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Beautifully Awake #2
Beautifully Done
Borrowed time Beautifully Done Asher Craig drives fast, flies high, and screws hard. But make no mistake, he’s a gentleman.He learned way too young that we’re all on borrowed time. Fair or unfair, you only get one ride. He vows to live for the moment because it’s the only time he owns. The past is beyond his control and the future may not exist. With his only loyalties being his family, he thrives for that edge where plunging over is always in the realm of possibility.When a beautiful familiar face tilts his axis, he re-examines everything and realizes that second chances are overrated and a lifetime of firsts are irreplaceable. In the end, it’s not her medical degree but his trust that needs to prove that the ride together is worth it ... until it’s Beautifully Done.***Author's note*** Contains spoilers from Beautifully Awake. We highly recommend reading Chase and Lili's story first. For readers 18+
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2014
23 people are currently reading
2235 people want to read
About the author
Riley Mackenzie
6 books716 followersRiley Mackenzie~Authors
Yep. That's an “s.” There are two of us!
We’re East coast girls separated by Long Island Sound who met in Physician Assistant School and have been besties ever since. We can safely say that thirteen miles of water does not get in the way because we talk or text, no exaggeration, at least 150 times a day. No, really, we do—about everything and nothing. Shockingly, we never (we mean never) run out of things to say. Umm, ever. We definitely laugh A LOT and we’re a tad sarcastic. And if we’re being totally honest, one or two people might have, on occasion, used our names and ‘dramatic’ in the same sentence. But it’s hard to trust the sources since they married us.
It only took twelve years, two husbands, five kids, two dogs, and a two-week vacation in Cape Cod later to decide the romance world needed a splash of medicine. Write what you know.
So you can easily find us at 4 o'clock on Bank Street beach with a glass of cold Prosecco brainstorming. And guaranteed if we bump into you, literally, it’s only because our iPhones are glued to our hands (totally out of our control) either writing or editing our next novel (and yes, it is possible to do from your iPhone, we mastered it … damn those straight quotations).
When we are not working on our book or reading the latest angsty romance on our kindles, you basically name it and we have it going on. Soccer, lacrosse, golf, swimming, dance, gymnastics, football, chess, baseball, basketball, skiing, ice skating, school, homework, and more school.
Oh yeah, did we forget to mention our careers in medicine?
Needless to say, we realized fast that something had to go, so we opted for sleep. It’s completely overrated (yet so AMAZING) and delirium makes everything funnier. Good thing we share a brain and can pretty much complete each other’s sentences (definitely weird, we know), otherwise it might have taken us two years to write Beautifully Awake rather than one.
So that’s our story, who we are … just add AUTHORS to the list!
Yep. That's an “s.” There are two of us!
We’re East coast girls separated by Long Island Sound who met in Physician Assistant School and have been besties ever since. We can safely say that thirteen miles of water does not get in the way because we talk or text, no exaggeration, at least 150 times a day. No, really, we do—about everything and nothing. Shockingly, we never (we mean never) run out of things to say. Umm, ever. We definitely laugh A LOT and we’re a tad sarcastic. And if we’re being totally honest, one or two people might have, on occasion, used our names and ‘dramatic’ in the same sentence. But it’s hard to trust the sources since they married us.
It only took twelve years, two husbands, five kids, two dogs, and a two-week vacation in Cape Cod later to decide the romance world needed a splash of medicine. Write what you know.
So you can easily find us at 4 o'clock on Bank Street beach with a glass of cold Prosecco brainstorming. And guaranteed if we bump into you, literally, it’s only because our iPhones are glued to our hands (totally out of our control) either writing or editing our next novel (and yes, it is possible to do from your iPhone, we mastered it … damn those straight quotations).
When we are not working on our book or reading the latest angsty romance on our kindles, you basically name it and we have it going on. Soccer, lacrosse, golf, swimming, dance, gymnastics, football, chess, baseball, basketball, skiing, ice skating, school, homework, and more school.
Oh yeah, did we forget to mention our careers in medicine?
Needless to say, we realized fast that something had to go, so we opted for sleep. It’s completely overrated (yet so AMAZING) and delirium makes everything funnier. Good thing we share a brain and can pretty much complete each other’s sentences (definitely weird, we know), otherwise it might have taken us two years to write Beautifully Awake rather than one.
So that’s our story, who we are … just add AUTHORS to the list!
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July 18, 2014
★★★★ 4 Stars!
Beautifully Done is the second book in the Beautifully Awake series by Riley MacKenzie and once again it was a beautifully written, gripping story about love, friendship, second chances, forgiveness and finding something worth fighting for in life. I would highly recommend reading book one, Beautifully Awake, first in order to not be spoiled and to be able to optimally follow the story.
Our hero is 37 year old lawyer, Asher Craig, who we've met as Chase's best friend in the first book of this series. As a self proclaimed player and man-whore extraordinaire he's happy with his carefree, no strings attached lifestyle. Early on in life, he's learned to never take life for granted and to enjoy every day like it's your last day on earth. But all of that changes the minute he runs into an old familiar face. Someone from his past who makes him want to reevaluate his life and start thinking about more than just his never-ending string of one night stands.
Talia Prince was once a happy, carefree daredevil who enjoyed life to the fullest but all of that changed when her best friend died. After that, she closed herself off from everyone around her and decided to become a new and different person. Deep down though, she’s still the girl Asher once knew; the girl he called his best friend. And being together, being friends again starts to bring back more and more of that carefree girl.
Asher and Talia's relationship is one that starts out very slowly but that, mainly because of their rich history, grows very intense and deep. Their past is a solid foundation for their future but it also sometimes brings up painful memories that come back to haunt them time and again. Together though, they’re willing to take a chance at a future filled with love and happiness. They had perfect chemistry together and I loved their funny banter filled with reminiscing about the past.
Overall, this was a perfect addition to the series with a fantastically sweet, swoon-worthy hero (whose POV I loved reading) and a strong, feisty heroine. There were some humor-filled moments as well as some very catching ones that almost made me tear up (not to mention a very emotional epilogue) and the many secondary characters, most of whom we’d already met in book one, made the story even better. This book made me an even bigger fan of author duo Riley MacKenzie and I’m already looking forward to find out what they have next in store for us! :)
**ARC generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review**
Beautifully Done is the second book in the Beautifully Awake series by Riley MacKenzie and once again it was a beautifully written, gripping story about love, friendship, second chances, forgiveness and finding something worth fighting for in life. I would highly recommend reading book one, Beautifully Awake, first in order to not be spoiled and to be able to optimally follow the story.
Our hero is 37 year old lawyer, Asher Craig, who we've met as Chase's best friend in the first book of this series. As a self proclaimed player and man-whore extraordinaire he's happy with his carefree, no strings attached lifestyle. Early on in life, he's learned to never take life for granted and to enjoy every day like it's your last day on earth. But all of that changes the minute he runs into an old familiar face. Someone from his past who makes him want to reevaluate his life and start thinking about more than just his never-ending string of one night stands.
”A relationship was the last thing on my radar. I do drinks. I do dancing, I do gentleman-like things and I fuck - period. Life was short. I wasn’t making any promises I couldn’t keep.”
Talia Prince was once a happy, carefree daredevil who enjoyed life to the fullest but all of that changed when her best friend died. After that, she closed herself off from everyone around her and decided to become a new and different person. Deep down though, she’s still the girl Asher once knew; the girl he called his best friend. And being together, being friends again starts to bring back more and more of that carefree girl.
”You’re more, and I’m starting to realize you always have been. Friends is impossible, I want more. I want you. I want everything.”
Asher and Talia's relationship is one that starts out very slowly but that, mainly because of their rich history, grows very intense and deep. Their past is a solid foundation for their future but it also sometimes brings up painful memories that come back to haunt them time and again. Together though, they’re willing to take a chance at a future filled with love and happiness. They had perfect chemistry together and I loved their funny banter filled with reminiscing about the past.
Overall, this was a perfect addition to the series with a fantastically sweet, swoon-worthy hero (whose POV I loved reading) and a strong, feisty heroine. There were some humor-filled moments as well as some very catching ones that almost made me tear up (not to mention a very emotional epilogue) and the many secondary characters, most of whom we’d already met in book one, made the story even better. This book made me an even bigger fan of author duo Riley MacKenzie and I’m already looking forward to find out what they have next in store for us! :)
"Talia and I may have a beginning and a middle, but together we had no end."
**ARC generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review**
May 5, 2017
Because Beautifully Awake and its sequel Beautifully Done are very much intertwined, this review applies to both books.
When I started reading Beautifully Awake I was instantly hooked. Holy moly this story is sexy and the attraction between the hero and heroine is sizzling and gets plenty of attention. I initially wanted to grade the first book an A but downgraded the story twice to a C- because the sequel worked with the same formula, that is WAY TOO MUCH DRAMA, HURT, INJURIES AND PAIN and too LITTLE PEACE AND HEALING.
Without any exaggeration, the pain and all the drama that the two MC couples have to endure could easily fill the books of five more couples. I will try to list all that happens in the two books in no particular order: ATTENTION, this will be full of spoilers!
When I started reading Beautifully Awake I was instantly hooked. Holy moly this story is sexy and the attraction between the hero and heroine is sizzling and gets plenty of attention. I initially wanted to grade the first book an A but downgraded the story twice to a C- because the sequel worked with the same formula, that is WAY TOO MUCH DRAMA, HURT, INJURIES AND PAIN and too LITTLE PEACE AND HEALING.
Without any exaggeration, the pain and all the drama that the two MC couples have to endure could easily fill the books of five more couples. I will try to list all that happens in the two books in no particular order: ATTENTION, this will be full of spoilers!
July 17, 2014
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Title:Beautifully Done
Series:Beautifully Awake #2
Author: Riley MacKenzie
Release Date: July 16, 2014
Rating:4 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
Initially, I was thrilled to finally get ahold of Ash's story. He's Chase's best friend and I really enjoyed him as a secondary character in Beautifully Awake. Book one was probably one of my favorite reads of the entire year last year. It was a surprise hit-I didn't have low expectations, but it was from a set of debut authors and I honestly didn't know what to expect. I took a chance on an unknown and was so impressed by their writing style and it's ability to wring the emotions out of me. So naturally, I was fully prepared to read the next book in the series. Unfortunately, the first part of this book, I had an extremely hard time getting into the story. I actually had to put the book down and come back to it but I'm so glad I did.
When I tried to figure out why I was having a problem connecting at first, I realized that I wasn't crazy about how Talia was so suddenly introduced into the story. We knew a little bit about her because she was best friends with Ash and Chase when they were teens, but at one point, she suddenly appears in the book and right away, Ash is completely smitten and trying to get close to her. I think for me, I would have liked to have seen more proof of their connection and history before we are told how deeply he feels about her. It felt too rushed to me, though I know it wasn't their first meeting. Once I got past this, I really found there was so much to enjoy about the story.
Ash was incredible. He was one of the most supportive and giving heroes I've read, despite the synopsis leading you to believe he was more of a bad boy type. I didn't see him that way at all. He's always giving generously to those he loves, he's extremely close to his friends and family, he's funny and lives life to the fullest, but because of some health issues he's had and some he fears he could have in the future, he's been afraid to allow himself to fall in love.
I wasn't that playboy anymore and she wasn't my next good time. She changed me. Or maybe she brought back who I really was.
Talia was always the "one that got away" and when he unexpectedly sees her after 19 years, it's like he's right back where he was as a teen. All those emotions, want, need, and affection he had for her comes rushing back and he finds he can't keep his distance from her like all the rest.
I had no choice, I was never saying goodbye to this girl again.
He loves her strength, her sass, and her personality meshes so perfectly with his-even though they spent many years apart, it's like they were never separated. They try to be just friends at first, but their true feelings won't allow that for long. They have such a physical connection. They had an intensity about them but at the same time, the passion was emotional-it wasn't simply lust.
