What do you think?
Rate this book
Scary Beautiful
Chloe Rand's life is great.
She has a serious boyfriend, she's about to start her junior year of high school, and she has a tight group of girlfriends. But when her boyfriend moves across the country and decides the long-distance-relationship thing just isn't for him, Chloe's devastated. Worse, she soon learns that when you're the prettiest girl in school and totally unattached, everyone starts treating you differently. Girls don't trust you, guys aren't sure what to make of you, and everyone assumes you're either spoiled, dumb, or both.
Chloe realizes that she's been living the last few years in a bubble and decides to do something about it. But when she falls for Billy, a total geek, will it make her situation better...or worse?
Scary Beautiful
A Romantic Comedy for every girl who has fallen for the wrong guy
264 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2005
7 people are currently reading
1316 people want to read
About the author
Niki Burnham
15 books263 followersNiki Burnham is the pseudonym of romance author Nicole Burnham.
You can subscribe to Nicole's newsletter for reader bonuses and the latest news by visiting https://nicoleburnham.com/new-events/
---
NOTE FROM NICOLE: My Goodreads library is by no means comprehensive. I have thousands of books on my real (as opposed to my Goodreads) bookshelves. However, my Goodreads library only contains those books I'd give four or five stars and would recommend to friends without hesitation (and I haven't even gotten around to listing all those yet!)
You can subscribe to Nicole's newsletter for reader bonuses and the latest news by visiting https://nicoleburnham.com/new-events/
---
NOTE FROM NICOLE: My Goodreads library is by no means comprehensive. I have thousands of books on my real (as opposed to my Goodreads) bookshelves. However, my Goodreads library only contains those books I'd give four or five stars and would recommend to friends without hesitation (and I haven't even gotten around to listing all those yet!)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 15, 2017
July 21, 2017
This book was SO CUTE!!! Like SERIOUSLY, it was a lot of girl drama about boys, but I REALLY enjoyed it. While I don't EXACTLY know what Chloe has to go through on a daily basis with people always judging her based on how beautiful she is, I appreciated the you-can't-judge-a-book-by-its-cover thing. And Billy (HORRIBLE NAME) was SUUUUUPER ADORABLE!!!! I ♥ Nerds....
Also about ALL THAT down there that I wrote previously. There IS a book where a girl falls in love with her math tutor, because I very distinctly remember reading that book. It is not, however, THIS book. Different book. I wish I knew which book that was, cuz I'd like to read it again......
September 22, 2009
I read this book, then read the review from when I added this book to goodreads, and went, "HUH??? Was I on heavy medication when I wrote this?" Previously, I had written that it's about a beautiful girl who falls in love with her math tutor. Ummm... try again, Sara!
So, what this book is about is a girl named Chloe, who is really beautiful and people make judgments about her based on that: that she's snotty, thinks she's too good for other people, etc., when in REALITY, she's just shy and wishes people would notice her for something OTHER than her looks for once! At the beginning of the book, her long-term boyfriend (Sean) has just broken up with her (he's moving cross-country) and she's devastated. But she realizes that so much of what she was before was just Sean's girlfriend, you know? She didn't have a complete identity of her own.
So the book is about her finding her very own niche, making new friends (like Billy, who is a cute nerd (PHYSICS, not math, and there's no tutoring involved)), and learning how to be happy just being herself, and not worrying so much about what other people think about her. It was really cute.
This book was SO CUTE!!! Like SERIOUSLY, it was a lot of girl drama about boys, but I REALLY enjoyed it. While I don't EXACTLY know what Chloe has to go through on a daily basis with people always judging her based on how beautiful she is, I appreciated the you-can't-judge-a-book-by-its-cover thing. And Billy (HORRIBLE NAME) was SUUUUUPER ADORABLE!!!! I ♥ Nerds....
Also about ALL THAT down there that I wrote previously. There IS a book where a girl falls in love with her math tutor, because I very distinctly remember reading that book. It is not, however, THIS book. Different book. I wish I knew which book that was, cuz I'd like to read it again......
September 22, 2009
I read this book, then read the review from when I added this book to goodreads, and went, "HUH??? Was I on heavy medication when I wrote this?" Previously, I had written that it's about a beautiful girl who falls in love with her math tutor. Ummm... try again, Sara!
