CRAZY BEAUTIFUL

by Shelly Gray

Upon discovering a dark secret after her Mother’s suicide, Harley and her boyfriend Riker go on a manhunt in search of answers and revenge, until Harley ends up in a mental institution to relive the same fate as her mother. After an attempted escape, and another tragic loss, Harley finds herself at the mercy of an uncle who uses her as an escort for his elite business associates. When an unlikely hero and an old friend come to her rescue, Harley discovers the possibility of finding love again while fulfilling her blood lust for revenge.

ADULTS ONLY.

(Or at least the ones mature enough to know this is a made-up story)

This story contains sex, multiple partners, profanity, violence, sexual assault, torture, forced abortion, graphic bloody death scenes, suicide, and mental health. This is not a story for anyone easily triggered or under the age of 18.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 6, 2025

About the author

Just an Indie Author trying to bring happiness to dark-minded readers one page at a time.

Reviews

[Lunawolfwy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good, that I devoured it! I didn't want to put it down and didn't want it to end. Shelly Gray has once again taken me on that emotional roller-coaster through the pages of this book.

In the beginning, we are brought into the imaginable and unimaginable life of the FMC, Harley. As she turns 18 and becomes a young adult, she is left to face the world without family but fortunately, she has Riker. Riker has the tough guy exterior and a bit softer inside for Harley.

Years later we are introduced to Killian and Zeek and their crew. This is when the book gets even better. There is love at first sight story, spice, touch her, and ...well you know. The ending is not what I expected at all, I was shocked and I was left wanting and needing more. I do hope Shelly Gray is writing a continuation for the sake of my emotional well being, haha!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Shelly Gray for the ARC! This was a great book, it was constant action from the first page. I loved the suspense and thriller aspects of this story. I felt bad for the FMC who was dealt such a hard hand early on in life. This book had constant twists and turns and a ton of spice! I devoured this book I need to read more of the author’s dark romance books. Loved this one!!

[Cari Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book. The way Shelly writes about real life issues in the first part of the book was perfect. The way it goes back and forth between characters and past and present was so well written. This book follows Harley and how she honestly is dealt a crappy life. She goes through things no one should have to go through, but she comes out fighting. She meets Ryker and he’s amazing for her! Tragedy happens and fast forward years later she unexpectedly meets Killian and Zeek at a bank. There’s just so much in this book. Even though it’s only 150 pages you get such an amazing story! It talks about mental health issues, death, suicide, murder, revenge, so check your triggers!! I love this story! 😍

[Kimberly Pounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly really outdid herself with this book!! I can't wait to read what she writes next! I would definitely suggest checking trigger warnings before reading. This book really touched on trauma and revenge. I was pulled in from the beginning. I highly recommend buying this book, if you can handle the triggers!!! I loved this!!

[Martha Hettel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly Gray has become one of my favorite authors, her way of telling a story grabs you and you quickly become attached to the characters. This has a lot of tropes so watch your trigger warnings. But the story is amazing, I gave it 5 stars 4 on the spice and all I can say is the ending is mind-blowing.

[Kristi Schatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book!!! It is full of love, trauma, loss, mental health, revenge, found Family and it's a why choose!! Harley has had a terrible go at life. She meets Killian and unexpectedly Zeke who is an old friend. Their journey together is off the charts. Together they help Harley get her revenge to all who tried to brake her, but also help her heal all her broken pieces. From page 1 to 145 is non stop and I couldn't turn the page fast enough. An absolute must read!

[Audrey Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beyond good. To say that Shelly Gray did it again would be an understatement. In this book, we meet Harley, Riker, Killian, and Zeek, and let's not forget the loveable goofball Tank. What I want to do is sit here and tell you all about this book and why I thought it was so good, but I don't want to give away any spoilers. I will say that the book is about Harley, who has had a rough life growing up. When she's a teenager, she meets Riker, and they become inseparable. This is a story about family lost and found, love, loss, and revenge. It has all the feels, and the ending...All I can say is omg!!! I did not see that one coming. It will blow your mind and make you question what you just read. I gave this book a five-star and would have given higher if there was a higher ranking. It is definitely a must-read if you like dark romance.