I ended up enjoying this book so much-especially the epilogue. It was so perfect and I can't lie, I got teary eyed. It wasn't a traditional HEA, but then again, there wasn't much about this couple that was. They learned some important life lessons along the way. They grew, changed, and flourished together. They were each other's rock to stand on. There were a couple plot twists that really surprised me and had me turning the pages until the end. All in all, it was a great second chance book with a sweet couple, and lots of drama and action. Well worth the read.
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Title:Beautifully Done
Series:Beautifully Awake #2
Author: Riley MacKenzie
Release Date: July 16, 2014
Rating:4 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
Initially, I was thrilled to finally get ahold of Ash's story. He's Chase's best friend and I really enjoyed him as a secondary character in Beautifully Awake. Book one was probably one of my favorite reads of the entire year last year. It was a surprise hit-I didn't have low expectations, but it was from a set of debut authors and I honestly didn't know what to expect. I took a chance on an unknown and was so impressed by their writing style and it's ability to wring the emotions out of me. So naturally, I was fully prepared to read the next book in the series. Unfortunately, the first part of this book, I had an extremely hard time getting into the story. I actually had to put the book down and come back to it but I'm so glad I did.
When I tried to figure out why I was having a problem connecting at first, I realized that I wasn't crazy about how Talia was so suddenly introduced into the story. We knew a little bit about her because she was best friends with Ash and Chase when they were teens, but at one point, she suddenly appears in the book and right away, Ash is completely smitten and trying to get close to her. I think for me, I would have liked to have seen more proof of their connection and history before we are told how deeply he feels about her. It felt too rushed to me, though I know it wasn't their first meeting. Once I got past this, I really found there was so much to enjoy about the story.
Ash was incredible. He was one of the most supportive and giving heroes I've read, despite the synopsis leading you to believe he was more of a bad boy type. I didn't see him that way at all. He's always giving generously to those he loves, he's extremely close to his friends and family, he's funny and lives life to the fullest, but because of some health issues he's had and some he fears he could have in the future, he's been afraid to allow himself to fall in love.
I wasn't that playboy anymore and she wasn't my next good time. She changed me. Or maybe she brought back who I really was.
Talia was always the "one that got away" and when he unexpectedly sees her after 19 years, it's like he's right back where he was as a teen. All those emotions, want, need, and affection he had for her comes rushing back and he finds he can't keep his distance from her like all the rest.
I had no choice, I was never saying goodbye to this girl again.
He loves her strength, her sass, and her personality meshes so perfectly with his-even though they spent many years apart, it's like they were never separated. They try to be just friends at first, but their true feelings won't allow that for long. They have such a physical connection. They had an intensity about them but at the same time, the passion was emotional-it wasn't simply lust.
I ended up enjoying this book so much-especially the epilogue. It was so perfect and I can't lie, I got teary eyed. It wasn't a traditional HEA, but then again, there wasn't much about this couple that was. They learned some important life lessons along the way. They grew, changed, and flourished together. They were each other's rock to stand on. There were a couple plot twists that really surprised me and had me turning the pages until the end. All in all, it was a great second chance book with a sweet couple, and lots of drama and action. Well worth the read.
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September 2, 2014DNF @ 25%
The first chapter was a bore, so was the 2nd and the 3rd chapter.
I was VERY disappointed? Why? Coz I had a high expectation! I loved book 1 so I thought it would be as good or probably better but....it was... blah...
Book 1 was amazing, I loved the story, the characters, the writing style and the story flow and it was hot and fun...
At chapter 8, I decided to drop it, I don't think a novel should take that long for the story to peak, I mean it's been 8 chapters and still I didn't give a shit, it was just a blur.. It wasn't interesting, it wasn't exciting... :(
The first chapter was a bore, so was the 2nd and the 3rd chapter.
I was VERY disappointed? Why? Coz I had a high expectation! I loved book 1 so I thought it would be as good or probably better but....it was... blah...
Book 1 was amazing, I loved the story, the characters, the writing style and the story flow and it was hot and fun...
At chapter 8, I decided to drop it, I don't think a novel should take that long for the story to peak, I mean it's been 8 chapters and still I didn't give a shit, it was just a blur.. It wasn't interesting, it wasn't exciting... :(
October 31, 2014
OMG ... The Epilogue absolutely destroyed me. Full on ugly cry. I was really enjoying this book, Talia and Asher are FINALLY getting their HEA and then the Epilogue. I honestly wish I wouldn't have read it because it ruined the book for me.
August 7, 2014
4.5
WOW.
WOW.
October 19, 2014
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
I can honestly say now that I have found a book that not only deserves more stars than I could ever put into a review, but also a book that has left me in a state of complete and utter chaos.
I've never felt this way before after reading a book. I've read hundreds and I've fell in love with countless couples. I have book boyfriends names that I could spout and lines memorized. But this ..it's not just a story. It's something I can't even describe. How do you put into words something that you felt like you lived through? How do I even begin to review something like this? How do you take a character and describe him , like Asher Craig.? How do you put into words someone so profound?
Beauty? Strength? Arrogance? Loyalty? Sacrifice? Passion? Protective? Erotic? Sexy? Truth? Flawed? REAL??
Yes Asher is all of those things. But his woman , his forever love...well ..she had those characteristics in spades. From the moment she was re- introduced he never looked back.
...Asher knew..he was DONE
These two souls they were the definition of truth, of spirit and of yes LOVE.
If an emotion existed it was experienced in this amazing story, from Joy and Laughter to Fear and even Pain. From regret to thankfulness. All explored and delved into.
This story screamed LIFE ..
How one second, one moment, one day, all are relative in the fact that you only get to live them once. ..It's HOW you live them....that is lesson. All choices. When we think something is so minute or unimportant. How one small decision can change your life. This book dealt with the beauty and the ugly of love..all lived in seconds.
It was like traveling through a whirl wind of experiences ..lessons..taught by characters that I'll never forget.
I'm in utter AWE.
I can't say enough that if you need a journey, and you need to FEEL ..then you have to read this story. I am so totally overwhelmed with emotion right now. I can't describe it any other way but total perfection..written so amazing it was just Beautifully DONE.
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
I can honestly say now that I have found a book that not only deserves more stars than I could ever put into a review, but also a book that has left me in a state of complete and utter chaos.
I've never felt this way before after reading a book. I've read hundreds and I've fell in love with countless couples. I have book boyfriends names that I could spout and lines memorized. But this ..it's not just a story. It's something I can't even describe. How do you put into words something that you felt like you lived through? How do I even begin to review something like this? How do you take a character and describe him , like Asher Craig.? How do you put into words someone so profound?
Beauty? Strength? Arrogance? Loyalty? Sacrifice? Passion? Protective? Erotic? Sexy? Truth? Flawed? REAL??
Yes Asher is all of those things. But his woman , his forever love...well ..she had those characteristics in spades. From the moment she was re- introduced he never looked back.
...Asher knew..he was DONE
These two souls they were the definition of truth, of spirit and of yes LOVE.
If an emotion existed it was experienced in this amazing story, from Joy and Laughter to Fear and even Pain. From regret to thankfulness. All explored and delved into.
This story screamed LIFE ..
How one second, one moment, one day, all are relative in the fact that you only get to live them once. ..It's HOW you live them....that is lesson. All choices. When we think something is so minute or unimportant. How one small decision can change your life. This book dealt with the beauty and the ugly of love..all lived in seconds.
It was like traveling through a whirl wind of experiences ..lessons..taught by characters that I'll never forget.
I'm in utter AWE.
I can't say enough that if you need a journey, and you need to FEEL ..then you have to read this story. I am so totally overwhelmed with emotion right now. I can't describe it any other way but total perfection..written so amazing it was just Beautifully DONE.
July 22, 2014
5 FREAKING STARS!!!!!
Review by Natasha Gentile
And yes I’m shouting!
Oh my gosh, where do I start with this book or this review?
For the last two days I’ve been sucked into this series. As I write this I’m sipping Scotch and smoking a cigarette while trying to comprehend what the hell just happened….Ok i'm not really smoking…or drinking….but seriously what the f#ck just happened.
Meet Asher Craig drives fast, flies high, and screws hard. But make no mistake, he’s a gentleman.
Oh Asher how I love thee. We first met you in Beautifully Awake…The perfect BFF…Who never ever left Chase’s side. Loyal, family oriented and hello Mr. Green Giant..With a body to boot….oh Asher Asher Asher…
What happens when you go to the bar and see the woman of your dreams that you haven’t set eyes on in 19 years..And let’s not forget she was one of your best friends..You question everything.
She whipped around to face him and I choked on my cold lager. I was definitely not all right. Talia Prince was here. My Thalia Prince, who I hadn’t seen or heard from in years, was sitting a couple bar stools down from me. Holy shit, if guys were allowed to freak out I was totally freaking out. I never thought I would ever lay eyes on her again after everything went down.
Talia, beautiful strong Talia. When these two get together and start filling in the gaps of what can happen in 19 years, you think college, job, dating..What you don’t expect is the fact that Asher survived cancer not once, but twice…There is a reason that he lives everyday like it's his last..And then Thalia, who ran away pregnant with secrets of her own.
What happens when two friends get friendly again? Well, they start out as friends with little small jokes, coffee, breakfast, drinking and then.
"But then, Tal, so you know, I’m done with just being friends, I said it for the first time in my life. And I meant it. The softest smile parted her lips. She closed our gap and kissed my cheek. “No argument here.”
So we are taken on a wild journey of friendship, family and love..A love that can never be broken or never shaken. Oh what a fool I was to believe it would be smooth sailing. I mean seriously, Asher suffers cancer twice…He needs smooth sailing…oh my poor Asher.
Their love is put to the test time and time again. From his father being ill, to finding out why she ran away to her being pushed to the brink of being everything that makes them whole.
“Teeps, you’ve got to promise me something.” I uttered against her lips, trying to slow my ragged breath “Next time I f#ck up and you decide you need to fix us, please – don’t leave. I’m gonna trust you to knock some sense into me instead. I won’t survive that hell again. I don't want to. I know you said it to me and you definitely showed me, but I was too blind to see and too deaf to hear, but you were right. We’ve got one shot at this. Only One. And without you, without us, it all means nothing.”
This story has literally mind f#cked me without wearing a condom…I went through so many different emotions at one point I think I was actually hyperventilating, while rocking myself, it can’t be, it can’t be, it can’t be. Must continue and when I did and it ended I was at a loss for words. My mouth caught a fly or two- it was hanging opened. Sooo now I know what a book hangover is, because this is what I’m going to be suffering…You must get this book…it’s a must…you have to…it would be a shame for you to miss out on something so wonderful!
July 12, 2014
5 BEAUTIFULLY DONE STARS
Where do I start? Trust me - I simply devoured this book. From the moment I started reading to the moment it ended. I felt every single emotion that was portrayed with these characters.
Riley Mackenzie you took me on a journey I was not expecting. I don’t know whether to hate you or love you, (OMG YES I love you and this series) but your epilogue had me crying big fat tears. It was not what I was expecting but it was BEAUTIFULLY DONE.
Your writing is flawless; it is real, tender, intense and powerful.
Even writing my review now, I’m crying thinking of what transpired within this story. I can’t even speak about it as it brings tears to my eyes.
You brought strength, trust, courage, loyalty, mystery, suspense, love, laughter, passion, lust, confusion, hatred and the beautiful thing that is family – in all descriptions to this beautiful story.
Beautifully Done #2 in the Beautifully Awake series focusses on Asher and Talia. The story follows on from Beautifully Awake #1. As well as Asher and Talia’s story we get to see more of Chase, Lili, and their friends. I highly recommend reading Beautifully Awake before Beautifully Done.
As I mentioned, this story is about Asher and Talia. Their history, their present and their future.
Asher is simply gorgeous and beautiful in every way possible. (I would love to have an Asher in my family). Yes he has a past and reputation with women, but bumping into Talia after 19 years changes all of that. Is she what he has been missing from his life? Where has she been the last 19 years? So many unanswered questions.