So, what this book is about is a girl named Chloe, who is really beautiful and people make judgments about her based on that: that she's snotty, thinks she's too good for other people, etc., when in REALITY, she's just shy and wishes people would notice her for something OTHER than her looks for once! At the beginning of the book, her long-term boyfriend (Sean) has just broken up with her (he's moving cross-country) and she's devastated. But she realizes that so much of what she was before was just Sean's girlfriend, you know? She didn't have a complete identity of her own.
So the book is about her finding her very own niche, making new friends (like Billy, who is a cute nerd (PHYSICS, not math, and there's no tutoring involved)), and learning how to be happy just being herself, and not worrying so much about what other people think about her. It was really cute.
March 4, 2016
I found the beginning to be really silly. I just thought it was ridiculous her being so distraught over her boyfriend breaking up with her. It just took me time to get into the book with all the boy talk. It took me about half way though the book to really become interested.
It becomes interesting when Chloe starts to become friends with Billy. Although, it does get kind of slow and boring again after Billy and Chloe talk about them hanging out and the assumptions they made. A good chunk goes by before it becomes interesting again
The drama that is caused later on makes the book even more interesting. I just liked all the conflict happening in her relationship, especially with her friends.
Afterwards, it was nice to hear everyone's story and have some secrets revealed. It was just interesting getting things all out in the open. I also thought that Billy was really sweet what he did for Chloe and what he said to her.
It becomes interesting when Chloe starts to become friends with Billy. Although, it does get kind of slow and boring again after Billy and Chloe talk about them hanging out and the assumptions they made. A good chunk goes by before it becomes interesting again
The drama that is caused later on makes the book even more interesting. I just liked all the conflict happening in her relationship, especially with her friends.
Afterwards, it was nice to hear everyone's story and have some secrets revealed. It was just interesting getting things all out in the open. I also thought that Billy was really sweet what he did for Chloe and what he said to her.
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Andie Z. for TeensReadToo.com
Chloe Rand seems to have the perfect life. She's about to start her junior year of high school, she has a great boyfriend and a close group of girlfriends, and she's incredibly gorgeous. But when her boyfriend moves across the country, dumping her at the airport right before he leaves, everything seems to fall apart.
Now Chloe realizes that being a stunningly beautiful, suddenly single girl at high school isn't easy. Guys aren't sure how to treat her, girls don't trust her, and Chloe's junior year isn't going at all as planned.
Chloe decides to take charge of her own life and get out of the bubble she's been living in, but when the first thing she does is fall for Billy, who is a complete geek and totally out of the range of the "old Chloe," will it make things easier, or harder?
I've really enjoyed all of the Simon Romantic Comedies, particularly Niki Burnham's other contributions, and SCARY BEAUTIFUL is no exception. It's a great book that really challenges the "popular girl" stereotypes, and teens are sure to have fun reading it.
Chloe Rand seems to have the perfect life. She's about to start her junior year of high school, she has a great boyfriend and a close group of girlfriends, and she's incredibly gorgeous. But when her boyfriend moves across the country, dumping her at the airport right before he leaves, everything seems to fall apart.
Now Chloe realizes that being a stunningly beautiful, suddenly single girl at high school isn't easy. Guys aren't sure how to treat her, girls don't trust her, and Chloe's junior year isn't going at all as planned.
Chloe decides to take charge of her own life and get out of the bubble she's been living in, but when the first thing she does is fall for Billy, who is a complete geek and totally out of the range of the "old Chloe," will it make things easier, or harder?
I've really enjoyed all of the Simon Romantic Comedies, particularly Niki Burnham's other contributions, and SCARY BEAUTIFUL is no exception. It's a great book that really challenges the "popular girl" stereotypes, and teens are sure to have fun reading it.
October 31, 2018
I liked this one it felt pretty realistic in terms of high school drama.
August 15, 2024
owned it when i was a kid, re-read before donating
September 1, 2010
I really really liked this story. It's definitely more of a four and half. What I thought at first would be vapid and silly turned into something a little deeper. I mean, it's not East of Eden deep but it has a great message.
What is that message? That while being in love is one of the most fantastic things in this world and being pretty is a good thing, what's more important is to be liked for who we are inside and that we remember the importance of friends.
Scary Beautiful is the story of Chloe, a sweet, beautiful girl who's been dating the same wonderful guy ever since seventh grade. However, when Sean's family moves away and he breaks up with her Chloe is left in the lurch not really sure who she is any more. What she finds is that she can not only meet another boy who doesn't just like her due to her looks, gives her the space she needs to be herself, and makes her heart race, but that she needs to make time for herself and her friend.
