't take long to find out. A whispered name from a passerby shocks her into the realisation that it's Cameron Callahan, high-profile modern artist, who she's busy showing around the cemetery.
Mortified, Cassie runs, but Cameron soon tracks her down. He's intent on having Cassie sit for him, but Cassie isn't sure. His provocative sculptures are often in the media, which isn't somewhere that Cassie, the daughter of a politician, should be.
But there's no denying the attraction between the pair, and Cassie soon finds herself in a strange whirlwind of a relationship. Between Paris, London and New York, Cassie finds sitting for an artist isn't as simple as it seems. There's much to contend with—including Cameron's ex-girlfriend, Plum, her own father, and her new love interest, James.
With the clock ticking down to the opening of Cameron's new exhibition, Cassie must struggle to decide just how much of herself she can give over to Cameron and his sculpture while still remaining whole.
Mortified, Cassie runs, but Cameron soon tracks her down. He's intent on having Cassie sit for him, but Cassie isn't sure. His provocative sculptures are often in the media, which isn't somewhere that Cassie, the daughter of a politician, should be.
But there's no denying the attraction between the pair, and Cassie soon finds herself in a strange whirlwind of a relationship. Between Paris, London and New York, Cassie finds sitting for an artist isn't as simple as it seems. There's much to contend with—including Cameron's ex-girlfriend, Plum, her own father, and her new love interest, James.
With the clock ticking down to the opening of Cameron's new exhibition, Cassie must struggle to decide just how much of herself she can give over to Cameron and his sculpture while still remaining whole.
ebook
First published October 20, 2014
About the author
Allison Rushby
44 books293 followersAllison Rushby adores cities with long, winding histories; wild, overgrown cemeteries; redbrick Victorian museums; foxes; tea; and ivy. She lives in Queensland, Australia.
http://www.allisonrushby.com.
http://www.allisonrushby.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 30, 2014
Rating: 3
(I received a copy from the NetGallery, in exchange for an honest review.)
*************Review contains spoilers*************
(I received a copy from the NetGallery, in exchange for an honest review.)
*************Review contains spoilers*************
The 'muse' is not an artistic mystery,
but a mathematical equation.
The gift are those ideas you think of
as you drift to sleep.
The giver is that one you think of when you first awake. ~ Roman Payne
The book started with "Call me Ishmael. . . " and it was an interesting beginning without a doubt. I have not read any book uptil now which came under the genre of Arts and revolved around artists and sculptures etc.
This story is about a writer, Cassie, who wants to do something meaningful for her life and then the perfect opportunity lands in her footsteps when the famous artist Cameron Callahan, who is interested in her as his next art project or sculpture.
The story revolves around what kind of work Cameron does and different people's opinion and how she struggles to decide, then think about it, her relation with James and then Cameron.
I liked the sense of humour used in this book. There were many places in this book where I found myself smiling.
However, till the first forty pages, I wondered why Cassie was so open and free with Cameron, she told him about her personal life without any second thought. I mean it MUST be strange telling a complete stranger, famous stranger about your personal life, your family history that you normally do not share with people.
"Like I said, I haven't told anyone before!" There was a crash of crockery, and Jo whipped around in her seat, "Oh, God, I am going to have to go. There's pasta on the wall."
I love the relationship described between the two sisters, Jo and Cassie of whom Jo is married with her own children and living a life in a separate city. I felt that her relation with her father and stepmother was a bit missing. The reader never knows anything much about her first mother and then when her father married again and more events with her.
I was also left hanging at the end because at first, the reader is given the impression that both Cameron and Cassie has a connection and they are definitely getting together at the end but then there is James to whom Cassie lies and there are complications on that part too. But in the end, it was a surprising twist that she did end up with James. Not bad, not good, just neutral I guess.
I wasn't able to get why Cassie wanted SO badly to do this sculpture when she sat for Cameron naked even though she did not before and Cameron did not ask. She does mention the dialogues that she needs to do this for herself, to show she is not a kid anymore, but there are other methods too, aren't there? I just didn't feel a connection here.
As for the characters, the character of Plum was a mystery but then it was revealed in the end as well and I was quite surprised, in a good way! I liked James too!
The most thought provoking thing was why didn't Cameron share his feelings about his sculpture with the public. Most of the people thought of him as a perv and some as a really good and professional artist, so there must be a reason why he went this way, he must have felt something to turn this way, sketch naked or half clothed people etc. I felt that the writer missed writing his point of view and his choice of his occupation.
The most amusing thing was that Cassie planned to start her new book with the same line that started the first chapter, "Call me Ishmael..." that was quite interesting! :)
November 14, 2014
A guilty pleasure...
A little sexy...
A little suspense...
This was the perfect 'light-weight' novel I needed. My husband had a Mountain biking accident this week. With three broken bones in his right hand -a broken bone in his left elbow --(no use of either arms). This book was a fun escape-read!
The storytelling was 'comfy'. (girlfriend comfy) Its not a heavy-deep thinking book --but 'enjoyable!
Enjoyable is enjoyable!!!!
Recommended to my 'woman' friends who are in the mood for a little 'steam'
A little sexy...
A little suspense...
This was the perfect 'light-weight' novel I needed. My husband had a Mountain biking accident this week. With three broken bones in his right hand -a broken bone in his left elbow --(no use of either arms). This book was a fun escape-read!
The storytelling was 'comfy'. (girlfriend comfy) Its not a heavy-deep thinking book --but 'enjoyable!
Enjoyable is enjoyable!!!!
Recommended to my 'woman' friends who are in the mood for a little 'steam'
November 18, 2014
ARC was provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
3.5 stars
To be honest, as my first book from Allison Rushby, I didn't expect much to this book. I don't know her writing style or what she usually writes. The cover and the blurb that were intrigued me to request it on NetGalley. And when I saw that it is a New Adult book, I thought that it is like any other New Adult books I've read. You know with characters whose have baggage, a hero who needs to be rescued, a naive heroine and an insta-love.
I even think there is an insta-love when I reach 4% of the story, just because the main character, Cassie told me that she has an instant attraction with the hero, Cameron. And boy did she have it and lust over him for most of the time along the story. I have to admit, though, that I didn't quite like it. Reading her having an instant attraction and lusting over Cameron was quite annoying. I think it didn't suit with her personalities well. When she met him for the first time, she told me she always takes herself carefully to not be exposed by the media because of her father's job. So when she decided to sit for him and willingly moved to New York only days after meeting him, it seems so careless and so-not her. At least the Cassie she told me about at the beginning of the story.
And then there are other characters that somehow intertwine Cassie and Cameron's life it seems too coincidence. Hence I didn't buy it. I mean it is like Alys, Plum and James suddenly in New York just because Cassie is there, though Alys was there in the first place. But still their connection is hard to believe, for me, at least.
However, the more I read the more I understand what Cassie's trying to tell. And all of my thoughts when I started reading this book were just a glimpse of the story. And my prejudice of this book, about it being as cliche as any other new adult books was wrong. I'm glad the author can show me that I was wrong and there is more to her story, Cassie's story, than the blurb and its label, being a new adult book, tell me.
I really liked the way it's written. I'm not an artistic person. I mostly don't understand the meaning of painting, moreover sculpture. But here, I get it, I understand what Cameron trying to say through his works. It left me wondering whether his works are purely the author's idea because they are amazing.
Although at the beginning I didn't quite like Cassie, I cannot help to not love her in the end. She grows up throughout the story and reading her character development was so relieving. I also liked other characters, especially Cassie's older sister and her husband, Jo and Jeremy, they are really funny. All of the characters play their role well.
I think there is no better title for this book than Beneath Beautiful. It describes the story perfectly. You have to read this book, with its layers to understand it well.