Asher
“Let me be the person you turn to for everything…. And for nothing. What do I need to do to be that person?”
Asher is generous, loyal and loving to his friends and family. Always there when you need him, putting everyone else first. He lives for the moment, in the moment.
Asher
“My motto, good or bad, was live every day like it was your last. Because it could be.”
Talia has been gone for 19 years. She is independent, strong and sexy. Reconnecting with Asher we see that she has always loved him, but she is hiding something. Will she be truthful with Asher? What will be the outcome of her secret?
I really don’t want to give too much away. Just believe me when I say, this was awe inspiring. Beautifully written, Beautifully told, Beautifully expressed – just extremely BEAUTIFULLY DONE.
Asher
“…I’m done. You’ve tilted my axis and given me every first that matters, but more than anything, you make me want to hold on tight and live this crazy ride – with you. Only you. You crawled under my skin so long ago I can’t remember a time it wasn’t about you. So yeah, you is the only endearment that fits until you’re ready for me to call you wife. You say the word, that title’s yours.”
Thank you Riley Mackenzie from bringing this story to life.
Where do I start? Trust me - I simply devoured this book. From the moment I started reading to the moment it ended. I felt every single emotion that was portrayed with these characters.
Riley Mackenzie you took me on a journey I was not expecting. I don’t know whether to hate you or love you, (OMG YES I love you and this series) but your epilogue had me crying big fat tears. It was not what I was expecting but it was BEAUTIFULLY DONE.
Your writing is flawless; it is real, tender, intense and powerful.
Even writing my review now, I’m crying thinking of what transpired within this story. I can’t even speak about it as it brings tears to my eyes.
You brought strength, trust, courage, loyalty, mystery, suspense, love, laughter, passion, lust, confusion, hatred and the beautiful thing that is family – in all descriptions to this beautiful story.
Beautifully Done #2 in the Beautifully Awake series focusses on Asher and Talia. The story follows on from Beautifully Awake #1. As well as Asher and Talia’s story we get to see more of Chase, Lili, and their friends. I highly recommend reading Beautifully Awake before Beautifully Done.
As I mentioned, this story is about Asher and Talia. Their history, their present and their future.
Asher is simply gorgeous and beautiful in every way possible. (I would love to have an Asher in my family). Yes he has a past and reputation with women, but bumping into Talia after 19 years changes all of that. Is she what he has been missing from his life? Where has she been the last 19 years? So many unanswered questions.
Asher
“Let me be the person you turn to for everything…. And for nothing. What do I need to do to be that person?”
Asher is generous, loyal and loving to his friends and family. Always there when you need him, putting everyone else first. He lives for the moment, in the moment.
Asher
“My motto, good or bad, was live every day like it was your last. Because it could be.”
Talia has been gone for 19 years. She is independent, strong and sexy. Reconnecting with Asher we see that she has always loved him, but she is hiding something. Will she be truthful with Asher? What will be the outcome of her secret?
I really don’t want to give too much away. Just believe me when I say, this was awe inspiring. Beautifully written, Beautifully told, Beautifully expressed – just extremely BEAUTIFULLY DONE.
Asher
“…I’m done. You’ve tilted my axis and given me every first that matters, but more than anything, you make me want to hold on tight and live this crazy ride – with you. Only you. You crawled under my skin so long ago I can’t remember a time it wasn’t about you. So yeah, you is the only endearment that fits until you’re ready for me to call you wife. You say the word, that title’s yours.”
Thank you Riley Mackenzie from bringing this story to life.
November 2, 2014
Amazing & heartbreaking all in one.... That Epilogue Killed me!!!!!!
August 19, 2015
Yikes!!!! Beautifully Done is LIVE a little early!!! Meet Asher Craig!
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September 26, 2014
Beautifully Done did no only rip my heart out but it tore it to shreds over and over again.
This is a story of loss, love, trust, faith and most of all, living. We get one life in this world. One chance to make each minute the best it can be. There are no do overs. No going back and changing the past. The best thing we can do for ourselves and those around us is take chances and live.
* Talia * Asher * Chase * Kimi *
Almost twenty years ago, choices were made that altered the lives of four best friends forever.
If you have read Beautifully Awake then you have read Chase's story when he found the love of his life Lili. We also learned of the heartbreak everyone went through after his twin sister Kimi suffered a traumatic accident that eventually cost her her life.
Now it's time for Asher and Talia's story.
Asher Craig is a man who has dealt with his share of battles in his past. He is a man who knows there are no guarantees in life and no one is promised more than what they are living right now. So he has one motto: To live life day by day, no promises of tomorrow, no thought of a future. The string of willing women, big expensive toys, and more money than god proves that he is doing just that...or so he thought.
I sure as shit didn't need lyrics to tell me what I already knew.
I had no choice, I was never saying goodbye to this girl again.
That is until Talia Prynce walks back into his life. Talia. The "T" in T.A.C.K. She is the girl he spent his teen years secretly pining over, she was the girl who left him and every one else behind after the death of Kimi, their best friend. She was never seen or heard from again until almost twenty years later.
Talia thought she could run from her old life. Thought she was protecting those she loved by leaving and never looking back. She has moved on and created a wonderful life for herself, but one thing that has never changed, is her love for one of her best friends. Asher has always owned a part of her that she never thought she would get back...until she sees him again.
When life gives you a second chance at love, at life, you take it. And that's exactly what Asher and Talia did.
"Where have you been half my life?"
A small sadness clouded her eyes.
Not the reaction I was going for, but she blinked it away immediately and smiled.
"I'm here now."
She was.
From the moment they laid eyes on each other again you could feel their intense connection. The love they had for one another was absolutely beautiful. I loved that this story was told in Asher's POV. Talia's past is revealed and her reason for leaving is brought to light, threatening to tear them apart once again.
The revelations in Beautifully Done are heart wrenching and will play with your emotions over and over again. There is so much I could say about this book because there are so many levels of story line but, for me, I'm glad I knew very little about it because experiencing it chapter for chapter was amazing.
Chase and Lili, as well as Sierra and Dodd are back in this book as well, so we get a little more story on them. I still love Chase and his intensity. I love Lili and her big heart. This is an amazing series with characters that will capture you and not want to let you go.
I wanted her so badly it fucking hurt.
Real pain.
Love wasn't supposed to hurt. But this wasn't love.
This...we...were so much more.
There is so much meaning in Beautifully Done. It will teach you to live and not take those you love for granted. It will teach you what is important in life. No one is promised tomorrow so take today and cherish it, breathe it, and most of all LIVE it.
But that was ok.
We were good.
Everyone would be fine.
You only live once.
★★☆ 5 Heartbreakingly Beautiful Stars ☆★★
Reviewed by Alissa Evanson
July 23, 2014
FAVORITE OF 2014
Beautifully Done took me to a place in reading, where I didn't think was possible. The authors outdid themselves. They totally shattered me; mind, body, and soul. Things that I didn't think would crack me, did. My heart was in my throat about 98% of the time, while the other 2% was sitting in the very bottom pit of my stomach. Their writing just wowed me. Completely wowed me. I thought Beautifully Awake was the bomb-diggity, until I got my little grabby hands on Beautifully Done. This book has me in utter awe. These characters kidnapped me, and I let them.
Asher, Asher, Asher!!!! He is THE.MAN!!! He was written so well. He just totally stole my heart and took my breath away. Totally did not see that coming. Here I thought he was going to be Mr. Huge Ego with no heart or soul, completely WRONG! I was dumbfounded with his love, his devotion, his path in life. Asher just did it for me. In every way possible. There is something about a hero with a heart of gold and a soul as powerful as his. He not only made this story, he WAS the story. He was everything. He was each breath I took, he was the tears I shed, and he was the words that I wasn't able to part with. He just is. He is what I WANT in every hero. Ok that isn't true, Asher is his own person, whom I don't want to share. I claim him. :)
When you have a heroin such as Talia, you just have to know you'll really never ever be the same. She has this spirit and purity about her, that had me wanting to eat her up. Talia, unlike Asher, met every & all expectations that I had, but even went to a realm of flippin' awesome as well. Talia wasn't as much of an openbook like Asher was, she was much more mysterious, but able to share a good amount about herself with Asher. I loved it. It had me questioning everything. And Talia blew me away. She, to me, felt incredibly real. Talia was written, how I imagine all Angels to be. Pure, honest, and simply beautiful, with a side of huge heart!
If you're familiar with Beautifully Awake, then you are also familiar with Asher and Talia's back story. You know that she is one of the best friends, in the four pack of TACK. You know she was a huge part of Asher, Chase, and Kims lives. And you know there is history and tons of unfinished business. Well remedy this, she literally walks back into Ashers life when he least expects it! HELLO!!!! That is HUGE! HUGE, I tell you. Not only for Asher but for Chase as well. This foursome were inseparable in their youth, then one accident causes a domino effect and BAM everything changes. As I was saying, I love the fact that Talia waltzes into Ashers life. It was the perfect mix of HOLY CRAP and YAY!! And let me tell you, this was a big draw to this story. This is a sudden and most definitely needed GAME CHANGER!
CHEMISTRY!!!! I am talking sparks flying and hearts pitter-pattering in crazy rapid beats!! Yes, that is exactly what Asher and Talia have. And, IT.IS.HOTT!!! So hott. Those two could make nuns blush, with their hottness!! Did I mention that their chemistry was hott??? There is so much between these two. Things after nineteen years that were left unanswered and Asher grasping for straws to understand. Their interactions were perfection. I think I fell even more in love with Asher during their texting sessions. You could feel his giddiness and desire towards Talia, the welcoming calm that she brought him and the feel of completion when Talia was in his life. I don't know if I expressed this yet, but Talia and Ashers romance was a huge portion of BD, however it isn't everything. There is a lot, and I mean A LOT, of things you are wondering. A LOT! So hold onto your britches, because things are bound to get haywire....in the best way possible! I really enjoyed that there was a back story with these two, it helped make their story so so so believable. It also helped me to love Asher so much. I totally loved Asher and Talia's story more than Chase and Lilli's. Yes, I went there. Asher just is it for me. He is one hero that has my undying love. I just can't even.
Authors Riley Mackenzie mix romance, heart-ache, and undying devotion into this crazy story of second chances and first loves. It isn't just a story of second chances, it is so much more than that. It is a powerful love story. It is a love story of selflessness, happiness, and vulnerabilities. Beautifully Done is one of my favorite reads of 2014, and I am dying for more books by Riley Mackenzie. There was so much growth in this novel; with their writing and their character depth, along with the story they tell. Be prepared to have a permasmile and be prepared to shed some crazy tears. But also be prepared to be changed for a lifetime.
Beautifully Done took me to a place in reading, where I didn't think was possible. The authors outdid themselves. They totally shattered me; mind, body, and soul. Things that I didn't think would crack me, did. My heart was in my throat about 98% of the time, while the other 2% was sitting in the very bottom pit of my stomach. Their writing just wowed me. Completely wowed me. I thought Beautifully Awake was the bomb-diggity, until I got my little grabby hands on Beautifully Done. This book has me in utter awe. These characters kidnapped me, and I let them.
Asher, Asher, Asher!!!! He is THE.MAN!!! He was written so well. He just totally stole my heart and took my breath away. Totally did not see that coming. Here I thought he was going to be Mr. Huge Ego with no heart or soul, completely WRONG! I was dumbfounded with his love, his devotion, his path in life. Asher just did it for me. In every way possible. There is something about a hero with a heart of gold and a soul as powerful as his. He not only made this story, he WAS the story. He was everything. He was each breath I took, he was the tears I shed, and he was the words that I wasn't able to part with. He just is. He is what I WANT in every hero. Ok that isn't true, Asher is his own person, whom I don't want to share. I claim him. :)
When you have a heroin such as Talia, you just have to know you'll really never ever be the same. She has this spirit and purity about her, that had me wanting to eat her up. Talia, unlike Asher, met every & all expectations that I had, but even went to a realm of flippin' awesome as well. Talia wasn't as much of an openbook like Asher was, she was much more mysterious, but able to share a good amount about herself with Asher. I loved it. It had me questioning everything. And Talia blew me away. She, to me, felt incredibly real. Talia was written, how I imagine all Angels to be. Pure, honest, and simply beautiful, with a side of huge heart!