What I didn't like about the story: Chloe's friends. Drama drama drama. I would have told them all to take a hike. However, I get that they are young and made a mistake.
What I loved: The growing relationship between Billy and Chloe. And while some might feel the ending fell short, I think that's what I loved the most about this book.
I would LOVE a sequel to this story.
What is that message? That while being in love is one of the most fantastic things in this world and being pretty is a good thing, what's more important is to be liked for who we are inside and that we remember the importance of friends.
Scary Beautiful is the story of Chloe, a sweet, beautiful girl who's been dating the same wonderful guy ever since seventh grade. However, when Sean's family moves away and he breaks up with her Chloe is left in the lurch not really sure who she is any more. What she finds is that she can not only meet another boy who doesn't just like her due to her looks, gives her the space she needs to be herself, and makes her heart race, but that she needs to make time for herself and her friend.
What I didn't like about the story: Chloe's friends. Drama drama drama. I would have told them all to take a hike. However, I get that they are young and made a mistake.
What I loved: The growing relationship between Billy and Chloe. And while some might feel the ending fell short, I think that's what I loved the most about this book.
I would LOVE a sequel to this story.
May 9, 2012
I loved every word of this book! I could not put it down. I love the big message in the book about stereotyping.Definitely an important message for everyone, especially in High School. And the way its addressed in the book is great! Not so preachy but seen from another side.
Summer is at an end and Chole's 2 year relationship with her boyfriend, Sean, comes to an end unexpectatly when Sean moves across the country. Now her no longer being part of a couple she starts seeing herself as a whole new person. Her friends on the other hand are pushing her to get back with her ex and try the long distance thing. But is her new found self better than she was just seen as Sean's girl friend? or does it have something to do with the mysterious guy from her fave pizza hangout?
I completely enjoyed reading this book. The events and characters are very realistic. And I can not wait to read this one again!
Summer is at an end and Chole's 2 year relationship with her boyfriend, Sean, comes to an end unexpectatly when Sean moves across the country. Now her no longer being part of a couple she starts seeing herself as a whole new person. Her friends on the other hand are pushing her to get back with her ex and try the long distance thing. But is her new found self better than she was just seen as Sean's girl friend? or does it have something to do with the mysterious guy from her fave pizza hangout?
I completely enjoyed reading this book. The events and characters are very realistic. And I can not wait to read this one again!
May 3, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book, but it was a bit unrealistic in some parts. And the emphasis on Chloe’s struggle for being beautiful came across as a bit annoying at times. But overall, a quick light read.
August 1, 2017
I liked this main character, but her friends were kind of assholes. But again, another fun and fluffy summer read!
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
April 12, 2018
A struggle
October 31, 2020
This book sucks. So much unnecessary dramas.
August 10, 2022
Really enjoyed this light reading and their chemistry and how it build up.
December 31, 2024
A quick feel good read. Nothing unique or spectacular about it.
June 11, 2010
This book was super over done and over the top. The fact that it was targeted towards a younger audience might be the reason why.
I expected a cheesy romance novel. Not a book about how horrible and dramatic the main character's life is, especially when the character seemed extremely boring, mature and too stuck in the "safe-zone". I think I would rather have a book where the main character has it real, then where she receives the ideal. It's like, everything that happens, from the best friends hating her, to the ex-boyfriend falling back in love, to the best friend loving the ex-boyfriend and then the best friend falling for the MC's cross country runner buddy.
It was too predictable. It was already done. It's totally unrealistic. I mean, I know girls who are mature, who are smart, who are pretty, who all seem to have the perfect lives and are sensitive, sweet and kind. Who don't deal with this type of drama, but when it comes up, they'd fight tooth and claw to get things back to where they were before. This main character, on the other hand, got depressed and over-the-top dramatic over some guy that never really exists in the book.
I think it might've been better if the main character wasn't a junior, but instead a freshman, since it'd make so much more sense. No junior I know would act so stupid, so careless, so naïve as to actually fall for the same mistakes that the main character did. A freshman might, in the stereotypical TV-land that this book is set in. Heck, a freshman might actually do ten times worse than the main character, and lie on the floor kicking and screaming until things get better.