3.5 stars
To be honest, as my first book from Allison Rushby, I didn't expect much to this book. I don't know her writing style or what she usually writes. The cover and the blurb that were intrigued me to request it on NetGalley. And when I saw that it is a New Adult book, I thought that it is like any other New Adult books I've read. You know with characters whose have baggage, a hero who needs to be rescued, a naive heroine and an insta-love.
I even think there is an insta-love when I reach 4% of the story, just because the main character, Cassie told me that she has an instant attraction with the hero, Cameron. And boy did she have it and lust over him for most of the time along the story. I have to admit, though, that I didn't quite like it. Reading her having an instant attraction and lusting over Cameron was quite annoying. I think it didn't suit with her personalities well. When she met him for the first time, she told me she always takes herself carefully to not be exposed by the media because of her father's job. So when she decided to sit for him and willingly moved to New York only days after meeting him, it seems so careless and so-not her. At least the Cassie she told me about at the beginning of the story.
And then there are other characters that somehow intertwine Cassie and Cameron's life it seems too coincidence. Hence I didn't buy it. I mean it is like Alys, Plum and James suddenly in New York just because Cassie is there, though Alys was there in the first place. But still their connection is hard to believe, for me, at least.
However, the more I read the more I understand what Cassie's trying to tell. And all of my thoughts when I started reading this book were just a glimpse of the story. And my prejudice of this book, about it being as cliche as any other new adult books was wrong. I'm glad the author can show me that I was wrong and there is more to her story, Cassie's story, than the blurb and its label, being a new adult book, tell me.
I really liked the way it's written. I'm not an artistic person. I mostly don't understand the meaning of painting, moreover sculpture. But here, I get it, I understand what Cameron trying to say through his works. It left me wondering whether his works are purely the author's idea because they are amazing.
Although at the beginning I didn't quite like Cassie, I cannot help to not love her in the end. She grows up throughout the story and reading her character development was so relieving. I also liked other characters, especially Cassie's older sister and her husband, Jo and Jeremy, they are really funny. All of the characters play their role well.
I think there is no better title for this book than Beneath Beautiful. It describes the story perfectly. You have to read this book, with its layers to understand it well.
November 2, 2014
Cassie is sitting in a cemetery reading while she is approached by a man who introduces himself as Cameron. Shortly she finds out that this man is not just a regular man, but Cameron Callahan, a high-profile famous artist. Cameron is enamored with Cassie and asks her to sit for him and be a part of his next exhibit. Cassie has concerns about being part of his exhibit since Cameron’s art is very “different”. Cassie has never met a man like Cameron. His persona draws her to him something no man has ever done before. Cassie agrees to sit for Cameron and soon they begin to learn about each other.
I felt like this book led me on. Wasn’t there an attraction? Was it all my imagination? I felt like I was cheated to feel one way and then things ended a whole different way. It was like a story about a girl that goes on a date, thinks that the guy likes and is attracted to her but he never calls her back. When she sees him again, he tells her that he only asked her out as friends and not as lovers.
How this story ended was not how I saw it going at all. I even reread certain sections of the book. The relationship with the other character felt forced. I don’t know how to categorize this book. Was it a romance? I cannot answer. Yes there is romance...in a way. It is a story about a 21 year old woman, almost 22 who begins to analyze her life and her maturity and how she sees herself and how people see her. Then she meets Cameron.
Cassie does analyze every thought and at times I felt it became too much, but that was not what bothered me. I would have given the book a 4, but the story did not leave me fulfilled and that is why I am rating it 3 stars. I can’t say more because days after finishing this book, I just did not see it ever ending it like that. Maybe I was just seeing something that wasn’t there. I want to close by saying that maybe it was not the ending I wanted but that does not mean I discourage people from reading this story. Reading is very subjective.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I felt like this book led me on. Wasn’t there an attraction? Was it all my imagination? I felt like I was cheated to feel one way and then things ended a whole different way. It was like a story about a girl that goes on a date, thinks that the guy likes and is attracted to her but he never calls her back. When she sees him again, he tells her that he only asked her out as friends and not as lovers.
How this story ended was not how I saw it going at all. I even reread certain sections of the book. The relationship with the other character felt forced. I don’t know how to categorize this book. Was it a romance? I cannot answer. Yes there is romance...in a way. It is a story about a 21 year old woman, almost 22 who begins to analyze her life and her maturity and how she sees herself and how people see her. Then she meets Cameron.
Cassie does analyze every thought and at times I felt it became too much, but that was not what bothered me. I would have given the book a 4, but the story did not leave me fulfilled and that is why I am rating it 3 stars. I can’t say more because days after finishing this book, I just did not see it ever ending it like that. Maybe I was just seeing something that wasn’t there. I want to close by saying that maybe it was not the ending I wanted but that does not mean I discourage people from reading this story. Reading is very subjective.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2014
**I received an ARC through Netgalley courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Beneath Beautiful. The characters were great, the story was original and succinct. It hooked me right away and I devoured it.
The story begins with Cassie, a somewhat famous children's author looking to step out of that genre but seriously lacking in inspiration. She finds herself reading in one of her favorite spots, Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris. She discovers a handsome, older man standing over her. Has he been watching her? Surely not. He asks for directions and that quickly turns into Cassie escorting him and giving him a tour. They hit it off, they have serious chemistry. Suddenly Cassie realizes how she knows him. He's the famous artist, Cameron Callahan, best known for his erotic sculptures. Cassie freaks out then flees. Little does she know she just became Cameron's next muse.
I loved Cassie in this book. She's confident. She's well-spoken. She's mature. Yes, she makes mistakes but she realizes them and rectifies them quickly. There were several laugh out loud moments mostly involving Cassie's sister, Jo, and her friend, Alys. Plum was a fascinating character. She is meant to cause conflict. I always love a bitchy ex-girlfriend but I was impressed to learn she had more depth.
I think my favorite aspect of this book, though, was that this is the most grown up non love triangle I've ever read. Cassie and Cameron have chemistry, yes, but now that she's sitting for him shouldn't they maintain a professional relationship? Is that even possible? And what about James? What started out as a setup by Alys has blossomed into something. I was actually very pleased with how that all worked out. It was realistic. Just a wonderful and hopeful ending. An all around fantastic read. Well done!
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Beneath Beautiful. The characters were great, the story was original and succinct. It hooked me right away and I devoured it.
The story begins with Cassie, a somewhat famous children's author looking to step out of that genre but seriously lacking in inspiration. She finds herself reading in one of her favorite spots, Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris. She discovers a handsome, older man standing over her. Has he been watching her? Surely not. He asks for directions and that quickly turns into Cassie escorting him and giving him a tour. They hit it off, they have serious chemistry. Suddenly Cassie realizes how she knows him. He's the famous artist, Cameron Callahan, best known for his erotic sculptures. Cassie freaks out then flees. Little does she know she just became Cameron's next muse.
I loved Cassie in this book. She's confident. She's well-spoken. She's mature. Yes, she makes mistakes but she realizes them and rectifies them quickly. There were several laugh out loud moments mostly involving Cassie's sister, Jo, and her friend, Alys. Plum was a fascinating character. She is meant to cause conflict. I always love a bitchy ex-girlfriend but I was impressed to learn she had more depth.
I think my favorite aspect of this book, though, was that this is the most grown up non love triangle I've ever read. Cassie and Cameron have chemistry, yes, but now that she's sitting for him shouldn't they maintain a professional relationship? Is that even possible? And what about James? What started out as a setup by Alys has blossomed into something. I was actually very pleased with how that all worked out. It was realistic. Just a wonderful and hopeful ending. An all around fantastic read. Well done!
