Beautiful Chaos

by Alex Grayson

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Second Chance, Abuse, Mental Health, Romance

390 pages, Paperback

Published October 26, 2023

About the author

Alex Grayson is the bestselling author of heart pounding, emotionally gripping contemporary romance including the Jaded Series, the Consumed Series, and two standalone novels. Her passion for books was reignited by a gift from her sister-in-law. After spending several years as a devoted reader and blogger, Alex decided to write and independently publish her first novel in 2014 (an endeavor that took a little longer than expected). The rest, as they say, is history.

Originally a southern girl, Alex now lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, two cats and dog. She loves the color blue, homemade lasagna, casually browsing real estate, and interacting with her readers. Visit her website, www.alexgraysonbooks.com, or find her on social media!

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Reviews

[Capt.]

Genuinely don’t know how to properly rate this one.

The story is compelling for sure, the plot is I can say original and characters have layers to them but the way it played out? Some details are described? How I was led to believe one thing but then discovered the truth? I don’t know…I might need to marinate on it before writing a coherent review.

[Ashley - The Tattered Page]

NOTE TO SELF: spoilers say MMC cheats on his wife, that he supposedly loves to death

[Vintage]

Another example and last one for me that the author hates women.

The spoiler or Get Out of Jail Free card just doesn't do it for me. If you loved your wife then get her therapy.

[Tee]

Zero stars. Hated this!!! What a horrible story!!! I was traumatized just reading this. I don’t care about the fact that there FMC has a personality disorder and multiple personalities. However, the backstory of why that happened to her was the worse thing I could ever imagine! Her children were tortured, raped and murdered in front of her. Who wants to read about that?!?! Especially in a so called ROMANCE novel!!! I will NEVER read this author again! I don’t think I’ve ever hated a plot or story more!

[Bookish.Midnight. and. black]

Not your usual cheating story.

[jamielouisereads]

I was so hesitant to read this because I HATE cheating, but after seeing it repeatedly and growing more and more intrigued, I did some digging and figured out what was actually going on, I’m so glad I did and that I gave this book a chance.

It’s dark and absolutely check your TWs the stuff Caterina and Hunter go through is completely and utterly tragic, it’s the unhinged despicable acts of literal nightmares, but the way that man loves his wife and endures so much to make sure her trauma doesn’t kill her is something else. I’m in love he may just end being my top book boyfriend of the year.

[--Keres--]

Little TW spoiler at the bottom of the review, that I think, is important but won't take away from the story too much. I will warn you before the spoiler.

This book is a Dark Romance, Mystery/ Thriller all rolled in one. I gave it 4.5 stars for the plot twist alone. Make sure you read TW before you start it 😊

Normally, I think I'm switched on and can see twists coming, but this book had me guessing and speculating, but the twist got me good.

I seriously hated Hunter so much! that I almost stopped reading it, thinking it's just your typical douche canoe cheating AH MMC, but Boy did Chapter 26 kick me on my arse and reel me back in like a bee to honey.

I was like 😵 tell me more. I won't give you any more information because this book needs to be enjoyed without the major twists being spoilt.

⚠️Below is a TW spoiler but won't spoil the whole story⚠️
.
.
.
.
.
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Caterina and her kids were held hostage and were all tortured and SA. They did end up murdering the children in front of her. She does revisit her memories of the events in some detail for part of a single chapter. You can skip that bit without it taking away from the story too much.

[Kiley]

Beautiful Chaos was about Hunter St. James, the co-owner of Slate, an exclusive nightclub, and his wife, Caterina "Cat" St. James, a successful fictional author.

TW/CW from the author: "Please be advised, this is not a light and fluffy read. Some situations may be triggering. I highly suggest heeding the warning below.

This book contains scenes that may depict, mention, or discuss: assault, attempted murder, attempted rape, blood, cheating, child abuse, child death, death, hostages, incest, murder, pedophilia, physical abuse, poisoning, PTSD, rape, self-harm, sexual abuse, sexual assault, attempted suicide, torture."