I think I might've loved this type of book when I was in middle school, but now that I'm older, I think if I ever had relationship "issues" like this, I wouldn't even notice. Not saying that I'm being insensitive right now, or that the situations within the book are impossible. It's just that if all this stuff ended up this way, there'd be cat-fighting, there'd be drama but there'd be absolutely no cutesy fairy tale ending.
If I could tell you how dry I thought the writing was, I think I'd spend a good hour on it. Don't get me wrong, I actually like the material within it. Just, it was too simplified, too silly. Burnham was writing a pre-teen drama with broken crayons and a nine-year-old's vocabulary. If it wasn't for that, I would've liked the cheesy romance, the silly drama and the incredibly ignorant/naïve main character.
It was like really good cereal without the milk, the spoon, the marshmallows, the bowl and the sugar.
I want my weekend back.
I expected a cheesy romance novel. Not a book about how horrible and dramatic the main character's life is, especially when the character seemed extremely boring, mature and too stuck in the "safe-zone". I think I would rather have a book where the main character has it real, then where she receives the ideal. It's like, everything that happens, from the best friends hating her, to the ex-boyfriend falling back in love, to the best friend loving the ex-boyfriend and then the best friend falling for the MC's cross country runner buddy.
It was too predictable. It was already done. It's totally unrealistic. I mean, I know girls who are mature, who are smart, who are pretty, who all seem to have the perfect lives and are sensitive, sweet and kind. Who don't deal with this type of drama, but when it comes up, they'd fight tooth and claw to get things back to where they were before. This main character, on the other hand, got depressed and over-the-top dramatic over some guy that never really exists in the book.
I think it might've been better if the main character wasn't a junior, but instead a freshman, since it'd make so much more sense. No junior I know would act so stupid, so careless, so naïve as to actually fall for the same mistakes that the main character did. A freshman might, in the stereotypical TV-land that this book is set in. Heck, a freshman might actually do ten times worse than the main character, and lie on the floor kicking and screaming until things get better.
I think I might've loved this type of book when I was in middle school, but now that I'm older, I think if I ever had relationship "issues" like this, I wouldn't even notice. Not saying that I'm being insensitive right now, or that the situations within the book are impossible. It's just that if all this stuff ended up this way, there'd be cat-fighting, there'd be drama but there'd be absolutely no cutesy fairy tale ending.
If I could tell you how dry I thought the writing was, I think I'd spend a good hour on it. Don't get me wrong, I actually like the material within it. Just, it was too simplified, too silly. Burnham was writing a pre-teen drama with broken crayons and a nine-year-old's vocabulary. If it wasn't for that, I would've liked the cheesy romance, the silly drama and the incredibly ignorant/naïve main character.
It was like really good cereal without the milk, the spoon, the marshmallows, the bowl and the sugar.
I want my weekend back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2013
This is a book I first read some years back. I remember that this book was incredibly high on my wishlist, I had stumbled upon at the used bookstore and I was really excited to read it. When I picked it up earlier this week, I forgot that I had been slightly disappointed by it the first time. Don't get me wrong, this book is incredibly cute, but it hadn't been what I had wanted back then.
From the description you would think that this is going to be a cute little romance novel about Chloe and Billy, however, the "romance" actually takes a backseat to the drama that is Chloe, her friends, and kind of her ex (I say kind of because he's not really directly the problem here either). Which is where most of my disappointment comes from, I'm expecting this possible awkward romance between a somewhat popular girl trying to get over her ex and a geek. And, we get a girl getting over her ex dealing with her girlfriends who really only know how not to talk their problems out. Oh and then there's that guy... whose supposed to be important, but we only see him every so often.
If I wasn't expecting a "romantic comedy" because it wasn't very romantic or funny, I would have probably been less disappointed. That is my word for this book "disappointed". Still it was cute, and you have to give Chloe her props for trying to find herself after her long-term boyfriend breaks up with her. This isn't even just a "high school girl" sort of problem. She handled this well I think, she didn't wallow in self-pity like some people/characters do after their significant others breakup with them. It was also a really quick read, I think I finished it in only a handful of hours.