June 11, 2015
Cassie likes to read in the famous Parisian cemetery, Pere Lachaise, and one day while reading there, she is approached by a handsome stranger. But this isn't just any handsome stranger. She finds out it's Cameron Callahan, a famous modern artist. Once she realizes who it is, she literally runs from the scene, but Cameron finds her later on and asks her to sit for him. His sculptures are known to be controversial and sexual at times, so she is immediately unsure about whether to sit for him; after all, her father is a politician and this wouldn't be good publicity. As time passes, she realizes that she has strong feelings for Cameron and does want to sit for him, but things aren't going to be that simple. How can she hide this from her father and the media? Also, Cameron's ex-girlfriend, Plum, seems to be all over her and there's also the new guy, James, who she just started dating. What if he finds out? Will he approve? Allison Rushby's Beneath Beautiful is an entertaining new adult novel that brought me into the captivating world of modern art, while also taking me along on Cassie's journey of self-discovery.
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
November 5, 2014
I want more, please! Oh how I've missed books like these. Thanks for bringing my jive back over the boring, crappy books I'm reading lately and can't seem to finish.
Beneath Beautiful have exceeded on what I expected of it. It was just the right amount of fun, humor and full on entertaining that you can't get enough of. Though I started it rather dumbfounded, the pace and the story wasn't hard to catch up on. The writing was great, the character were unconventional - which I liked, and the talk about art had me wanting to go to the places in the book. Not a dull moment.
November 28, 2014
~ARC was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review~
This was a pleasant light read. The suspense, the tension, the fear of betrayal, the romance it was all there. All in all I liked the story although slightly predictable plot.
August 16, 2019
This really made me consider the artistic process in a deeper, more personal way. I love how that's what this book centers on: passion, attraction, and authenticity. I was a little confused which potential lover I was rooting for, and didn't understand the ending until I thought about it a bit. What a lovely adventure to be taken on. I loved it and I'm still pondering it.
February 6, 2020
beautifully written.
Made me felt content and wanting.
Made me felt content and wanting.
October 23, 2014
At first, I didn't think have faith in this story, I won't lie. And I would've rated it 3 stars. Why? Well..
From the very start, Cassie seems to be grasping at straws. Any time Cameron uses a phrase or a word that could potentially be suggestive, her mind immediately jumps to that conclusion. Cameron uses the word "ejection" and Cassie believes it's leaning towards a sexual innuendo. He says the phrase "between the two of us" and she thinks there is something more meaningful behind it. She's an author so perhaps that is the cause for her continuous reaching for hidden meanings but it left me rolling my eyes.
But then I realized this was one of those books (read: romance with a hint of erotica) and suddenly everything made sense. I suppose I expected more than a few pages to get into the rhythm of things (read: sexual attraction) but there's nothing wrong with tactfulness.
Cassie herself? A great character. Tactful. Witty. Open to the idea of sexual encounters of other women without labelling it anything close to "lesbian experiences" - in fact she doesn't label it at all. She abhors slut shaming and she is not lacking an intense degree of self confidence so many other characters in romantic erotica often do (for whatever reasoning). I fell for in within the first couple chapters, after overcoming the issues I said in my first paragraph (my own fault of course).
As she watched him above, she saw the difference immediately - Alys had been trying to entice her with James, the type of man she usually went for. James, she saw now, was lovely, also nice and safe. Cameron, however, was the stuff of obsession and addiction. Jo had been right to be worried about her. This was the man who was the stuff of unknown tangents.
Cassie talks a big game about Cameron. He's dangerous, he's sexy, he's the type of man your family would worry you'd end up with because he's all rock-in-roll and break your heart. But up to that point he hadn't done anything remotely mysterious, dangerous or heartbreaking. He had confidence, yes, but that was to be expected of a man over a dozen years her senior. But from my perspective he was quite ordinary. I wondered what I was missing that Cassie obviously wasn't.
But the truth is, the attraction between Cassie and Cameron felt forced. Cassie seemed desperate for there to be something electrifying between them yet Cameron came off as oblivious. Work seemed his priority while Cassie was often off in her own mind, daydreaming sexual possibilities between them. Cassie continuously comments about how Cameron is around her often because he desires her. But I saw no such connection. None at all. No flirty, no extra attention. Just little glances and standing close to each other. There's nothing sustainable to determine they have some sort of intimate connection yet the story continuously tries to force it upon me. It was confusing…until a hundred pages in. Until then, it seems all in Cassie's head, a fantasy she cooked up to appease her desire for Cameron. It comes off awkward and then out of the blue.
But the real focus of the story? Cassie's development as a character. It remains hidden for awhile, truth be told, but once it's out it's reallyout. And it's beautiful. Featuring lovely descriptives of her coming to terms with herself, her decisions, and her future. This is when it becomes clear that _Beneath Beautiful_is a New Adult book first and foremost and this truly is Cassie's story. Not Cameron's or any other characters. Hers. I was pleasantly surprised by how much the entire atmosphere of the novel changed as Rushby began and finalized Cassie's growth. It changed my whole initial opinion of this book. I also found the ending to be quite perfect and I won't say more in case I give too much away.
I recommend this book to fans of New Adult type books and who don't mind a bit of sexually suggested moments. I rated it ★★★★ out of five because although I liked it a lot, it definitely had flaws in the beginning.
I received a copy of this novel through netgalley
December 3, 2014
A little guilty pleasure for this week's book review! I wasn't 100% set on this novel at first, but I was consumed immediately (40% read in one sitting doesn't lie!). I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel, and how it turned out to be something totally different than what I thought. BENEATH BEAUTIFUL by Allison Rushby talks around chance encounters and how doing something solely for yourself can be the most freeing experience ever.
RELEASE DATE: November 2014
PUBLISHER: N/A
DISCLAIMER: Novel was sent via NetGallery in exchange for a honest review.
SYNOPSIS: When a handsome stranger approaches Cassie Tavington in Paris's beautiful Père Lachaise cemetery, she has no idea who he is. It doesn't take long to find out. A whispered name from a passerby shocks her into the realisation that it's Cameron Callahan, high-profile modern artist, who she's busy showing around the cemetery. Mortified, Cassie runs, but Cameron soon tracks her down. He's intent on having Cassie sit for him, but Cassie isn't sure. His provocative sculptures are often in the media, which isn't somewhere that Cassie, the daughter of a politician, should be. But there's no denying the attraction between the pair, and Cassie soon finds herself in a strange whirlwind of a relationship. Between Paris, London and New York, Cassie finds sitting for an artist isn't as simple as it seems. There's much to contend with—including Cameron's ex-girlfriend, Plum, her own father, and her new love interest, James. With the clock ticking down to the opening of Cameron's new exhibition, Cassie must struggle to decide just how much of herself she can give over to Cameron and his sculpture while still remaining whole.
REVIEW: I was pleasantly surprised from this novel - I was expecting a voyeuristic jaunt into the world of erotica but I was totally wrong. BENEATH BEAUTIFUL turned out to be a pleasurable read into the world of modern art.
Cassie is reading in a Paris cemetery when Cameron catches her eye. Gorgeous, charismatic, and compelling, Cassie is immediately swept into the electric chemistry between her and Cameron. Then recognition hits - the Cameron in front of her turns out to be the insanely popular and controversial artist Cameron Callahan. He's the guy who paints and sculpts woman totally in the nude - his works portraying woman in sexualized poses has garnered both hate and adoration. Cassie is immediately embarrassed, but Cameron has his sights set on Cassie: he wants her to sit for him. Cassie must ultimately make the choice of doing something for herself for once, bar the consequences, or ignore the insane attraction between the pair. How to choose?