[Jacquelyn (ColoradoLove_JeepGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book of Shelly's I've read, andI loved it!!!
I am glad to be part of her ARC team.
Y'all Omg!!! Talk about a twist!!! The ending🤯 I was not expecting that at all!!
I love Harper, Riker, Zeek, and Killian. They all have this possessiveness over her, and they truly love her and protect her with everything they have.
Harper has been through a lot.She needed them and they needed her.
Spice was also there!!! Did not disappoint. I recommend this book 💯

Still, can't get over that ending tho!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

PLEASE CHECK TW'S

[Kelli Manner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an intense, emotional rollercoaster that had me hooked from the very first page. The story is dark, gripping, and full of twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. Harley's journey is heartbreaking yet powerful, and the mix of suspense, romance, and raw emotion made this book impossible to put down.

Shelly does an amazing job of pulling you into the characters’ world, making you feel every moment of their pain and triumph. If you love dark romance with high stakes and unforgettable characters, this is a must-read!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is soooo good and spicy, Harley's story will pull at all your heart strings, This story has it all revenge, loss, and love and mixed in. Run run run and read, you will thank be happy you did.

[Deanna Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a fast paced - short dark romance…. Don’t hesitate on Shelly Gray.

And why choose when you really don’t have to?

When a man or men loves a woman they will stop at nothing protecting her even if she is a little crazy but not by choice thanks to her uncle.

I just loved this story!

[Leahspinkpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

This booo Shelly was such an amazing ARC to read the fact that you had 3 MMCs and I love each of them getting to read the story of Harley and seeing the hardships she had to go through. I encourage you all to check your trigger warnings this book does touch on some topics that may not be for everyone. The story is based on learning about loss and love. I enjoyed having 3 MMCs that my goodness they’re everything! Riker, Killian, Zeek. But ladies this book is worth the read!!

[Heather Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was another amazing story by an incredible author! I loved all of the characters! I loved it from beginning to end! It had spicy moments!

[Chantal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok but that ending !!!! 🤯 This shorter dark romance read had the perfect amount of smut and plot. I loved it.

[Jamie Calhoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good!!!! Loved beginning to end except obviously you know what!! Ugh!! Loved ALL the MMCs and Harley. What a start to my intro to Shelly's books.

[Larie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an arc read and I absolutely devoured this book ! I couldn’t put this book down I had to know what was going to happen next and man the ending has me questioning everything ! I can’t wait for others to be able to read this amazing book
Please read triggers !
Alternate ending phew man this has me thinking back to what happened and wondering what happened 🫣.
Grab this book April 7th you won’t be disappointed !!

[Amber Morales]

😮‍💨 what a wild ride. Quick read, and as always Shelly delivers everything you could possibly want. But the twist? Didn’t see that coming. Not sure what to think. Dark romance lovers dream boom right here for anyone looking for a quick read.

[Mscat2u517 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book omg!! This was my first book by Shelly and I loved it!! The ending, my mind is still like wtf??? From the first page you await sucked in and the action/suspense doesn’t stop!! The fmc Harley tugged at my heart for the awful thing she endured but at the same time I felt so proud for her strength and courage she persevered with!! Killian and Zeek yes please!! These are two of some of the baddest ass men that only cared about Harley. There wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do to love & protect her. The possessiveness they had for her, loved it!! The spice was definitely hit!!!

[Mandie Reads More · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly did it again and then some. She blew me away with this whychoose romance. There is loss, trauma, spice, the banter is hilarious and I love it so much. The love these 3 share and even for Riker is just amazing. I’m so glad she got the revenge she deserved to take against everyone who wronged her, her mom and Riker. I love how all Shelly’s female characters don’t take anything from anyone. They may be knocked down a little but they get back up and don’t stop til they get their revenge.

[Jennifer Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your dreaming I will forever haunt you....