There is one more thing that bothered me. We are reminded every so often (more often than we see Billy), that Chloe is just so PRETTY. Now, I've actually always been confused by this whenever I come upon this in the media, why women are always portrayed this way? That we hate women who are prettier than us? I don't know if it's because I grew up with brothers. But I personally have always gotten along better with other women as opposed to be men, no matter how much prettier they are than me (than again appearance has never really mattered to me). So the fact that Chloe and her friends think that the other girls hate Chloe now because she's so PRETTY and SINGLE now, kind of baffled me.
From the description you would think that this is going to be a cute little romance novel about Chloe and Billy, however, the "romance" actually takes a backseat to the drama that is Chloe, her friends, and kind of her ex (I say kind of because he's not really directly the problem here either). Which is where most of my disappointment comes from, I'm expecting this possible awkward romance between a somewhat popular girl trying to get over her ex and a geek. And, we get a girl getting over her ex dealing with her girlfriends who really only know how not to talk their problems out. Oh and then there's that guy... whose supposed to be important, but we only see him every so often.
If I wasn't expecting a "romantic comedy" because it wasn't very romantic or funny, I would have probably been less disappointed. That is my word for this book "disappointed". Still it was cute, and you have to give Chloe her props for trying to find herself after her long-term boyfriend breaks up with her. This isn't even just a "high school girl" sort of problem. She handled this well I think, she didn't wallow in self-pity like some people/characters do after their significant others breakup with them. It was also a really quick read, I think I finished it in only a handful of hours.
There is one more thing that bothered me. We are reminded every so often (more often than we see Billy), that Chloe is just so PRETTY. Now, I've actually always been confused by this whenever I come upon this in the media, why women are always portrayed this way? That we hate women who are prettier than us? I don't know if it's because I grew up with brothers. But I personally have always gotten along better with other women as opposed to be men, no matter how much prettier they are than me (than again appearance has never really mattered to me). So the fact that Chloe and her friends think that the other girls hate Chloe now because she's so PRETTY and SINGLE now, kind of baffled me.
December 19, 2016
“Scary beautiful” is how people describe Chloe Rand, the heroine of this 2006 romance by Niki Burnham. Until recently, her relationship with her boyfriend has kept the other boys in her class at bay, but when he unceremoniously dumps her and moves across the country, she finds herself being treated very differently by her classmates. Being an attractive single girl invites all kinds of rumors and insults. The only plus side of Chloe’s newly single status, aside from lots of free time to spend with her friends, is that it frees her up to flirt with Billy, the cute geeky boy working at the pizza shop. There’s just one catch - one of Chloe’s best friends is already interested in Billy. Will she understand Chloe’s feelings, or will Chloe lose her friends along with her boyfriend?
I can’t get enough of Niki Burnham! There is just something about her writing style that makes me want to devour her books in one sitting. This one is especially refreshing because it characterizes a beautiful girl as more than a mere Barbie doll, or popular mean girl. While I think most girls are annoyed by beautiful women who lament their good looks, Chloe is not annoying, and the reader comes to sympathize with her particular set of issues. Billy is also my kind of romantic hero - the nice boy who blends in the background until you notice how cute he really is.
I noticed some commonalities with the Royally Crushed trilogy I read a while ago. The biggest one is that the protagonists in both stories have a core group of supportive friends from whom they keep secrets for fear of being misunderstood. I also noticed that both girls are torn between love interests, and that each one seems to prefer the boy who is less likely to return her feelings. These are themes I enjoy in YA fiction, and I think Niki Burnham has a real knack for presenting them with just the right amount of drama to engage tween and young teen readers.
Scary Beautiful is great for pleasure reading, and is sure to appeal to middle school girls who also like Lauren Barnholdt, Lauren Myracle, and Rachel Vail.
I can’t get enough of Niki Burnham! There is just something about her writing style that makes me want to devour her books in one sitting. This one is especially refreshing because it characterizes a beautiful girl as more than a mere Barbie doll, or popular mean girl. While I think most girls are annoyed by beautiful women who lament their good looks, Chloe is not annoying, and the reader comes to sympathize with her particular set of issues. Billy is also my kind of romantic hero - the nice boy who blends in the background until you notice how cute he really is.
I noticed some commonalities with the Royally Crushed trilogy I read a while ago. The biggest one is that the protagonists in both stories have a core group of supportive friends from whom they keep secrets for fear of being misunderstood. I also noticed that both girls are torn between love interests, and that each one seems to prefer the boy who is less likely to return her feelings. These are themes I enjoy in YA fiction, and I think Niki Burnham has a real knack for presenting them with just the right amount of drama to engage tween and young teen readers.