If you're familiar with Beautifully Awake, then you are also familiar with Asher and Talia's back story. You know that she is one of the best friends, in the four pack of TACK. You know she was a huge part of Asher, Chase, and Kims lives. And you know there is history and tons of unfinished business. Well remedy this, she literally walks back into Ashers life when he least expects it! HELLO!!!! That is HUGE! HUGE, I tell you. Not only for Asher but for Chase as well. This foursome were inseparable in their youth, then one accident causes a domino effect and BAM everything changes. As I was saying, I love the fact that Talia waltzes into Ashers life. It was the perfect mix of HOLY CRAP and YAY!! And let me tell you, this was a big draw to this story. This is a sudden and most definitely needed GAME CHANGER!
CHEMISTRY!!!! I am talking sparks flying and hearts pitter-pattering in crazy rapid beats!! Yes, that is exactly what Asher and Talia have. And, IT.IS.HOTT!!! So hott. Those two could make nuns blush, with their hottness!! Did I mention that their chemistry was hott??? There is so much between these two. Things after nineteen years that were left unanswered and Asher grasping for straws to understand. Their interactions were perfection. I think I fell even more in love with Asher during their texting sessions. You could feel his giddiness and desire towards Talia, the welcoming calm that she brought him and the feel of completion when Talia was in his life. I don't know if I expressed this yet, but Talia and Ashers romance was a huge portion of BD, however it isn't everything. There is a lot, and I mean A LOT, of things you are wondering. A LOT! So hold onto your britches, because things are bound to get haywire....in the best way possible! I really enjoyed that there was a back story with these two, it helped make their story so so so believable. It also helped me to love Asher so much. I totally loved Asher and Talia's story more than Chase and Lilli's. Yes, I went there. Asher just is it for me. He is one hero that has my undying love. I just can't even.
Authors Riley Mackenzie mix romance, heart-ache, and undying devotion into this crazy story of second chances and first loves. It isn't just a story of second chances, it is so much more than that. It is a powerful love story. It is a love story of selflessness, happiness, and vulnerabilities. Beautifully Done is one of my favorite reads of 2014, and I am dying for more books by Riley Mackenzie. There was so much growth in this novel; with their writing and their character depth, along with the story they tell. Be prepared to have a permasmile and be prepared to shed some crazy tears. But also be prepared to be changed for a lifetime.
September 23, 2014
**Obsessed by Books arc copy given on exchange for an honest review**
First loves and second chances, Beautifully Done captured the essence of Beautifully Awake and continues this uplifting and heart warming love story.
Asher was the light relief in the previous book so I'm glad he is the love interest in this. Without giving too much away this is a well written gut wrenching rollercoaster ride. The TACK pack went through a lot as teenagers and this book is about their journey to overcome the ghosts of the past and find true happiness. It's about learning to accept the things you cannot change and how to move on.
It is another five star read, cannot wait to read more.
First loves and second chances, Beautifully Done captured the essence of Beautifully Awake and continues this uplifting and heart warming love story.
Asher was the light relief in the previous book so I'm glad he is the love interest in this. Without giving too much away this is a well written gut wrenching rollercoaster ride. The TACK pack went through a lot as teenagers and this book is about their journey to overcome the ghosts of the past and find true happiness. It's about learning to accept the things you cannot change and how to move on.
It is another five star read, cannot wait to read more.
March 19, 2015
I just have to say, the ending of this story just killed me. Completely shattered me. I'm so heartbroken by it!!! But what an ERR!!! (ERCR=Emotional Roller Coaster Ride) lol. I do feel like there was so much more that needed to be said but in the end I still loved Asher and Talia's story. :)
September 15, 2014
I hope this is Asher and Kate's story
March 17, 2020
#43 - 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Lanjutan dari Beautifully Awake, yang menceritakan Asher Craig, sahabat dari Chase Colton tokoh utama di Beautifully Awake. Ini buku kelima yang dapat 2 ⭐⭐ dari saya tahun ini, waah baru 2,5 bulan udah 5 aja buku dapat bintang jelek.
Asher bertemu kembali dengan sahabat dan teman bandnya, Talia, setelah 20 tahun terpisah. Talia ini sempat disebutkan sedikit di buku pertama, dan bagaimana hubungannya dengan Chase juga. Asher ternyata sudah lama naksir Talia, dan pertemuan tak terduga ini tidak bisa dilewatkan begitu saja.
Mulailah semua cara dilakukan oleh Asher untuk mendekati Talia, yang awal-awalnya mencoba menghindar dari Asher. Ada alasan kenapa Talia menghindar dan lumayan kompleks masalahnya dan tentu berhubung dengan masa lalu Talia. Tapi kan saya gak mau SPOILER lebih lanjut yah.
Kenapa buku ini cuma dapat 2⭐⭐? Karena semuanya terkesan datar dan setiap permasalahan selesai dengan gampang. Kurang dramatis menurut saya, apalagi dengan penggambaran Talia yg terlalu sempurna juga agak mengganggu.
Penulis tidak berhasil membuat pembaca mencintai tokoh-tokoh utamanya, bukan berarti tokohnya nyebelin, tapi sudah sempurna, cuma gak bikin kita terkoneksi ke tokoh-tokoh dibuku ini. Hasilnya habis baca ya sudah gak melekat di kepala. Disarankan jangan baca terpisah, biar paham sedikit buku ini, dengan buku pertamanya.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Lanjutan dari Beautifully Awake, yang menceritakan Asher Craig, sahabat dari Chase Colton tokoh utama di Beautifully Awake. Ini buku kelima yang dapat 2 ⭐⭐ dari saya tahun ini, waah baru 2,5 bulan udah 5 aja buku dapat bintang jelek.
Asher bertemu kembali dengan sahabat dan teman bandnya, Talia, setelah 20 tahun terpisah. Talia ini sempat disebutkan sedikit di buku pertama, dan bagaimana hubungannya dengan Chase juga. Asher ternyata sudah lama naksir Talia, dan pertemuan tak terduga ini tidak bisa dilewatkan begitu saja.
Mulailah semua cara dilakukan oleh Asher untuk mendekati Talia, yang awal-awalnya mencoba menghindar dari Asher. Ada alasan kenapa Talia menghindar dan lumayan kompleks masalahnya dan tentu berhubung dengan masa lalu Talia. Tapi kan saya gak mau SPOILER lebih lanjut yah.
Kenapa buku ini cuma dapat 2⭐⭐? Karena semuanya terkesan datar dan setiap permasalahan selesai dengan gampang. Kurang dramatis menurut saya, apalagi dengan penggambaran Talia yg terlalu sempurna juga agak mengganggu.
Penulis tidak berhasil membuat pembaca mencintai tokoh-tokoh utamanya, bukan berarti tokohnya nyebelin, tapi sudah sempurna, cuma gak bikin kita terkoneksi ke tokoh-tokoh dibuku ini. Hasilnya habis baca ya sudah gak melekat di kepala. Disarankan jangan baca terpisah, biar paham sedikit buku ini, dengan buku pertamanya.
July 15, 2014
*****ARC provided for honest review****
Falls Rating: A Whole Bottle of Pinot!!!
Beautifully Done is book two in the Beautifully Awake series. I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing the first book, Beautifully Awake. The first book was Chase and Lili's story and although we meet Asher we don't get his story until Beautifully Done. I had the pleasure of meeting the fabulous Riley MacKenzie at their very first author signing. Not only are they amazing writers but they are wonderful women as well. I will be honest, I read A LOT of books. Mostly indie authors and several of them are for the blog. It takes a lot to get me worked up to the point of tears, or so angry I throw my iPad across the room (that only happened once and I quickly realized I needed a less expensive solution to my anger!) I will tell you all as I finished this book at my kitchen table while eating my salad for lunch the tears were ROLLING down my cheeks. I had snot dripping from my nose and eyes were swollen and red. I quickly tried to make myself look somewhat normal as my kids ran around the house screaming. My daughter stopped as she ran by me and said "mommy why are you crying?" What do you say to a 6 year old when her mother is snot sobbing like the world is coming to an end or they stop making your favorite flavor of ice cream!?!?!? I said, "its ok, mommy was just reading something really, really happy and it made me cry happy tears." Luckily for me she was more interested in whatever game she was playing and didn't think to ask more questions!!!! Moral of this story.......this book IS THAT GOOD! OMG......seriously I told my co-bloggers y'all have got to read this, I am bawling like a baby!!!!!
Asher Craig is a ladies man. He has a motto in life and he sticks to it. He loves his women, his family, job and his friends. He is extremely loyal and very protective. His heart is guarded and has only ever belonged to one woman but she disappeared from his life 18 years ago. His humor is quick and witty and his body should be a sin. When a ghost from the past shows back up into his life his world is rocked! He thought she was gone forever and he thought she forgot about him but he never forgot about her. When you dig up the past sometimes you find things that are better left buried. Sometimes you find feelings you never thought were possible. Asher is a ladies man.....right?? He doesn't do relationships.......But maybe this one time he can make an exception. Is he ready to take on all the world has to throw at him? They always say everything has a price......even life and love.
"Everything didn't have to be ideal to be beautifully done in the end. Things were rocky and nothing was certain, but this was our story and Tal and I just needed the chance to live it."
Talia Prince is a strong, beautiful, successful woman. She has worked hard her whole life to become the Doctor she is today. Life has not always been so kind to Talia and she carries burdens and secrets no woman should have to carry alone. There has always been one man in her life that her heart has belonged to, but darkness has kept her away from him. When she runs into him by chance avoiding him might be harder then she thinks. Her heart has always known what it wants but her mind knows that its not a good idea. Secrets are told and lies are exposed. They say true love can conquer all, even the darkest of secrets. In a blink Talia's life is put to the test and her world is forever changed. She has always prided herself on being strong but sometimes even the strong get weak. Relationships are tested and torn, hearts are broken and lives are shattered. Is love really enough?
"All I ever need, now I'm done...yeah I'm beautifully done"
This book ROCKED MY WORLD! For me it started off kinda slow, but then the twists and turns and OMG and WTF started. I loved it. Thats really all there is to say. If you have not read the wonderful books of the fabulous Riley MacKenzie then I HIGHLY advise you to do so immediately. You will not be disappointed. After you read them and love them, please let them know how much you loved them!!!!! As a friend of an author I know how much it means to them to hear that their readers really love what they work so hard to achieve. I give Beautifully Done by Riley MacKenzie a whole bottle of pinot because ladies, its what this blogger drinks!!!! Cheers!
Falls Rating: A Whole Bottle of Pinot!!!
Beautifully Done is book two in the Beautifully Awake series. I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing the first book, Beautifully Awake. The first book was Chase and Lili's story and although we meet Asher we don't get his story until Beautifully Done. I had the pleasure of meeting the fabulous Riley MacKenzie at their very first author signing. Not only are they amazing writers but they are wonderful women as well. I will be honest, I read A LOT of books. Mostly indie authors and several of them are for the blog. It takes a lot to get me worked up to the point of tears, or so angry I throw my iPad across the room (that only happened once and I quickly realized I needed a less expensive solution to my anger!) I will tell you all as I finished this book at my kitchen table while eating my salad for lunch the tears were ROLLING down my cheeks. I had snot dripping from my nose and eyes were swollen and red. I quickly tried to make myself look somewhat normal as my kids ran around the house screaming. My daughter stopped as she ran by me and said "mommy why are you crying?" What do you say to a 6 year old when her mother is snot sobbing like the world is coming to an end or they stop making your favorite flavor of ice cream!?!?!? I said, "its ok, mommy was just reading something really, really happy and it made me cry happy tears." Luckily for me she was more interested in whatever game she was playing and didn't think to ask more questions!!!! Moral of this story.......this book IS THAT GOOD! OMG......seriously I told my co-bloggers y'all have got to read this, I am bawling like a baby!!!!!