One of my favorite lines from the book. This story has some dark themes, read the warnings. OMG where to start!!! Harley and Riker(I'm Team Riker)!! Our FMC Harley has lost her mom to mental illness and has suffered through some stuff. She's under the thumb of her uncle( wanted to punch the guy in the throat). She then meets Killian and Zeek( from her past), hot as sin hackers. They kidnap her and help her with her demons. The story just sucked me in, this authors stories grab you by the throat and don't let go until the end. Then the EPILOGUE!!!! Yes shouty capitals are warranted, WTH. All I gotta say is WHY, don't play with my heart like that I cried and was so excited. Then you pull the rug.... Definitely need everyone to read this book.

[Christine Woodham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly, you did it again!! The way you are pulled into the world of Harley from the beginning - the grit,the trauma,the anger, the sadness, and also beautiful love. Riker shows up the love they have ughh. Then there is Killian and Reese. OH MY GOODNESS🥵🥵 I too want a book on these two. I do not want to give anything away. Just know this book will have you crying,laughing,unbearable loss, and love. Oh, the ending. Pure WTH moment, which I am still recovering from.

[Kelly Tarleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a read! Shelly always keeps your interest and gives you twists and turns. Harley is a survivor. Killian and Zeek are her right hands. Beautiful story.

[Tonya Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I absolutely fell in love with this book from the beginning. It starts with Harley. Her life is a mess. She has been through so much trauma, betrayal, heartbreak, and just about anything else you can add to that. While reading this book, I had a load of emotions. I felt happy. I felt sad. I felt angry. I felt lust. I felt shocked. I felt betrayed. Riker, Killian and Zeke all play very pivotal roles in her life and her mission for revenge just gives it the chefs kiss it needs. Each character is written masterfully. You literally understand them and their emotions as you’re reading. The story is a roller coaster but the ending is a WTF mind blowing shocker that will leave you completely in awe. 🫢 😳🧐🤨🤯This is a dark why choose… definitely check your triggers and as always happy reading
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing once again! Harley’s story is an emotional roller coaster, but it’s so good. The crap she has to go through truly makes you hate her uncle and the POS men she has to endure. Killian, Zeek, & Tank come in at the right time to save her. Although I feel some type of way about her and Rikers story…. IYKYK. The Epilogue has me with some mixed feeling…. I don’t which way I want to go. I hope we get more of Harley’s story.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harley, Riker, Zeek, & Killian… they all take you on a wild ride. There’s spice, bloodshed, vengeance, spice, drama, did I mention spice?
WTH is that epilogue Shelly? Way to play with our heads. 🤨

[Lori Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly Gray has written great story of loss, trauma, love, and REVENGE! Oh and steamy! You won’t be able to put it down till the end and let me just say WTF!!!

[Andrea Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful arc Read! It will keep you tied into the story and you won't want to put it down. It tells the story of Harley who is beautiful, intelligent and has had a life of trauma and tragedy. Harley meets someone who matches her crazy and they set out to come out on top.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Shelly Gray masterpiece!

Dark Romance? ✅
FMC is a baddie? ✅
Action packed plot? ✅
Hot MMC? Or MMCs? ✅✅✅
Satisfying ending? ✅

This is my second ever why choose book. I gotta say this was pretty good!

I loved Zeek and Killian. I wish we got more on them but maybe in a future book? (*cough cough* Shelly please make another book *cough cough*) Harley was an amazing FMC as well. I definitely need more of her story in a future book.

There was a good amount of action and lots of spice (which I love of course). The plot was great, I would have loved some more details in the plot with her uncle and her aunt. Especially the aunt and her role in her life cause she was pretty important. Also would’ve loved more on Riker’s character, I wanted to be attached to him but needed some more to love him.

Overall a great read for anyone who loves a why choose dark romance!

[Terri Seanard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely in love😍😍
Shelly has done it YET again.
Shelly has a way of making you fall in love with the characters.
She also has a way of breaking your heart🤭
I loved everything about this book. From the storyline to the spice to the twist. I absolutely loved it( I said that already)
It's definitely worth a read, but check your triggers!!!
Did I mention there ending??? Mind🤯

[Nicole Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omggggg I was screaming at this book! The devastating trauma, the excitement of new beginnings/healing. Screaming in disbelief at Shelly in the end. JAW DROPPING ENDING! This book literally shook my core all the way through! Not a dual moment!