Scary Beautiful is great for pleasure reading, and is sure to appeal to middle school girls who also like Lauren Barnholdt, Lauren Myracle, and Rachel Vail.
September 8, 2013
Extraordinarily beautiful girls have their problems, too, it appears. Even though Chloe has been dumped by her boyfriend, everybody around her assumes she’ll immediately start hitting on other guys. Even her best friends aren’t immune to this mistake. “Scary Beautiful” has much that is scary about it and little that is beautiful.
I found myself increasingly irritated with these people as the story progressed. They spent an inordinate amount of time chatting about boys, gossiping about other people and being overly engrossed with Chloe’s breakup. It seems that at least a couple of her friends were suffering from insecurity that Chloe might go after their boyfriends or potential boyfriends and this was causing them to turn mean and bitter. Wonderful traits to read about in your main characters.
Her “new” boyfriend was also suspect. Bill was very sweet, an attribute actually stated by Chloe herself, and that made him a tad boring. He was also supposed to be a geek but, other than a mention of striving to disprove part of Einstein’s theory of relativity, his nerdiness was dispensed with rather quickly. He also was the only one in Chloe’s circle who seemed to have his head screwed on straight about her.
This was what I found most appalling. Chloe’s long-time friends came off as backbiting cows easily swayed by evil wagging tongues and quick to turn on her once she no longer had a boyfriend. It’s as if being free to search out new love interests immediately turned her into a man-stealing cow that could no longer be trusted. With friends like this, who needs Rush Limbaugh?
Even though the novel ended on a note of hope, it was far too ambiguous. It might as well have written “SEQUEL COMING SOON” on the last page in great big letters. If so, I for one can’t be bothered with it.
I found myself increasingly irritated with these people as the story progressed. They spent an inordinate amount of time chatting about boys, gossiping about other people and being overly engrossed with Chloe’s breakup. It seems that at least a couple of her friends were suffering from insecurity that Chloe might go after their boyfriends or potential boyfriends and this was causing them to turn mean and bitter. Wonderful traits to read about in your main characters.
Her “new” boyfriend was also suspect. Bill was very sweet, an attribute actually stated by Chloe herself, and that made him a tad boring. He was also supposed to be a geek but, other than a mention of striving to disprove part of Einstein’s theory of relativity, his nerdiness was dispensed with rather quickly. He also was the only one in Chloe’s circle who seemed to have his head screwed on straight about her.
This was what I found most appalling. Chloe’s long-time friends came off as backbiting cows easily swayed by evil wagging tongues and quick to turn on her once she no longer had a boyfriend. It’s as if being free to search out new love interests immediately turned her into a man-stealing cow that could no longer be trusted. With friends like this, who needs Rush Limbaugh?
Even though the novel ended on a note of hope, it was far too ambiguous. It might as well have written “SEQUEL COMING SOON” on the last page in great big letters. If so, I for one can’t be bothered with it.
December 29, 2010
How cute is that cover? It is so playful and perfect for a young adult read! I was looking for a quick read when I came across this book on my bookshelf. These Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy line of books remind me of a Harlequin nook geared for teens. They are predictable, a fun romance and characters that are fun.
While I have read many books where the teen is the ugly duckling of the school, this is a first for me where we get to read from the beautiful and popular girls perspective. Chloe is that girl that we all love to hate in high school. She is scary beautiful, can have any guy she wants, and she is popular to boot. What makes this different and the character likable, is the fact that she hates being the pretty girl in school. She has just been dumped by her boyfriend of two years, realizing she has spent those two years closed off from her friends, and trying to rediscover who she is.
Billy is the geek she would never have noticed before. He is kind, cute, but part of the nerd crowd. He is very smart, yet also fun to be around. Chloe starts to fall for Billy and wants to hang around him more. The only thing is her best friend Rachel has had her eye on him as well. Now Chloe has to decide if friendship is more important than the boy.
While I thought the book was predictable, I actually enjoyed this book. It was fun and quick, but told a story as well with a great pace. I liked how down to Earth Chloe was and Billy was such a sweetheart. I love how the author put a new spin on the cliche of outer beauty vs. inner beauty. A great read to add to your list of books!