Asher Craig is a ladies man. He has a motto in life and he sticks to it. He loves his women, his family, job and his friends. He is extremely loyal and very protective. His heart is guarded and has only ever belonged to one woman but she disappeared from his life 18 years ago. His humor is quick and witty and his body should be a sin. When a ghost from the past shows back up into his life his world is rocked! He thought she was gone forever and he thought she forgot about him but he never forgot about her. When you dig up the past sometimes you find things that are better left buried. Sometimes you find feelings you never thought were possible. Asher is a ladies man.....right?? He doesn't do relationships.......But maybe this one time he can make an exception. Is he ready to take on all the world has to throw at him? They always say everything has a price......even life and love.
"Everything didn't have to be ideal to be beautifully done in the end. Things were rocky and nothing was certain, but this was our story and Tal and I just needed the chance to live it."
Talia Prince is a strong, beautiful, successful woman. She has worked hard her whole life to become the Doctor she is today. Life has not always been so kind to Talia and she carries burdens and secrets no woman should have to carry alone. There has always been one man in her life that her heart has belonged to, but darkness has kept her away from him. When she runs into him by chance avoiding him might be harder then she thinks. Her heart has always known what it wants but her mind knows that its not a good idea. Secrets are told and lies are exposed. They say true love can conquer all, even the darkest of secrets. In a blink Talia's life is put to the test and her world is forever changed. She has always prided herself on being strong but sometimes even the strong get weak. Relationships are tested and torn, hearts are broken and lives are shattered. Is love really enough?
"All I ever need, now I'm done...yeah I'm beautifully done"
This book ROCKED MY WORLD! For me it started off kinda slow, but then the twists and turns and OMG and WTF started. I loved it. Thats really all there is to say. If you have not read the wonderful books of the fabulous Riley MacKenzie then I HIGHLY advise you to do so immediately. You will not be disappointed. After you read them and love them, please let them know how much you loved them!!!!! As a friend of an author I know how much it means to them to hear that their readers really love what they work so hard to achieve. I give Beautifully Done by Riley MacKenzie a whole bottle of pinot because ladies, its what this blogger drinks!!!! Cheers!
December 14, 2016
Can contain spoilers.
I was in love with the first book. It left me hanging at the end of it, with all the unanswered questions, but nonetheless it was beautiful. I felt the connection of Lili and Chase.
But this book wasn't as perfect as the last one.
At first I thought Ash would be together with Kate. But no, it was Talia. His childhoods friend. After 19 years they meet each other at the bar. And from that moment on he's relentless and wants to have her in his life.
I didn't feel the connection between Talia and Ash. At the beginning it was non-existent. But towards the end it got better. Ash was really sweet with her. I just didn't like how he reacted to the news of her son. It was a bit harsh. He just didn't care what the truth was. And then he wanted the company of one of his ex-bedmates. Wrong move man!
Ash isn't the same as in book one. At least he doesn't seem to be for me. I just don't like him anymore. He's behaving like a overgrown wealthy child. He goes from women to women in days. Always another one. Just spending the night. Even while he has made a connection with Talia. I don't have any respect for such men. I found it a little disgusting to tell you the truth. How can a man treat woman this way? And when a girl wants more than just spending the night, he flees like a coward and gets upset that she doesn't got the memo. I had it with man-whore characters! No more! I'm too old for this *%&/. But he got better. All because he couldn't get Talia out of his head. I wasn't really convinced. When and why did he start accepting her as his true love?
The book got better and better. It was sweet. But then came one thing after another. One tragedy after tragedy. The truth about her son, about what happend to her as a young woman.
Then this incident with the attack. For me this was over the top. Why was the attacker free? How did he know where to find Lili? And why would he just shoot himself, if he wanted to hurt Lili? It didn't really fit with the story. It seems that this scene was only written, so that Talia would end up paralyzed.
Talia's recovery was another story. It was a small "miracle". At first she didn't have any feelings in her legs, and then suddenly she could move them? Well, good for her.
Trough the story we get to now more about Lili and Chase. I would have loved it, if their story would have found the HEA in the first book. I just couldn't concentrate on this couple and their problems. It was just so sad. I mean these two had endured so much and that wasn't enough. She had to have another miscarriage and then was unable to get pregnant. It was too much drama / tragedy for my taste.
They got twins in the end, because her best friend delivered them. It was mentioned in the story, that Sierra was pregnant and that there were jealous problems trough the pregnancy, but that was it. Very little information.
Then came the epilogue. I'm not a fan of this sort of ending. Not at all! I want the HEA. I don't want one of them (or both) to die. I know that's life and totally believable. But I want them to live together forever. I was just so sad to read about his death. I couldn't even concentrate on all the past events that were told. I have to tell you, I missed Ash. And that's a huge transformation about how I felt about him.
So, this story was sweet, even when I didn't like the beginning. Somehow it fit. But, next time, please more HEA. I'm begging you. Like "Abruption" by Riley Mackenzie. Holy moly was that a book. One of my favorites of all times.
I was in love with the first book. It left me hanging at the end of it, with all the unanswered questions, but nonetheless it was beautiful. I felt the connection of Lili and Chase.
But this book wasn't as perfect as the last one.
At first I thought Ash would be together with Kate. But no, it was Talia. His childhoods friend. After 19 years they meet each other at the bar. And from that moment on he's relentless and wants to have her in his life.
I didn't feel the connection between Talia and Ash. At the beginning it was non-existent. But towards the end it got better. Ash was really sweet with her. I just didn't like how he reacted to the news of her son. It was a bit harsh. He just didn't care what the truth was. And then he wanted the company of one of his ex-bedmates. Wrong move man!
Ash isn't the same as in book one. At least he doesn't seem to be for me. I just don't like him anymore. He's behaving like a overgrown wealthy child. He goes from women to women in days. Always another one. Just spending the night. Even while he has made a connection with Talia. I don't have any respect for such men. I found it a little disgusting to tell you the truth. How can a man treat woman this way? And when a girl wants more than just spending the night, he flees like a coward and gets upset that she doesn't got the memo. I had it with man-whore characters! No more! I'm too old for this *%&/. But he got better. All because he couldn't get Talia out of his head. I wasn't really convinced. When and why did he start accepting her as his true love?
The book got better and better. It was sweet. But then came one thing after another. One tragedy after tragedy. The truth about her son, about what happend to her as a young woman.
Then this incident with the attack. For me this was over the top. Why was the attacker free? How did he know where to find Lili? And why would he just shoot himself, if he wanted to hurt Lili? It didn't really fit with the story. It seems that this scene was only written, so that Talia would end up paralyzed.
Talia's recovery was another story. It was a small "miracle". At first she didn't have any feelings in her legs, and then suddenly she could move them? Well, good for her.
Trough the story we get to now more about Lili and Chase. I would have loved it, if their story would have found the HEA in the first book. I just couldn't concentrate on this couple and their problems. It was just so sad. I mean these two had endured so much and that wasn't enough. She had to have another miscarriage and then was unable to get pregnant. It was too much drama / tragedy for my taste.
They got twins in the end, because her best friend delivered them. It was mentioned in the story, that Sierra was pregnant and that there were jealous problems trough the pregnancy, but that was it. Very little information.
Then came the epilogue. I'm not a fan of this sort of ending. Not at all! I want the HEA. I don't want one of them (or both) to die. I know that's life and totally believable. But I want them to live together forever. I was just so sad to read about his death. I couldn't even concentrate on all the past events that were told. I have to tell you, I missed Ash. And that's a huge transformation about how I felt about him.
So, this story was sweet, even when I didn't like the beginning. Somehow it fit. But, next time, please more HEA. I'm begging you. Like "Abruption" by Riley Mackenzie. Holy moly was that a book. One of my favorites of all times.
July 14, 2014
Wow, I loved this! I had been patiently waiting for this book since the moment I read the last page of Beautifully Awake and Asher did not disappoint!
Lawyer and ladies’ man Asher Craig is Chase’s best friend. He was a generous and caring man but a total commitment-phobe. BUT a blast from the past in the form of one of his oldest and dearest friends, Talia walks back into his life and rocks his foundations. It didn’t matter to him that she disappeared and left him when he really needed her 19yrs ago, he found himself completely smitten from the offset. Seeing her after all those years awoke his feelings for her and had him reminiscing about their past. Although Talia was more guarded, she too was completely taken by him and they fell back into a comfortable friendship. That’s all I will say about the plot as this story is too good not to have you discover their journey first hand without spoilers.
Asher is adorable around Talia. Their sexual tension is steamily apparent and I was really rooting for them to make it! Of course, like all gripping love stories, their relationship didn’t always run smoothly. They needed to work at it. This book is told in Asher’s point of view and I have to say I totally and utterly adored him. He is successful, a loving family man, a wonderfully supportive friend, swoony and although he may joke around and act like he doesn’t care he is a big softie, very romantic and sexy! *sigh*
“I’m gonna kiss you now. It’s gonna be slow and soft and then it’s gonna be hard and hungry.”
We get to see quite a bit of Lili, Chase and friends from Beautifully Awake (Book 1). The humour and banter between them all was fantastic and very believable.
This was a book that I just couldn’t put down. I even carried this with me while I cooked the dinner! There were several OMG shocker moments to keep me on my toes which I loved and that kept me completely engaged. The story was so well written and felt real and alive. I felt Asher’s every emotion and my chest squeezed when he hurt. This really did have it all. It was packed with drama, angst, love, humour, friendships, second chances and firsts. We get some heart stopping scenes, some sad and plenty of happy too. You will laugh, you will cry and you will definitely swoon.
I wanted her so badly it f**king hurt. Real pain. Love wasn’t supposed to hurt. But this wasn’t love. This …we…were so much more.
If you have read the first book you will know that these ladies can really write an epilogue. What you will be pleased to know is that the epilogue at the end of this book is awesome! I have to admit that at the end of this, once I had sat back and dried my puffy eyes I messaged Riley Mackenzie and told them that in my eyes they were the Queens of the epilogue. It was packed with emotion and feeling.
If you have already read Beautifully Awake, you will definitely want to pick up this book now and if you haven’t, why not?! These two books are bloody brilliant and you won’t be disappointed so one-click now!!
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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Lawyer and ladies’ man Asher Craig is Chase’s best friend. He was a generous and caring man but a total commitment-phobe. BUT a blast from the past in the form of one of his oldest and dearest friends, Talia walks back into his life and rocks his foundations. It didn’t matter to him that she disappeared and left him when he really needed her 19yrs ago, he found himself completely smitten from the offset. Seeing her after all those years awoke his feelings for her and had him reminiscing about their past. Although Talia was more guarded, she too was completely taken by him and they fell back into a comfortable friendship. That’s all I will say about the plot as this story is too good not to have you discover their journey first hand without spoilers.
Asher is adorable around Talia. Their sexual tension is steamily apparent and I was really rooting for them to make it! Of course, like all gripping love stories, their relationship didn’t always run smoothly. They needed to work at it. This book is told in Asher’s point of view and I have to say I totally and utterly adored him. He is successful, a loving family man, a wonderfully supportive friend, swoony and although he may joke around and act like he doesn’t care he is a big softie, very romantic and sexy! *sigh*
“I’m gonna kiss you now. It’s gonna be slow and soft and then it’s gonna be hard and hungry.”
We get to see quite a bit of Lili, Chase and friends from Beautifully Awake (Book 1). The humour and banter between them all was fantastic and very believable.