What a simple read! I loved how quickly I lost myself in Rushby's world. There's something so captivating about this novel, perhaps its the descriptions of the art themselves. You're immediately thrust into a modern art world, and the descriptions of the works of Cameron has so easy to picture. It's almost disappointing that you can't see the work in real life, the descriptions paint such a vivid picture of beauty.
Major props go to author Rusby for her use of a PROPER LOVE TRIANGLE. No jealously, no threats, no hate, no excessive drama. It was three adults making adult decisions. It was what (I would assume) falling for two men feel like, and ultimately making the decision that is best for yourself without looking back. Thank god to read a refreshingly normal relationship experience.
The characters of Cassie and Cameron are complex enough to keep the reader enthralled (Cassie is a children's author vs. the eroticism of Cameron's work). The progression of Cassie's character into a free-thinking character was done so gracefully that it didn't feel forced. Cassie ultimately 'grows up' during the length of the novel and it feels so authentic and genuine.
The novel is listed as a $2.99 read on amazon.com - well worth the time, well worth the price. A must have for a wintery-night in!
RELEASE DATE: November 2014
PUBLISHER: N/A
DISCLAIMER: Novel was sent via NetGallery in exchange for a honest review.
SYNOPSIS: When a handsome stranger approaches Cassie Tavington in Paris's beautiful Père Lachaise cemetery, she has no idea who he is. It doesn't take long to find out. A whispered name from a passerby shocks her into the realisation that it's Cameron Callahan, high-profile modern artist, who she's busy showing around the cemetery. Mortified, Cassie runs, but Cameron soon tracks her down. He's intent on having Cassie sit for him, but Cassie isn't sure. His provocative sculptures are often in the media, which isn't somewhere that Cassie, the daughter of a politician, should be. But there's no denying the attraction between the pair, and Cassie soon finds herself in a strange whirlwind of a relationship. Between Paris, London and New York, Cassie finds sitting for an artist isn't as simple as it seems. There's much to contend with—including Cameron's ex-girlfriend, Plum, her own father, and her new love interest, James. With the clock ticking down to the opening of Cameron's new exhibition, Cassie must struggle to decide just how much of herself she can give over to Cameron and his sculpture while still remaining whole.
REVIEW: I was pleasantly surprised from this novel - I was expecting a voyeuristic jaunt into the world of erotica but I was totally wrong. BENEATH BEAUTIFUL turned out to be a pleasurable read into the world of modern art.
Cassie is reading in a Paris cemetery when Cameron catches her eye. Gorgeous, charismatic, and compelling, Cassie is immediately swept into the electric chemistry between her and Cameron. Then recognition hits - the Cameron in front of her turns out to be the insanely popular and controversial artist Cameron Callahan. He's the guy who paints and sculpts woman totally in the nude - his works portraying woman in sexualized poses has garnered both hate and adoration. Cassie is immediately embarrassed, but Cameron has his sights set on Cassie: he wants her to sit for him. Cassie must ultimately make the choice of doing something for herself for once, bar the consequences, or ignore the insane attraction between the pair. How to choose?
What a simple read! I loved how quickly I lost myself in Rushby's world. There's something so captivating about this novel, perhaps its the descriptions of the art themselves. You're immediately thrust into a modern art world, and the descriptions of the works of Cameron has so easy to picture. It's almost disappointing that you can't see the work in real life, the descriptions paint such a vivid picture of beauty.
Major props go to author Rusby for her use of a PROPER LOVE TRIANGLE. No jealously, no threats, no hate, no excessive drama. It was three adults making adult decisions. It was what (I would assume) falling for two men feel like, and ultimately making the decision that is best for yourself without looking back. Thank god to read a refreshingly normal relationship experience.
The characters of Cassie and Cameron are complex enough to keep the reader enthralled (Cassie is a children's author vs. the eroticism of Cameron's work). The progression of Cassie's character into a free-thinking character was done so gracefully that it didn't feel forced. Cassie ultimately 'grows up' during the length of the novel and it feels so authentic and genuine.
The novel is listed as a $2.99 read on amazon.com - well worth the time, well worth the price. A must have for a wintery-night in!
October 25, 2014
Beneath Beautiful, Allison Rushby
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: N/A.
Some books take a while to get into, this one had me not hooked exactly but intrigued, right from the start. It kind of keeps me feeling that way through the story. Cassie’s first encounter with Cameron is innocuous, until she suddenly realises he’s a celebrity artist and she hasn’t recognised him. She’s no stranger to fame herself, she’s got a childrens bestseller series out, but she sees that as almost accidental and doesn’t see herself as famous. She’s in Paris while she tries to drum up inspiration for a new book, something more than just a kids series. So far she’s come up with nothing, so when Cameron finds her again and asks her to sit for him she agrees, thinking she’s got time, and maybe it’ll inspire her in some way.
Cassie can feel a pull between them and wonders if they might get closer, but she’s worried, her father is a politician, a somewhat cold man for whom his daughters must look to his career at all times, and the impact of what they do upon it. She knows he won’t approve of her sitting for Cameron, and as for anything more – no way. At times I wondered if the attraction was all in Cassie's mind, then Cameron would say something and I’d think is wasn’t, that there was a real spark there. Being an incurable romantic I wanted it to be more, I wanted them to get together, so I wasn’t best pleased when they’re in US and her friend with whom she;’s staying introduces another person, James, a reporter hoping to interview Cameron. It puts Cassie in an awkward place, she hasn’t told anyone except her big sister about the sitting, and feels she’s not able to tell James but makes her also feel duplicitous at keeping it secret.
I loved all the characters, even the curious Plum, an artist friend of Cameron's who knows Cassie’s sister, and seems to have an unseen agenda towards Cassie. The book is full of little puzzles, teasers, things where the reader needs to read between the lines. It flows easily and we see Cassie go from confident in some things and cautious in others, to someone who’d grown, develops self confidence. I loved the descriptions of Cameron's art, and the processes behind it, and like Cassie wondered just what it was he was seeking from her for the piece. He kept saying she was in control, it all depended on her, and he was clearly looking for something but wouldn't/couldn’t tell her what, and she was in the dark as to what it was ( me too). Then the penny dropped, by way of a scandal and a good bit of pushing from Plum, and it made sense to me. I finally understood what he wanted and why he couldn’t just tell her, and I was so in admiration of Cassie for committing to something she needed to do, but that she knew would cause her grief from her father.
It ends kind of ambiguously, where its not really clear ( to me at least) as to the romance side of things, but in a way that's good as I can “write” my own conclusion and have Cassie and xyz living happily ever after Smile . I’m not sure its a book I’d re read, but its still one I loved and am glad I read.
Stars: five
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: N/A.
Some books take a while to get into, this one had me not hooked exactly but intrigued, right from the start. It kind of keeps me feeling that way through the story. Cassie’s first encounter with Cameron is innocuous, until she suddenly realises he’s a celebrity artist and she hasn’t recognised him. She’s no stranger to fame herself, she’s got a childrens bestseller series out, but she sees that as almost accidental and doesn’t see herself as famous. She’s in Paris while she tries to drum up inspiration for a new book, something more than just a kids series. So far she’s come up with nothing, so when Cameron finds her again and asks her to sit for him she agrees, thinking she’s got time, and maybe it’ll inspire her in some way.
Cassie can feel a pull between them and wonders if they might get closer, but she’s worried, her father is a politician, a somewhat cold man for whom his daughters must look to his career at all times, and the impact of what they do upon it. She knows he won’t approve of her sitting for Cameron, and as for anything more – no way. At times I wondered if the attraction was all in Cassie's mind, then Cameron would say something and I’d think is wasn’t, that there was a real spark there. Being an incurable romantic I wanted it to be more, I wanted them to get together, so I wasn’t best pleased when they’re in US and her friend with whom she;’s staying introduces another person, James, a reporter hoping to interview Cameron. It puts Cassie in an awkward place, she hasn’t told anyone except her big sister about the sitting, and feels she’s not able to tell James but makes her also feel duplicitous at keeping it secret.
I loved all the characters, even the curious Plum, an artist friend of Cameron's who knows Cassie’s sister, and seems to have an unseen agenda towards Cassie. The book is full of little puzzles, teasers, things where the reader needs to read between the lines. It flows easily and we see Cassie go from confident in some things and cautious in others, to someone who’d grown, develops self confidence. I loved the descriptions of Cameron's art, and the processes behind it, and like Cassie wondered just what it was he was seeking from her for the piece. He kept saying she was in control, it all depended on her, and he was clearly looking for something but wouldn't/couldn’t tell her what, and she was in the dark as to what it was ( me too). Then the penny dropped, by way of a scandal and a good bit of pushing from Plum, and it made sense to me. I finally understood what he wanted and why he couldn’t just tell her, and I was so in admiration of Cassie for committing to something she needed to do, but that she knew would cause her grief from her father.
It ends kind of ambiguously, where its not really clear ( to me at least) as to the romance side of things, but in a way that's good as I can “write” my own conclusion and have Cassie and xyz living happily ever after Smile . I’m not sure its a book I’d re read, but its still one I loved and am glad I read.
Stars: five
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
December 10, 2014
The message that this book sends is terrific! Especially in this day and age with bullying and media's portrayal of what's beautiful.
This author, Allison Rushby , weaves a profoundly poetic tale of finding oneself. The journey, the hardships, decisions, and rollercoaster of events that our heroine endures. Cassie is one of those characters that you can immediately relate to. She's beautiful. But that's what everyone else sees. She certainly wouldn't describe herself as such. Yet when she meets a famous artist/sculptor, she just can't understand why he asks her to sit for him. Not to mention that this particular artist has an erotic and provocative take on every piece. What must he see in her? Cameron was what woman dreamed about - what they obsessed over. With the view that Cassie subconsciously has for herself, you can imagine her reaction to Cameron saying it's all up to her. It's up to her how this piece will turn out.
Cameron is not your typical Hero. Although, in my opinion, he is most like someone you'd meet on the street. There really isn't any other way to describe him but just to say - he's normal. But what confuses Cassie are the rumors. The rumors that circle Cameron go from he just an artist to he only asks you to sit for him if he plans to sleep with you or to become intimate with you. As the story progresses, it's clear that getting undressed is ultimately up to the subject.
There are many other factors that are just the icing on the cake. When I read the
blurb, I was just sure of how this book would end. Cassie would realize her worth and they'd run off into the sunset. And if someone told me the ending after reading the blurb... well let's just say I probably wouldn't have read it at all! But this author plays on this. The what you think happens vs. what actually happens. In every good way imaginable!
Cassie is very close to her sister and her father is a member of parliament. What will happen when they find out she's sitting for Cameron?
Cassie is a children's book author. How does that pan out?
Cameron's ex is constantly popping in and out of his house. They were rumored to have split. Is she still in the picture?
Cassie meets a few of the girls that are currently sitting for Cameron. How does she feel when she doesn't see herself sizing up?
And what happens when her friend sets her up with James? What role does he play and how does her attraction to Cameron factor in comparison to James?
There are so many variables! So much happening! But the heart and soul of this book is the journey that Cassie takes. Her coming of age, standing up for herself, and seeing that what counts in making her beautiful may not, entirely, be the outstide. But what's Beneath Beautiful!
This author, Allison Rushby , weaves a profoundly poetic tale of finding oneself. The journey, the hardships, decisions, and rollercoaster of events that our heroine endures. Cassie is one of those characters that you can immediately relate to. She's beautiful. But that's what everyone else sees. She certainly wouldn't describe herself as such. Yet when she meets a famous artist/sculptor, she just can't understand why he asks her to sit for him. Not to mention that this particular artist has an erotic and provocative take on every piece. What must he see in her? Cameron was what woman dreamed about - what they obsessed over. With the view that Cassie subconsciously has for herself, you can imagine her reaction to Cameron saying it's all up to her. It's up to her how this piece will turn out.
"What did he see? What had he seen? It couldn't have been anything sexual."
Cameron is not your typical Hero. Although, in my opinion, he is most like someone you'd meet on the street. There really isn't any other way to describe him but just to say - he's normal. But what confuses Cassie are the rumors. The rumors that circle Cameron go from he just an artist to he only asks you to sit for him if he plans to sleep with you or to become intimate with you. As the story progresses, it's clear that getting undressed is ultimately up to the subject.
"...we would never do anything you weren't comfortable with; you do know that... You know you would have complete control."
There are many other factors that are just the icing on the cake. When I read the
blurb, I was just sure of how this book would end. Cassie would realize her worth and they'd run off into the sunset. And if someone told me the ending after reading the blurb... well let's just say I probably wouldn't have read it at all! But this author plays on this. The what you think happens vs. what actually happens. In every good way imaginable!
Cassie is very close to her sister and her father is a member of parliament. What will happen when they find out she's sitting for Cameron?
Cassie is a children's book author. How does that pan out?
Cameron's ex is constantly popping in and out of his house. They were rumored to have split. Is she still in the picture?
Cassie meets a few of the girls that are currently sitting for Cameron. How does she feel when she doesn't see herself sizing up?
And what happens when her friend sets her up with James? What role does he play and how does her attraction to Cameron factor in comparison to James?
There are so many variables! So much happening! But the heart and soul of this book is the journey that Cassie takes. Her coming of age, standing up for herself, and seeing that what counts in making her beautiful may not, entirely, be the outstide. But what's Beneath Beautiful!
November 23, 2014
(Review thanks to a free digital ARC from NetGalley)
Cassie is a rather famous children's author who is trying to break free for what she is been known to write about. She is tired of writing for children and needs a drastic change in her life. While taking care of her grandmother's apartment in Paris, she meets a well-known modern artists, Cameron Callahan. After a pretty disastrous meeting, he tracks her down and asks her to do him a favor. He wants her to sit for him. Cassie is unsure on whether she should accept his offer due to his art. Cameron is known for creating very provocative pieces that gets the media buzzing. But, Cassie feels an undeniable attraction to Cameron and she also sees this as an opportunity to find the muse that she has been looking for.
I found it pretty difficult to get into this book. It was entertaining at times, but most of the time, it felt like the story would not end. It did not help either that it reminded me a lot of Fifty Shades of Grey. Thankfully, it did not have the horribly written smut. It actually did not have any, except for this short scene halfway through the book. Cameron is rich and Cassie is out of college and is trying to find some more adventure in her life; he provides that by giving her this opportunity. That is pretty much the only similarity that I find but since I never liked Fifty Shades of Grey, well, it did not really help me to like this book. Also, I feel I should point out that this book does not contain any form of violence or abuse as the other novel that I mentioned does.
Cassie, as a character, is likable at times. In the beginning of the novel, I liked her and wanted to know more about her. But as the story progressed, I lost interest in her. I lost interest in all the characters to be honest. Cameron was written as a dark and mysterious character that had all this layers to him but I just found him dull and typical. For me, there was no excitement. I wondered why Cassie was attracted to him at all. James, another love interest introduced for Cassie, was much more interesting and I wanted to know more about him. To bad he does not appear as often as I wanted him to.
Although I did not like Cassie as a character, I enjoyed the fact that she shows growth and becomes the person that she was looking for. It was nice to see her have more independence and having her know what she wanted when the novel ended. That was nice and something necessary. It was a redeeming quality for the novel.
Other than that, this book was an ok read for me. Nothing new when it comes for New Adult novels. I am still trying to look for that book from the New Adult genre that I will extremely like.
Cassie is a rather famous children's author who is trying to break free for what she is been known to write about. She is tired of writing for children and needs a drastic change in her life. While taking care of her grandmother's apartment in Paris, she meets a well-known modern artists, Cameron Callahan. After a pretty disastrous meeting, he tracks her down and asks her to do him a favor. He wants her to sit for him. Cassie is unsure on whether she should accept his offer due to his art. Cameron is known for creating very provocative pieces that gets the media buzzing. But, Cassie feels an undeniable attraction to Cameron and she also sees this as an opportunity to find the muse that she has been looking for.
I found it pretty difficult to get into this book. It was entertaining at times, but most of the time, it felt like the story would not end. It did not help either that it reminded me a lot of Fifty Shades of Grey. Thankfully, it did not have the horribly written smut. It actually did not have any, except for this short scene halfway through the book. Cameron is rich and Cassie is out of college and is trying to find some more adventure in her life; he provides that by giving her this opportunity. That is pretty much the only similarity that I find but since I never liked Fifty Shades of Grey, well, it did not really help me to like this book. Also, I feel I should point out that this book does not contain any form of violence or abuse as the other novel that I mentioned does.
Cassie, as a character, is likable at times. In the beginning of the novel, I liked her and wanted to know more about her. But as the story progressed, I lost interest in her. I lost interest in all the characters to be honest. Cameron was written as a dark and mysterious character that had all this layers to him but I just found him dull and typical. For me, there was no excitement. I wondered why Cassie was attracted to him at all. James, another love interest introduced for Cassie, was much more interesting and I wanted to know more about him. To bad he does not appear as often as I wanted him to.
Although I did not like Cassie as a character, I enjoyed the fact that she shows growth and becomes the person that she was looking for. It was nice to see her have more independence and having her know what she wanted when the novel ended. That was nice and something necessary. It was a redeeming quality for the novel.
Other than that, this book was an ok read for me. Nothing new when it comes for New Adult novels. I am still trying to look for that book from the New Adult genre that I will extremely like.
April 19, 2019
Finished the book wanting more. It was a bit of a cliffhanger, was hoping for a book 2 however maybe that was the perfect ending for this novel. This was a bit funny and coming off the shell novel. Still an enjoyable read. ♥️
November 3, 2014
Beneath Beautiful was a genuinely great novel to read. For me the plot is what made this book worth reading. It is so clever and so different than anything that I have read that it is incredibly hard not to applaud the author on such creativity.
My one flaw with this novel is the chemistry between Cassie and Cameron. I know this book is not written on the foundation of pure romance but I thought that the chemistry should have been a little stronger between the two. The brief moments that I did see was written really well and enabled the book to have something a little extra. So I would have liked to seen the author build on the chemistry.
I also did not see the need for James, Cassie's new love interest in the book. I did not care for James's character the way I favored Cameron's. I wanted to see more of Cassie and Cameron together in the storyline but I understand why the author chose the characters that she did because it deepened the plot.
What stands out most in my mind other than the plot is Cameron himself. He is written unlike heroes. He is first and foremost a sculptor and then as I read further into the book I find that Cameron is a gentleman. He is not pushing Cassie to do anything that she is uncomfortable with and why he may be slightly obsessed with the idea of sculpting her he always has a respect for her. His patience and his willingness I think makes him stand apart from fellow heroes and he is one of my favorites.
Another bonus for me about this book was the fact that it is in Paris. I am always a fan of books and of authors that take readers into the city. I think it makes for an interesting book. I'm happy with Beneath Beautiful and I am going to be keeping my eye for more books written by Rushby because she has certainly captured my attention.
(This review was submitted to the publishers PRIOR to posting it on GoodReads.)
My one flaw with this novel is the chemistry between Cassie and Cameron. I know this book is not written on the foundation of pure romance but I thought that the chemistry should have been a little stronger between the two. The brief moments that I did see was written really well and enabled the book to have something a little extra. So I would have liked to seen the author build on the chemistry.
I also did not see the need for James, Cassie's new love interest in the book. I did not care for James's character the way I favored Cameron's. I wanted to see more of Cassie and Cameron together in the storyline but I understand why the author chose the characters that she did because it deepened the plot.
What stands out most in my mind other than the plot is Cameron himself. He is written unlike heroes. He is first and foremost a sculptor and then as I read further into the book I find that Cameron is a gentleman. He is not pushing Cassie to do anything that she is uncomfortable with and why he may be slightly obsessed with the idea of sculpting her he always has a respect for her. His patience and his willingness I think makes him stand apart from fellow heroes and he is one of my favorites.
Another bonus for me about this book was the fact that it is in Paris. I am always a fan of books and of authors that take readers into the city. I think it makes for an interesting book. I'm happy with Beneath Beautiful and I am going to be keeping my eye for more books written by Rushby because she has certainly captured my attention.
(This review was submitted to the publishers PRIOR to posting it on GoodReads.)
November 18, 2014
Disclaimers: I received an e-arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This book was one that I was hesitant to read. I have no idea why. I had read Shooting Stars by Allison and loved it, but I was worried about this one.
I shouldn't have been. Allison's writing is refreshing, witty, and entertaining. I loved how spunky her characters were. The dialogue between characters was probably my favorite part of the novel.
I also loved watching Cassie grow throughout the novel. She grew in ways that were not expected but that were totally fitting.
I also loved Cameron which surprised me. I honestly didn't think I would.
This book was profound on a level that was unexpected and reminded me of why I love Allison so much. I honestly can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
It's a short read and definitely worth the time.
So why 4 stars? To be honest I almost knocked it up to a 5 because I did thoroughly enjoy it. However, there were just certain parts that seemed cliche or just lacking. Definitely recommend this book.
In Summary: Allison Rushby presents a witty, refreshing novel of a girl coming to age that will leave readers turning the pages faster and faster.
Warnings/Side-notes: This book is definitely for adults. It talks about sex and things like that but it does it in a clean, vague way. I would, however, recommend this book for 18+.
The Wrap-up: I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved this book. If you love new adult, give this one a chance. You won't regret it.
Love,
Danica Page
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This book was one that I was hesitant to read. I have no idea why. I had read Shooting Stars by Allison and loved it, but I was worried about this one.
I shouldn't have been. Allison's writing is refreshing, witty, and entertaining. I loved how spunky her characters were. The dialogue between characters was probably my favorite part of the novel.
I also loved watching Cassie grow throughout the novel. She grew in ways that were not expected but that were totally fitting.
I also loved Cameron which surprised me. I honestly didn't think I would.
This book was profound on a level that was unexpected and reminded me of why I love Allison so much. I honestly can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
It's a short read and definitely worth the time.
So why 4 stars? To be honest I almost knocked it up to a 5 because I did thoroughly enjoy it. However, there were just certain parts that seemed cliche or just lacking. Definitely recommend this book.
In Summary: Allison Rushby presents a witty, refreshing novel of a girl coming to age that will leave readers turning the pages faster and faster.
Warnings/Side-notes: This book is definitely for adults. It talks about sex and things like that but it does it in a clean, vague way. I would, however, recommend this book for 18+.
The Wrap-up: I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved this book. If you love new adult, give this one a chance. You won't regret it.
Love,
Danica Page
October 23, 2014
When a handsome stranger approaches Cassie Tavington in Paris's beautiful Père Lachaise cemetery, she has no idea who he is. It doesn't take long to find out. A whispered name from a passerby shocks her into the realisation that it's Cameron Callahan, high-profile modern artist, who she's busy showing around the cemetery.
Mortified, Cassie runs, but Cameron soon tracks her down. He's intent on having Cassie sit for him, but Cassie isn't sure. His provocative sculptures are often in the media, which isn't somewhere that Cassie, the daughter of a politician, should be.
But there's no denying the attraction between the pair, and Cassie soon finds herself in a strange whirlwind of a relationship. Between Paris, London and New York, Cassie finds sitting for an artist isn't as simple as it seems. There's much to contend with—including Cameron's ex-girlfriend, Plum, her own father, and her new love interest, James.
With the clock ticking down to the opening of Cameron's new exhibition, Cassie must struggle to decide just how much of herself she can give over to Cameron and his sculpture while still remaining whole.
I truly loved this book, I was intrigued from the first sentence. It drifted and stormed from Paris to London and New York and back again and I followed it intruded and titilated to see where it would end up. I only wish it had lasted longer. The romance and relationships felt painful and true.
Mortified, Cassie runs, but Cameron soon tracks her down. He's intent on having Cassie sit for him, but Cassie isn't sure. His provocative sculptures are often in the media, which isn't somewhere that Cassie, the daughter of a politician, should be.
But there's no denying the attraction between the pair, and Cassie soon finds herself in a strange whirlwind of a relationship. Between Paris, London and New York, Cassie finds sitting for an artist isn't as simple as it seems. There's much to contend with—including Cameron's ex-girlfriend, Plum, her own father, and her new love interest, James.
With the clock ticking down to the opening of Cameron's new exhibition, Cassie must struggle to decide just how much of herself she can give over to Cameron and his sculpture while still remaining whole.
I truly loved this book, I was intrigued from the first sentence. It drifted and stormed from Paris to London and New York and back again and I followed it intruded and titilated to see where it would end up. I only wish it had lasted longer. The romance and relationships felt painful and true.
January 3, 2015
*I was given a copy of this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I wasn't quite sure what to think of this book when I first started reading. It felt disjointed, like the author didn't really know how to tell the story she wanted to tell. There was really no lead in, she just threw us into the story. But quickly after that, I figured out that she was writing that way very purposefully. The main character, Cassie, is on the road to a transformation, and she spends the book stumbling through to a change on the other side.
This method of writing actually reminded me a lot of One More Day by Gayle Forman, not in plot, but in that same disjointed storytelling where the main character is on the road to a transformation but doesn't really realize it at first, and so she stumbles along trying to find her way until it all finally fleshes out, with all the pieces finally falling in to place. There's no help or guidance, but there is a male who's older and more experienced/wiser, watching her, encouraging her in a way, but he can't really lead her, because it ultimately comes down to her having to reach her own resolution.So it really comes down to, will Cassie figure out the big "something" that she is supposed to?
I really liked the book, so I gave it four stars, and I would recommend it to most anyone. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised in the last couple chapters, because it didn't end up leading where I thought it was going to for most of the book.
I wasn't quite sure what to think of this book when I first started reading. It felt disjointed, like the author didn't really know how to tell the story she wanted to tell. There was really no lead in, she just threw us into the story. But quickly after that, I figured out that she was writing that way very purposefully. The main character, Cassie, is on the road to a transformation, and she spends the book stumbling through to a change on the other side.
This method of writing actually reminded me a lot of One More Day by Gayle Forman, not in plot, but in that same disjointed storytelling where the main character is on the road to a transformation but doesn't really realize it at first, and so she stumbles along trying to find her way until it all finally fleshes out, with all the pieces finally falling in to place. There's no help or guidance, but there is a male who's older and more experienced/wiser, watching her, encouraging her in a way, but he can't really lead her, because it ultimately comes down to her having to reach her own resolution.So it really comes down to, will Cassie figure out the big "something" that she is supposed to?
I really liked the book, so I gave it four stars, and I would recommend it to most anyone. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised in the last couple chapters, because it didn't end up leading where I thought it was going to for most of the book.
January 22, 2015
Beautiful, just beautiful. The story was amazing to read. It feels a bit trite to call it amazing, but it was. A story about a girl who blossoms from a caterpillar to a butterfly, the metamorphosis was beautiful to watch. It started with a chance meeting at a cemetery. A controversial artist (Cameron Callahan) who saw his muse in Cassandra Tavington(call me cassie). Cassie is unsure of her place in the world even though, as it seems, she has everything. She captured Cameron's attention,because he sees something in her that is worthy of change and growth,I think. She becomes his muse, and he inspires her. Not a love story per se, but a story of growth and realization.
I loved that the love of another was a secondary exercise , the love of one's self was central to the plot. As Rushby wrote (something like this), "the only thing worse than being different, is not being yourself". A wise lady. The story was about being yourself , because not being yourself can kill your spirit. Sorta like being a caterpillar leaves you defensive and always seeking your cocoon, your comfortable space and never having the strength to fly out and see the world.
I loved this story. Definitely a five star,and I gather it's free for a while on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OQUT...
If you don't find it free anymore, please buy it. It's beautiful.
I loved that the love of another was a secondary exercise , the love of one's self was central to the plot. As Rushby wrote (something like this), "the only thing worse than being different, is not being yourself". A wise lady. The story was about being yourself , because not being yourself can kill your spirit. Sorta like being a caterpillar leaves you defensive and always seeking your cocoon, your comfortable space and never having the strength to fly out and see the world.
I loved this story. Definitely a five star,and I gather it's free for a while on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OQUT...
If you don't find it free anymore, please buy it. It's beautiful.
January 14, 2015
I was so excited to read this book since the moment I first heard about it. I'm a huge fun of Allison Rushby's YA/MG books, so I was really looking forward to reading something more adult from her. Plus, I love a Paris setting, especially where some of it takes place in one of the most interesting cemeteries in the world, the Père Lachaise.
I really loved the character of Cassie. She's this young women who loves hanging around cemeteries. She's also a childrens book author, which I thought was so cool! I don't think I ever read a book where that was the MC's career. At the cemetery a man asks for directions to a particular plot, and the two of them hit it off right away. Turns out the man is Cameron, a famous artist known for his exotic work. I really liked Cameron. He was a little older then Cassie, and in my opinion, a little odd, but I also thought he was funny and interesting. Once Cassie becomes his muse, things really start to heat up for them.
Cassie was very grown up for her age. She made mistakes, but she was real and relatable. It was easy for me to feel connected with her and root for her.
Overall, I really enjoyed Beneath Beautiful and I am excited for whatever Rushby writes next!
I really loved the character of Cassie. She's this young women who loves hanging around cemeteries. She's also a childrens book author, which I thought was so cool! I don't think I ever read a book where that was the MC's career. At the cemetery a man asks for directions to a particular plot, and the two of them hit it off right away. Turns out the man is Cameron, a famous artist known for his exotic work. I really liked Cameron. He was a little older then Cassie, and in my opinion, a little odd, but I also thought he was funny and interesting. Once Cassie becomes his muse, things really start to heat up for them.
Cassie was very grown up for her age. She made mistakes, but she was real and relatable. It was easy for me to feel connected with her and root for her.
Overall, I really enjoyed Beneath Beautiful and I am excited for whatever Rushby writes next!
December 10, 2014
Beneath Beautiful by Allison Rushby is an intriguing book. Cassandra (Cassie) Tavington is reading in a Paris cemetery when she is approached by a handsome stranger all in black. They seem to have instant chemistry. However, when she realizes who he is, she runs off. The stranger is Cameron Callahan. Cameron is a famous modern artist whose sculptures are provocative and controversial. Cameron wants Cassie to pose for a sculpture for his new collection, but Cassie, who is the daughter of an MP (Member of Parliament), is unsure. Cassie undertakes a journey of getting to know herself, what she wants to do with her life, and growing up. This is an enjoyable book and easy to read in a couple of hours. I look forward to reading more books by Allison Rushby. I give this book 4.5 stars! Please note that I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I hope you enjoy reading Beneath Beautiful as much as I enjoyed it. Happy Reading!
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
October 28, 2014
>b> Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book in return for an honest review
This book was very engaging and I read almost all of it in one sitting. I did think it got a little bit slow towards the middle - it was a little repetitive.
I liked Cassie as a character in this book - she was mature and smart and gained confidence over the novel. It was good character development; she grew as a person and that was really nice to see. I like that she was really accepting too. It was nice to see a character that is against slut-shaming and judging other people on their relationships and their sexuality. It just makes the reading experience so much nice.
I liked Cameron as a character, and Cassie's sister, Jo. However, I thought the motivations of Plum were a little weak, and I didn't like James at all. I really didn't think he added more to the story, at all.
Overall, though, this is a well thought out and written NA/Romance novel.
This book was very engaging and I read almost all of it in one sitting. I did think it got a little bit slow towards the middle - it was a little repetitive.
I liked Cassie as a character in this book - she was mature and smart and gained confidence over the novel. It was good character development; she grew as a person and that was really nice to see. I like that she was really accepting too. It was nice to see a character that is against slut-shaming and judging other people on their relationships and their sexuality. It just makes the reading experience so much nice.
I liked Cameron as a character, and Cassie's sister, Jo. However, I thought the motivations of Plum were a little weak, and I didn't like James at all. I really didn't think he added more to the story, at all.
Overall, though, this is a well thought out and written NA/Romance novel.
January 4, 2015
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Beneath Beautiful is a stunning new adult novel. Rushby gives us a story full of introspection, dry humor and awesome characters. As a somewhat successful author who can't find inspiration for her next book, Cassie is a main character to whom many of us can relate. Who doesn't have a family member (or two) who thinks every decision should be made for us? Who doesn't worry that, no matter how much they love us, our best friends might worry for our sanity after making rash decisions? Who hasn't been torn between doing what we think is right and what might really need to be done?
Beneath Beautiful is a lovely story of the journey it takes to become an adult. Excellent writing, wonderfully drawn characters, and a nicely paced plot will leave you wanting more- even after the thoroughly satisfying conclusion.
Beneath Beautiful is a stunning new adult novel. Rushby gives us a story full of introspection, dry humor and awesome characters. As a somewhat successful author who can't find inspiration for her next book, Cassie is a main character to whom many of us can relate. Who doesn't have a family member (or two) who thinks every decision should be made for us? Who doesn't worry that, no matter how much they love us, our best friends might worry for our sanity after making rash decisions? Who hasn't been torn between doing what we think is right and what might really need to be done?
Beneath Beautiful is a lovely story of the journey it takes to become an adult. Excellent writing, wonderfully drawn characters, and a nicely paced plot will leave you wanting more- even after the thoroughly satisfying conclusion.
November 14, 2014
Cassie's life was stagnent until a chance meeting with a famous artist shakes things up. She takes him up on his offer to sit for him in New York. While in New York, she starts a new relationship, learns new things about her sister, has an encounter with the artist's ex-girlfriend, and in general grows up.
Cassie's character developed well throughout the book. You could really see her change and grow as things happened to her. She was not as flighty as main characters often are in these types of books, which was a refreshing change. I also really liked the character of Plum, the ex-girlfriend, and was happy to learn she was not as shallow as she initially appeared.
My main complaint with this book, however, is that the characters who are supposed to be American did not talk with American slang or patterns. They still sounded British!
Cassie's character developed well throughout the book. You could really see her change and grow as things happened to her. She was not as flighty as main characters often are in these types of books, which was a refreshing change. I also really liked the character of Plum, the ex-girlfriend, and was happy to learn she was not as shallow as she initially appeared.
My main complaint with this book, however, is that the characters who are supposed to be American did not talk with American slang or patterns. They still sounded British!
December 18, 2014
Thank you to Netgalley for ARC
I was pleasantly surprised by this book.. It was not what i expected.
couple of new adult genre books i have read were disappointments. but this was different from the other ones. It was unique and i definitely enjoyed reading.
I really liked Cassie, Cameron and Jo. I wasn't sure in the beginning if i would be really get into this book or not. once she started sitting for Cameron in New York, story picked up and it was really interesting.
There were some characters especially her sister Jo was hilarious and i am not sure if i really liked Plum and James was questionable.
I ended up liking this book very much at the end.. Characters were unique and well written.
It did enjoy the ending and I was so happy for Cassie for finding her own way and learning more about herself.
I will be looking into other books by Allison Rushby
I was pleasantly surprised by this book.. It was not what i expected.
couple of new adult genre books i have read were disappointments. but this was different from the other ones. It was unique and i definitely enjoyed reading.
I really liked Cassie, Cameron and Jo. I wasn't sure in the beginning if i would be really get into this book or not. once she started sitting for Cameron in New York, story picked up and it was really interesting.
There were some characters especially her sister Jo was hilarious and i am not sure if i really liked Plum and James was questionable.
I ended up liking this book very much at the end.. Characters were unique and well written.
It did enjoy the ending and I was so happy for Cassie for finding her own way and learning more about herself.
I will be looking into other books by Allison Rushby
November 3, 2014
This was an interesting book. It turned out to be different from what I was expecting, but in a good way. I was expecting a quirky New Adult romance, but it turned out Beneath Beautiful was something more. It's a whole lot meatier and deeper than your usual NA fare. It's actually a very adult book - and I don't mean smutty, I mean it's grown-up. It's thoughtful and curious. The different locations and the art element make it even more interesting, and tie in with Cassie's growth perfectly. It's rather beautiful, and it reminded me of why I love Netgalley - for the hidden gems that I would never have picked up normally.
January 18, 2015
Netgalley Arc
This is quite a profound read. I was pleasantly surprised by Beneath Beautiful..... It really speaks volumes to those of us who have hid in a cocoon and needed a nudge to blossom.
So well written and sensibly paced..... There was no rush of false excitement and dramatic passion and e.t.c it was all very real raw and eventful.
The premise was very intriguing. I love the twists and turns the journey basically .... That The artist and his muse were on. I'll have to say I was a bit disappointed that after all that heart to heart there was no great love but I can see now in hindsight that that's reality no. It wasn't practical and would not have lasted.
This is quite a profound read. I was pleasantly surprised by Beneath Beautiful..... It really speaks volumes to those of us who have hid in a cocoon and needed a nudge to blossom.
So well written and sensibly paced..... There was no rush of false excitement and dramatic passion and e.t.c it was all very real raw and eventful.
The premise was very intriguing. I love the twists and turns the journey basically .... That The artist and his muse were on. I'll have to say I was a bit disappointed that after all that heart to heart there was no great love but I can see now in hindsight that that's reality no. It wasn't practical and would not have lasted.
April 18, 2015
Refreshing and different!
So, another one I read in one day. I was hooked from the first line. I've read several new-adult novels, some good, some just okay. Beneath Beautiful was a refreshing departure from the stereotypical format. I was wary after reading the mixed reviews on goodreads, but I was very pleased with the ending and I thought it wrapped up quite nicely. It was an entertaining read with some depth. My favorite kind.
So, another one I read in one day. I was hooked from the first line. I've read several new-adult novels, some good, some just okay. Beneath Beautiful was a refreshing departure from the stereotypical format. I was wary after reading the mixed reviews on goodreads, but I was very pleased with the ending and I thought it wrapped up quite nicely. It was an entertaining read with some depth. My favorite kind.
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