While I have read many books where the teen is the ugly duckling of the school, this is a first for me where we get to read from the beautiful and popular girls perspective. Chloe is that girl that we all love to hate in high school. She is scary beautiful, can have any guy she wants, and she is popular to boot. What makes this different and the character likable, is the fact that she hates being the pretty girl in school. She has just been dumped by her boyfriend of two years, realizing she has spent those two years closed off from her friends, and trying to rediscover who she is.
Billy is the geek she would never have noticed before. He is kind, cute, but part of the nerd crowd. He is very smart, yet also fun to be around. Chloe starts to fall for Billy and wants to hang around him more. The only thing is her best friend Rachel has had her eye on him as well. Now Chloe has to decide if friendship is more important than the boy.
While I thought the book was predictable, I actually enjoyed this book. It was fun and quick, but told a story as well with a great pace. I liked how down to Earth Chloe was and Billy was such a sweetheart. I love how the author put a new spin on the cliche of outer beauty vs. inner beauty. A great read to add to your list of books!
November 17, 2015
Book Review: SCARY BEAUTIFUL by Niki Burnham
Published by Nicole Burnham
Subjects: Adolescents fiction, love stories and school stories.
Scray Beautiful is the romance story written by Niki Burnham. Chloe Rand the main character of the story has the perfect life. The girl has a serious boyfriend and she is starting her junior year of high school. She has tight group of girlfriends. More over girl is incredibly gorgeous. One day when her boyfriend decided to move across the country, dumping her at the airport right before he leaves, everything seems to fall apart.
I’ve really enjoyed all of the Simon Romantic Comedies, particularly Niki Burnham’s other contributions, and Scray Beautiful is no exception. I think many people think that beautiful girls are always lucky and can easily find an attention of boys but Chloe Rand who has proved people wrong with one sixth grade incident that led to a whole lot of unwanted attention and labelled her a snob for life.
The language used in the book is very simple and can understand by the Adolescents. No difficult vocabulary used that reader can’t understand.
Published by Nicole Burnham
Subjects: Adolescents fiction, love stories and school stories.
Scray Beautiful is the romance story written by Niki Burnham. Chloe Rand the main character of the story has the perfect life. The girl has a serious boyfriend and she is starting her junior year of high school. She has tight group of girlfriends. More over girl is incredibly gorgeous. One day when her boyfriend decided to move across the country, dumping her at the airport right before he leaves, everything seems to fall apart.
I’ve really enjoyed all of the Simon Romantic Comedies, particularly Niki Burnham’s other contributions, and Scray Beautiful is no exception. I think many people think that beautiful girls are always lucky and can easily find an attention of boys but Chloe Rand who has proved people wrong with one sixth grade incident that led to a whole lot of unwanted attention and labelled her a snob for life.
The language used in the book is very simple and can understand by the Adolescents. No difficult vocabulary used that reader can’t understand.
Read
March 31, 2023Reviewed for TeensReadToo
Chloe Rand seems to have the perfect life. She’s about to start her junior year of high school, she has a great boyfriend and a close group of girlfriends, and she’s incredibly gorgeous. But when her boyfriend moves across the country, dumping her at the airport right before he leaves, everything seems to fall apart.
Now Chloe realizes that being a stunningly beautiful, suddenly single girl at high school isn’t easy. Guys aren’t sure how to treat her, girls don’t trust her, and Chloe’s junior year isn’t going at all as planned.
Chloe decides to take charge of her own life and get out of the bubble she’s been living in, but when the first thing she does is fall for Billy, who is a complete geek and totally out of the range of the “old Chloe,” will it make things easier, or harder?
I’ve really enjoyed all of the Simon Romantic Comedies, particularly Niki Burnham’s other contributions, and SCARY BEAUTIFUL is no exception. It’s a great book that really challenges the “popular girl” stereotypes, and teens are sure to have fun reading it.
Chloe Rand seems to have the perfect life. She’s about to start her junior year of high school, she has a great boyfriend and a close group of girlfriends, and she’s incredibly gorgeous. But when her boyfriend moves across the country, dumping her at the airport right before he leaves, everything seems to fall apart.
Now Chloe realizes that being a stunningly beautiful, suddenly single girl at high school isn’t easy. Guys aren’t sure how to treat her, girls don’t trust her, and Chloe’s junior year isn’t going at all as planned.
Chloe decides to take charge of her own life and get out of the bubble she’s been living in, but when the first thing she does is fall for Billy, who is a complete geek and totally out of the range of the “old Chloe,” will it make things easier, or harder?