This was a book that I just couldn’t put down. I even carried this with me while I cooked the dinner! There were several OMG shocker moments to keep me on my toes which I loved and that kept me completely engaged. The story was so well written and felt real and alive. I felt Asher’s every emotion and my chest squeezed when he hurt. This really did have it all. It was packed with drama, angst, love, humour, friendships, second chances and firsts. We get some heart stopping scenes, some sad and plenty of happy too. You will laugh, you will cry and you will definitely swoon.
I wanted her so badly it f**king hurt. Real pain. Love wasn’t supposed to hurt. But this wasn’t love. This …we…were so much more.
If you have read the first book you will know that these ladies can really write an epilogue. What you will be pleased to know is that the epilogue at the end of this book is awesome! I have to admit that at the end of this, once I had sat back and dried my puffy eyes I messaged Riley Mackenzie and told them that in my eyes they were the Queens of the epilogue. It was packed with emotion and feeling.
If you have already read Beautifully Awake, you will definitely want to pick up this book now and if you haven’t, why not?! These two books are bloody brilliant and you won’t be disappointed so one-click now!!
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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July 13, 2014
Before I read a book, I know the characters, the general plot background and usually, if it’s a HEA. I don’t think I have ever gone into a book blind like that I did with BEAUTIFULLY DONE. About 8 months ago, I read Beautifully Awake by Riley Mackenzie and absolutely loved it. The twists and turns of the plot, and the utter love and devotion between Chase and Lili drove the story and kept me interested and intrigued from start to finish. Going into BEAUTIFULLY DONE, I had absolutely no clue what I was in for. I didn’t know the players, or the plot. I just knew that I had enjoyed the first book from these two tremendous authors, and when asked to read an early review copy I thought, why not give this one a try.
Wow…. Let me repeat that… WOW!! I was completely blown away by this book. I am hesitant to even give you a brief recap of the plot, because I want it to unfold for you the way it did me. I won’t even tell you who the heroine is, because that was just the one of the many surprises that Riley Mackenzie have in store for you. I will tell you that the story is told from Asher’s POV. Asher is Chase’s very best friend who we first meet in Beautifully Awake. Thanks to his family history of dementia, Asher feels like he is living on borrowed time. He lives for the now and makes sure that everyone he loves is taken care of. He has no intention of setting down, only to leave his family at an early age… until SHE walks back into his life.
“I stood frozen and drank her in. All of her. I saw my future. Our future. For the first time in my life, I had to remind my lungs to expand. Who had to remember to breathe?”
Asher Craig was the quintessential book boyfriend. He was strong and possessive, but not controlling. He loved so fiercely and without any reservations. It was refreshing to experience. This was more than a story about two people meeting and falling in love. It’s a story about a love that stands the test of time. It’s a story about fighting hard for what and who you want, allowing no obstacle to stand in your way. It’s a story about pushing your boundaries and allowing yourself to love someone in a way you never expected you could. It’s a story about what happens when you don’t necessarily get your happy ending.
The writing in this story was top notch. The flow and pacing was perfect. It was a long book, but it never once felt overdone or drawn out. Once I got into it, I was hooked. There are so many times that I noticed, when going back through my notes, that I highlighted entire pages of dialogue. There was no chance of me putting this book down until I finished and when I did, I just sat there reflecting on it.…. And then wanted to go back to the beginning and experience it all again. Do yourself a favor and avoid all reviews that recap or spoil the book in any way. You will want to experience all the highs and lows, and twists and turns as you come upon them. You are going to love this one!!
5+++ STARS!!
See all of our reviews at ONE CLICK BLISS
Wow…. Let me repeat that… WOW!! I was completely blown away by this book. I am hesitant to even give you a brief recap of the plot, because I want it to unfold for you the way it did me. I won’t even tell you who the heroine is, because that was just the one of the many surprises that Riley Mackenzie have in store for you. I will tell you that the story is told from Asher’s POV. Asher is Chase’s very best friend who we first meet in Beautifully Awake. Thanks to his family history of dementia, Asher feels like he is living on borrowed time. He lives for the now and makes sure that everyone he loves is taken care of. He has no intention of setting down, only to leave his family at an early age… until SHE walks back into his life.
“I stood frozen and drank her in. All of her. I saw my future. Our future. For the first time in my life, I had to remind my lungs to expand. Who had to remember to breathe?”
Asher Craig was the quintessential book boyfriend. He was strong and possessive, but not controlling. He loved so fiercely and without any reservations. It was refreshing to experience. This was more than a story about two people meeting and falling in love. It’s a story about a love that stands the test of time. It’s a story about fighting hard for what and who you want, allowing no obstacle to stand in your way. It’s a story about pushing your boundaries and allowing yourself to love someone in a way you never expected you could. It’s a story about what happens when you don’t necessarily get your happy ending.
The writing in this story was top notch. The flow and pacing was perfect. It was a long book, but it never once felt overdone or drawn out. Once I got into it, I was hooked. There are so many times that I noticed, when going back through my notes, that I highlighted entire pages of dialogue. There was no chance of me putting this book down until I finished and when I did, I just sat there reflecting on it.…. And then wanted to go back to the beginning and experience it all again. Do yourself a favor and avoid all reviews that recap or spoil the book in any way. You will want to experience all the highs and lows, and twists and turns as you come upon them. You are going to love this one!!
5+++ STARS!!
See all of our reviews at ONE CLICK BLISS
November 23, 2014
A copy of the book was provide by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
5 "Beautifully Done" *****
Asher Craig has a lot going for him, his good looks, he's charming, with a well established law practice, loving family and friends. Asher doesn't do "dating or any kind of "relationship" he simply is a "love em and leave em" kind of guy, no emotions nor attachment's. He has no plans in near future to settle down and be attached to one woman.
As Asher would say "A relationship was the last thing on my radar, I do dancing, I do gentleman like things and fuck period."
Could someone from Asher's past possible change his views on love and relationships?
"My motto, good or bad, was to live every day like it was your last. Because it could be."
Growing up Asher had Chase as his best friend along with Kimi, Chase's sister, and Talia. They were the best of friends who loved one another, had each other's back. Life got in the way and became complicated and things took a turn.
Talia Prince is successful, strong, independent doctor who owns her own practice specializing in dermatology in San Diego. She's not afraid of commitments or any kind of relationship status, at this stage in her life it's simply not in the cards for her.
Talia has been gone from her home state for over eighteen years she left right after graduation. But Talia is hiding a VERY big secret.
Now eighteen years later a chance encounter between two old friends who were so close in the past, could they both realize what has been missing in their lives. So many unanswered questions remain between the two, where has Talia been all this years, why did she all of sudden leave after graduation. Is Talia the missing piece to Asher's heart can she be the one to break his walls down and let her in?
"Everything didn't have to be ideal to be beautifully done in the end. Things were rocky and nothing was certain, but this was our story and Tal and I just needed the chance to live it."
Will Talia be truthful with Asher and let him in to her life and finally tell him her secret? What will be the outcome once all is revealed, can they move forward in their lives?
"It's not a choice to believe in you, to trust you. I just do and always will. You're Talia, you're mine. That's our story, there's no rewriting."
Beautifully Done is book two in the "Beautifully Awake" series, I highly recommend reading the first one Beautifully Awake, Chase and Lili's story, because Chase and Lili are in this story as well as other characters.
Beautifully Done was just that, from the writing style, the story, the plots and twist, to the epilogue certain events occurred that I was not expecting, brought tears to my eyes and OMG moment.
"All I ever need, now I'm done...yeah I'm beautifully done"
5 "Beautifully Done" *****
Asher Craig has a lot going for him, his good looks, he's charming, with a well established law practice, loving family and friends. Asher doesn't do "dating or any kind of "relationship" he simply is a "love em and leave em" kind of guy, no emotions nor attachment's. He has no plans in near future to settle down and be attached to one woman.
As Asher would say "A relationship was the last thing on my radar, I do dancing, I do gentleman like things and fuck period."
Could someone from Asher's past possible change his views on love and relationships?
"My motto, good or bad, was to live every day like it was your last. Because it could be."
Growing up Asher had Chase as his best friend along with Kimi, Chase's sister, and Talia. They were the best of friends who loved one another, had each other's back. Life got in the way and became complicated and things took a turn.
Talia Prince is successful, strong, independent doctor who owns her own practice specializing in dermatology in San Diego. She's not afraid of commitments or any kind of relationship status, at this stage in her life it's simply not in the cards for her.
Talia has been gone from her home state for over eighteen years she left right after graduation. But Talia is hiding a VERY big secret.
Now eighteen years later a chance encounter between two old friends who were so close in the past, could they both realize what has been missing in their lives. So many unanswered questions remain between the two, where has Talia been all this years, why did she all of sudden leave after graduation. Is Talia the missing piece to Asher's heart can she be the one to break his walls down and let her in?
"Everything didn't have to be ideal to be beautifully done in the end. Things were rocky and nothing was certain, but this was our story and Tal and I just needed the chance to live it."
Will Talia be truthful with Asher and let him in to her life and finally tell him her secret? What will be the outcome once all is revealed, can they move forward in their lives?
"It's not a choice to believe in you, to trust you. I just do and always will. You're Talia, you're mine. That's our story, there's no rewriting."
Beautifully Done is book two in the "Beautifully Awake" series, I highly recommend reading the first one Beautifully Awake, Chase and Lili's story, because Chase and Lili are in this story as well as other characters.
Beautifully Done was just that, from the writing style, the story, the plots and twist, to the epilogue certain events occurred that I was not expecting, brought tears to my eyes and OMG moment.
"All I ever need, now I'm done...yeah I'm beautifully done"
July 13, 2014
A copy of the book was provide by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
5 "Beautifully Done" *****
Asher Craig has a lot going for him, his good looks, he's charming, with a well established law practice, loving family and friends. Asher doesn't do "dating or any kind of "relationship" he simply is a "love em and leave em" kind of guy, no emotions nor attachment's. He has no plans in near future to settle down and be attached to one woman.
As Asher would say "A relationship was the last thing on my radar, I do dancing, I do gentleman like things and fuck period."
Could someone from Asher's past possible change his views on love and relationships?
"My motto, good or bad, was to live every day like it was your last. Because it could be."
Growing up Asher had Chase as his best friend along with Kimi, Chase's sister, and Talia. They were the best of friends who loved one another, had each other's back. Life got in the way and became complicated and things took a turn.
Talia Prince is a successful, strong, independent doctor who owns her own practice specializing in dermatology in San Diego. She's not afraid of commitments or any kind of relationship status, at this stage in her life it's simply not in the cards for her.
Talia has been gone from her home state for over eighteen years she left right after graduation. But Talia is hiding a VERY big secret.
Now eighteen years later a chance encounter between two old friends who were so close in the past, both realize what has been missing in their lives. So many unanswered questions remain between the two, where has Talia been all this years, why did she all of sudden leave after graduation. Is Talia the missing piece to Asher's heart can she be the one to break his walls down and let her in?
"Everything didn't have to be ideal to be beautifully done in the end. Things were rocky and nothing was certain, but this was our story and Tal and I just needed the chance to live it."
Will Talia be truthful with Asher and let him to her life and finally tell him her secret? What will be the outcome once all is revealed, can they move forward in their lives?
"It's not a choice to believe in you, to trust you. I just do and always will. You're Talia, you're mine. That's our story, there's no rewriting."
Beautifully Done is book two in the "Beautifully Awake" series, I highly recommend reading the first one Beautifully Awake, Chase and Lili's story, because Chase and Lili are in this story as well as other characters.
Beautifully Done was just that, from the writing style, the story, the plots and twist, to the epilogue certain events occurred that I was not expecting, brought tears to my eyes.
"All I ever need, now I'm done...yeah I'm beautifully done"
5 "Beautifully Done" *****
Asher Craig has a lot going for him, his good looks, he's charming, with a well established law practice, loving family and friends. Asher doesn't do "dating or any kind of "relationship" he simply is a "love em and leave em" kind of guy, no emotions nor attachment's. He has no plans in near future to settle down and be attached to one woman.
As Asher would say "A relationship was the last thing on my radar, I do dancing, I do gentleman like things and fuck period."
Could someone from Asher's past possible change his views on love and relationships?
"My motto, good or bad, was to live every day like it was your last. Because it could be."
Growing up Asher had Chase as his best friend along with Kimi, Chase's sister, and Talia. They were the best of friends who loved one another, had each other's back. Life got in the way and became complicated and things took a turn.
Talia Prince is a successful, strong, independent doctor who owns her own practice specializing in dermatology in San Diego. She's not afraid of commitments or any kind of relationship status, at this stage in her life it's simply not in the cards for her.
Talia has been gone from her home state for over eighteen years she left right after graduation. But Talia is hiding a VERY big secret.
Now eighteen years later a chance encounter between two old friends who were so close in the past, both realize what has been missing in their lives. So many unanswered questions remain between the two, where has Talia been all this years, why did she all of sudden leave after graduation. Is Talia the missing piece to Asher's heart can she be the one to break his walls down and let her in?
"Everything didn't have to be ideal to be beautifully done in the end. Things were rocky and nothing was certain, but this was our story and Tal and I just needed the chance to live it."
Will Talia be truthful with Asher and let him to her life and finally tell him her secret? What will be the outcome once all is revealed, can they move forward in their lives?
"It's not a choice to believe in you, to trust you. I just do and always will. You're Talia, you're mine. That's our story, there's no rewriting."
Beautifully Done is book two in the "Beautifully Awake" series, I highly recommend reading the first one Beautifully Awake, Chase and Lili's story, because Chase and Lili are in this story as well as other characters.
Beautifully Done was just that, from the writing style, the story, the plots and twist, to the epilogue certain events occurred that I was not expecting, brought tears to my eyes.
"All I ever need, now I'm done...yeah I'm beautifully done"
September 19, 2016
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
......... And I have to say there is nothing about this book I didn't like. It was perfect.
This is the second and final book in the Beautifully Awake series and personally I think it was even better than the first. It's Asher and Tals story and whilst it can be read as a standalone, it is interconnected and the reader would be best to read Beautifully Awake first ( which was also a 5 star read for me)
This book is told form Asher's POV except for the epliogue which is in Tal's. And what an epilogue it is!!! I'm saying no more ( lips are sealed ) other than to say it's the best epliogue I've read.
There are no words worthy to describe Asher. I loved him from the first time we were introduced to him in Beautifully Awake and even more after reading Beautifully Done. He is selfless and his love for his family and friends knows no bounds.
The relationship with his family was just brilliant and the interactions with his dad really touched me because I could so relate and it had me shedding a few tears whilst reading.
Do yourself a favour - grab this series and be prepared to be blown away.
I have now read everything these authors have written and I don't know what if anything else they have in the pipeline but I am definitely 1-clicking as soon as they do. I love their writng style and I love that all their stories are tied to the medical profession which is their background before becoming authors. They do it so well in my opinion.
......... And I have to say there is nothing about this book I didn't like. It was perfect.
This is the second and final book in the Beautifully Awake series and personally I think it was even better than the first. It's Asher and Tals story and whilst it can be read as a standalone, it is interconnected and the reader would be best to read Beautifully Awake first ( which was also a 5 star read for me)
This book is told form Asher's POV except for the epliogue which is in Tal's. And what an epilogue it is!!! I'm saying no more ( lips are sealed ) other than to say it's the best epliogue I've read.
There are no words worthy to describe Asher. I loved him from the first time we were introduced to him in Beautifully Awake and even more after reading Beautifully Done. He is selfless and his love for his family and friends knows no bounds.
The relationship with his family was just brilliant and the interactions with his dad really touched me because I could so relate and it had me shedding a few tears whilst reading.
Do yourself a favour - grab this series and be prepared to be blown away.
I have now read everything these authors have written and I don't know what if anything else they have in the pipeline but I am definitely 1-clicking as soon as they do. I love their writng style and I love that all their stories are tied to the medical profession which is their background before becoming authors. They do it so well in my opinion.
July 13, 2014
I just finished Beautifully Done and I just completely adored this book. Loved it so much. There are so many other better words to describe it but I just can't even think what they are. I'm in such awe and I just don't ever want to let this one go. This is apart of the Beautifully Awake series with Beautifully Awake being first and it's about Chase and Lili. How they met and fell in love. Beautifully Done is about Asher. Chases best friend. For me it is the most anticipated stories that I have waiting for and I wasn't disappointed. HELL. It was better! You just have to read and see to understand.
Asher is hands down my number one book boyfriend. I can't even imagine another topping that and honestly I don't want to ever see it happen. He is sexy but what does it for me is that he is so loyal to everyone he loves that he will do anything he can to protect them. He is just a sincere guy and you cannot help but just be amazed by his character. He's a good son, uncle, friend and of course lover. We cannot forget that. Because of the story not mentioning the heroine I won't either. Let's just say that I was not expecting her and was hesitant. I dont know why the HELL I was (yes, smacking myself in the forehead) but it turned into something that was beautifully done .
I loved the secondary characters. If you have read the series then you know who I speak of. If you haven't read it, I'm smacking you in the forehead now! Whatever you are doing, STOP and buy it now. You have no idea what you are missing out on. It would be truly a shame.
I loved how these girls showed more to the story then just Asher. Everything and everyone was intertwined. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I can say that It just sucks you right in and you will not want to let go. Things happened that I didn't not expect. That's what I love most about it. It just really felt real to me. Even now I'm still just......GAH!!!!! I just don't know how to comprehend what I read. It took me into so many emotions that I just don't know what to feel. At times, hell through most of it I cried. Happy tears. Sad tears. Frustrated tears. Ok I'm gonna stop lying. I FREAKING bawled my eyes out. But that is what is awesome about this duo! They know how to make a story real. You get so involved with these characters that no matter what happens to them you feel it! That is what an author or authors () is supposed to do. I will forever feel this series in my heart and soul and will never ever forget!
Asher is hands down my number one book boyfriend. I can't even imagine another topping that and honestly I don't want to ever see it happen. He is sexy but what does it for me is that he is so loyal to everyone he loves that he will do anything he can to protect them. He is just a sincere guy and you cannot help but just be amazed by his character. He's a good son, uncle, friend and of course lover. We cannot forget that. Because of the story not mentioning the heroine I won't either. Let's just say that I was not expecting her and was hesitant. I dont know why the HELL I was (yes, smacking myself in the forehead) but it turned into something that was beautifully done .
I loved the secondary characters. If you have read the series then you know who I speak of. If you haven't read it, I'm smacking you in the forehead now! Whatever you are doing, STOP and buy it now. You have no idea what you are missing out on. It would be truly a shame.
I loved how these girls showed more to the story then just Asher. Everything and everyone was intertwined. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I can say that It just sucks you right in and you will not want to let go. Things happened that I didn't not expect. That's what I love most about it. It just really felt real to me. Even now I'm still just......GAH!!!!! I just don't know how to comprehend what I read. It took me into so many emotions that I just don't know what to feel. At times, hell through most of it I cried. Happy tears. Sad tears. Frustrated tears. Ok I'm gonna stop lying. I FREAKING bawled my eyes out. But that is what is awesome about this duo! They know how to make a story real. You get so involved with these characters that no matter what happens to them you feel it! That is what an author or authors () is supposed to do. I will forever feel this series in my heart and soul and will never ever forget!
July 13, 2014
If you haven’t read Beautifully Awake, I suggest you do so before reading Beautifully Done so you can experience the flawless way Beautifully Done intertwines with Beautifully Awake. I’m not sure I have the words to give this book the justice it deserves….but here goes…….
Captivating, heart wrenching………beautiful
Asher is, by far, one of the most selfless, generous, beautiful inside and out, giving characters I’ve read. You will effortlessly and immediately fall in love with him…..I “pinky swear.”
Pinky swear ~ “Hey you” will melt your soul every time you read those words once you discover their true meaning.
Pinky swear ~ You will love Asher , his snarky wit, his lack of a filter, the ferocity with which he loves, his need to fix & take care of those that are most important to him, and he is loyal to a fault.
Pinky swear ~ You will have a new fondness for Hot Tamales candy
Pinky swear ~ Talia has always been and will always be “the Master of Pushing My Buttons. She rocked it back in the day and it was obvious she hadn’t lost her touch.” “The woman seemed to unleash emotions I never knew existed.”
Pinky swear ~ Asher ~ “We lived for the moment. I have ~ fortunately or unfortunately ~ never stopped. My motto, good or bad, was live everyday like it was your last. Because it could be.” True to his motto, that’s exactly how he lives throughout the pages of his story, you see life through his eyes, every heartbreaking, soul burning, laugh out loud, emotional, vulnerable, endearing moment.
Pinky swear ~ The connection, the love, the bond, the need between Asher and Talia is “raw, uncontrolled, and abandoned.” ~ Asher ~ “This…right here, right now…was pure bliss.” “You didn’t make love, love made you. Made us.”
Pinky swear ~ Asher ~ “You’ve tilted my axis and given me every first that matters, but more than anything, you make me want to hold on tight and live this crazy ride – with you. Only you. You crawled under my skin so long ago I can’t remember a time it wasn’t about you.” ~ Talia ~ “I love the …you. And all its reasons.”
Pinky swear ~ Beautifully Done is an amazing story about life, love, taking nothing for granted and living each moment to the fullest. So raw, so real, so passionate, so incredibly emotional, a journey so beautiful, you will get swept away.
Pinky swear ~ Beautifully Done is an absolute MUST read!
Pinky swear ~ tissues are a necessity for this beautifully told, beautifully written story. Fall in love with Asher as he tells his story and see how effortlessly he becomes your new Book Crush.
~ 5 ~ Pinky Swear ~ Stars
Captivating, heart wrenching………beautiful
Asher is, by far, one of the most selfless, generous, beautiful inside and out, giving characters I’ve read. You will effortlessly and immediately fall in love with him…..I “pinky swear.”
Pinky swear ~ “Hey you” will melt your soul every time you read those words once you discover their true meaning.
Pinky swear ~ You will love Asher , his snarky wit, his lack of a filter, the ferocity with which he loves, his need to fix & take care of those that are most important to him, and he is loyal to a fault.
Pinky swear ~ You will have a new fondness for Hot Tamales candy
Pinky swear ~ Talia has always been and will always be “the Master of Pushing My Buttons. She rocked it back in the day and it was obvious she hadn’t lost her touch.” “The woman seemed to unleash emotions I never knew existed.”
Pinky swear ~ Asher ~ “We lived for the moment. I have ~ fortunately or unfortunately ~ never stopped. My motto, good or bad, was live everyday like it was your last. Because it could be.” True to his motto, that’s exactly how he lives throughout the pages of his story, you see life through his eyes, every heartbreaking, soul burning, laugh out loud, emotional, vulnerable, endearing moment.
Pinky swear ~ The connection, the love, the bond, the need between Asher and Talia is “raw, uncontrolled, and abandoned.” ~ Asher ~ “This…right here, right now…was pure bliss.” “You didn’t make love, love made you. Made us.”
Pinky swear ~ Asher ~ “You’ve tilted my axis and given me every first that matters, but more than anything, you make me want to hold on tight and live this crazy ride – with you. Only you. You crawled under my skin so long ago I can’t remember a time it wasn’t about you.” ~ Talia ~ “I love the …you. And all its reasons.”
Pinky swear ~ Beautifully Done is an amazing story about life, love, taking nothing for granted and living each moment to the fullest. So raw, so real, so passionate, so incredibly emotional, a journey so beautiful, you will get swept away.
Pinky swear ~ Beautifully Done is an absolute MUST read!
Pinky swear ~ tissues are a necessity for this beautifully told, beautifully written story. Fall in love with Asher as he tells his story and see how effortlessly he becomes your new Book Crush.
~ 5 ~ Pinky Swear ~ Stars
September 17, 2014
Absolutely fabulous I live for angst, drama, sex, family and love this book gives you everything MustRead
This book takes place AFTER book 1 so if you haven't read it yet then what are you waiting for? STOP go get book 1 Beautifully Awake HERE and read it first.
NOW this Beautifully Done book is just that, its beautifully done. We get Asher's point of view. Asher is an attorney with attitude. He has a way with words like this quote:
Andrew Kent the second, also known as Drew, had zero and absolutely no substance. He sort of reminded me of gagging on Farina. Not sure what Ave was thinking that day. She totally did drugs in college.Read more at location 397
• Delete this highlight
Asher is smitten with Talia and has been for a long time. He doesnt understand what happened or why she moved to California. He tracks her down and she is a Dermatologist in San Diego with a thriving practice. The blending of these two characters creates a few big reveals. Now there were reveals in book 1 but this one took my breathe away. I cant tell you what it was but Asher's trouble is an eye opener. As an avid reader I will say I never saw it coming and when it came, well I never expected it.
Now that takes me a while to recover. We re-visit Lil and Chase and then Seirra and Dodd. Each has a reveal and YES if you thought I was joking before this will show you I was not. All the while learning more about these complex characters proved to be loaded with angst. The families especially Asher's Dad with afflicted with Alzheimer's, made me want to scream
Such a real problem for so many people and ya know I never saw that in a book. So bravo!!
Now I was trippin that Talia could say ...give me my ROMEO
It wraps things up in a tear jerking sort of way. I will sing the praises of these marvelous girls called Riley Mackenzie. A book that is just all that rolled into a neat package IM DONE
Some quotes I loved that don't give any plot secrets away:
Add a note
I heard she sang you right back to sleep. That was so sweet of Talia, but next time you need to come find Mommy and Daddy. Uncle Asher and Talia were still sleeping.” “Theys not sleeping. Hers awake. I heard hers. Hers moans a lot.”
I fucking spit my coffee across the kitchen island before my sharp inhale caused me to choke and laugh my ass offRead more at location 2130
• Delete this highlight
This book takes place AFTER book 1 so if you haven't read it yet then what are you waiting for? STOP go get book 1 Beautifully Awake HERE and read it first.
NOW this Beautifully Done book is just that, its beautifully done. We get Asher's point of view. Asher is an attorney with attitude. He has a way with words like this quote:
Andrew Kent the second, also known as Drew, had zero and absolutely no substance. He sort of reminded me of gagging on Farina. Not sure what Ave was thinking that day. She totally did drugs in college.Read more at location 397
• Delete this highlight
Asher is smitten with Talia and has been for a long time. He doesnt understand what happened or why she moved to California. He tracks her down and she is a Dermatologist in San Diego with a thriving practice. The blending of these two characters creates a few big reveals. Now there were reveals in book 1 but this one took my breathe away. I cant tell you what it was but Asher's trouble is an eye opener. As an avid reader I will say I never saw it coming and when it came, well I never expected it.
Now that takes me a while to recover. We re-visit Lil and Chase and then Seirra and Dodd. Each has a reveal and YES if you thought I was joking before this will show you I was not. All the while learning more about these complex characters proved to be loaded with angst. The families especially Asher's Dad with afflicted with Alzheimer's, made me want to scream
Such a real problem for so many people and ya know I never saw that in a book. So bravo!!
Now I was trippin that Talia could say ...give me my ROMEO
It wraps things up in a tear jerking sort of way. I will sing the praises of these marvelous girls called Riley Mackenzie. A book that is just all that rolled into a neat package IM DONE
Some quotes I loved that don't give any plot secrets away:
Add a note
I heard she sang you right back to sleep. That was so sweet of Talia, but next time you need to come find Mommy and Daddy. Uncle Asher and Talia were still sleeping.” “Theys not sleeping. Hers awake. I heard hers. Hers moans a lot.”
I fucking spit my coffee across the kitchen island before my sharp inhale caused me to choke and laugh my ass offRead more at location 2130
• Delete this highlight
July 25, 2014
5 plus stars
i was lucky enough to receive a ARC
Oh WOW…this book just made me feel… the good and the bad kind of feels but it was all worth the emotions in the end because it was simply brilliant!!!
I have been anxiously waiting Asher’s story since I finished beautifully awake and it was so worth the wait… I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster journey as I was allowed first row tickets to the inside of the man him self’s head with the added bonus of more Chase and Lili…
This book is told from Asher POV and I do love me some male POV
Asher… comes from a close knit family and being the only son… he has need to care and protect those he considers family… no matter how much his sisters get at him to settle down, he is happy to remain with causal hook ups as he believes he never needed more… … till he meets Tal again.
Tal… was the T in TACK… the teenage band Tal, Asher, Chase and Kimi had formed … but over twenty years ago Tal just simply disappeared without a trace but she is now back and making Asher feel… …
This story is jam packed with raw emotion and passion it will suck you in and keep you wanting more… no needing more…
Asher and Tal’s reunion isn’t smooth sailing and as they catch up on the missed twenty years and work out what they are together secrets and revelations come tumbling out… which will test the strongest of relationships…
Asher and Tal alone and with Chase and Lili have to choose to stick together or crumble apart as they have to face up to some hard truths from the past…
And, sometimes you have to lose something to realise what it means to you… so be warned you will need to have tissues at the ready.
I adored this story and devoured it as fast as I could and was whipping out my kindle anywhere I could get a few minutes reading time in…
It was beautifully written, it shattered my heart only to heal it and then shatter it again with big fat ugly tears but I was left with Asher, Tal , Chase and Lili and whole extended Craig family pertinently rooted in my heart.
I loved this book and this duology and cannot wait to see what these two authors produce next… I am a now a fully-fledged fan girl …
i was lucky enough to receive a ARC
Oh WOW…this book just made me feel… the good and the bad kind of feels but it was all worth the emotions in the end because it was simply brilliant!!!
I have been anxiously waiting Asher’s story since I finished beautifully awake and it was so worth the wait… I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster journey as I was allowed first row tickets to the inside of the man him self’s head with the added bonus of more Chase and Lili…
This book is told from Asher POV and I do love me some male POV
Asher… comes from a close knit family and being the only son… he has need to care and protect those he considers family… no matter how much his sisters get at him to settle down, he is happy to remain with causal hook ups as he believes he never needed more… … till he meets Tal again.
Tal… was the T in TACK… the teenage band Tal, Asher, Chase and Kimi had formed … but over twenty years ago Tal just simply disappeared without a trace but she is now back and making Asher feel… …
This story is jam packed with raw emotion and passion it will suck you in and keep you wanting more… no needing more…
Asher and Tal’s reunion isn’t smooth sailing and as they catch up on the missed twenty years and work out what they are together secrets and revelations come tumbling out… which will test the strongest of relationships…
Asher and Tal alone and with Chase and Lili have to choose to stick together or crumble apart as they have to face up to some hard truths from the past…
And, sometimes you have to lose something to realise what it means to you… so be warned you will need to have tissues at the ready.
I adored this story and devoured it as fast as I could and was whipping out my kindle anywhere I could get a few minutes reading time in…
It was beautifully written, it shattered my heart only to heal it and then shatter it again with big fat ugly tears but I was left with Asher, Tal , Chase and Lili and whole extended Craig family pertinently rooted in my heart.
I loved this book and this duology and cannot wait to see what these two authors produce next… I am a now a fully-fledged fan girl …
July 15, 2014
The writing: 5 Stars.
The story for me: 3 stars.
This book starts at Chase and Lili’s wedding. It is important that you read the first book in the series before you read BEAUTIFULLY DONE since it gives away a lot of spoilers. Ash, Chase’s best friend, is doing what he does best…picking up women and going home with them only to leave them alone the next day. Ash is 36 years old and has no plans of getting attached or getting married. One night, he runs into Talia. Talia was his best friend through his childhood and until high school when a tragedy happened. When Ash sees Talia he cannot stop thinking about her and contacts her even though he lives in Boston and she lives in San Diego. However, they have not seen or talked in 18 years and Ash never found out why Talia left her hometown and never looked back.
Some things were hard for me to read because I was angry and I cannot even tell you who I was most angry with. Yes life was hard for a particular someone, but your true character shows at the hardest moments of your life. I became very angry and very upset. Well with one character in particular, I wanted them written off. I did not care how. Just go away. It is one thing that you told others you made mistakes, it is another thing how you handle them.
Now with Ash, yes he is a bachelor and he loves women, but I loved that guy. I loved how he cared for his friends, for his family, and for his Talia. Talia was his best friend and I love how he wanted that back more than anything. I loved his love.
I will read more by these two amazing authors.
A copy was provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
The story for me: 3 stars.
This book starts at Chase and Lili’s wedding. It is important that you read the first book in the series before you read BEAUTIFULLY DONE since it gives away a lot of spoilers. Ash, Chase’s best friend, is doing what he does best…picking up women and going home with them only to leave them alone the next day. Ash is 36 years old and has no plans of getting attached or getting married. One night, he runs into Talia. Talia was his best friend through his childhood and until high school when a tragedy happened. When Ash sees Talia he cannot stop thinking about her and contacts her even though he lives in Boston and she lives in San Diego. However, they have not seen or talked in 18 years and Ash never found out why Talia left her hometown and never looked back.
Some things were hard for me to read because I was angry and I cannot even tell you who I was most angry with. Yes life was hard for a particular someone, but your true character shows at the hardest moments of your life. I became very angry and very upset. Well with one character in particular, I wanted them written off. I did not care how. Just go away. It is one thing that you told others you made mistakes, it is another thing how you handle them.
Now with Ash, yes he is a bachelor and he loves women, but I loved that guy. I loved how he cared for his friends, for his family, and for his Talia. Talia was his best friend and I love how he wanted that back more than anything. I loved his love.
I will read more by these two amazing authors.
A copy was provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2014
5 Stars
Growing up Chase, Talia, Kimi and Asher were inseparable. The best kind of best friends that loved each other fiercely, that is until life got in the way. Now 18 years later a chance meeting between old friends starts something neither are ready for. All grown up - Asher is the ultimate 'love em and leave em' playboy and he has no plans to settle down now or ever. Talia is a successful doctor on the west coast who isn't afraid of commitment, but knows it's not for her. As Asher and Talia grow closer, the old flame reignites and makes them both question their paths in life. Except Talia holds a secret, one so dark and deep that it could ruin everything these two have started building.
I really enjoyed this book and it's plot twists and turns. I was excited to see how well incorporated Chase and Lili were into this book (who doesn't love reconnecting with some favorite characters?). I couldn't help but love that this story kept me on the edge of my seat at times and made me question not one but two relationships... AGH! Alas, by the end of the book all made sense and I was sated with happiness :) Can't wait for #3 to come out! This is 100% a 1 - click series!
Reviewed by: Maggie Wadsager
Growing up Chase, Talia, Kimi and Asher were inseparable. The best kind of best friends that loved each other fiercely, that is until life got in the way. Now 18 years later a chance meeting between old friends starts something neither are ready for. All grown up - Asher is the ultimate 'love em and leave em' playboy and he has no plans to settle down now or ever. Talia is a successful doctor on the west coast who isn't afraid of commitment, but knows it's not for her. As Asher and Talia grow closer, the old flame reignites and makes them both question their paths in life. Except Talia holds a secret, one so dark and deep that it could ruin everything these two have started building.
I really enjoyed this book and it's plot twists and turns. I was excited to see how well incorporated Chase and Lili were into this book (who doesn't love reconnecting with some favorite characters?). I couldn't help but love that this story kept me on the edge of my seat at times and made me question not one but two relationships... AGH! Alas, by the end of the book all made sense and I was sated with happiness :) Can't wait for #3 to come out! This is 100% a 1 - click series!
Reviewed by: Maggie Wadsager
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