Side Note: This was not a book about romance, but rather one of enduring love that had been tried, tested, and proven on multiple occasions. Sometimes it was a rough road to get to the happier stages, but each one showed how true love can overcome everything tossed in its path. This was a story of how a man and woman went to the brink of insanity and found their way back to each other.

Hunter and Cat had been together since her third year of college after being introduced to each other by her BFF, Megan. A year later, they were married. Several years later, they experienced a life-altering incident that had a major impact on not just them but everyone around them.

This story was full of angst, drama, crushing pain, a tremendous amount of conflict, and a boatload of revenge that was done in epic proportions. The emotional rollercoaster had all the usual twists and turns, along with a few unsuspected loops and flips that kept the reader glued to the pages. This was one of those "unputdownable" books that, even though it was 41 chapters long, this particular reader rarely walked away from it until I reached the end.

Both of the main characters were fully developed and mature, with a ton of room for growth. The secondary characters were just as well written, and the comeuppance was meted out to the satisfaction of even the biggest critic.

I wasn't certain about reading this book because some of the reviews and talk kept mentioning cheating being one of the tropes of the story. However, I set aside my usual reticence and read it anyway, and I'm very glad I did because...well, let's just say the rumors of cheating were greatly exaggerated.

I gave this story a five-star rating and added it to my Keeper for the Shelves collection because it absolutely deserved both merits. I will also be purchasing a physical copy for my library. Don't be afraid to read this book. You won't regret the time spent doing so.

[VoraciousReader]

The premise behind this book was great but it was just too dark and violent for me.

[Tan Gon]

I’m giving this story a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I would give it a 10 however there is one thing that has bothered me about this story.

I know this book is being promoted as cheating however is it cheating when you do anything for your wife, her sanity and protection. What about if doing this means keeping his wife safe and whole?

Hunter and Cat have to be one of the most painful Characters I have ever read. Hunter is the husband any woman could only dream of he is loving caring and fiercely protective. Cat is sweet and caring carrying a dark cloud that leads her to a place no one should ever have to go to.

Hunter and Cat have been married for many years had a beautiful family one day it all changes taking away their peace and sanity leaving them destroyed and in pieces. Hunter does everything to keep what is left together.

After the devastation we meet Athena, Scarlet and Presley. Hunter becomes friends with Athena he visits her and is there for her when she needs him or needs to talk, Hunter meets Scarlet at his club one night she propositions him and he caves turning into a long relationship full of passion and pain Scarlet contacts Hunter occasionally when she texts him he drops everything and runs to her. Presley is a sweet preteen girl who loves to visit them in the mornings before anyone is out to work. She a happy girl loves to write and leaves writing ideas for cat.

The characters are great Silas is Hunters best friend his rock. Hunter has been through so much while cat has experienced what no woman would ever dream of having to endure.


This book was so well written it was worth the tears and the cheating plot. Never judge a book by its cover this is one of those books..

Warning: This book has extremely descriptive disturbing scenes involving minors and abuse, trauma and brutality. One scene was extremely disturbing and in my opinion unnecessary..

[Amie Higgs]

I don’t know what to say…

I started this book because of a quote I saw on TikTok that intrigued me. I’ve read hundreds of darker-themed romance books, but cheating is just not a trope that never really tickled my fancy and I had never heard of this author…. but what the heck, I’ll try anything once.

I cannot lie, up until I was 49% of the way through the book, I constantly had to talk myself out of DNFing it. It took me forever to read and every time I’d pick it up, it would piss me off. Apparently I am a glutton for punishment.

THEN, plot twist halfway through the book had me going crazy and I couldn’t put it down. To be loved like Hunter loves Cat. 🥰😍

Moral of the review, read it if you want, or don’t, just know that it can take a while to get into.

Also, as always, read trigger warnings - this gets real dark and references acts with children.

[thebeespot72]

Other than the Reel I saw on Alex Grayson’s IG page, which piqued my interest in Beautiful Chaos, I went into this blind, and I’m glad I did. As I was reading, I started to speculate that I knew what was going on, but I squashed that because I figured I had to be wrong. Nevertheless, I didn’t want to put Beautiful Chaos down. It is emotionally dark on so many levels. This story has incredible trauma and horrific tragedy, but the love between a couple proves strong. And I enjoyed it.

[Optimisticbooknerd]

5 ⭐️

what was this book? 5 stars I'm obsessed

[Xandra]

Ripped my heart out but put it back together. Amazing book beautifully written. Check trigger warnings. Kept you on the edge of your seat and is a book where you did not see it coming.

[Ashley]

Brutal, thrilling, toe curling, suspenseful and intense.

[Kirsten Singh]

I was hesitant to read this, as I am not a fan of cheating tropes, it's not spoiler. It was a good read, definitely touches on trauma and how the mind works through trauma. But check your trigger warnings!

[Tina Howell]

First, WOW this book was amazing. I love when I finish a book and left with needing to unpack what I read! This book will be on my mind for a while. Second, my thoughts about who the other woman was were correct. Third my thoughts about who “the bad guy character” was were correct. I felt something was to convenient about that guy from the beginning. My mind was blown about how he connected. My heart broke for this couple multiple times! I am so glad I saw the post about this book. I read and review books all the time. Sometimes I just need a good roller coaster book throw in the mix! And because I obsess when I find a new author I’ll be reading all of their books.

[Eliana]

Not for me

[Vann Vynawin]

i’m uncomfortable

[Adri]

The Author hooks you into the deepest, often depraved aspects of humanity.
It draws you in and evokes such acts of compassion and tenderness and empathy.
This book is no different.
I went through hate, happiness, anger, love, despair, despair, despair, some more anger and hate and overall compassion and empathy all the way through.
As with TM Frazier I feel the depravity that gets brought to light serves a purpose of enlightening us to what happens around us in the shadows. It brings to light aspects of humanity that we might not see , understand or fully grasp. Both sides of the coin.
I am drawn to these books but for my mental health I take a good break in between reading them.
They do find themselves in honour positions in my book collections.

I do not know how on earth people survive this kind of trauma but it's real and it happens in our societies all the time. War ravaged countries most probably see even more of it and there is the question, what can we do to help.

Something in me says Empathy and Compassion goes a long way. Being a less judgemental person overall could also help.

And I know my review is not at all discussing the story line of the book but more the feelings it evokes in me.
This book is best read “blind” . It's going to shake you and transform your thinking.

**IT'S BRUTAL.**
I'm not saying this lightly. ITS FUCKING BRUTAL.
You do not read this if you can not handle the topics involved.
It's not a light-Dark romance.
It doesn't sugar coat Trauma.
It's not a light-Trauma. It's hard and awful.

Brilliant Book and if you had the willpower not to turn pages to see what happens ahead of reading it, will shock you and then it will also heal you.

Now take a breath and go read the trigger warnings and then if it's something you can read I recommend it. 

[☆Laura☆]

Much@s no cuentan lo de Hunter y Scarlett como infidelidad, pero para mí sí lo es.

Cat y Hunter están casados y parece que todo es perfecto, pero no es así. Cat pasó por algo horrible: vio cómo mataban a sus hijos. Desde ese momento, para protegerse, bloqueó ese recuerdo y desarrolló tres personalidades: Scarlett, Presley y Athena. Cada una aparece en distintas situaciones, y Scarlett es la única que tiene una relación sexual con Hunter.

Puede verse como que no es infidelidad porque, al final, sigue siendo Cat. Pero cuando Hunter está con Scarlett, deja claro que se siente culpable, porque con ella hace cosas sexuales que le gustan y disfruta, cosas que nunca haría con su esposa. Incluso hay una parte donde dice que nunca se había sentido así por nadie, ni siquiera por Cat, o sea que no tiene esa misma conexión con ella. También menciona que cuando está con Scarlett se siente como otra persona. Hay una escena donde de repente piensa en Cat, pero enseguida intenta olvidarlo porque dice que no debería pensar en ella mientras está con otra. Y así hay varias escenas donde deja claro que las ve como dos personas diferentes y que las ama, pero de distinta manera. Incluso dice que Scarlett es su adicción.

“I force my tongue into her mouth, and she meets my kiss with a passion I’ve only ever felt with Scarlett.”

Luego, cuando le cuenta la verdad a Cat, intenta borrar todo lo que dijo e hizo con Scarlett, diciendo que siempre pensaba en Cat, cuando desde el inicio deja claro que no es así. Si no hubiera sentimientos por Scarlett, lo entendería, que estuviera con ella para evitar que buscara a alguien más y de cierta forma, proteger a Cat. Pero el hecho de sentir por ella y darle cosas que no le daba a su esposa, para mí ya es traición. Si de verdad le preocupaba su esposa debió llevar con un profesional.

[Jamie Sigmundson]

Content Warning from the Author

Please be advised, this is not a light and fluffy read.
There are some situations that may be triggering.
I highly suggest taking heed of the warning below.
This book contains scenes that may depict, mention, or discuss: assault, attempted murder, attempted rape, blood, cheating, child abuse, child death, death, hostages, incest, murder, pedophilia, physical abuse, poisoning, PTSD, rape, self-harm, sexual abuse, sexual assault, attempted suicide, torture.

I would consider this a pitch black book.

You as a reader are responsible for reading the TW’s that this author has outlined, at the beginning of the book, IN GREAT DETAIL. 😐

It’s crazy to me that some people are writing ‘reviews’ when they haven’t read the book and/or have NOT READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!

With that said, here is my review, based on my opinions on the story, not on the quality of the writing, because I applaud this author for putting herself out there and being vulnerable and risking the wild judgement other people.

This book contains horrific and graphic content.
It will not be for everyone.

For me, Hunter and Cat’s love for each other (and their children) was the most important part of this book.
Hunter was incredible for doing what he did for his wife.
It is complex and maybe not the way everyone would deal with this, however; they are dealing with complex trauma and him going above and beyond to have his wife NOT living in a psychiatric ward, medicated and alone, was incredibly brave and showed his devotion to her.
And her family!! They helped so much too!
I cannot say that I ‘enjoyed’ this story, because, hello, the content.
I will say that I am grateful to author’s who write these difficult stories.

And I read and I don’t judge. I would recommend this book to anyone who asked me about it.

[Cheyenne Lacanlale]

💓💓Book Review💓💓
#beautifulchaos by @alexgraysonauthor

Caution 🚧 Smut containing multiple trigger warnings
This book was awesome. Handsome husband Hunter and an innocent and beautiful wifey named Cat. A tragic and horrific incident haunts their past. Normally, Hunter takes care of anything or anyone who gets out of line at his business he owns with his bestie..its called Slate. Slate is a strip club but only for the high and mighty. But, he can't fix or undo what happened to his family. Hunter loves Cat dearly but he also has a dark side that is fed by the beautiful Scarlett, and of course, Cat is not aware of her existence. Hunter is a protector by all means, he even protects a young girl named Presley and a woman held up the state hospital for trying to kill herself. Hunter wants revenge on the one man who is responsible for the tragic incident that previously occurred and will stop at nothing to get it!

#kindleunlimited #kindle #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #ilovebooks #bookrecsofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookloversofinstagram #booknerds #booknerdcommunity #bookishengagement #booksilove #ilovebooksmorethanpeople #bookstagramfeature #bookstafam #bookstack #booksta #bookmama #booknerdigans #booknerdsunite #kindlegirlie #smut #smutbooks #smuttok #smutreader #smuttybooklover #smuttyreads

[Shiree]

words don’t describe


How much I love this book, it’s so dark and twisty, but Ms. Grayson handled it perfectly. The beginning of the book is so intense that you just want to skip to the end to find out what is actually going on, but you don’t want to miss a word in the middle. I devoured it like a bar of candy, enjoy each chapter, as if it were another bite of the most decadent delicious chocolate.
I can understand how some people might have triggers and aren’t able to enjoy the book. And I’m sad for them, because while yes, the book does have dark (and I mean dark) elements, the light elements in it and the way Ms. Grayson handled the emotions needed to overcome the parts of this book, can help people with their triggers I believe.
It is a work of fiction, it is meant to evoke emotions, good and bad, happy and sad in us. That is what all types of entertainment do whether it be a movie, TV, a book, a play or dancing. They are done with emotion to evoke emotion and this one really gave me the whole gambit of emotions.

This is another book that am sad. I can’t read again for the first time.

[Queen Reviews]

I actually, am quite speechless. I had to wait awhile before I wrote this review because I don't know how I managed to pick this one up and devoured it like I did but wow....that's all I have. I will be doing a video spoiler review because that's literally the only way I can think of to do a review without it being like 6 pages long. Most of what happens in this book can't even be talked about without spoiling. Just know that this is one of those books where if you have triggers with some themes in dark romance, then you might not even want to pick this up. This was dark but I liked it. I kinda guessed some things but others caught me by surprise. You have to see this one through if you start reading this. You can't let something like what you THINK is happening stop you from continuing. I definitely am adding this author to the ones I need to read their backlog...but I'll have to space it out because this right HERE? Whew. In other words I definitely recommend this book to dark romance lovers and dark romance lovers only.

[Paige Elizabeth]

This book will take you for a loop you never saw coming. This book was not a book I would have ever picked for myself, but I received in through a book box subscription. This book took me a while to get through. This book was good, but it was not great in my eyes. I loved the romance, but this is a dark romance. I thought I was into dark romance, but after this book, I am not sure. This book does have a lot of great parts, but the twists you encounter are just mind boggling. If you like being taken on a roller coaster, this is your read. If you like dark, this is for you. This book is for mature audiences.

[Just-j]

This book was a roller coaster of emotions, but loved it! Hunter and Cat’s story broke me due to the tragedy that happened to their two beautiful children, and the trauma Cat had to live through. Hunter also endured a lot of the pain of surviving, and holding everything together. Top it off with finding out Hunter may be just like another stereotypical male confusing lust with love by claiming to also have feelings for other women! I can’t help liking Hunter though. He has his deeply caring side but, he also has a carnal side which makes for good spicy scenes!!! In the end, with tears in my eyes, I was pieced back together. Read the Trigger Warnings first though.

[renebooo]

i don't usually write reviews but i feel like i should write one. first of that plot?!! i don't usually read books with a cheating trope but marriage in crisis has always ticked my reading meter to automatic 3 stars anyways Hunter St. James had just set a new record for top book boyfriend and husband like im sorry he had just wiped the floor with your other contenders way too easily and to Caterina she might be a fictional character but she got me praying and wishing her all the good things in life. Everybody should give this book a chance before judging it through teasers or other reviews like when we say plot twist this book put the P and T on fcking plot twist.

[Katelynn | booksareadoorway]

If you are put off by the cheating trope, this book is not what it seems. There are some very dark topics covered in this book. Check the trigger warnings.

This book was dark, suspenseful, and emotional. It will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. Hunter & Cat have a seemingly good life to outsiders looking in, but they are both harboring secrets. When the unraveling of the threads of their lives begin to show, their secrets are revealed. You will go through a journey while reading this book. I recommend having tissues nearby.

[Alyson Munion]

I loved this. I had a good idea of what the situation was mostly because I have read a few books with the subject involved. But I was actually surprised to see the extent it was. I had a feeling about who the main protagonist was going to be but it came with a little twist that I did not see coming. Overall this was an excellent read and it was 5⭐️ for me! Also, for those who refuse to read because the description insinuates cheating.. read it anyways. I promise you’ll understand in the end