I’ve really enjoyed all of the Simon Romantic Comedies, particularly Niki Burnham’s other contributions, and SCARY BEAUTIFUL is no exception. It’s a great book that really challenges the “popular girl” stereotypes, and teens are sure to have fun reading it.
June 12, 2008
i like this funny comedy because this book basically gives off the message that looks aren't everything. in this book, Chole, a popular girl in shcool and also teh prettiest girl, broke up with her popular boyfriend and immmediatly becomes teh rival of all the other girls and also her friends. she soon discovers from teh nerd of teh scooh, Peter that looks are not ever as important as everything else becasue it's about being who you are that really counts. in teh end, Chole learn so much more about being herself and to many's surprise, got with Peter, a nerd with glasses.
February 5, 2015
This was a good book. I sometimes revert back to my high school drama books that have predictable endings just when my life seems difficult and I need a fun distraction. This was a good book. It seemed really short and more predictable than usual. Also the title is weird, the main character is described as Scary Beautiful once, but I feel like a title like that should lead to more drama than the few pages that it contained. It just felt rushed and abrupt, I want to know what happened to other characters that were never mentioned again...
October 29, 2009
What I notice about the author is that he makes the girl feel good about herself.
I think that really is a great book to help a person feel good about themselves .I defiantly advice this book if your really down about
Something in your life and once again this book is about a girl that wanted to make a change in her life and in her. That it has a wonderful ending this is also a good book if you’re the person to like things in the book to pop and be shocked about
I think that really is a great book to help a person feel good about themselves .I defiantly advice this book if your really down about
Something in your life and once again this book is about a girl that wanted to make a change in her life and in her. That it has a wonderful ending this is also a good book if you’re the person to like things in the book to pop and be shocked about
September 23, 2013
Unlike the character in this book, I did not secretly love the first day of school. I never had that problem of being so beautiful no one thought of what else I might be like. And I never had the friends she did that were just so darn supportive they'd drop everything and go to the pizza place to talk about it.
And can I point out that I am from Boulder. And Woo Woo's Pizza does not exist. What a stupid name.
Same with Vista Verde, although I think that's a high school in Longmont.
rar.
And can I point out that I am from Boulder. And Woo Woo's Pizza does not exist. What a stupid name.
Same with Vista Verde, although I think that's a high school in Longmont.
rar.
March 28, 2016
Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies are always a fun read. These books are not necessarily the best written novels but the stories are always fun and you know you will get a happy ending. I think some adult romances could take a note from these books b/c they are characterized well which is much of the battle in writing any novel since you want your characters, for the most part, to be endearing and relatable.
May 29, 2008
i found this book a little clique. Its your typical teen tv drama kind of book, thats why i gave it 3 stars. It had nice twist in it though but it was pretty exaggerated, like how the main girl was the girl that all the guys want because she's beautiful and nice. The character felt a little like a pain in the butt and unrealistic but all in all it was a entertaining read.
March 27, 2008
I give it a three because I was so happy to finally be done with Wild Swans and read something light and fast. This book took less than 3 hours, so it fulfilled both those requirements. It was an okay story, but not the greatest. Also, it had too much profanity for me (ie. more than one word). If you have nothing else to read and want a mindless teenage romance, this book is for you.
December 2, 2008
I read a number of the novels published by the Simon Pulse imprint last year, and I'd have to say that I still like Niki Burnham's the best. Scary Beautiful felt like the right level of fun combined with reasonably accurate as far as how catty high school girls can be to each other. Plus, I'm a sucker for a cheesy teen romance.
April 26, 2011
Chloe is gorgeous and she always gets comments about her beauty. It embarrases her and she wishes people wouldn't judge her on her beauty. When Sean her boyfriend for 2 1/2 years moves 2,000 miles away he decides to call things off. Now Chloe is discovering the person that she really is.
Chloe is a very likable character. I was annoyed with her friends. The book was enjoyable.
Chloe is a very likable character. I was annoyed with her friends. The book was enjoyable.
July 12, 2011
This is your basic 'girl breaks up with boyfriend and finds new guy in unlikely place' scenario. The thing that makes it different is the twist that the girl is apparently so beautiful that everyone is either threatened or intimidated by her. The story doesn't really conclude and there are some really unlikable characters in it. The entire novel just seems to be a bad message for readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews